Thing 13

Productivity Tools:

• Which start page did you choose? I went to all three, but I made the most changes to iGoogle and Yahoo. I decided to work with the Yahoo account since that is one that I use a lot. There was a variety of background choices. The layout was limited in columns, but the items to add were numerous. It was easy to drop and drag things into the main page from the Best of Yahoo choices. iGoogle was easy to use also. There were a ton of things listed under the stuff to add. The only thing that I question about the iGoogle page is that the gadgets were made by third parties. How much spam and potential for viruses are then linked to our computers? I read the privacy statement, but it makes me wonder...
  
• Did you find a tool that has some uses for you at the library or at home? Which tool(s) would you recommend to others? I would recommend adding links for the calendar and RSS feeds to local news.
• How can the online calendars be useful to you? It's an easy way to share upcoming events and deadlines at the center.
  
• What about the to-do lists—helpful, too much work…? I think the to-do list is too much work. I know that I would have a hard time keeping up. It probably would be great for those people who access their computers continually through the day. Great idea, just not my choice for productivity.
  
• Did you try out Backpack? What did you think? I explored Backpack. Another great idea to share information with others. I don't think I will be using this source. I am already using other productivity tools.
  
• Did you try any of the other tools in the list? I think the PDF converters and the Zamzar converting website will be useful. There are times when I receive PDF files that need to be filled out and it would be great to be able to type right in the document. You can choose to take a PDF file and convert or take a file and convert to PDF. Very handy. Although Zamzar had quite a few options, one thing I did notice is that it will not convert to a basic DV format which is one that iMovie will recognize. Size is limited since it works through email.