Timely tech tools and tips are Cyber Monday staples here at The Time Finder, and today I have a collection of items to share.
They range from Google search tricks that can be real time-savers, to some tools for syncing files, to a nifty text editor. So, let’s start exploring now!
Timely Tech Tools and Tips
Google Timer: Did you know that by simply typing “set timer X minutes” or “set timer for X time” into your search box (with “X time” being something like “8:00 AM). The Google Timer will count down to whatever time you set, and then sound an alarm. It’s a nifty and accessible tool that involves no additional software.
And there are actually lots of other tools that you can access via simple Google searches. Check out the list of Search Features on the Google Help Page. I suspect you’ll find other interesting and useful shortcuts and productivity hacks there!
Dropbox Alternatives: If you’re someone who loves Dropbox but worries about privacy and security, you may want to take a look at these tools that allow you to sync documents and files between computers without sending them to the cloud or storing them online.
- AeroFS is a file management system that basically allows you to create a private cloud for file storage and sharing. There are both free and paid versions, and AeroFS looks like a tool worth exploring.
- BitTorrent Sync is also a system for syncing files locally. It’s free and, well, here’s how lifehacker described the service in a recent post: “BitTorrent Sync uses peer-to-peer file sharing to synchronize your files between computers. When you point the BitTorrent Sync app at a directory on your computer, you share those files with any other computer that you give a secret passcode to. The data only lives on your computer and the computers you share it with (or mobile phones). It’s never uploaded to a third party server like other file syncing programs. Since you data is never uploaded to a server, your storage capacity is only limited to your own hard drive, and no one else has access to your files.”
When it comes to free, time-saving (and secure) tools, BitTorrent Sync looks like a real winner – and AeroFS sounds like an option offering similar capabilities. Here’s a quick video illustrating what BitTorrent Sync can do:
http://youtu.be/044jIZfnyqQ
And here is a more detailed video tutorial about how to set up and configure BitTorrent Sync. I suggest that you take a look if you are interested in starting to use BitTorrent Sync for syncing and sharing files.
http://youtu.be/Owb4s2bDBTQ
Text Editor App: Hemingway looks like a fun and accessible text editor that you can use on-line. Just click on the link to go to the site, click “Write” in the upper right-hand corner and cut-and-paste the text that you want to edit there. Hemingway will review your text and highlight any areas that it identifies as problematic. It also ‘grades’ your text, and adds a brief reminder that the decision is still yours in the end – Hemingway is about making helpful suggestions, NOT criticizing your efforts!
(Check out the image to see what Hemingway said about the passage above – and just click on it to see a larger version!)
I hope that you find these timely tech tools interesting – and wish you every success in your time management efforts!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have no material connection with the brands, topics, or products that are mentioned here, and have not received any compensation for writing this content.
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Great post this morning, Paula! Can’t wait to try these new tools.
Hi Ellie! I am pleased that you liked this post … and so glad that you stopped by. Hope you have a wonderful, creative week!