Cloud Computing - Google Docs (Thing 16 of 23 thing)

Wow-what a revelation. I love this thing! I can start a document on one computer, save it and then work on it later on any other Internet -accessed computer without a flashdrive or even a web-based email attachment. I'm sure the collaborative element could come in handy at times too. I've shared a few documents, one in Word and one PowerPoint. I've uploaded and downloaded both and worked on them on different computers. Really a pretty cool device. It's amazing to think of how much "stuff" is stored in cyberspace always at the ready.

I can see myself using Thing 16 mainly to work on documents on different computers, like between home and work, and not utilize the social aspect. At work we have the network for storing common work - but who knows, Google Docs could come in handy at some point. Enjoyed this one!

Google Maps (Thing 15 of 23 Things) - Part Deux

Okay, so I forgot to link the map, I've never done that before and without TinyURL it would have been very cumbersome. The link address would have been too long. Here's my attempt: http://tinyurl.com/yceve6t . Let's see how it flies!

YAY! It actually worked, except the font for the address was HUGE! Go figure.

Google Maps (Thing 15 of 23 Things)

I am very familiar with online maps, driving directions and satellite photos. In my experience, 8 out of 10 times they are correct, but beware of the other two out of ten, when you will be led on a wild goose chase! Placing confidence and security in these sites and depending solely on them to get you there on time and in a good frame of mind is a mistake. I hope with time I will see ample cause to change my view. But not yet, my latest mishap was a mere two weeks ago. Admittedly, these mapping sites are a huge undertaking and as a society, we have so easily gotten used to information on demand, that the friction between seeker and provider becomes pronounced, almost palatable, especially in traffic.

I love Google Maps as much as I hate it. Rural and semi-rural areas are their weak points. I double check each site with other sites and even then still give myself extra travel time, especially when I am totally unfamiliar with the area, because when they're wrong, they are REALLY wrong! Surely, in time, the information holes will be filled and Google Maps as well as the other mapping sites will rise to the occassion.

TinyURL and YouSendIt (Things 13 and 14 of 23 Things)

TinyURL is easy to use and I can see how it would be indispensable when emailing media files, especially those with unbelievably long addresses. I did find that when customizing the URL for some of my common bookmarks, it fell short because all the logical names have already been taken. All the created links need to be one of a kind to ensure proper navigation. So bookmarking is not really a practical application for this Thing. TinyURL is a clever innovation solving a very irritating, but not insurmountable problem. I actually received a TinyURL file today. I like it!

YouSendIt is another clever innovation. I was trying to send my daughter pictures to use for wedding purposes and although the resolution was fine on our computer, when they were sent the resolution diminished greatly. YouSendIt worked perfectly - even upping the resolution we previously had - is that possible? Maybe there are other ways to remedy this problem, but YouSendIt did the trick. I'm hoping the digitized picture books my son is working on for the FPL can be sent through this Thing, so I don't have to jump drive them.

Both "Things" make working with Web 2.0 easier and more accessible.