SkyDrive allows you to create Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote documents on the cloud with the ability to allow collaborations with your work as well. Sharing with your friends and managing who has access to what documents is easy. For now Google Docs still owns with their snappy real time collaboration, but if your work doesn’t rely on it or you simply don’t care, then SkyDrive is for you.

All the applications contain all the features you’ve grown to love in Office and make it easy for you to start working right away with a Windows Live ID (i.e. Hotmail).

I’m a fan of OneNote as it was my main program of choice for storing documents and notes while I was in school in undergrad. When I found out I could use this for free on the cloud, I couldn’t resist since this application is perfect for keeping notes on anything. I’m currently using it for an iOS project I’m currently working on for keeping all my checkpoints and milestones of the project. It definitely helps with keeping progress as well as keeping me motivated to keep checking off features I haven’t finished yet.

Skydrive allows you to store files in the cloud

SkyDrive also allows you to store videos and photos on the cloud aside from your Office documents. They are viewable and downloadable from anywhere, even on smartphones.

Adding files is pretty simple since you can browse the files on your computer, or drag and drop them into their online module. Files are limited to 100MB per file and I believe you are given a limit of 25GB. I haven’t tried this feature yet, but I think I’d be sticking Dropbox unless SkyDrive had a similar desktop application.

If you love Office, you’ll love SkyDrive

So if you ever wanted to use Office, but didn’t have the software, there isn’t a better option. The amount of features SkyDrive provides blows all the competition out of the water. What I liked the best is the ability to easily create documents and manage them in a similar manner to your computer. The ability to access all these files from anywhere on the cloud was the icing on the cake. But what if the cloud isn’t available? Simply save the files onto your computer and take them with you.

If you haven’t, try SkyDrive today.

I currently work as an intern at Microsoft, so don’t think my posts will be biased. I’ll continue to share my opinion and thoughts like always. Enjoy!

Your source code may be up to 1 MegaByte so it should be enough to handle any of your scripts and also allows Syntax highlighting for a large number of programming languages such as C++, Java, MatLab, XML, VHDL, Objective C, and Bash.

When creating a paste, you simply provide your source code, choose the syntax highlighting, expiration date (if any), the title, your e-mail, and if you want it be public or private. If you choose for it to be public, then it will show up on their recent posts and anyone can take a look at it. You may also create pastes under a domain by simply visiting it. For example check out http://talkbinary.compastebin.com and you can view my pastes on the menu to the left.

Impressions of Pastebin

It’s an impressive tool that allows you to share code simple and fast. I’m currently using it to show my coding partner my Java code since I’m having a little trouble with some of its conventions since its not my primary language. It shows a lot of promise for those who want a simple and easy way to share code over the interwebs.

Pastebin

• You can use a single number that rings anywhere and everywhere
• You can receive online voicemail read to you and even sent to your e-mail
• You can also receive free calls and texts to the U.S. & Canada and super low rates everywhere else
• It’s free, fun, and easy

Still not convinced? Check out the video below.

Overview of Google Voice

I currently use Google Voice and started using the number to give in applications for various services. That way, if they start spamming my phone, I can simply block them. I also use it to send free text messages. The best part I believe is being able to route your calls to any phone device. That way, if your current phone dies for whatever reason, and if people have your Google phone number, it doesn’t matter. Route your calls to your house phone, prepaid phone, or even your friends cell phone. It’s that easy. So why not? Check it out today.

Google Voice

Features of Dropbox

Below are some of the features I enjoy using it for. If you want to see the full list please visit Dropbox Features.

• 2GB of online storage, which can be increased through referrals
• Up to 100GB for paying customers
• Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers
• Allows you to share folders or files with people to start collaborating on projects
• A “Public” folder that lets you create direct links to your files to share with your friends
• Access your files online as well as upload, delete, rename, etc
• It’s secure
• And it’s also mobile too

Impressions of Dropbox

When I lost my USB Hard Drive, I hated the idea of having to go buy another one. Instead, I found Dropbox. Ever since then whenever I need to access something across multiple computers, I drop it in my Dropbox and better yet, I could access it online. Best of all it’s very easy to set up across multiple computers. With the added bonus of sharing folders and files, and even creating links for files for your friends to access, I couldn’t ask for anything better. Best of all it’s free so you have nothing to lose.

Updated: Added video on Dropbox

Dropbox

PhotoXpress is another great stop for those looking for free stock photography. They currently offer over 410k photos that are available for download once you register for free.

So is PhotoXpress really free?

Yes, the only catch is you can only download one photo per day. Want to increase it? Then fill out your profile and you can download an additional 5 per day. If you want even more, connect your account with Facebook and it will grant you an additional 4 per day.

I’ll be trying it out as it seems an excellent resource as the images are great for using within posts, and layouts as well.

Source 60 Search Engine Alternatives to Google [Via Lost In Technology]

But why bother with alerts?

At first you might wonder, but why? Well for a multitude of reasons. Let me point a few below.

• Follow a certain topic of your choice on the internet
• Monitor what people say about you
• Find out what people say about your product, business, website
• Keep up to date with your competitor

The most important one above is maintaing your online reputation. If something is said about you, it can hurt you or your business. Being the first one to find out can be very beneficiary as you can take action before anything serious happens.

Getting started with Google Alerts

If you have a Google account, it shouldn’t take no more than a minute to start setting up your alerts online. I started by simply monitoring my full name and my web site and by getting an e-mail every day. It’s a very easy and nice service, so why not try it out?

Google Alerts

If you haven’t ever watched SouthPark, you’ve definitely missed out on something revolutionary.With over 174 episodes, 12 seasons, and a movie, this is something worth checking out! Why is it so popular? These 4 teenage kids seem to try out everything in life imaginable and seem to ridicule all and everything in the modern world including Satan, Sadam Hussein, Aliens, the Internet, Guitar Hero, and much more alongside their rude and unsurpassed humour! Head over to SouthPark Studios and start watching free episodes!

Create your own character and put it on the forums!

You should also join in on the community at the forums and create your own SouthPark character (Remember, registration at the forums is completely free!) ! Submit your own so we can compare how far our creative minds may go! Below is mine. To make one, head over to Create SouthPark Character at South Park Studios. To save it, simply hit PRT SCR on your keyboard, and paste and save it in any image editing program.