Music in the "cloud"

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On Monday, we mentioned that Apple plans to lauch its iCloud service this fall.  Best Buy has recently expanded its UK based "cloud" based music service to the US which will compete with Apple's service.  Cloud-based music services such as Best Buy's Music Cloud, Amazon's Cloud Player and Apple's iCloud allow users to buy and store digital music content in the "cloud" eliminating the need for users to download music to their music players; users can then stream content on the web or via an app on their mobile phone or tablet.

What is the "cloud?"

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Have you been hearing the term "cloud" being tossed around over the past few years and wondered what exactly is this "cloud?!"  Here's a description from Wikipedia:

Cloud computing refers to the use and access of multiple server-based computational resources via a digital network (WAN, Internet connection using the World Wide Web, etc.). Cloud users may access the server resources using a computer, netbook, pad computer, smart phone, or other device. In cloud computing, applications are provided and managed by the cloud server and data is also stored remotely in the cloud configuration. Users do not download and install applications on their own device or computer; all processing and storage is maintained by the cloud server. The on-line services may be offered from a cloud provider or by a private organization.

See more about the "cloud" from:

• Microsoft
• Siemens
• Cisco
• Google
• HP
• Dell
• IBM
• Coming this fall - Apple's iCloud for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

TIP: How to publish your writing as an e-book

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Some novelists, poets, researchers and other writers are choosing to digitally self-publish their works as electronic books or  "e-books."  With the popularity of devices such as Amazon’s Kindle, Barnes & Noble’s Nook, Apple’s iPad, and other e-readers and tablet PC’s, sales of e-books are increasing making this a great alternative to publishing via an established publishing company.  And if you are eco-conscious, some argue that e-books and readers may have a smaller carbon footprint that traditional print books.

Some key things to remember if you are publishing an e-book:

• Take time to edit your work, just as an editor at a publishing company would do.
• Format your e-book file properly before uploading to your e-book vendor for a clean, professional look.  Also, you may have to create different formats (HTML, Word document, PDF, ePub) of your e-book if you use multiple vendors - do research to find out the best format for each vendor.
  • For Microsoft Word files, be sure to remove any headers, footers and page numbers in your file.  Then create a Table of Contents for your file, preferably one that is "clickable" and will take readers directly to a desired section of your e-book.
  • Word documents are not edit-proof and can be transferred to other computers so we recommend that you convert files created in Word to PDF format before issuing as an e-book.  Try Abode's free PDF converter (limit of 5 files) or download a free printer driver such as PDF995 that allows you to print your documents as PDF files.
    • If using Word to publish for the Microsoft Reader format, follow the layout guide, download here and the conversion guide, download here.  You can encrypt your Microsoft Reader e-book file to protect your copyright.
• The quality and capabilities of e-readers varies widely so keep graphics and font styling simple to ensure that all readers can view your content as intended.

Amazon has a great video tutorial on how to publish to Kindle.

The CreativePenn.com offers tips on publishing for the iPad, here.

Check out ABC News’ coverage of authors who have self-published e-books.

 See also:

• Barnes & Noble's PubIt self-publishing platform goes live
• 6 Ways to Publish Your Own Book  - Blurb.com is mentioned as one of the sites that allow you to upload posts from your blog and publish them as a book.
• How Writers Can Turn Their Archives into eBooks
• The Reinvention of Print, One App at a Time
• Friday Project releases e-book ahead of print 
• 200 Bloggers, 200 Books, 56 Publishers And One Hour - On Nov 10, at 1p.m., 200 bloggers will simultaneously publish reviews of 200 books printed on eco-friendly paper to raise consumer awareness about considering the environment when making book purchases.  Participation this year has doubled from 2009.

What's so great about Apple's iPad?

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Curious to know why some think Apple's iPad is so great?  Or maybe you think it's overrated?  Check out PC Magazine's review of the device to learn more then make up your own mind.

Mac vs. PC - an overview

Tweet If you are trying to decide between a Mac and a PC, here are some key facts from ConsumerSearch.com to consider:

Operating systems - Mac's can run Windows but the Mac OS will only run on a Mac.

Price - Mac's may be more expensive to purchase but they come pre-loaded with the iLife suite which offers editing and management of photos, music, videos and other media while PC's tend to come with much more basic software to accomplish these tasks.

• Servicing a Mac is more expensive since many parts are proprietary to Apple so replacements aren't do-it-yourself.

Security - PC's do tend to be more vulnerable to attacks from viruses and malware.  Hackers and cyber criminals target PC's because more people use them (more than 90% of all users run Windows operating systems as of the writing of this post).  Mac users must still be careful of the links that they click on or files they download because they are still at risk of cyber attacks.

Other key facts

• Mac's are better suited than PC's for graphic design, desktop publishing, music production and some science applications.
• PC's are much better suited than Mac's for gaming.

Consider these facts along with your budget and computing needs when next you are in the market for a computer.

See also:

• PC vs. Mac: The Straight Scoop
• In their words: Experts weigh in on Mac vs. PC security - InSecurity Complex - CNET News
• Microsoft keeps Mac vs. PC battle going on Windows 7 website
• Mac vs PC People: Personality Traits & Aesthetic/Media Choices

Learn how to navigate the Mac OS

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New to Macs?  Check out Apple's Switch 101 support page to help you get acquainted with the Mac Operating system.

We also found a great, quick tutorial about the Mac OS on YouTube: