With the recent changes to the Facebook profile, it was a certainty that the way certain programs, websites and apps interacted with the social media giant would change as well.  The online world is moving to a space where people share what they’re doing, where they’re doing it and who they’re with.  Music super-app Spotify is following this creed and allows you to connect with your Facebook account so you can share what you’re listening to with your Facebook friends and see what they’re listening to.  Rather than posting these updates to your wall, they’re posted to your activities and show up almost like little news blurbs such as:

• Greg created the “Remember the 90′s? They Were Awesome!” playlist
• Greg listened to “The Touch” by Stan Bush

But what if you don’t WANT your friends to know what you’re listening to?  Never fear… if you want to keep your Britney Spears obsession under wraps, there is a quick and easy way to turn off this setting so you can once again enjoy your Justin Bieber, Nickelback, Def Leppard or [insert your guilty pleasure here] without getting ridiculed by your friends. Read the rest of this entry

LinkedIn is an outstanding tool from a business networking perspective.  While it’s often referred to as “Facebook for adults” it really is much more than that.  When used properly it can be a great sales and marketing asset and it’s absolutely invaluable from a networking perspective.  Here’s  the FastWebUpdates take on Building Your LinkedIn Network.

With any networking relationship, you typically get as much out of it as you put into it.  With that understanding I personally always will go out of my way to help others whether through and introduction, sharing of best practices or providing constructive feedback.  LinkedIn offers some incredible tools to assist in networking, one of which is called “Get introduced through a connection.  This feature allows you to (potentially) get connected to someone who’s not in your network through someone who is. Read the rest of this entry

As reported yesterday, HP (http://www.hp.com/) has announced their intent to exit the personal computer Business.  This move comes as the company struggles to stay relevant in the ever dynamic consumer products marketplace.

For years, HP has attempted to build upon its successful printer business by acquiring other consumer product companies such as Compaq and (most recently) Palm.  The move to now exit those businesses is a win for Apple computer with its hugely successful iPhone and iPad products which have been competing with HP’s Palm Pre and the just released HP TouchPad.  Another big winner is Dell who is already the leading PC manufacturer.  Based on HP’s exit, Dell can only expect to continue to  gain market share. Read the rest of this entry

You’ve got password protection on everything from your office computer to your microwave.  Between updating your Facebook status, checking in with your friends, paying bills, texting (hopefully not while driving) and talking, your cell phone has become an extension of your arm.  You make very sure to keep your computer locked down… how about your phone?

I’ve noticed more than a few smart phone users that don’t take the time to lock their cell phone.  While it may seem like a nuisance to enter a 4 digit code before you are able to make a call or check your email, take a minute to think about how your use your phone.  Have you ever REALLY thought about the information stored within? Read the rest of this entry

If you’re online you’ve got passwords. In all likelihood you’ve got multiple passwords you need to remember.  If you’re like me you’re “logging in” to everything from your office computer to your microwave.  While it may be difficult to remember all of the different username / password combinations you should really resist the urge to have simple, easy to guess passwords.  Here’s yet another reminder.   Read the rest of this entry