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Windows SkyDrive

Windows SkyDrive offers 7 GB of free online storage with applications available For Windows, Mac, iPad, and mobile. When you use SkyDrive, you’ll never be without the documents, notes, photos, and videos that matter to you. Store anything on your SkyDrive and it’s automatically available from your trusted devices—no syncing or cables needed.

I have been playing around with JustCloud over the past week as a potential on-line automated backup service for our Windows and Mac computers. Overall I have been happy with the results (sans the ability to backup while logged off the computer). However, I just stumbled across Windows SkyDrive (ok, apparently I have used it before as I have files on the server, but do not recall ever “really” using it. All you need to get started is your Free Windows Live Account.

SkyDrive, offered by Microsoft offers three key features:

Access files across PC or Mac

With SkyDrive installed on all your computers, you’ll have automatic access to the latest version of your files wherever you are. SkyDrive allows you to securely store your files and get to them from any of your devices, including your PC, phone, Mac, or iPad. You never have to worry about forgetting a file at home or work, because the latest versions are always automatically synched for you.

Sync files between all your computers

When you download SkyDrive on your PC or Mac, your desktop SkyDrive folder is automatically created. Any file or photo you put in this folder will be automatically synced to your other devices that have SkyDrive and stored online at SkyDrive.com.

Files on your phone and tablet

Use your phone or tablet to get the files and photos you’ve saved to SkyDrive—just download the app for your device. Skydrive is available on the following mobile devices:

  • Windows Phone
  • iPhone and iPad
  • Android and Other phones through SkyDrive.com

Share any file—even big ones

With SkyDrive, it’s easy to share files securely and easily with your friends or coworkers. They won’t need to install any special programs or sign up for a new account, and they can use any web browser to get to the files you share with them. And you have control—your files will only be shared with the people you choose.Simple sharing with anyone. Need to send a large email attachment – Instead of running into size limits for email attachments, you can email a link to photo albums or any other file on SkyDrive.

Post files to Facebook, Twitter, or your blog

When you want to share SkyDrive files on a website, you can copy the SkyDrive link and paste it to any site you want. You can even embed Excel and PowerPoint documents right on your website. SkyDrive also has a built-in share option for Facebook and Twitter.

Secure storage

You get 7 GB of free storage with SkyDrive—that’s enough for over 20,000 Office documents or 7,000 photos. For most people, this is plenty of space. But if 7 GB isn’t enough, you can add even more storage for a low yearly fee.

The files and photos you store in SkyDrive are protected by first-rate security features, including:

  • Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to encrypt your files when you upload or download them.
  • Sophisticated physical and electronic security measures on the servers to help keep your files safe.
  • Multiple copies of each file saved on different servers and hard drives to help protect your data from hardware failure.

You can also help strengthen the security of your SkyDrive by creating a strong password and adding one or more proofs to your SkyDrive account. Check the strength of your passwordnow. Add a proof so that if you forget your password, or if your computer or phone is lost or stolen, your data is protected and will remain accessible to you alone.

Compare With other Cloud Storage

 

How Much Does it Cost

In addition to the basic SkyDrive Free account, u to 100 GB of storage space is available at a low annual cost.

  • SkyDrive Free | Free | 7 GB total storage
  • SkyDrive +20 | $10.00/year | Add 20 GB to your free storage
  • SkyDrive +50 | $25.00/year | Add 50 GB to your free storage
  • SkyDrive +100 | $50.00/year | Add 100 GB to your free storage

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Fraud Alert: Phone Solicitation to correct Virus / Computer Error

We received an interesting telephone call on a private line earlier today from a company called “ONLINE PC CARE” or something similar regarding recent errors on my computer that had been reported to Microsoft. The representative, who had an Indian accent, inquired if I had recently had popups on my Windows computer noting that an error had occurred and if I wanted to submit this information to Microsoft for Review. The representative went further to say they as an “official” partner of Microsoft that they had access to this information and were calling to assist in rectifying the errors. . I further asked “If their company represented Microsoft”, answer was “No”, however an “official partner”. Upon inquiring to the cost, they informed me that if the “software” was under warranty there would not be any costs and would otherwise inform me of the expense once the diagnosis was completed.

I politely informed the gentleman that I was not completely comfortable with allowing a 3rd party access to my PC or conduct a scan. He then informed me that , any unauthorized access would be considered “Hacking” and a “Federal Offense”. Now would me allowing RDC (remote Desktop connection), or the 3rd party mal-ware considered “authorization”? Regardless, I was curious and played along….

Q: Do I recall seeing any errors on my screen?
A: Not that I recall? But let’s be honest, it is Windows – of course there are errors. However, in MS’ defense Windows 7 is pretty stable.

Q: Was I aware that malicious software had been installed on my computer and was sending information over the Internet?
A: I was shocked, my computer infected? What can we do?

Q: Am I sitting in front of my computer now?
A: Yes, what would you like me to look at?

Q: Do you see the green “Start” icon in the bottom left?
A: I should have said yes, obviously they were looking for Windows XP based computers. Both Windows Vista and Windows 7 have a rounded Windows icon in the bottom right.

Q: CLICK – they hung up.
A: They could have been disconnected, but unlikely.

The moral of the story – THIS IS A FRAUD and a SCAM. Do not provide anyone calling anonymously about computer issues or repairs, provide credit card, passwords, or personal information to phone solicitations, and more importantly do not install any software unless you know the source and legitimately. For more information on this scam please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or read their Mass Market Fraud Trend Bulletin: Anti Virus Scams.

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Whats new in WordPress 3.0 “Thelonious”

We’ve been waiting a while for a final release of WordPress 3.0, and its finally here. When you see what’s new I think you’ll agree that it’s been worth the wait.

WordPress 3.0 includes lots of improvements and updates—from a simpler and cleaner user–interface, to some more major changes such as improved post type options (I.e. Newsletter, Product and Contacts).

You’ll see more about the new features in the video below. But here are a few of the highlights that stood–out to me with this latest release:

  • Bulk updates – Update your WordPress installation or up to 15 plugins at once
  • Custom menu’s – More advanced menu options, such as drop–downs
  • Custom header image – Easily apply different custom header images to individual posts
  • Custom post types – New post types including Products, Contacts, Employees and Newsletters takes WordPress closer to being a fully–fledged CMS
  • MU + WP 3.0 – Control multiple WordPress sites from a single installation

See what’s New in Wordress 3.0

Read more about WordPress 3.0 “Thelonious” here, or you can download it here.

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