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Digitwirl: Get your loyalty cards out of your wallet and into your Smartphone

Posted on May 6, 2011

I love getting discounts and free stuff, but I’m a real minimalist when it comes to what I’m willing to carry around in my purse or wallet. Of late, I’ve found myself saying no whenever a clerk asks me if I’d like to join a store’s loyalty club; mainly because I don’t want to deal with the dumb card! Carley’s found a great app that may have me answering differently — and saving some money — the next time I’m at Barnes & Noble!

From the pet store to the bookstore, everyone seems to have loyalty cards these days. They’re great. They get you discounts and exclusive deals, which may be why your wallet is jammed full of them. Or, you may be the type who hates carrying them all around with you, but inevitably the one you need is stashed in a drawer at home.

Cardstar (www.mycardstar.com) is a simple but brilliant app that puts all your loyalty cards in the palm of your hand (assuming that hand is holding your smartphone). Download it for free to your iPhone, Blackberry or Android and then — using your phone’s camera — just scan the bar codes on the back of your cards. Cardstar reads the barcode and stores them where they can be scanned at the checkout counter just like your plastic card. Cardstar will also show you which of your stores is offering special deals and help you score coupons to save you even more money. Boom!

Check out this week’s Twirl and see how easy it is to ditch the plastic and hold on to more paper—you know, the kind with dead presidents on it.

Digitwirl is the weekly web show that offers simple solutions to modern day problems. In 3-minutes, Digitwirl brings busy women the very best time, money, and sanity-saving technology, and then teaches them how to use it, step-by-step. Digitwirl was created by technology lifestyle expert Carley Knobloch, who uses lots of technology to manage her busy life as mom of two and entrepreneur. Subscribe to get weekly show alerts and exclusive deals at Digitwirl.com, or follow Digitwirl on Twitter at @digitwirl

Digitwirl: Want to sync and back up your files? Drop everything.

Posted on April 29, 2011

Ah, Dropbox. There couldn’t be an easier way to share files between devices — or between team members. Here at Geek Girls Guide, we use it all the time to transfer audio and video files for our podcasts and as a shared location for photos and logos.

So easy!

Do you spend tons of time emailing documents, files and pictures to yourself so you can access them elsewhere? Not only is it annoying, but it’s completely unnecessary.

If you want to be able get a hold of your digital files no matter where you are, then check out Dropbox– the easiest online storage app around. Once you download it to your computer you can just drag and drop any file into your Dropbox folder where it will live safe and sound in an encrypted cloud.

Breathe easy knowing your files are synced, backed up, easily accessible, and can even be shared with other people. Check out this week’s video to learn all about Dropbox (and what the heck “encrypted cloud” really means).

Digitwirl: The Password Manager That Hackers Hate

Posted on April 20, 2011

I swear, sometimes it’s like Carley is spying on me!

I’ve been noodling over password management software for far too long. I’m not sure what’s stopping me from actually doing something about it, aside from just the hassle of switching from my current system: creating a variety of hard-to-guess passwords and either trying to remember them, or keeping a list of them. Both of those methods make me nervous. My brain, because I don’t trust myself to remember them all and the list, because I’m worried someone could somehow get access to it.

I’ve looked at 1Password, and friend and fellow geeky girl Adria Richards suggested KeePass (which, I’m sorry — doesn’t that totally look like it says Keep Ass?!) on an earlier post I wrote titled, “What to do after you do something dumb.” But, purely for the hassle factor, I’ve had trouble making a decision. I had an “If ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” mentality. Do I really need password management (Um, yes. I think we all do.) and which one is the right one (The answer: whichever one you’ll actually USE.)

Digitwirl to the rescue! Carley breaks down LastPass: a service that I sorely need to help store and manage all those many passwords I have. Which will give my brain a much-needed rest from trying to remember them all.

(In other password news, our colleague Dez wrote a great blog post earlier this week about the importance of changing your password and disabling apps if one of your accounts that uses OAuth gets compromised. It’s a good read, check it out!)

Digitwirl: The Password Manager That Hackers Hate

If you use the same easy-to-remember password on every site, you’re not alone. Did you know millions of people actually use 123456 or PASSWORD to gain access to things like their favorite shopping sites (which has personal and credit card information stored), email accounts, and even banking sites. Well, heads up Twirlers: hacking is on the rise and becoming easier than ever.

Have we scared you smart yet? Good, because we have the perfect solution.

LastPass is a free password manager that does for passwords what Superman does for Lois Lane—provides total protection. LastPass stores all your passwords safely and securely so you’ll never have to worry about forgetting them ever again. So please get rid of that desktop folder named “Passwords,” ok? And, LastPass is also a strong password generator so it will create unique, highly secure passwords for every one of your online accounts.

In fact, the only password you’ll ever need to remember from now on is the one that opens LastPass. Check out this video to see exactly how LastPass will allow you to give the ol’ “Nyah Nyah” to would-be hackers everywhere.

Digitwirl: Get a personal assistant. Siri-ously

Posted on March 30, 2011

People are people, so it should be no surprise that even those who appear to be glamorous rock star-types get just as overwhelmed as the rest of us when it comes to the minutaie of life. You know, that long list of piddly tasks that — as my pal Nancy says — can make you feel like you’re being eaten alive by sunfish. The bites are tiny, but they add up!

I’m thrilled to see this week’s twirl in action; as usual, Carley digs into an app I’ve been meaning to check out for a long time. You know, when I have “spare time.” It’s nice to see Siri in action; I’m giving it a test run this week!

Let’s not even get into the thrill I experienced at seeing my ’90s girl-crush Lisa Loeb on screen. Geek girls in glasses? YES!

Digitwirl: Get a personal assistant. Siri-ously.

Sometimes the smallest tasks take the most time. And who doesn’t have a seemingly neverending to-do list? Wouldn’t it be great if you could have a personal assistant to take care of all that stuff for you? Guess what, there’s an app for that. And it is Siri-ously amazing.

In this week’s Twirl, Carley’s talking to her pal Lisa Loeb: a wonderfully talented singer, and typically time-challenged mom. She’s looking to simplify her life, just like we all are. You’ll be as amazed as she was when we introduced her to Siri, a virtual assistant that is at your beck and call. Siri can send you reminders for things you need to do, find businesses and restaurants wherever you are, show you what kids’ events are going on, and even tweet—all without touching a keypad. This productivity app uses simple voice command: you say it, Siri does it. Don’t you wish you could say the same about your family?

Digitwirl: Transfer photos in a flash with Eye-Fi

Posted on March 22, 2011

This week’s twirl features the Eye-Fi — a product that’s been on my wish list since November 2010, when Clockwork published a Cyber Monday Gift Guide. Jenny Holman, a fellow Clockworker, raved about how easy it was to use. And, while it doesn’t seem like it should be a big deal to plug a dumb cord into your computer to download photos, I have to ‘fess up: earlier today, I finally downloaded photos off my camera from Christmas. Yes, Christmas!

So, maybe if I get an Eye-Fi for Mother’s Day I can finally cut the (camera) cord and share photos with the grandparents that are just a little bit more timely. Until then, I guess I’ll be posting these photos of my kids as part of a Christmas in July celebration.

Digitwirl: Transfer your digital photos in a flash with Eye-Fi

Remember the dark ages of family photos: buying film, taking it to be developed, and cringing at all the shots of you with your eyes closed? Bet you thought when you got a digital camera things couldn’t get much easier. So did we. Until we discovered the Eye-fi wireless camera card.

This 4 gig card instantly, wirelessly transfers all your pictures from your camera to your computer, social networks, and photo sharing sites, making it easier than ever to store and share all your shots. No more finding the correct wires and that pesky little card reader, not to mention setting aside the time you need to transfer them. In fact, we love this clever device so much it’s become one of our top picks for best gift ever.

Home Entertainment How-Tos

Posted on March 16, 2011

We got into so much detail about our home setups in Podcast #33, we thought it’d be helpful to provide some videos and photos!

Kyle DeLaHunt’s set-up:

Kyle explains how to get files into iTunes without copying them (SO HANDY if you’re storing movie or music files on an external drive!):

Photos of Kyle’s home set-up:

The 250-pound Television

Apple TV and Amplifier

External Hard Drives

Meghan Wilker’s set-up:

Meghan gives a walk-through of her entertainment system:

Meghan’s husband, Jeremy, explaining how to recreate their setup component-by-component (in 5 minutes):

Nancy Lyons’s set-up:

Listen to Podcast 33: Geek of the Week – Kyle DeLaHunt

Podcast #33: Geek of the Week – Kyle DeLaHunt

Posted on March 16, 2011

In our 33rd podcast, we chat with home entertainment guru Kyle DeLaHunt. Kyle, a second generation A/V geek, has been nerding out about home entertainment since the age of 8. We asked him to come down to the studio and discuss how to make simple digital home entertainment systems to fit your needs. We talked about his setup, and each of our own (which we cover with photos and video on this blog post here).

Kyle (@dels) and Kate (@cleverkate) will be hosting a Twitter chat for this topic on Wednesday 3/23, from 8-9 PM. Follow them on Twitter for more information!

More about this week’s geek: Kyle grew up in a household full of electronics. His first computer was an Apple IIC. His first CD was ‘Slippery When Wet’. Were he to become independently wealthy, he might very well travel across the heartland, playing Wolfenstein on a IIC while listening to Slippery When Wet on repeat. With that not being too likely, he will continue to advise music students, take photos and play music for fun (and money occasionally), and prognosticate on the future of your tech industry of choice.

Check out our “Home Entertainment How-Tos” blog post for videos and pictures of Kyle’s, Meghan’s and Nancy’s home entertainment systems.

Listen Online

Digitwirl: e-Readers Compared (and a bonus Nook hack!)

Posted on March 15, 2011

This week’s Twirl is like a Tale of Two Ians. First, Carley talks to Ian Manheimer at Measy about how to select the right e-reader. Meanwhile, my friend Ian posted a video today showing how he hacked his Nook e-reader into a full-fledged tablet.

Double the fun!

Let’s start with Carley and the e-reader video. After watching this week’s episode, I checked out Measy.com and I have to say: it’s pretty rad. I can’t tell you how many times my relatives have called for advice on which camera, computer, phone or tablet to buy. Heck, sometimes our readers ask us the same questions! The problem is, the answer varies widely, depending on what your needs are. Measy aims to solve this problem by asking you a few simple questions (including budget and any brand preferences), and then suggesting products that meet your need. Brilliant! If you’re looking for a new tech gadget, give it a test drive.

Below Carley’s latest Twirl, I posted a bonus video from my friend Ian. Earlier today, he posted an ecstatic update on Facebook about how he had hacked his Nook into an Android tablet. What the what?! He later posted a video tour of his awesomely hacked device.

If you want the functionality of an iPad-like device at a price that can’t be beat ($250) — you might want to consider this. He swears it only took about 10 minutes (and has promised to post an instructional video soon). You’d certainly earn your Geek Girls Guide badge for hacking a Nook, so let us know if you try it!

Enjoy.

e-Readers Compared (with help from Measy.com)

Carley’s found the best website for when you’re looking to fall in love…with a gadget. This week’s Twirl introduces you to Ian Manheimer, the mega-brain behind Measy.com.

Listen in as Ian helps Carley understand the somewhat confusing world of new e-readers. Is the Nook’s color screen a better choice than the Kindle’s crisp E Ink black and white one? Is bigger better? And wait ’til you see how Measy’s online quiz makes it easy to compare tons of electronic products so that you find the one that meets all your needs. Kind of like a dating site, but without all the awkward happy hours.

BONUS: From Nook to Tablet in 10 Minutes?

Bonus! Just as I was posting Carley’s latest episode, my friend Ian posted a video tour of his recently-hacked Nook. Check out the below video to see how he’s got the Nook acting like an e-Reader AND a full-fledged tablet! Move over, iPad…this baby looks pretty sweet.

He’s promised a follow-up video with a step-by-step demonstration of how he did it. I’ll post it as soon as I see it!

Digitwirl: Personal Scanner

Posted on March 8, 2011

I have a confession to make: my husband and I just finished our 2009 taxes about a month ago. Yep, you heard that right. We finished our 2009 taxes in 2011. Nice, huh?

Here’s hoping Carley’s latest Digitwirl helps us get our 2010 tax act together a little earlier. As a gadget-lover who also appreciates organization and simplicity, I love how small and light this thing is. Weighing in at less than a pound, and smaller than a three-hole punch? Yes, please!

Aside from taxes, I can see this coming in handy for the medical receipts I need to save for our HSA. And I love Carley’s idea about using it for kids’ artwork as well! I just went through a somewhat painful and time-consuming process with my five-year-old in which we had to decide which super-special artwork we wanted to put in the archives, and which pieces needed to go to, uh…that great recycling bin in the sky. It would be great to scan some of those things we’d like to look at again later, but don’t have room to store. (SERIOUSLY. My kids generate so much artwork, I feel like I’m personally responsible for more deforestation than any other human on the planet.)

So, without further ado: NeatReceipts. Enjoy the twirl!

Digitwirl: A Personal Scanner that Organizes My Receipts? Neat!

Whoops, taxes are due April 15th and you still have your receipts “filed” in a shoe box. You’re trying to put in for medical expenses and can’t find the bills. Sound familiar? If you’re looking to transform that wild pile into organized digital files you’re going to love our how-to video for NeatReceipts. We couldn’t believe what a beast this tiny gadget (it weighs less than a pound) was when it came to scanning receipts, business cards, important forms — even our kids artwork — to create searchable pdf files.

As if that wasn’t cool enough, the NeatWorks software helps create IRS-friendly reports that make it super easy for your accountant to do your taxes. And easier for them equals cheaper for you. We likey.

Informational Interviews

Posted on March 3, 2011

We recorded a podcast (#32) on this topic, but I think it’s handy to have a written guide for this kind of information as well.

So here you have it: the Geek Girls Guide to a kickass informational interview.

Pre-Interview

Get Noticed

It’s totally appropriate to use Twitter (or a message via LinkedIn) to make yourself known to a professional that you’d like to have an informational interview — in fact, that’s sometimes the best way to stand out. But follow up with a more formal email if they bite on your offer via Twitter.
Email is also a good option, but it can sometimes be hard to get a response (depending on how much email the person gets).
Want to really stand out? Try snail mail; people don’t get much actual mail anymore.
Be clear about what you want. “Will you have coffee with me?” could mean a lot of things. Do you want to be friends? Are you asking me on a date? Ask for what you want — and not just an “informational interview.” Say something more specific, “I’d like to learn more about project management.” or, “I’m looking for input on my portfolio.”

Scheduling

Ask for 30 minutes. Getting an hour of someone’s time might be a challenge. But, if you can get an hour…sweet!
If you can get the person to meet you offsite, do it! They’ll be less likely to be interrupted by co-workers. To that end, if you shoot for a meeting at the beginning of the day the person is less likely to be distracted by the day’s work.
Confirm the meeting a day or two before. Don’t be discouraged or deterred if the person has to reschedule; it happens.

Do Your Homework

In an informational interview, YOU are interviewing the person you’re meeting with. In a job interview, THEY are interviewing you. So, prepare!
Google the living hell out of the person you are interviewing with, and the company the work for. Don’t be creepy, but dig deep. The more you know about what they do and how they got there, the more you can ask questions that are relevant and thoughtful. It may even reveal connections or common interests you weren’t aware of!

Interview Day

Show Up Early

If you are meeting someone for coffee, get there an hour early. I’m not joking. You want to be the first one there, so you can buy the person their cup of coffee. This is a critical piece of etiquette! Even if the person refuses your offer to pay — at least you’ve made the offer.
If you’re meeting someone at their office, try to be 10 minutes early. That’s early enough to show you’re serious, not so early that it’s awkward. It also doesn’t cut it too close; you want time to take off your coat and organize your thoughts. Whatever you do, don’t be late.
Play it safe. Assume that the route to your destination will take you twice as long as it usually does. If that means you end up sitting in your car a block away for 20 minutes just to kill time before the interview, so be it.

Have an Agenda

Have a list of questions that you want to ask the person. And not generic questions, either. Be thoughtful; you’ll make an impression.
Bringing a notebook and pen is an easy way to make it clear that you take the interview seriously.
Watch the clock: if the person agreed to give you 30 minutes and the conversation is still rolling along at 28 minutes, give a courtesy time check. “Do you need to go, or would it be okay if I asked you just one more question?” or, “I don’t want to take too much of your time, and I see our 30 minutes is nearly up.” You can set your phone to vibrate when there are 5 minutes left so that you know it’s time to start closing the conversation.

Close Strong

Thank the person for their time.
If you got something helpful out of the conversation, tell them.
Hand them a business card.

Post-Interview

Follow Up

A tweet, an email, a paper thank you note? I’d recommend all three! Include a business card with your thank you note, too — why not?
It’s okay to try to connect with the person via LinkedIn afterward, but include a personal message, “Thanks for the informational interview on Monday. Your advice about project management was really helpful to me. I’d like to keep in touch, do you mind if we connect here on LinkedIn?”
I’d advise against trying to friend the person on Facebook; that just feels too personal. Twitter and LinkedIn are a better bet for staying connected to someone you’d like to stay connected with as a mentor and possible future boss!

That’s it! What do you think? Did I miss any critical informational interview advice?