Sunday, November 24, 2013

Microsoft Remote Desktop

This is the way it should be. Microsoft has made an app that is usable across Windows, iOS, and Android.

MSRD I discovered, in a search for Remote Desktop apps at Google Play, an app my Microsoft. I thought “this is interesting” and I had to try it out. Whoa – it worked real well – can’t say the same for the server I connected to.

Next quest; was this app available on iOS for my iPad? Yes it is. I downloaded the app from iTunes (Free) and installed it on my iPad. It worked really well. Actually it worked better on the iPad than the Nexus 7 due to screen size. The SharePoint site that I accessed is not scalable (bummer) so the smaller screen was not to my advantage, same with the Samsung Galaxy S3 phone. I believe that is the web site though and not the app.

I had no issue setting up the connection without written instructions so this app is a no brainer for anyone needing remote access across all operating systems.

While on my iPad (3rd generation) I actually opened Microsoft Word 2010 and had full access. I proceeded to write a long page and discovered everything worked really well, One funny aspect was spell check. If I misspelled a word I would get the Red Underline however there is no Right Click on my stylus (imagine that) so I ran Spell Check from the Review tab and that worked as it should. I am much impressed. I could see the ability to access Office software on a server and be able to create as well as edit all types of documents with any device.

If there was an issue it would be that one cannot work off-line on Word (or Excel) on the iPad or Nexus 7 (orMSRD Comp phone or other tablet). I for one hope that is coming to iOS and to Android.

We are all different and the one computer/tablet/phone mentality is not going to work. We all drive different cars, wear different clothes, and enjoy different entertainment. I think Microsoft has made a small move here and in the right way. Our choice of hardware should not limit our choices of software. This can also be said to Apple and Amazon. Now that we understand the technology no more Kindles, too limited.

This morning I added the same app for Remote Desktop to Windows 8.1 and now the tools I use are consistent  (or could be) across all my devices. I believe that this is the way it should be for all to benefit from the technology. I wonder if this app is available on the Kindle?

Now if I could just get our company to upgrade it’s SharePoint web site so I could use Pinch & Zoom.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Going digital

Getting rid of my collection of books. Time to go digital. For the past two years all my reading has been digital and I cannot see my heirs or assigns really getting into what I thought important. Each of us had our own world. From time to time we are blessed with fellow travelers - or voyager's in my case.

Notepad Pro - The Mobile Blogger

Yesterday I posted using Notepad Pro from my Nexus 7, this morning I posted a picture using my phone, and now a note also using Notepad Pro but from my phone.

I think over the years I have taken this blogging thing to seriously. Time to lighten up and just enjoy the technology as it is.

I can always part a picture and follow that with a written post. Life is to short not to have fun doing this.

I am always amazed at the constant flow of traffic at Starbucks on Sunday morning. Got to be a country sing about Starbucks. Hmmmm.... magnetic should write one.

Updated I need to review before posting  "magnetic" was to be "maybe I". Now to see how the update posts.

Notepad Pro - The Mobile Blogger

Yesterday I posted using Notepad Pro from my Nexus 7, this morning I posted a picture using my phone, and now a note also using Notepad Pro but from my phone.

I think over the years I have taken this blogging thing to seriously. Time to lighten up and just enjoy the technology as it is.

I can always part a picture and follow that with a written post. Life is to short not to have fun doing this.

I am always amazed at the constant flow of traffic at Starbucks on Sunday morning. Got to be a country sing about Starbucks. Hmmmm.... magnetic should write one.

Sunday morning at Starbucks.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Notepad Pro - Notepad Pro

This is a quick and easy note taking app that does very well. Available on Android devices. I currently use it on my Samsung Galaxy 3 phone and my Nexus 7 (original one). Installed from Google Play.

You cannot change the font size. Actually there is not much you can do as in formatting, making something bold or italic, you cannot add bullets, nor can you include a picture. You can dictate your note also, if that is your style.

Notepad Pro is just a note taking app, plain and simple. It replaces that scrap piece of paper you carried in our pockets.

Notepad Pro does not synchronize with other devices or connect to the web.

Notepad Pro is quick, easy, and painless. There is nothing to learn.

Only caveat is that once the note is created you must go back and read them, a problem that I suffer from. Notepad Pro does not have an alarm system that you can use to alert you to an upcoming event.

Evernote does have an alarm system however there is a small learning curve to Evernote. Evernote does synch with other devices and on the web however you are back into password controls, setting up folders, Notepad Pro does not have any of this. Notepad Pro is a pure, simple, clean note.

You can email your notes to yourself or someone else. You can also set a priority for your note, as in Normal, Important, High, or HOT! You can change the color of the note. When you change the color of the note the note in your list with that color.  Your priority also appears on the left side of the listing.

Notepad Pro has Preferences with allow you to change the font size for your note, the sort order (Title, Color, Date Modified) in the listing, as well as sort ascending or descending.

You can search your notes for that lost one. Much better than keeping your notes on a scrap piece of paper.

Walter
Google Nexus 7 by Asus
Still the Curious Voyager