However, I needed to purchase hardware for a church this week and in the end I worked directly with Dell.  They matched the price I had received from the 3rd party vendor and I even received a few extras I might not have known about or been able to receive outside of a Dell rep discount.  With tax, I paid a little more than the 3rd party company, but the extras made it worth it … AND … I was able to purchase under a return policy not available elsewhere.

Admittedly, I was purchasing a server so I was spending a decent sum of money with more to come.  If you’re only purchasing one computer and see no additional purchases in the foreseeable future, I cannot say what discounts and service may be offered.  I still think it’s worth checking.  For those of you who know you need to purchase several items over the next year or two (e.g., replacing old computers or adding new ones for new staff), I encourage you to try the manufacturer and ask to speak with small business sales.  With DELL, I’d even go ahead and set up an account (it simply requires contact information).  You will then have access to a personal rep and his/her team to assist with your needs (888-www-DELL).  This is a good first stop – the benchmark stop so to speak – to get advise regarding your needs and possible options to meet them.  Once you do that, it’s fair to shop around and price-compare.

Be fair and honest, though.  These folks make a living from your purchases like anyone else.  If you call to seek their time and advise, they need to truly be a player in your mind and not simply an avenue of information while your intent is to purchase elsewhere.

This week reminded me that even though I will often speak about 3rd party companies on this site, don’t discount the manufacturer.  These days, it’s easy to forget about this guy … much like forgetting in your trek through online brokers that the airlines still sell tickets too (and yes, I’ve sometimes found them cheaper via the airline).  Even if the quotes are the same price or a little bit higher, it can be worth it to start a relationship with the manufacturer, particularly if you tend to purchase one brand repeatedly.   You might be surprised what they’ll do for you; typically you’ll get a return on your money in one form or another.

And, hey, if you call and aren’t pleased, you still have the 3rd party folks.

• For XP:  Click Here
• For Vista:  Click Here

It does matter which one you install, but it’s pretty easy to find out what you need if curious.  Most will be able to get away with the 32-bit, even if you are capable of running 64.  That is, don’t install 64 if you’re running 32, but if you’re running 64 you can do 32.  Why do I mention this?  Because the 64-bit version recommends more memory (RAM) than the 32-bit version (twice as much, as in 2G).

As always:

• back up your data before installing,
  
• and if you aren’t doing this on a secondary computer (which MS recommends), make sure you have a restore disk to put either XP or Vista back on if required.

Also remember that starting March 1, your computer will begin the shut down process every two hours until you purchase the full market version of Windows 7 (or take it off).  It’s what Microsoft calls it’s “warning.”  I think three months of this process is beyond lame (the RC doesn’t expire until June 1) but it’s their call and probably covers them in more ways than just economically.

Happy Downloading!

Photo By Mark Pesce

Most tools have an advantage/disadvantage aspect to them.  The features can help or hinder depending on your situation and how you plan to use them.   In a few cases, though, the features themselves may drive the use and, for some of you, that will be the case with Twitter.

I get asked about Twitter occasionally so I want to share a few items to keep in mind mind as you consider whether and how to use it.  Let me say up front that there is an option to protect your account but I’ll address that below.  Also, I’ll save definitions and how I personally use Twitter for another post.

1. Twitter feeds are completely public. This doesn’t mean I see every tweet the entire world makes.  It simply means I can if I want.  More on that in the next point.  Generally speaking, the way Twitter apps are set up, I only see the feeds of the people I am following.  So if my neighbor or co-worker has a Twitter acct but I’m not following him, I won’t see what he wrote.  But,
2. Twitter feeds are completely searchable. I can search on a name, topic or other keyword and see what people are talking about.  Many businesses use this effectively.  They keep a running search on their business name and are able to see what people are saying (or complaining).   Some have even made it part of their customer service program by following and responding to the feeds about them.  Example search sites include Twitter’s at search.twitter.com and Monittor.com where you can choose not only keywords but zip code coverage to see what’s happening in your area.
3. Twitter feeds appear to not die. I’m researching this further to better know the life cycle of the feeds, but understand that your tweets don’t hit the airwaves and then disappear over time.  They still exist.  They are still searchable.  Additionally, everyone’s feeds are available on their home page and you don’t have to have an account to see them as long as you know the person’s twitter name.

As I said before, features can be positive or negative depending your situation and use.  Businesses using the search feature to enhance customer service can be a postitve.  I’ve heard of a few cases too where churches have used Twitter as one piece of their attempt to keep a pulse on what’s going on “out there.”  I’ve even heard of folks being able to engage in conversations about Christ with people they might otherwise not have met (the natural cautions of Twitter evangelism being a discussion of its own).

It’s not my intent to exhaustively cover the pluses/minuses of these specific Twitter aspects, but rather to point them out so you can weigh the risks/ benefits for your situation.  For those in a sensitive environement I think the cautions are obvious but it doesn’t mean you’d have to avoid Twitter if you see value in it.  Email isn’t as private as people feel it is and yet we wouldn’t stop using it.  To be fair, email is a very different animal in regard to it’s public-ness, but the discussions were strikingly similar when it became mainstream.  I know – I ran the policies managing it for a few organizations.  So caution is in order and, potentially, delayed use is in order (as email was with many), but knowing how it works you can act accordingly.

BUT DIDN’T YOU SAY SOMETHING ABOUT PROTECTED ACCOUNTS?

I did – thank you for asking.  Twitter offers an option to protect your account which makes it invisible and not searchable to the public.  It also means anyone who wants to follow you must send a request to be approved and your history is not available to view on your Twitter home page.  Instead, visitors see this:

This is a good feature for those in sensitive areas.

That said – those who have a Twitter account and are logged in, can still see who you follow as well as those who follow you and I needed to make sure I said that.

The item to keep in mind on protecting your account is that a simple google search reveals several possibilities for grabbing a feed if desired via some pretty simply coding.  I know.  I know.  Hackers will always exist and nothing is 100% “safe.”  I get that.  In fact, I preach that and you just have to do the best you can in your decision making.  But…. Twitter is not known for their security and privacy and, from what I can tell, they weren’t trying to be.   Private feeds aren’t their purpose and security won’t be their strong suit (yet).  Nor does it have to be.  Every tool was created for a purpose and public sharing IS Twitter’s purpose and that’s ok.  It’s simply an awareness factor on your part as you investigate if/how to use it.

Do I think Twitter will have to tighten security over time?  Yes.  Do I think it’s there now?  No.  Thus, consider these things particularly in certain scenarios.  Again, it doesn’t mean you have to avoid it as long as you’re aware of how it works.

However, it’s pretty darn close and I wouldn’t be sharing if I thought you should be concerned.  So on with the news.

The reason I share this tidbit is because the release version will be open to the public to download on May 5.  And you, apparently, will be able to download an unlimited number of copies – yes, one for each machine.  And yes, they’ll be free.  But more on that in a minute.  First I share the following quote:

“You don’t need to rush to get Windows 7 RC,” the leaked page read in late March. “The RC release will be available at least through June 2009, and we’re not limiting the number of product keys, so you have plenty of time.”

THE CATCH? The word for now is that you’ll be able to use these free copies for 13 months, or until June 1, 2010.  But you do have to pay for the software by that time to keep using it.  (C’mon – you knew that was coming.)

Still… I mention this because I see some potential uses for the non-profit, smaller church, individual Christian worker segment.  Let me be clear:  this download will not be for everyone.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER THIS IF…

I would not have done a post like this with Vista as the news for it was not good from the beginning.  But Windows 7 seems to be different.  And I know so many people having problems with Vista that a pre-release version of Windows 7 is worth a shot in my opinion.  If you like it, you have 13 months to plan and save.  If not, go back to Vista and you’re no worse for the wear (except for time lost and I’m sorry about that.  Sometimes it’s worth the shot.)

Here are a few scenarios where I think it could be useful:

• You know with certainty you’re going to upgrade anyway for whatever reason. Do it now and gain some time while you plan for the expenditure.  I’ll assume you’ve already started down the road of checking hardware and minimum requirements.  If not, check out this article on when to consider upgrading and this one on what you’ll need to do so.
• You received a donated computer (and many orgs I work with do) and you need to install an OS on it anyway. As above, be sure to check the specs and make sure you meet speed and memory requirements.
• You hate Vista or are having problems and want to try the new Windows free. Keep in mind you’ll want to confirm you have a Vista restore disk if you end up hatingWindows 7 more or have problems.

Oh – and do I need to mention that if you try a new OS, whether this one or one you purchase later down the road – PLEASE make sure you’ve backed up your data before installing.

So stay tuned and we’ll see what shakes out in the next few days.

Is the sync with MobileMe function between multiple MacBook Pro machines really the bomb?

I can tell you MobileMe works as touted.  The switch from .mac to MobileMe was not Apple’s best rollout, but life appears to have improved and MobileMe does what it’s supposed to do.  I have tested it with my calendar and contacts and it handled even the oddities in each app really well (my information isn’t always neat and simple).  The online interface is clean and easy to use which was important for me, but may not be as important for you if you always have one of your sync’d devices available.

Is it da bomb?  That depends.

Key factors are:  the number/location of devices you need to keep in sync and the applications you use.  Work patterns are a factor as well, but will be covered as we discuss the other two.

Let’s start with the devices.  If you have multiple devices in multiple locations, some sort of syncing service is almost essential.  Otherwise you’re doing double entry to keep your information current everywhere you work (or dragging the devices to the same location to sync).  Even if your devices are always in the same location and easily sync’d manually, a service like MobileMe can be exceedingly handy. 

The key is that it’s automatic:

• First, it eliminates having to remember to sync*.  Who needs one more thing to remember or to do, especially after a long trip.
• Secondly, it eliminates the time delay between syncs because let’s face it, we’re not going to sync every time we make a change.  Additionally, we may not always have the time to sync before running out the door, or we may think we won’t need the info, yet we’ve all been there when we wish we had something we know is sitting at home or the office.
• A third advantage is that if you share a computer with a business partner or spouse, they also have (essentially) real time access to any information you’ve just modified and vice-versa.  This can be a great help with contacts and calendars in particular.
• And I’m going to add the fourth advantage mentioned above that the information is also online if you’re away from your devices.

So if you can afford it and you maneuver between devices and locations pretty regularly, yeah … I think it’s worth it.  You’ll save a lot of time and mental energy – and you’ll have automated backups of essential information to boot.  Add the iDisk and Gallery features, plus a few other Mac specific tools such as iWeb hosting even with your own domain, and MobileMe is one of the better syncing options if you are working exclusively with Apple devices, as is the case with this question.

BUT … (FEELS LIKE THERE’S ALWAYS A BUT, DOESN’T IT?)

I can see a few scenarios where MobileMe may not be “the bomb” depending on your desires and finances.

1. You have multiple computers in your home or office but don’t need to share contacts, calendars or other features.  In this case, you might use multiple computers (e.g. to type a quick document or search the web) but you’re not using the information on multiple computers.  So no need to sync them.
2. Also, realize that email sync is primarily for .Me mail.  It’s not syncing your other email accts.  Yes, you can route your other accts to .Me and work it that way, but you’re still funneling to .Me and that presents it’s own set of pluses/minuses.
3. That leads us to the point made earlier that some of your decision will be based upon the apps you use.  MobileMe works just fine with Outlook and based on a chat I had with Apple, it works equally fine with Entourage.  (I haven’t tested it because I have no need or desire to use a .Me acct and don’t have the capacity to test other acct setups right now.)  But you do need to realize that the mail examples used in the MobileMe video tour are using .Me mail accts and the Apple Mail app.  Others will require some setup.  Also, if you use Entourage as opposed to iCal or Address Book, you’ll need to set up some syncing between Entourage and these apps.  It can be done; I’ve done it in the past.  But take that into consideration.

ALL THAT SAID…

If you use multiple devices – particularly shared devices – and have the money, I’d pay for it.  In my opinion, your email needs are the biggest item to think through, but even having calendars/contacts/bookmarks sync without thinking and being able to use iDisk and other features would be worth it to me.  As mentioned, the bonus is that you’ve also addressed some of your backup needs and iDisk only adds to your backup and sharing options.

It’s all about the money so think through your needs and work scenarios AND do the 60-day FREE trial.  You’ll know by then whether it’s worth it.  Just don’t forget to set a calendar item to ding to cancel if you don’t want it.

MobileMe is a good app and as one who has dealt with the “information on WAY too many devices but not all coordinated” monster, $99 is an excellent mental energy and time-saving investment if you have it.  And sometimes it just comes down to spending the money to make your life less stressful.  That’s good bang-for-your-minutes too…

___________________

*For you techies, yes you can automate iSync to run automatically via an AppleScript, but it still must be scheduled and will not occur automatically upon reading a change.

I like it.  I like it well enough to mention it on this site.  Both the online and mobile versions are easy to use (good interface) and have nice search features to get you to either a specific passage or book.  Maneuvering between passages/books is easy too.  I used it in church Sunday and while I was a little slower bouncing back and forth than with good, old fashioned page-turning, the delay wasn’t much.  And I suspect more use would make it pretty even.

The online version has a nice Parallel feature that auto syncs when you change passages.  If you prefer to look at two different passages (either in different or similar versions), just click “unsync” and you’re there.  It also has a one-click option to increase or decrease the font size making it even more friendly for many readers.

What impressed me most initially, esp on my BB, was simply the number of Bible versions available.  I don’t personally use a lot of versions except for occasional reference and some “versions” I just can’t stand at all.  But I still had to be impressed with the options since that’s not always the case in software I check out.  I should also mention that a one-year Bible reading plan is included on the mobile editions and they did a nice job with presentation and accessibility here.  (BTW – mobile editions include BB, iPhone and a m.youversion.com for all other phones with internet access.)

I know that some of these features might be found in other online Bible readers, but the difference for me is the collection in a nice, clean and, again, easily maneuverable package.  While I know a clean look is a personal preference, I think you will find the simplicity easy on your eyes too.  I was impressed enough that I’ve recommended the BB edition to a couple of pastors I know.  We’ll see what they say.

PERSONAL JOURNAL

YouVersion offers the option to create an account (not required to use the features above) and doing so provides a journal feature where you can keep personal notes as well as bookmark passages.  These are kept online and would be accessible anywhere an internet connection is available if that’s helpful to you.  Of course, the downside is that if you don’t have an internet connection, you won’t have your notes either.  As opposed to the features I mention below, these notes are private and for your personal use only.  As with anything online, proceed at your own comfort level but I can see some potential uses here for many.

COMMUNITY

One other feature I’ll mention is “Community.”  YouVersion has a community section where readers can comment on passages (post contributions) and also share when they like the contribution of someone else.  Additionally, readers can view the “feed” section to see what’s being added and even “follow” someone as with Twitter.  You have to register to post but can view the feed without a login.

This feature is not the reason I recommend it.  It’s the reader that prompted the post so regardless of where you stand on the “Community” and “Journal” features, I encourage you to check out the reader and at minimum keep it in the back of your mind (and on a bookmark/favorite) as a tool.  I really do think you’ll find it one of the more accessible and useable readers out there.

Just my .02.

A friend of mine uses a ministry update technique that has proven to be quite effective.   I don’t say that because of stats or feedback – I have no idea the feedback he gets.  I say that as a reader and supporter.  His audience.  And since your goal is to speak effectively to your audience, I thought I’d share what he does.

Each week … like clockwork … he sends out a one page update via email attachment.  (Yes, I know I just promoted blogging but you can use the same technique there if desired.)  The body of his email usually contains one paragraph, sometimes less, of either a Scripture verse, something God is teaching him or a quick summary of the attachment.  And the attachment contains only pictures.  Any text is usually an overlay, not the primary communication.

I paused the first time I received one; I think it might have been the fact that he only wrote one line in the email so it was unexpected .  My very next thought, though, was, “Well, you know, that’s kind of cool.”   The next week I got the same thing.  I paused again because I assumed the other was an exception but the process and – undoubtedly – the consistency has made me a fan of the technique and has also made me feel very up-to-date and even connected to what is happening. You might be thinking “big deal” or “too easy” … or “how ugly” depending on the mental picture you just created.  What I need to explain is the way he does the pictures.  So with his permission, I’ve posted a few examples above.

Let me be clear that I’m not suggesting you should switch to this method exclusively.   [He has added other communication venues and adjusts his emails from time to time.]  I’m simply throwing it out as a tool you may want to put in your arsenal.   It’s something different and may provide some freshness to your communications.  Let me repeat, though, that consistency is the key as it’s the conglomeration of the pictures that gives me a story line.  Consistency is the key to any update and sense of connection. I get that. But particularly with this approach, I think it’s important.

So give it a try sometime.  See what you – and your supporters – think and let us know.  And if you’re worried you don’t know how to do this, write me and I’ll see if I can help.

And do check out the work God is doing via this ministry. David makes me tired regularly with his updates.  An amazing couple and an amazing work … one for which I KNOW David would take no credit, but would take your prayers.  http://www.cambodiacrossroads.org/

But that doesn’t mean Macs are perfect.  They are a machine, built by man, and like anything else some maintenance is beneficial.

Before I continue, I have to be honest.  I don’t perform a maintenance routine on my Mac the way I do with PC’s.   I keep my browser cache cleared, power cycle regularly, and perform backups but that’s about it.  I find Macs just don’t require the same attention; thus a maintenance “task list” like I suggest for PC’s is more difficult.   I’ve owned my current machine for 3 years.  Outside of a screen issue replaced under Apple Care, I’ve not had a single problem.  It runs like it did the day I bought it.

However … there wouldn’t be mac repair shops or forums and articles addressing fixes if the need didn’t exist.  A friend of mine owns a quite active Mac shop.  They are machines after all.  Yet there are a few things you can do to help stave off a visit to my friend.  I bullet the following headers from a MacWorld article called Essential Mac Maintenance.  The headers are a good summary and reiterate items I’ve said on other posts; the article goes into much more detail.  (If you’re about to purchase or just purchased a new Mac, this article may be helpful.)

1. Backup your data – I’m writing a series on this if you need more info.  Just click “backups” under “Tags.”
   
2. Keep software up-to-date – set your preferences to do this automatically (should be the default) to make life easier.
   
3. Monitor hard drive health – Personally, I do not recommend using SMART as he suggests unless you’re having problems, but periodically using the disk utility is not a bad idea.
4. Periodically re-start your Mac – let me say that from an energy standpoint, there’s really no need to run your machine when you are gone for long periods of time or maybe even overnight.  It doesn’t hurt it to re-start.  I shut down my machine every night though you’ll find knowledgeable people on both sides of that issue; it’s a personal preference.  This is not an energy-conservation post, but considering both as you assess needs is good stewardshp I think.
5. Occasionally relaunch Web browsers – this will be more of an issue if you power-cycle infrequently.
6. Check hard-drive space – if your space gets too low, performance will suffer.  He recommends no less than 10% of your total drive.  I’d start looking for more at 20%, particularly if you do graphics or work with other large programs/files.  Keep an eye on your Trash and any files you don’t need; this could be a quick fix to gaining more space.
7. Run only the programs you need – this is normal advice but balance it.  Part of the reason I use a Mac is because of the volume of programs it can run concurrently without issue.  And yes, I’m using every one of those 13 programs and bazillion windows that are open.  I manipulate a lot of data between programs.  So balance your needs with maintenance and, at some point, you may need an upgrade.  In the meantime, if you’re having problems, closing a few programs can help.
8. Keep a clean machine – physically, he means.  Watch for dust and other elements that can get on (and in) your machine.  We know not to spill drinks but dust can be a killer too.  Ocassionally check your work area for items that will interfere with fans, obstruct vents or simply make the machines dirty.

Much of this is information is useful for any computer, not just Macs, but it’s a good place to start.  I’m big about good information and computing practices; knowing and practicing certain principles will save you much technology frustration over time.

[BTW - the paper version of this article ran in the July 2008 issue of MacWorld (apparently a good issue for posts) if you're interested.  It also includes the "set-up" article linked above.]

Photo by Brandon Hudson

As a complement to the post I wrote on using Flickr images, I wanted to add this article from Web Worker Daily that lists additional sites hosting images you can use under the Creative Commons licensing.

As you peruse, I encourage you to visit the Creative Commons Licensing post, if you have not already, in order to familiarize yourself with the rules for using these images.  The rules are simple and few, but we do need to know them.

Six Resources for Free Images

Today, I’m going to start with a site called Faith Engineer.

I start with him because, like me, he has a heart for the smaller church.  He also happens to be part of a smaller staff (currently only 2).  I walk a fine line here on Web Overload between writing to those who feel very computer savvy and those who don’t feel savvy at all.  For that reason, most of my posts run the middle ground with a few on the more technical side and a few on the more basic side.  It is for this reason in particular that I want to offer other resources for you to explore.  Some will offer ideas and gadgets and thoughts that will make your head spin.  If it’s a bad spin, just close and don’t worry about it.  We’re all at different stages and know you are right where God placed you.  If it’s a good spin, read on and enjoy.

I don’t think Mike’s site will make you spin.  In fact, he writes about more than technology.  The tech part of the site is geared more toward those who are comfortable with or want to explore the benefits of technology, and he may stretch you a bit. But he is not out of your reach and he is worth your time.  See… Mike is a pastor too.  And as mentioned, he’s not part of a huge church with a staff of plenty.

He also happens to be a former engineer so spying out how he interacts with technology and why he uses what he does could prompt some ideas.  Even if you don’t use the tools/methods he mentions, I hope it will be helpful to see what someone else is doing and how they’re doing it.

The link above points to his home page, but I also want to direct you to the following article.  It just seems like a nice start to the site.

Software Tools for Pastors (mine: or missionaries or…)

Enjoy the site and let me know (and Mike too!) if you find something beneficial.