The last six months I have played with several Cloud Based File storage sites. I had been using Microsoft’s Beta of Live Mesh to Sync files over multiple computers. Part of the issue with Live Mesh is that it will not let me retrieve files from my Iphone. This is a big consideration for me because I am always on the go. The solution for my problem was to switch from Live Mesh to Dropbox .

Dropbox is a service that will let you sync files between multiple devices. This devices can include a Microsoft Based PC, a Mac, a Linux based computer and and IPhone. That is a great selection of devices for me since I use 3 of the 4 devices including the IPhone.

Drop box is really easy to use. You install a client software on each computer or the Iphone that lets you drop the files you want to sync into the drop box container. When you log into another pc which has the Dropbox client software on it, you now have access to those files. It is really that simple. This is one of the reasons I like the service so much is because it is not hard to use.

For me Dropbox has become a service which I install on every computer which I use.I really use it that much.

Below is a YouTube video which I found that shows how Dropbox is used:

How do you use Dropbox?

Twitter is my favorite social media avenue of choice. Many people ask me why Twitter instead of Facebook? How do you carry on a conversation is only 140 characters or less? Is Twitter not really a waste of time? The answers to these questions and many more are to come.

Twitter was originally a platform that was developed for mobile devices. It has become all the range on the Internet. It is actually my preferred social media platform. I use Twitter more than I use Facebook, Digg, Friend Feed and all other services combined. The thing I like most is that Twitter is real time. If it is happening now, Twitter is the place to be to follow any major news event or story.

When Michael Jackson died, Twitter was the place to be. The links to articles, comments and insights were amazing. It was all real time. CNN could not even keep up with the news on Twitter. The reality is Twitter has changed the way the news is reported on today. Twitter is now a credible source which the major news outlets rely on for information.

Following major events while you watch them is fun on Twitter. I have watched many a football game and watching the tweets from my friends. It is like you are all in the same room watching the game together. It is great way to share an afternoon having fun together.

Meeting people is one the best experiences that Twitter can provide. I have many great friends on Twitter. They have become an incredible part of my life.

Twitter is an amazing source of information. Occasionally I hit a question I need a quick answer too and can not find it on Twitter. I post a quick tweet and sooner than later I have several ideas or solutions to my question.

Twitter comes on many platforms. Lately my Twitter client of choice is Tweet Deck which I use on both my computer and my IPhone.I often send and respond to tweets while I am on the go as well as at home.

These are some of the reasons I really like Twitter. If you have not tried Twitter, try it out today. You will really like it. If you use Twitter why do you like Twitter so much?

Google has had it’s critics. Many people point at privacy concerns and say that you should stay away from any Google services. I am not one that believes that at all. I really believe everyone should sign up for a Gmail account. Before I go further, I need to mention a disclaimer that I do have investment’s in Google.

Why should everyone have a Gmail account? Webmail is th best way to go. The cloud is the future. The future is now.

I have used Gmail for many years. It stores all my email, contacts and calendar. I use it on a daily basis. I forward all my domain email accounts to Gmail and then I use Gmail to manage that email.

Why do I believe everyone should use a Gmail account. The following are many reasons why:

1. Gmail is free so their is not extra cost.

2. Calendar’s can be shared with other Gmail users. I share my calendar with Kelli so she know what my after work schedule is. We use the shared calendars to help manage our lives togeather.

3. Smart Phone Integration is one of Gmail’s strong suites. With most smart phones all you need to do is to enter your gmail address and password and it automatically loads in your email, contacts and address book. That makes your setup really easy.

4. Gmail’s spam filters are some of the best. The spam filters get better as you use Gmail more.

5. Gmail is based in the cloud. This means you can access your email from any computer which has Internet access.

6. Gmail has free pop/imap and Smtp access. I often read and reply to my Gmail using Thunderbird. It make’s my life easier at times.

These are my six reasons why a Gmail account is a must. Why do you think everyone should use Gmail?

I spend a lot of time talking about social media and technology and how it benefits our lifestyle. We all benefit and do very well because of it. This leads me to an important life question – How do you give back?

You might ask what I mean by giving back? I mean how do you contribute to your community and better the life better for others. This is really important to me.

As many of you know I am an avid sports fan. I am also the Vice President of House League for The Markham Minor Lacrosse Association. Last year I ran the house league and coached 2 teams. During the season I spend approximately 30 hours a week running the lacrosse House League. I do this while working full time.

People ask me all the time why I do it. Their are several reasons. They are:

1. I love the game.

2. I love making a difference and helping all the kids play this great game.

3. I have an opportunity to give back to the community that has been so good to me over the years.

It is a pleasure to be involved and to help out. It always has been.

The question I ask you is are you involved in your community? If you are what do you do to help your community become stronger and richer. If you are not, please think about getting involved. The rewards are amazing and the possibilities are endless.

I was out for dinner with one of my best friends on Tuesday night. As we ate the gentleman at the next table must have spent a good half hour taking a business call on his Blackberry. He raised his voice shouting into the phone which disrupted the area around him, This is just one problem which Smart Phones can cause. I thought I would spent some time talking about Smart Phone Safety and Etiquette so you can avoid problems like this gentleman had. Without delay the following is a list of things you can do to help yourself and others:

1. Do not chat and drive with a Smart Phone in your hand – Please use a hands free device or pull over if you need to make a call. This is a big safety issue. In many States And Provinces this is also illegal.

2. Do Not Text and Drive – This is also a safety hazard and also illegal in my states and provinces.

3. Do not make calls at a restaurant table – This is just plain rude. It is rude to the people you are with and it is also rude to the other people in the restaurant.

4. Be Careful what you say in public places – Watch what you say. Remember their are other people around you and you never know who is listening. I listened to one lady give her credit card on a cell phone call to the person on the other end. This was on a packed commuter train. Anyone on this train could have noted her cell phone number.

5. Do not overly check your email – Do not spend all day checking your email when out with friends. Remember they want to spend time with you – not your smart phone.

6. At The Movies/Show/Sports Even – put your smart phone on vibrate or silent and put it away. If you need to take a call excuse yourself and take it in the lobby so you do not disrupt other people.

Remember the key is to treat other people the way you want to be treated. The other key is not to become a slave to your device but to use it as a tool that can help you. How do you feel about Smart Phone Safety and Etiquette?

Google made a big announcement today. The announced Google Buzz. In case you missed the announcement, see the Google video below:

Today I thought I would write about two my my favorite topics – Technology and sports. This Friday the 2010 Olympics starts in Vancouver. I thought I would share some ways that you the interested sports fan can say in touch with the Olympics on line.

1. Vancouver 2010 Office Web Site

The official web site of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics has everything a fan can ask for. It has preview stories, venue locations, the official event calendar, Olympic stories and it will have the results as they come.

2. International Olympic Committee

This is the official web site of the Olympic Movement. From here you can follow the games, become a Facebook fan, follow the IOC on Twitter and You Tube. Their is a wealth of information about this year’s winter games and the history of both the summer and winter Olympics.

3. Hockey Canada

We all know that Canada is hockey crazy. The Hockey Canada web site is a great way to follow the Canadien Men’s and Women’s Hockey team as they strive for gold in Vancouver.

4. CTV

CTV is the official sports broadcaster of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. For all the best TV news, CTV is the place to go.

5. NBC

NBC is the official rights holder in the US for the Olympics. For an American point of view, visit the official American rights holder for the games.

6. TSN

TSN is a Canadian TV partner with CTV on showing the Olympic Games.

7. Bell/Vancouver Official IPhone Application

The official IPhone application for the 2010 Winter Olympic games in your hand. Everything you can get on the web site you can get on the Iphone including video.

http://appshopper.com/sports/ctvolympics

8. CTV IPhone Application

The Iphone application from the host broadcaster for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

These are some great ways to keep in touch with the Vancouver Olympics. What are ways you will use to stay in touch?

Google’s Super Bowl Ad. Well Done.