Write....Right now!

Since we touched on writing, and the fact that there is a wonderful suite of free applications, including a free WORD compatible word processor available for the asking (you haven't e-mailed me to ask for more info? Tsk, tsk)... I should mention that you can get a pretty good word processor on-line with Google DOCS. What's that you say? Write on!

Google docs allows you to have documents stored on line or saved on your computer. The on-line docs can be shared with others, if you need to collaborate. It will allow you to import or export MS Word files, amongst others. This system is really useful if you are traveling, don't have your computer handy and have to work from someone else's; planning ahead a document you've been working on can follow you wherever in the world you might go.

Google docs can be found by pointing your browser to: http://docs.google.com/
Are spreadsheets available the same way, you ask. Why"YES", as a matter of fact, they are.

"You never call...You never write..."

So which is the absolute BEST e-mail program/service out there? There are volumes written on this subject without a definitive answer offered. Seems there is room for personal preference, (isn't there always). Having said that, there are reasons so many business & home users alike choose Microsoft Outlook (or Outlook Express) as their e-mail 'client', regardless of whether they have e-mail through their business, or use Comcast, Hotmail, Yahoo or G-Mail as their e-mail service provider.

Outlook Express is a fine e-mail program and comes free with virtually all PC's these days, but its' big brother, Microsoft OUTLOOK, is MY personal pick. In addition to the ability to handle incoming, outgoing and mail history flawlessly, Outlook has the ability to save an e-mail to it's built-in calendar, which pops them back up at a date of your choosing ... 'set it and forget it'.

Appointments, to-do tasks all can be scheduled and if you so desire invitations to meeting attendees are easily e-mailed as a reminder to them as well. I also really like the way the OUTLOOK address book works and that it can important and export addresses as needed.

Amongst the free e-mail providers, I personally use Yahoo Mail, more from habit than anything else. I've set others up with Hotmail and Google G-Mail accounts just as often. They all are good and for home use any limitations are negligible. I say listen to what your friends tell you about what they are using, and why. Word of mouth is always the best endorsement, unless it's from someone you hates you; in that case, never mind.

...and in the Begining....

I was inspired by by folks younger than me, who see see more clearly what can be done here, of the concept of a Web-Log [blog] as a space to communicate the 'Good News' of computing , and how to do it for not much money. When I hear talk like that, well, I listen.

This space will attempt to show the possibilities and ease the fears regarding what help can be found to make the use of computers pleasurable, as it should be. After all, if computers were just fine tools for work then what fun would that be? They certainly wouldn't command the time they do with Americans 14-35 years of age. For this age group computer time now surpasses television time, as "I'll be on the net just a few more minutes!" replaces "I want my MTV!".

So if you're reading this, lets get it on....Want to know how to get anti-virus and anti-spy-ware protection or a really good substitute for Microsoft Office all absolutely positively FREE?

Then send an e-mail to me at ncservices@comcast.net and ask. I live to serve.