In the toolbox: 3 great web apps

Jan2011

Happy New Year! What better way to ring it in than with a list of three Internet-based applications that I could not do without.

At any given time, I have several projects on the go. Each project has different requirements and timelines. Some are in the same city, while some are based abroad. Web-based tools make my life a lot easier and help me stay organized and efficient. The Google suite of web apps (Gmail, Google Calendar, Reader, etc) are indispensable. Facebook is also approaching that status in my line of work. Many people are already using these online applications.

However, there are three services that I found myself recommending to friends and colleagues on a regular basis this past year. In no particular order, the top three are: Toodledo, Log Me In, and Dropbox. Here’s why they’re worth checking out.

Toodledo is an online task manager.

• You can add tasks, projects with subtasks, due dates, priorities, among many other things. Toodledo distinguishes itself in two particular ways.
• First, its super customizable: The aesthetics of their web interface leave something to be desired. It was only after using it for a while and comparing it to other task managers that I realized the feature-richness of Toodledo (plus you can download interface skins).
• Second, it has a free API: This allows other programmers to create other web services or mobile applications that sync with Toodledo. This allows me to use an app called Appigo Todo on my iPhone. By carrying around my task list on a device as accessible as my phone, I’m more likely to get things done.

Log Me In allows you to remotely control another computer.

• Your friend calls you because a toolbar is missing from Microsoft Excel. Instead of getting him to explain what’s on his screen, Log Me In lets you take control of your friends computer and show him how to get the toolbar back.
• Website hub: You can install Log Me In on several computers. When you log into your account on the Log Me In website, all the computers are listed, indicating whether you can take control of them.
• Safety first: Of course, proper precautions should be taken. Log Me In can also be disabled/enabled easily by the other users (thus preventing you from accessing their computer without permission).
• Using this tool, I’m able to do most of my work as a systems administrator from remote locations.

Dropbox lets you automatically sync folders on your computer with a cloud service.

• You have two computers – a desktop and a laptop. When you create a document on your desktop, you have to somehow transfer it to your laptop. Maybe you email it to yourself or put it on a flash drive.
• Constantly in sync: With Dropbox, you can have both computers continuously in sync. Both my computers have the same My Documents folder. Whenever a change is made to a file, it automatically syncs to the Dropbox servers. In turn, my other computer is updated with the changed file.
• Dropbox works because you won’t even know it’s there. You’ll create a document on your desktop computer at home. When you get to work, you start up your laptop and that document is ready to go.

There are many other online tools that I use on a regular basis. These are the three that I’ve either recommended or help set up more than any other app in recent memory. I don’t work for these companies, but I know a good service when I see one.