August 2, 2011

Techno Tuesday: STRONG Passwords

Last week, I alluded to the need to have a 14+ character password with both alpha- and numeric keystrokes. This is because I heard that even 12 character passwords can be cracked within a matter of days, if not hours. And then I stumbled on this website, called HowSecureIsMyPassword.net, where you can enter your passwords to find out how fast a PC can crack it. The 10 character password I used to use can be cracked in only three hours.

So, I did about three seconds of internet research for creating strong passwords, and copied these tips from Wikipedia:

- Password length should be around 12 to 14 characters if permitted, and longer still if possible while remaining memorable

- Use randomly generated passwords where feasible

- Avoid any password based on repetition, dictionary words, letter or number sequences, usernames, relative or pet names, romantic links (current or past), or biographical information (e.g., ID numbers, ancestors’ names or dates)

- Include numbers, and symbols in passwords if allowed by the system

- If the system recognizes case as significant, use capital and lower-case letters

- Avoid using the same password for multiple sites or purposes

- If you write your passwords down, keep the list in a safe place, such as a wallet or safe, not attached to a monitor or in an unlocked desk drawer

I like using initials of words that have meaning to only myself as a way to memorize your password, and then throw in symbols and numbers until you get to 14.

Any tips you have to share? Please comment!

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July 26, 2011

Techno Tuesday: Evernote

Need a way to keep track of all the spinning plates you are balancing? I do, so I recently started using the app Evernote as a catch all for my notes and to do lists.

Check out this post on why this app is perfect for working moms. If your company allows it, store notes for work meetings. You can also store passwords and gift lists. Having a baby? Use it to design your nursery and track shower gifts.

And I love blog post tip on using Evernote to store gift ideas and pictures of her kids art instead of having them sit around on the counter or in a file somewhere.

Download it on your Mac, iPhone, and iPad to maximize accessibility. You can also log in via the web. My last piece of advice is to make sure that you use a strong 14+ character alpha and numeric password to protect your account. But that’s another blog post.

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March 15, 2011

High-Tech Tuesday: Focus at Work

In celebration of the launch of the iPad 2, I want to review a task management app called OmniFocus. Whereas I like Toodledo for personal, quick to dos, I appreciate Omni Focus for the more complex projects. I have tried other types of to do lists only to find myself coming back to Omni Focus, mostly due to its flexibility. For instance, this app is helpful if you follow David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD) method and organize by context or project folders. But you wouldn’t have to know anything about GTD to enjoy its features.

Say I have some time sensitive tasks, like schedule a meeting with some key stakeholders before a software launch. I can add this task to my project folder “Software Implementation”, add the context @computer (since I would want to do this when I am already in Outlook), and put a due date on it. On a weekly basis, I like to scan my all of my project folders and see what the next steps are that I need to take.

But on Monday morning, when I need to know what I absolutely must accomplish that day, I can “focus” on just those tasks. And, I can quickly move through the days of the week to see what the “forecast” is for upcoming tasks.

As for the tasks themselves, you can attach notes, upload photos or voice recordings, and you can email a single task or flag it. Which will be great for planning our trip this summer to Portugal, and I want to show my husband a potential hotel. I can email the task with a photo attached. Then, he can’t say he wasn’t involved;)

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March 8, 2011

High-Tech Tuesday: Are iPhones Bad for Babies?

Fisher Price is not concerned. They are making cases so your tot doesn’t wreck your phone.

One of my girlfriends had twins shortly after my own child was born. She was the first to warn me that handing your phone to your baby just to placate him is like handing over five one-hundred dollar bills (yes, that’s $500) and crossing your fingers that the baby doesn’t shred it. And babies do love the iPhone. Ours is like a zombie once she sees a flash of my white bumper. She must have it, just short of tearing my eyes out and turning blue, red, and purple. Here, she is extremely happy, having secured both our iPhones:

My own mom wisely said once that video games – in moderation – were good for children. She must have known that one day those gamers were going to rule the military. In fact, we just had lunch with a partner I used to work for in the city, and he brought his 16 year old son who is seriously brilliant and seriously planning on making his millions on video game design.

My father generously bought each of his granddaughters (including mine) an iPad when our baby was six months old. And she LOVES it. But, I think the jury is still out on the whole baby-iPhone thing. If the peds are scared s**tless about letting children under two watch television, I am certain that iPhones and iPads are next on the list.

By the way, Baby Piano HD is awesome.

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March 1, 2011

Hi-Tech Tuesday: Subscribe and Save

People often say that they don’t remember what their life was like before they had a child. But I do. I had a lot more time to run errands, get out of the house. Now, any errands are run either on vacation time while my child is still being watched or in stolen – almost secretive – thirty minute increments on the weekends. Lists of things I need to pick up pile up on my Toodledo or paper lists (tucked into pockets and agendas never to be seen again) at an harried pace, and I seldom get the satisfaction of crossing off an entire list.

One lifesaver for me has been a Subscribe and Save feature on Amazon. With Subscribe and Save, you automatically receive a new shipment of the item in intervals you select–every one, two, three, or six months–and you get a discount.

This all breaks down, of course, if you sign up for too frequent a shipment and you have to unsubscribe and resubscribe. No one has time for that. So, my favorite part is that Amazon sends an email right before they ship, and you have an option to skip that shipment, which is as easy as clicking a link and selecting a skip. The other downside could be all of the boxes you accumulate (let’s not talk about carbon foot print here), but that is why I buy these things in bulk. So, it’s more like buying Sam’s – but without having to make the dreaded trip.

This is a great concept for dry goods like cereal, diapers, protein powders or bars and supplements. For the latter, we like Vitacost.com. Although the website is way too busy, you can often find the best deals on vitamins, minerals, natural beauty products, and even gluten-free foods. They often offer free shipping, and their subscription feature is almost as refined as Amazons.

Any time savings tips using tech? Leave ‘em in the comments.

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February 22, 2011

High Tech Tuesday: Toodledo App

I have been blogging for about a year and some months. I have spilled my guts about home life, including a robbery and nanny trauma. I have revealed a few slivers about my job and professional life (although I do respect the privacy of my colleagues and the company, so I keep that to a minimum). But, it is time I do tell you a little secret.

I am a techno-nerd. I have loved technology since my dad brought home a Commodore 64. My first job was selling computers in a cow-spotted building. Even though I later morphed into an attorney, I have been fortunate enough to carve a niche for myself in the tech world and maintain gadget girl status.

Now that you know, it’s time to talk tech on JHS. Lord knows I have tried it all… (Remember the Palm Pilot? The HP Jornada? The iPaq) Today, I am not complete without the three main technology food groups: the iPhone, iPad, and the Macbook Air.

Behold Toodledo.

I have been experimenting with the Toodledo App for the iPhone for about six months. Even though I have strayed for short chunks of time to try new to do lists (even the classic low-tech paper), I always seem to come back. Here’s why:

– You can use the app, or work from a web browser. It syncs instantly.
– You can zero in on critical tasks by using the hot list. For example, if something is due today or tomorrow, even if the priority is low, it will show up on this list.
– You can create project folders and organize by contexts, which is huge if you are into David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD).
– You can track time (hellllloooo Outside Counsel!)
– You can choose between email reminders, SMS reminders, Twitter… you name it; it out-features almost every other online to do list.
– It is very simple to use. The learning curve is nil.

Are you a gadget person? Wanna see more tips on leveraging tech to save time? Let me know, and I’ll turn this into a regular post.

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