The Help Centers

Ok I’m on a bit of a vacation.  Not anything expensive or extravagant but I’m not at home or in my office.  I still am available and able to work and function because I had a little foresight before I left.  Here are few tips to keep yourself sane and connected for peace of mind or emergency. 

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First I looked a a couple of options.  Cloud applications or portable applications.  Cloud applications just use a web browser and sit in the ‘Internet cloud’.  Gmail, Google Calendar and good examples of ‘cloud’ computing.  The benefits are obvious.  All you need is a web browser.  BUT if you’re on a slow connection you might feel it also there is no reliable way to store personal information.  Another option is to install portable applications on a flash or portable hard drive.  This is good for heavier applications but there is a limit to how many apps will work off a flash drive and there can be a speed issue.  The last option may be the best one to save a marriage go OFFLINE for your vacation. 

If the last option isn’t feaseable here are some solutions for you

• Gmail http://gmail.com - I use this anyway so it just works on the road.  I’m going to lump in a few other google apps Calendar, and Docs
• Del.icio.us http://del.icio.us - Bookmarking site.  While it works well with a browser plug in having a site that you can just link to is a benefit.
• drop.io http://drop.io - 100MB free storage 
• FolderShare http://www.foldershare.com - Bought by Microsoft allows you to sync folders across computers.  Good if you’re staying in once place with a good connection not good for moving round a lot.  

For portable applications just look at http://portableapps.com they have a bunch of applications that will run from your portable storage device.  I have a couple running on my iPod drive with great success. 

Just take a few minutes before you pack to get your stuff together.  Make sure you remember your passwords (don’t write them down) and that you have access to your email.  

A little bit of work will go a long way to keeping your work in sync with your vacation.  But remember you’re on vacation!  RELAX!  It’s not that scary you’ll be back in your safe cubicle/office soon enough!