photo credit: Photom72

We were busy this weekend trying to either cook burgers (ouch!) or eat them (nomnomnom)!

@s0l_uk attacked by frying pan

@adriarichards about to devour burger on roof deck

There is always a need for businesses to run better.  Google Docs, an offering within Google Apps, is a great example of a software that will boost productivity.

Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone?

1. Share documents easily with your employees, vendors and clients
2. Make documents public or private
3. Get Notified of changes
4. Access your documents anywhere
5. Easy to get going as there is no software to install
6. Cost is $0.00 so FREE is something to consider vs Microsoft’s $200 price tag
7. Create forms to collect data that go right into your spreadsheets
8. Benefit from working in the cloud with software that’s always up to date
9. Lower security issues
10. it’s easy exchange docs between PC’s and Mac’s
11. Revision control means never having to say you’re sorry
12. Upload your existing documents into Google Docs

Trivia: Did you know that Microsoft Office was first created for the Mac?

From The Chat

Welcome to the ‘adriarichards’ room.jacqueb ban: she’s looking to change careerss0l_uk ban: ask adria when she comes in #:Djacqueb ban: meant adria, sorry, talking to someone in roomjacqueb ban: duhdotSource ban: Apple has announced an iPhone OS 4 event on April 8th at 10AM PT for a “sneak peek of the next generation of iPhone OS software.s0l_uk ban: lol :Djacqueb ban: used my iphone to buy coffee at target starbucks by scanning barcode, was so cools0l_uk ban: i’ve never liked the iphonesjacqueb ban: we know, lols0l_uk ban: :P loljacqueb ban: you ever get that new nokia?s0l_uk ban: not yeat! contract is up in a few months! will switch thenjacqueb ban: nokia was always my fav until iphones0l_uk ban: oooh dark…s0l_uk ban: audio?? any one got audio?dotSource ban: did you pay your electric bill?jacqueb ban: i got audiomatthewdlyons ban: did you pack the lights?s0l_uk ban: i’ll refresh! BRB!!dotSource ban: i got audiojacqueb ban: so dark thojacqueb ban: ta das0l_uk ban: got light :Djacqueb ban: sell the car?s0l_uk ban: Damm!! Lost audio! will have to reboot :(:(:(adriarichards mod: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Officeadriarichards mod: http://docs.google.coms0l_uk ban: atlast! got audio >_<////jacqueb ban: the email/calendar/docs for website has been great-another request for appt online todays0l_uk ban: not got new mobile yet… :D couple of monthsdotSource ban: turn on autosave in officedotSource ban: what about the bittorrent edition? lol only jokings0l_uk ban: MS is releaseing a BASIC office client for free in a few weeksdotSource ban: I think the basic office is also cloud baseds0l_uk ban: yup web based http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-20001553-56.htmlCitizenX ban: obscurity: a positive review of cloud computing. How Refreshing!designgeekgirl ban: I got Calendar working, but haven’t managed to get Gears offline to work for email. Going to have to ask you about that. :-Ds0l_uk ban: thought google weas dropping gears ?CitizenX ban: PUT a .txt file on your flash drives containing contactinfo — it could happen!s0l_uk ban: Free Microsoft office “Office Starter” editions0l_uk ban: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10370848-56.html?tag=mncol;txtdesigngeekgirl ban: Adria, don’t know if you know my alterego – this is Ruth, hi! ;-)dotSource ban: BING = Bing Is Not GoogleRetsrospect360 ban: Bing is lame (lol)s0l_uk ban: “office starter” is a free Official “ad-based” version of office from Microsoft…Retsrospect360 ban: LOL dotSource!jacqueb ban: when you take down the geek wall, you should stream itmatthewdlyons ban: My wife had a little adjustment with Google Docs, but she’s rolling now.designgeekgirl ban: LOL @dotSource & Adria re BING acronym!s0l_uk ban: lolmartinff1 ban: google chrome rulesmatthewdlyons ban: Started her people with OffiSync, but she mostly uses Google Docs instead of Word and ExcelRetsrospect360 ban: Stream when you put your wall back up in the new location :)matthewdlyons ban: I remember reading last fall that Google Docs will receive 30-50 updates/tweaks this year to close the gap of functionalitydesigngeekgirl ban: I use Google Docs/Cal/Apps email all the time. Some annoyances w/ keyboard commands & formatting, but portability FTW.designgeekgirl ban: @matthewdlyons Really? Hope that helps!matthewdlyons ban: I don’t find shortfalls with Google Docs, but my wife would occasionally complain about missing featuresmatthewdlyons ban: I use Google Apps Premier, as does my wife for her businesss0l_uk ban: i should upgrade to premier apps sometime :Ddesigngeekgirl ban: I find the keyboard commands kind of lacking. I hate excess mousing and Google is full of mousing (turned on keyboard commands for mail, but not working)adriarichards mod: Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx), OpenDocument text (.odt), StarOffice text (.sxw)Rich text (.rtf), Plain text (.txt), HTML (.htm, .html)adriarichards mod: Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt, .pps)designgeekgirl ban: I do a lot of keyboard commands in Excel and Word that I still do in Google Docs and of course do not work.adriarichards mod: Microsoft Excel (.xls, .xlsx) files, OpenDocument spreadsheets (.ods).Comma-separated values (.csv)designgeekgirl ban: @matthewdlyons Do those things work differently in Apps Premier vs Apps?s0l_uk ban: there’s a few extrasmatthewdlyons ban: Good support for Blackberry, too, with premierdesigngeekgirl ban: Does Premier give better integration between Google Apps  and non-Google Apps tools like Voice & Reader?matthewdlyons ban: @designgeekgirl  not reallydesigngeekgirl ban: @matthewdlyons: Thanks. I don’t mind using Reader separately, but Voice means totally separate Contacts lists…matthewdlyons ban: the benefit is more storage, Postini, up-time and good sync toolsmatthewdlyons ban: standard version is fine for more peoplejacqueb ban: can you copy word doc, paste into google docs and use?matthewdlyons ban: (good point abot crutches…I’ve tried that line with my wife)s0l_uk ban: you can copy paste from office into google docsjacqueb ban: thanks you solRetsrospect360 ban: Thats a good idea SoldotSource ban: has video crashed for anyone elsedesigngeekgirl ban: Video hung and disappeared. Anyone else?matthewdlyons ban: i would LUV to see voice integrated, too. my wife uses google voice with her business, and integration would be fantastics0l_uk ban: video gone here toomatthewdlyons ban: i lost video, too.matthewdlyons ban: backdesigngeekgirl ban: There she is!s0l_uk ban: back :Dadriarichards mod: I got kicked offRetsrospect360 ban: Its back :)jacqueb ban: i’ve been emailing docs to my son in our other buiilding but will start using google docs nowdesigngeekgirl ban: My mom called today totally confused about the whole Google Voice setup. LOLmatthewdlyons ban: one of my favorite features with Google Docs is simultaneous editing. (I actually prefer to edit with others in Google Wave, but works well in Googld Docs.)s0l_uk ban: ive pasted fron excel into google docs (did not like some of the formulas)s0l_uk ban: but basic stuff was thereBeach_Baby ban: i’m very late. :( i was thinking it was 8:30 for some reason. Got my show times messed up! :/matthewdlyons ban: Not all Excel formatting seems to stick with Google Docs spreadsheets0l_uk ban: lol! no worries Beach_Baby! it’s recoreded so you can catch up later :Dmatthewdlyons ban: The page view in Google Docs (portrait or landscape) could be better.dotSource ban: what happens if you send someone a google doc that does not use google docs?s0l_uk ban: dotSource  it sends it as a document i think… or a link to the documents0l_uk ban: timezone is great thing…matthewdlyons ban: basically, you can see the document, but need a google account to editdotSource ban: I think the biggest drawback with google docs is if your internet connection is down you can’t work on the documentmatthewdlyons ban: @dotsource: you can set up Offline sync and all your docs will be available locally on your computers0l_uk ban: dotSource that’s why i liked gears! you could work off lineadriarichards mod: To sign up for Google Apps http://google.com/as0l_uk ban: you can use openoffice to work on google docss0l_uk ban: http://extensions.services.openoffice.org/project/ooo2gddesigngeekgirl ban: I LOVE being able to have multiple people edit simultaneously!matthewdlyons ban: I find there’s a lag with the editing, but it’s pretty good. Google Wave is fasterRetsrospect360 ban: Thats amazingdesigngeekgirl ban: Yeah, there is a lag.s0l_uk ban: not used google wave for months!!! loldesigngeekgirl ban: I’ve logged into Wave, but haven’t done much more than that.matthewdlyons ban: You can always send out files as Word, PDF, text, OpenOffice, RFT, or HTMLadriarichards mod: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2008/03/offline-access-to-google-docs.htmlmatthewdlyons ban: Just go to settings and enable OfflinedotSource ban: thankss0l_uk ban: DrWho is GOOOOOD :Ddesigngeekgirl ban: Caught the new Dr Who on Sat pm via YouTube. REALLY good!Beach_Baby ban: I have googlewave and im like huh? lolmatthewdlyons ban: Ha! I actually live Wave, but most people have abandoned its0l_uk ban: put your feet up and watch it tonight :DRetsrospect360 ban: LOL- that roundabout change always happens in communication!Retsrospect360 ban: I havent watch it yet- but I like the showjacqueb ban: i haven’t crap when was it on here?matthewdlyons ban: Question: Any thoughts about the page orientation?s0l_uk ban: on the 12 on BBCadesigngeekgirl ban: I have an issue with syncing email offlinedesigngeekgirl ban: But, I don’t htink that’s something we can trouble shoot here.designgeekgirl ban: I discovered it while I was out of town and far from internet.Retsrospect360 ban: Are there any uses for google docs that artists might be interetsed in?jacqueb ban: so i have missed it thendesigngeekgirl ban: I don’t use firefox b/c it messes up my machinesdesigngeekgirl ban: I use chrome :-)designgeekgirl ban: okBeach_Baby ban: Chrome refuses to close on my iMac. I hate beta. :/s0l_uk ban: no Jacque  it’s on BBCAmerica on the 12th april :Ds0l_uk ban: think it’s the 12thdesigngeekgirl ban: 17th apriljacqueb ban: sol, oh good.  gonna stick on calendar right now! thanksdesigngeekgirl ban: According to twitter..s0l_uk ban: yup! 17ths0l_uk ban: http://www.bbcamerica.com/shows/doctor-who/index.jspdesigngeekgirl ban: 9 pm EST/6 pm PSTRetsrospect360 ban: Taking it down might be sad, but putting it back up would be  inspiring – you could talk a little about each image as you put it back up (if time allows)s0l_uk ban: best line in the show “your Scottish; Fry me something”designgeekgirl ban: Sorry, we moved back to Dr Who. :-DdotSource ban: do the packers pack everything for you?s0l_uk ban: can’t wait! :Ds0l_uk ban: loljacqueb ban: august? how coolmatthewdlyons ban: Let me know if you head to Perth. We’ve got good friends there who will welcome you and maybe challenge you to a game of Croquets0l_uk ban: just in time for the  festival in Edinburghdesigngeekgirl ban: The weird thing is that Calendar worked fine offline, but Email said I was offline and couldn’t show me anything.designgeekgirl ban: Thanks, Adria!s0l_uk ban: lol!!Beach_Baby ban: floorcast ftw! lols0l_uk ban: Woo!s0l_uk ban: loljacqueb ban: you are making me sad with “last MN comments” ;-(s0l_uk ban: Woo bye!jacqueb ban: tootlesBeach_Baby ban: You brighten my Mondays. :)dotSource ban: Thank you Adrias0l_uk ban: need to get a festival brochure next month to see what’s on!Retsrospect360 ban: Ok, so when do we get to hear you play the guitar, we promise to be niceRetsrospect360 ban: I agree Beach Baby, same heredotSource ban: will you be filming the move?s0l_uk ban: :Djacqueb ban: everyone at the shop keeps asking me how much will I miss you an makes it worseRetsrospect360 ban: :)Retsrospect360 ban: Oh, thats a good reasonRetsrospect360 ban: Oh yes- it is beautiful!designgeekgirl ban: Definitely get a wind protected microphone for outdoor streaming in SF on the Bay, LOL!ual ban: Good luck Adria. Will you still podcast after the move?designgeekgirl ban: Awesome!s0l_uk ban: neet to make sure hte mic has a furry coat to wear :Ds0l_uk ban: Good show :Djacqueb ban: seriously, i think I will make a trip to sf now!Retsrospect360 ban: Awsome show – as alwaysRetsrospect360 ban: SF is wonderful- so wonderfuldesigngeekgirl ban: That’s a great idea. I write those long helpful kinds of emails, too. Product reviews, too. Video, huh?Retsrospect360 ban: went to school thereBeach_Baby ban: eggnog gives you a buz…lols0l_uk ban: alco-nogs0l_uk ban: :DRetsrospect360 ban: lol Sol! Alco nog hee heejacqueb ban: byes0l_uk ban: 00:30 bstual ban: Did you tell Bluey and Turtle about the move yet?  lols0l_uk ban: bye all!!dotSource ban: byedesigngeekgirl ban: Bye all! Have a good night. :-)Retsrospect360 ban: Goodnight!@adria ban: Thanks folks!  Take care and have a great week!Beach_Baby ban: Have a good evening everyone! See ya’ (sounded country) next monday!

No show today as I prepare to go to Blogworld this week!

Question

I have 4 women who have just finished a year of school in IT and are prepping for the A+ exam but are very nervous about it. What do you recommend to ease their test anxiety?

Answer

Test taking can cause many people to feel anxious and do poorly once they get in the exam room.  I taught an on-site A+ certification course for the Minneapolis Urban League in 2007 and will share some of my training tips here.

1. Learning Style

Find out how you learn best.  I had everyone take the VARK quiz which will tell you in a couple of minutes if you’re a (V)isual, (A)uditory, (R)eading or (K)inestetic learner.  Based on the class results, I adjusted my teaching style.  I had many hands on exercises that had the students troubleshooting machines, finding resources online and interacting with each other to simulate an IT work environment

2. Practice Tests

I had my students take an electronic practice exam several times so by the time they sat for the test, they were much more confident.

Electronic version at Preplogic, A+ Practice Exam

Book version at Amazon, CompTIA A+ Practice Questions Exam Cram (Essentials, Exams 220-602, 220-603, 220-604)

3. Support from Others
Adult learning is very dependent on your dedication to success. There is no teacher looking over your shoulder or parents to remind you to study so you need to setup structure in your life that will provide study time. One great way is to find other people who are going for the same certification and meet up with them monthly or if need be, weekly. The support of others will go far to keep you on track.

Pass Rate

I taught the A+ certification course for 9 weeks and 40% of the students passed the A+ certification course within 6 months.  Don’t worry about “numbers” because the only one that matters is you.  How you study, your hands-on experience and understanding of the material will affect the outcome so do everything you can to prepare but if you fail, know that you can retake the test!

Want to Get Your A+ Certification?

I plan to offer an online A+ certification workshop within 6 months to people all over the world want to enter technology as I don’t see geography as a limitation. Signup to get notified of the upcoming workshop!

@OhDoctah had suggested the camera a few weeks back when I was complaining about the recording quality (or lack of) with my Logitech 9000 Pro webcam.  My new iPhone 3G S had not arrived yet and was really frustrated by the recordings done at night…when I work best!  He had recently upgraded to a new camera and the videos on his IQMZ site were l0oking really good!

I am tempted to pick up a refurbished Kodak Zi6 at Amazon for $99 (7/27/2009) and save $50 on a new one.

There is also a new Kodak Zx1 priced at $129. I found a video review by Chris Pirillo.

Grr, which one should I get?

Unlike the television, I will continue to put out new shows every Monday instead of every weekday.  This will allow me to get some much needed sun (you know how us techies don’t get out much!) as well as tidy up the archives and get out some shows that are still sitting on my hard drive instead of in your browser window!

So tune in each Monday at 5:30pm CST (Central Standard Time) for AskAdria.

I plan to resume the weekday schedule in September.

Enjoy the summer and see you back here on Monday!

 photo credit: savingqueen_com

From the Chat

Fraud with fake checksAre checks a throwback that put your business at risk?

Banks and the Credit Card Accountability,

Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009

Overdraft fees in the US vs UK

Credit cards may start charging customers that pay on time a fee

Difference between the £ Pound and € EuroWhat technology are you going to explore this summer? new iPhone, Skype, the Kindle

Why Fantastico one-click-installs are a bad idea for WordPress, Joomla and CMS systems

Best way to upload CMS files to hosting space?  cPanel file manager vs FTP vs SFTP vs command line

Meetup.com for mysql and database networking with folks who do it everydayThe value of informational interviews

The justice system isn’t working.

Real justice is about upholding beliefs and values that benefit the common person

There are 2 types of people in the world:

People who spend money to save time and people who spend time to save money

“There are no dumb questions. People just feel dumb asking questions” #selfquote #deepthoughts

We’re going to explore David Allen’s  and Tim Ferriss’ methodologies and things you can do to enjoy your life.

You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.
~Author Unknown

Show Starters

Apple to buy Twitter for $700 million?
True or just a rumor?

How to get Microsoft certified in less time

What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and how do I know if my site is doing it?
Wikipedia article on Search Engine Optimization

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the volume or quality of traffic to a web site from search engines via “natural” (“organic” or “algorithmic”) search results. Typically, the earlier a site appears in the search results list, the more visitors it will receive from the search engine. SEO may target different kinds of search, including image search, local search, and industry-specific vertical search engines.

As an Internet marketing strategy, SEO considers how search engines work and what people search for. Optimizing a website primarily involves editing its content and HTML coding to both increase its relevance to specific keywords and to remove barriers to the indexing activities of search engines.