Since 1997, I have had varying degrees of a digital life (starting with email, gURL.com and Yahoo chat rooms). As we sell and pack our belongings, my digital life has exploded. Pictures, music, diaries, finances. Nothing is sacred. The best part? Most of the programs are free or very low cost for advanced features. Here are my favorite programs.
Journaling
Aside from books, this has been the hardest to turn digital. I love paper, and I love writing. But I couldn’t keep up with my journals, and was constantly losing my journals or starting a new one without finishing the pages.
Blogs
I started my first blog five years and have never looked back. I can’t imagine not having a blog now, although I think I would have more time for real life after the initial withdrawal period was over. I really love micro-blogging through Twitter because of the quick access. I can easily share a link or a quick thought without any effort, and it’s much less invasive than forwarding. I prefer Tumblr and Blogger for my personal blogs (because they are so easy to use), and WordPress for anything more design heavy .
Diary
I maintain the guideline that there are things too personal for your blog. Not everyone should be able to see your deepest and darkest thoughts. Even Heather Armstrong and David Sedaris edit before publishing for the world to see. I use Open Diary because it’s easy, and I don’t quite trust WordPress (the publish button is so easy to just press). I need a venue to be completely honest, even if I’m only typing “SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT.” I’m anal enough to have turned my handwriting into a font, and will print out the diary at the end of the year in my own handwriting.
Keepsakes
Digital Scrapbook
Because we are moving, and can’t keep all our ephemera and interesting things with us, we are scanning or photographing everything we possibly can and creating a digital scrapbook for our enjoyment. It’s been amazing scanning in all those old 35mm pictures and movie stubs. It’s a walk down memory lane that I have enjoyed immensely. I use WordPress (installed on our website) because it is so versatile.
Anne K talked about Picasa albums in her article “INSERT TITLE”, and I fully agree with the awesomeness that is this program. Fully integrated with my computer, web albums, Blogger and Facebook. What more could you want or need in a photo program?
We started using this service after seeing the amazing albums produced by brides for their wedding albums and by friends for family trips. After using their program and ordering the books I could not be happier. When a digital scrapbook is completed (by year), a Blurb book will be purchased.
Online Communication
I have no idea what my introverted life would look like without online communication options. I have a tendency to cave in and avoid direct human interaction. In fact, I am typing this from my dining room table with my headphones on, watching our neighbors come and go through the front window. I smile and wave, no need for conversation.
This is hands down the best email program I’ve ever used. I have compulsive new program signing up disease (convinced each one will be the answer to all my woes), so I’ve used most email programs and can say with confidence that Gmail is amazing. I have yet to run out of room (have used 45% of ).
I started using this account after MySpace annoyed me one to many times. I love the clean and simple design, as well as the ease of use. 80% of my family is on the program as well, so it’s an easy way to stay updated on their lives. I’m also in touch with high school and college friends with whom I have lost touch and had no hope of finding!
We pay $60 per year per line. This gives us the capability to call US numbers as well as have a local number for our family and friends to call. I’ve had several family members and friends move internationally that have used Skype and it has been extremely convenient. I don’t think I’ll ever use a typical home phone or cell phone again.
Record Keeping
After signing up for six different financial services, I still prefer Mint. I can log on and get a complete financial picture as soon as my accounts update. They also keep a pretty good blog for financial information and add new features on a regular basis.
Another product from Google I couldn’t live without, especially on projects that require input from multiple people. We keep our checkbook register and daily budget on Docs and easily update within a few minutes.
Music
An amazing free program that is so good I would pay for access. I have several stations and use it almost daily. It is perfect for the music that I’m addicted to but don’t want to purchase (hello Lady GaGa!).
For the music I have to purchase and have on hand, I use iTunes. It really is the only option for music purchases and sharing. I would say it’s so easy my mom can use it, but she’s pretty web savvy.
Books
This is the only part of my life where I have completely avoided digitizing (excluding a few electronic copies of books that were free). I can’t quite bring myself to purchase a Kindle or new Apple Touch. I simply love the feeling of holding a book in my hand and turning the pages. Our move to Nicaragua is forcing my hand, as I can’t bring many books with me. I’m thinking I’ll go with the Kindle as the Touch is a little too small to enjoy reading on it.
Security
Because of the volatile nature of computers, I back up any documents we keep on our computers routinely through iDrive and our own external hard drive. We also have copies of important documents in a fireproof safe (soon to be transferred to a safety deposit box). I also change my passwords and usernames frequently, and have about seven currently in use. I’ve done my due diligence to protect everything. The only account I’ve had problems with is eBay.
