|
How can you keep all your bookmarks, notes, and links in one place when you work on a different computer at home, school, the library and at work? A great web-based service called Evernote enables you to copy and paste from any computer or mobile device (including iPhone) to your own evernote account. No need to write on scraps of paper or synchronize files. It's not just convenient, it's a great learning tool also. Did I mention that the basic account is FREE?
Various versions of files, documents, shortcuts and links swamp the hard drives on each of the three computers I use. My thumb drives contain a web of duplicated files, text and shortcuts. And my wife laughs at the ever-expanding stack of my notes scribbled on note cards, business cards, receipts, or junk mail envelopes. I need all my bookmarks, text copied from electronic sources, and downloaded files available in one place, accessible from any computer I use. Enter Evernote.
Stay Organized Electronically
I think one of the features I like best about Evernote is the ability to email a message to a unique email address that will post that message to your account. Evernote offers small programs to install on your computers that make posting as simple as possible, but if you're using a public library computer, for example, they don't let you install these programs. You can always access web-based email from public computers so you can use this email option to post to Evernote.
Most of my electronic disorganization comes from duplicate files that I've modified at one point and failed to reflect a revision in the file name. I'm afraid to delete any files on my desktop, laptop, or portable storage devices because I don't know which version reflects the latest changes. Evernote will synchronize these files and replace the older ones with the most recently updated version.
Like Free Offsite Data Backup
The Evernote application serves as a free type of web-based storage. If you've been uploading text, notes, links etc. to your Evernote account and one of the computers you're working on crashes, all those notes and data will still be available on the Evernote account. Evernote doesn't boast large amounts of storage for files - at least not for the free account - so if you're looking for serious data backup, go with one of those designated services. The storage of all your text and files on your Evernote account is still a great safety net.
Sharing
The paid version of Evernote ($5 a month) permits more than one person to upload text and files to the same account. Think of what this would do for a work or study group, or for multiple freelance contractors working on the same project. There are many content collaboration applications out there, but considering how cheap this Evernote service is and the many avenues available to submit to the account, it's hard to go wrong. Perhaps you're in a class that requires a study group and you want to centralize all the notes or research the members collect for the project. Perhaps you're working with another consultant on a project and can't keep track of all the document versions passed back and forth via email. You might be planning a family reunion with others scattered across the country and want to brainstorm ideas about where to meet, eat and sleep. You can Twitter or del.icio.us links easily enough, but those social media applications don't support file uploads or file synchronization.
Any Different Than Microsoft OneNote?
Microsoft has a similar application called OneNote that has comparable features, but that application has to be purchased/licensed for each computer it's used on. Here's a review for a better comparison between the two products.
What "learning tools" have you found help your learning and career development?
©2009 BetterLearningBetterEarning.com™ |
Archive 
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Tuesday, 27 October 2009