Are You Using Online Back-Up or Cloud Computing, Yet?

Posted by Duke Rountree on

If you have not checked out Google Apps, Apples iCloud or Microsofts Cloud it may be time to learn more?

First, What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices as a metered service over a network (typically the Internet). This is a Wikipedia answer and a little confusing. It is simply using services, instead of programs(products) installed on your computer for your files, photos, videos, music and anything else you want to store.

Second, Why use Cloud Computing?

It is less expensive than on-line back up companies such as www.mozy.com or www.carbonite.com, which I have used both and they provide good services. These services range from $60 per year to upwards of couple hundred $$ and they only back up your data once a day. With “the Google cloud” it saves in real time as you work and integrates all of your tools(email, docs, pictures, calender, etc.) in one simple place. Plus you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection.

Third, What about Cost?

I recently upgraded my google account to 20GB od storage and it cost me a whooping $5.00. I have now saved 10,000 files, 500 songs, and thousands of pictures to my account. FOR ONLY $5.00

I have been using the free google apps applications for some time and recently decided to switch to google business apps. What does this mean and why does it matter? With Google Business Apps my yearly fee for all services is $50.00 per year and there is no need for any IT personnel. And, when I travel or visit family, I can share or access anything I need, all the time!

It can simplify your life in the computer world!

If I can help or answer any questions, please feel free to send me a text, email, or find me on the web.

“Until Next Time”

 

What Does GREEN Mean to You?

Posted by Duke Rountree on

WHAT DOES GREEN MEAN TO YOU? When I was growing up in the 70’s & 80’s(we will leave the dates in a range to protect my age,LOL), “GREEN” was simply a color and nothing more. We used the term to describe grass, trees or our favorite color. Then we started seeing the ,ever famous, green recycling logo. NOW, everyone has a different thought when they here the word “GREEN”.  Every day Americans are told to live “GREEN” without a clear path or reason to do so. HOW ABOUT TO SAVE $$! Are you aware that simply changing your incandescent light bulbs to “CFL’s” homeowners could save you $297 per year. Incandescent bulbs cost $400 per year to operate compared to $100 per year for “CFL’s” and only $20 per year with LED bulbs. This calculation is based on the cost of replacing bulbs and savings over the life span of the bulb. Ahh! What is the life span of these bulb? I think we all know the incandescents burn out at least once per year, “CFL” bulbs last on average 5 years and it could be possible to never change an “LED” bulb. Unfortunately, the cost of LED bulbs is still a bit high for most to make the transition. Lighting and other appliances consist of approximately 26% of your electric bill. Take the first step to “Going GREEN”, but most importantly, “Save Some $$MONEY$$!” No matter how you feel about the “GREEN” movement, if we can all do little things to help use less energy, less water(water will be discussed in my upcoming blog post) and less garbage in landfills we are helping the Earth and future generations learn to live a different way of life.  Thats what “GREEN” means to me! Please share what “GREEN” means to you.

“Love People & Use Things – Not, Love Things & Use People” Author Unknown