4 Online Tools That Make Work Easier

I use a plethora of online and app services on my various devices.  Having said that, I haven't really looked into online productivity applications in a long time, so I figured I'd list some that appeal to me.

1. Mint  When I was looking at online financial software for myself some time ago, I do recall checking out Mint.  I like the idea of the one-stop bill management system, phone integration with apps, etc. It claims free services, but I'll have to investigate further to find out how free it truly is.

2. Thymer Thymer caught my eye with the quote "Project management and task planning for people who hate project management and task planning".  Somehow, I often end up managing projects.  I don't particularly enjoy it, but somebody has to do it.  I'm also not very good at organizing details... this might help in future ventures.

3. MindMeister I used mind-mapping apps on my phone a number of years ago.  I like the idea, but I found I didn't consistently use it enough for it to help me organize my life/projects/bills/etc.  As things get increasingly complex and difficult to track, this might help sort things out.

4. WorkFlowy  The site that referred me to this app described it as "Easy, powerful and non-overwhelming list maker".  Obligations are overwhelming, and I have many of those obnoxious things.  This WorkFlowy sounds comforting.  I'll have to give it a shot.

4 Web Sites I Visit Most Often

 My life is pretty boring these days, so the sites I most often visit aren't too surprising.

1. YouTube.  I use YouTube often, as it has so much content, regardless of what I'm trying to find.
2. Grooveshark.  This site is a great source for music, not unlike Pandora, but with more freedom and accessibility.  
3. COCC.org.  Most my classes involve Blackboard or my college email.  I go to COCC's site almost every day for something.
4.  Netflix.  We don't have cable, so any movies or TV are usually watched online. 

Until recently, Bend weather from NOAA and the Northwest Avalanche Center were my daily sites.  Now I sit at desks, go to school, and watch youtube.

3 Powerful PowerPoint Presentations at TED

1. Will drones save us or destroy us?   The presentation uses a mix of video, stills, texts and animations to keep the viewer visually connected.  It is unsure what software was used, however it is a good use of visual aids.

2. A drone's-eye view of conservation  This presentation has some interesting uses of visual aids that flow very well with the talk.  As he talks, stills are added in a main frame that make his presentation make more sense.   The multiple layers he has within a single frame are very effective, and he uses this throughout.

3. The beauty of data visualization  David McCandless uses visualization charts to show information that is both useful to convey the data, and is also fascinating and fun. 

3 Tutorials Explaining Excel Financial Functions

Lynda.com has a full range of videos explaining financial functions for Excel.  Most are locked, open only to members, but a few are viewable to non members.  This particular video is about principle and interest per loan payments (PPMT and IPMT).  While finances are not an area I am tremendously knowledgeable about, the explanation on how to use the function was clear and concise.

Excel-easy.com has a page explaining Pmt, Rate, Nper, Pv, Fv in a brief graphical tutorial.  It isn't the most clear, step by step tutorial, however I was able to follow along and get their results.  If they provided more explanation between the pictures as to what steps were being taken and why, the results would be much better.

Functionx.com has a tutorial on depreciation functions.  I followed along the first function taught,the Double Declining Balance function.  The directions were simple to follow, with informative text, step by step directions, and images that can be followed.  They have many other functions tutorials in the same format.