Give Your Computer a Gift This Christmas

Here are some ideas of extremely useful computer software that you can test out over your Christmas break. I make use of each of these every single day and expect you’ll find them useful as well.

FamilyShield by OpenDNS – FREE
FamilyShield blocks adult websites across your Internet connection.  Just turn it on and go.  The filter is always up-to-date, adding new sites 24/7.
https://store.opendns.com/familyshield/setup/

1Password – $49.99
1Password can create strong, unique passwords for you, remember them, and restore them, all directly in your web browser.  It can use Dropbox (below) to sync passwords across multiple computers, smart phones, and the web.
https://agilebits.com/onepassword

Dropbox – FREE
Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily.
http://db.tt/AU00tGE

Spotify – FREE
Spotify is an online digital music service that gives you access to millions of songs.
http://www.spotify.com/us/

CrashPlan+
Secure cloud backup for your personal files and features like continuous, minute-by-minute remote backup.
http://www.crashplan.com/consumer/crashplan-plus.html

LogMeIn – FREE
Remote control of your desktop so you can open files, check your email, run programs and stay productive.
https://secure.logmein.com/products/free/

Lunar Eclipse Photos

I was able to catch a few minutes of tonight’s lunar eclipse. It’s incredible how creative and beautiful our universe is created such that events like this even happen. And the predictable orderliness that allows this to be predicted simply blows my mind.

Here’s what it looked like from my driveway between 9:15-10:00p CDT: