Questions you want answered.

LarryC wrote:

I have Dropbox, Skydrive, Google Drive, and now Trello as well (thanks for the suggestion!). Trello looks a tad too complicated for casual file transfer use. You have attach it to cards and stuff. With the other cloud services, there's a folder on your directory and you just save the file there, which is what you would have done anyway. All the finagling is done by the app behind the curtain.

Google Drive is the most convenient for group document projects because it links directly to Google Docs which allows you to make document changes directly to the cloud. Hosts comments and cloud undos as well. It syncs to the Google Account as well. Not sure how it interacts with Instant Upload and G+. I'll have to find someone to explain that to me.

As an overseer on a project, I would use Trello to keep everyone on the same page, but host the meat-and-potato files on Dropbox or Google Drive.

I used to have SugarSync and Box but their management protocols were just too unwieldy.

The bolded part is what I imagine. Right now Trello would be too confusing for who is involved and the level we're working at. I think for right now DropBox is the best but if there is another project I may switch to Trello or Google Drive.

Thanks a lot guys!

LarryC wrote:

I have Dropbox, Skydrive, Google Drive, and now Trello as well (thanks for the suggestion!). Trello looks a tad too complicated for casual file transfer use. You have attach it to cards and stuff. With the other cloud services, there's a folder on your directory and you just save the file there, which is what you would have done anyway. All the finagling is done by the app behind the curtain.

Google Drive is the most convenient for group document projects because it links directly to Google Docs which allows you to make document changes directly to the cloud. Hosts comments and cloud undos as well. It syncs to the Google Account as well. Not sure how it interacts with Instant Upload and G+. I'll have to find someone to explain that to me.

As an overseer on a project, I would use Trello to keep everyone on the same page, but host the meat-and-potato files on Dropbox or Google Drive.

I used to have SugarSync and Box but their management protocols were just too unwieldy.

Yeah I completely forgot to mention Google Drive, which gives you 5GB at the start compared to 1GB for Dropbox. Also, if you actually run out of space on Google Drive, it's cheaper to buy storage with Google than with Dropbox.

I note you've settled on Dropbox, but figured I'd add my comments about GDrive anyway.

Citizen86 wrote:

Not sure if this should go in one of the more techy threads, but I'm looking for an online back up solution for company. Some details:

4 users, might go up in the future. Around 300-500gb we would like to have backed up, but with space for 1-2tb in the future.

We need some more functionality than the straight backup solutions. Automatic backups of specific directories is great, and I would much prefer that than manual FTP uploads. But the thing is, we would like the ability to share files online with each other. Obviously something like Dropbox, but without needing to sync and unsync files you don't want on your computer indefinitely.

Anyone come across a small business type system that sounds like it could work for us?

Needy guy here, but there's a bunch of talk about cloud storage. Anyone got any thoughts on this question up here?

avggeek wrote:
LarryC wrote:

I have Dropbox, Skydrive, Google Drive, and now Trello as well (thanks for the suggestion!). Trello looks a tad too complicated for casual file transfer use. You have attach it to cards and stuff. With the other cloud services, there's a folder on your directory and you just save the file there, which is what you would have done anyway. All the finagling is done by the app behind the curtain.

Google Drive is the most convenient for group document projects because it links directly to Google Docs which allows you to make document changes directly to the cloud. Hosts comments and cloud undos as well. It syncs to the Google Account as well. Not sure how it interacts with Instant Upload and G+. I'll have to find someone to explain that to me.

As an overseer on a project, I would use Trello to keep everyone on the same page, but host the meat-and-potato files on Dropbox or Google Drive.

I used to have SugarSync and Box but their management protocols were just too unwieldy.

Yeah I completely forgot to mention Google Drive, which gives you 5GB at the start compared to 1GB for Dropbox. Also, if you actually run out of space on Google Drive, it's cheaper to buy storage with Google than with Dropbox.

I note you've settled on Dropbox, but figured I'd add my comments about GDrive anyway.

I'll probably end up switching to Google Drive soon. The file size should remain what it is but if it grows I'll make the switch.

Citizen86 wrote:
Citizen86 wrote:

Not sure if this should go in one of the more techy threads, but I'm looking for an online back up solution for company. Some details:

4 users, might go up in the future. Around 300-500gb we would like to have backed up, but with space for 1-2tb in the future.

We need some more functionality than the straight backup solutions. Automatic backups of specific directories is great, and I would much prefer that than manual FTP uploads. But the thing is, we would like the ability to share files online with each other. Obviously something like Dropbox, but without needing to sync and unsync files you don't want on your computer indefinitely.

Anyone come across a small business type system that sounds like it could work for us?

Needy guy here, but there's a bunch of talk about cloud storage. Anyone got any thoughts on this question up here?

I know that Legion & PXA are big fans of Crashplan - you might want to PM them for more details, but it seems like Crashplan for Business has most of the features you are looking for, with the exception of sharing files with different users.

Might also want to give Mega.co.nz a look for personal cloud storage use. 50gb free accounts, apparently lots of encryption. No desktop app for easy syncing though (yet).

avggeek wrote:
Citizen86 wrote:
Citizen86 wrote:

Not sure if this should go in one of the more techy threads, but I'm looking for an online back up solution for company. Some details:

4 users, might go up in the future. Around 300-500gb we would like to have backed up, but with space for 1-2tb in the future.

We need some more functionality than the straight backup solutions. Automatic backups of specific directories is great, and I would much prefer that than manual FTP uploads. But the thing is, we would like the ability to share files online with each other. Obviously something like Dropbox, but without needing to sync and unsync files you don't want on your computer indefinitely.

Anyone come across a small business type system that sounds like it could work for us?

Needy guy here, but there's a bunch of talk about cloud storage. Anyone got any thoughts on this question up here?

I know that Legion & PXA are big fans of Crashplan - you might want to PM them for more details, but it seems like Crashplan for Business has most of the features you are looking for, with the exception of sharing files with different users.

I'll ask them about it but sharing files with different users is the main feature I need. I'm just working on a small side project and I'd like Bonnonon to take a look at it.

Vrikk wrote:

I have a speech impairment that is hereditary in all males on my father's side. It can be classified as a hesitation or studder. It comes and goes in spikes. It has really started to affect me in the past year, but it's mainly due to my increase in school and job responsibilities, so it's probably due to stress. I've had it my whole life, and I've found ways to counteract or avoid words or phrases that I know I have problems with.

HOWEVER, I have always been worried that it negatively impacts first impressions - especially during job interviews. How can I handle this? I don't want to put a disclaimer on my resume, or have to send follow up emails after every interview I have, but I would really hate if I have missed/will miss valuable opportunities because the recruiter thought I was nervous when really it's just something I can't fully control. I'm a good employee - I know I am. I just want my full potential and value to show through before a door has closed.

Thoughts?

I have a very mild stammer/stutter that only really becomes pronounced when I'm upset, nervous, tired, distracted, or inebriated. I know which word-sounds to avoid saying together, and instead of trying to say the word I'm stuck on, I switch gears and use a different turn of phrase to avoid people noticing the hitch. I used to be much worse, but as a kid part of the school day involved a few hours a week with the speech therapist with some other kids from other classes and that seemed to help a lot.

For interviews, I say it up front. Usually with a confident, relaxed, friendly smile in my face and tone. It reduces it to a non-issue, and we carry on to the important stuff. By dismissing it outright, everyone in the room (especially yourself) knows it's something to overlook because there are more important things to focus on. Also, it helps keep you out of that stutter-->embarrassment-->stutter more-->further embarrassment spiral.

Anyone have any experience of immunotherapy for allergies? I developed a pretty serious cat allergy a while back when a friend and her cat stayed with us. It turned into full blown asthma which has now died down a little.

I helped move my (cat owning) mother-in-law's sofa the other day while I had a cold and, despite having popped an antihistamine beforehand, I immediately started getting a bad reaction. It's now been over a week and it's not getting any better, plus all my old allergies (dust and mildew) are hypersensitive at the moment.

I'm busy trying to pack the flat and move countries here and I'm absolutely sick of being snotty, exhausted, and wheezy. I know there's some new-wave cat allergy shots currently in phase 2. Does anyone have any experience with any of the other types?

Amoebic wrote:

For interviews, I say it up front. Usually with a confident, relaxed, friendly smile in my face and tone.

I would think this is the best way to go about it. Mention it, so if it does happen, they're not surprised, or think you're nervous or hiding something. You don't hear someone with a stutter every day (unless you work with someone who has it), but I would assume everyone in North America knows what it is. Not something that should get in the way of an interview, but don't want any misunderstandings either.

avggeek wrote:

I know that Legion & PXA are big fans of Crashplan - you might want to PM them for more details, but it seems like Crashplan for Business has most of the features you are looking for, with the exception of sharing files with different users.

Thanks. I use Crashplan for my personal work stuff, it works well for a backup. I'm looking at a few options, there's someone I talked to relatively locally who is going to send us a few options, and I'm interested in giving Box.net their 14-day trial.

Maq wrote:

Anyone have any experience of immunotherapy for allergies? I developed a pretty serious cat allergy a while back when a friend and her cat stayed with us. It turned into full blown asthma which has now died down a little.

I helped move my (cat owning) mother-in-law's sofa the other day while I had a cold and, despite having popped an antihistamine beforehand, I immediately started getting a bad reaction. It's now been over a week and it's not getting any better, plus all my old allergies (dust and mildew) are hypersensitive at the moment.

I'm busy trying to pack the flat and move countries here and I'm absolutely sick of being snotty, exhausted, and wheezy. I know there's some new-wave cat allergy shots currently in phase 2. Does anyone have any experience with any of the other types?

Not sure about those, but my dad thinks rather highly of Singulair (montelukast) for treating allergy symptoms (he's a pulmonologist). It might be prescription only though, not sure.

I did Ye olde immunotherapy for cats, and now happily live with two.

Tanglebones wrote:

I did Ye olde immunotherapy for cats, and now happily live with two.

Here's a perfect non sequitur: Has anyone ever called you Bangletones? Cause I totally do in my head all the time

Dakuna wrote:
Tanglebones wrote:

I did Ye olde immunotherapy for cats, and now happily live with two.

Here's a perfect non sequitur: Has anyone ever called you Bangletones? Cause I totally do in my head all the time :)

Yup.

Chairman_Mao wrote:

Might also want to give Mega.co.nz a look for personal cloud storage use. 50gb free accounts, apparently lots of encryption. No desktop app for easy syncing though (yet).

I would strongly recommend against this. Mega is the rebranding and relaunch of MegaUpload, and the "lots of encryption" ... isn't.

Chairman_Mao wrote:
Maq wrote:

Anyone have any experience of immunotherapy for allergies? I developed a pretty serious cat allergy a while back when a friend and her cat stayed with us. It turned into full blown asthma which has now died down a little.

I helped move my (cat owning) mother-in-law's sofa the other day while I had a cold and, despite having popped an antihistamine beforehand, I immediately started getting a bad reaction. It's now been over a week and it's not getting any better, plus all my old allergies (dust and mildew) are hypersensitive at the moment.

I'm busy trying to pack the flat and move countries here and I'm absolutely sick of being snotty, exhausted, and wheezy. I know there's some new-wave cat allergy shots currently in phase 2. Does anyone have any experience with any of the other types?

Not sure about those, but my dad thinks rather highly of Singulair (montelukast) for treating allergy symptoms (he's a pulmonologist). It might be prescription only though, not sure.

I did immunotherapy for allergies back when I was a kid. I had fairly crippling Hay Fever problems which led me to be allergic to just about everything. It took a few months and it's a pain to do shots every day, but in the end, it helped a lot. I think I went on a diet at the same time, too. I had to cut out dairy and a few other things for awhile. I really have any allergy problems anymore. I'd say it's at least worth talking to an allergist to.

By the time I was 18 or so, I really only had to deal with mild hay fever (a lot of that has to do with living in the Willamette Valley), and it's stayed that way.

McIrishJihad wrote:
Chairman_Mao wrote:

Might also want to give Mega.co.nz a look for personal cloud storage use. 50gb free accounts, apparently lots of encryption. No desktop app for easy syncing though (yet).

I would strongly recommend against this. Mega is the rebranding and relaunch of MegaUpload, and the "lots of encryption" ... isn't.

Seconded.

Paging Minarchist and other well-informed audio-heads!

My fancy-pants new hi-fi receiver supports Airplay (seamlessly) and network-play (with an almost unusably clunky interface through the TV).

Playing low-bitrate mp3s that I ripped about 8 years ago when storage capacity was tight makes me a wee-bit sad. So I'm considering re-ripping my favorite albums to a lossless format, given that 80% of my laptop's TeraByte drive is sitting idle.

Question the first: am I kidding myself that streaming a lossless format over wifi will preserve the audiophile qualities of the music? I'm running an 802.11n router, so bandwidth shouldn't be an issue, right?

Question the second: is ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) a no-no? Given that Airplay is likely to be the way music gets to the speakers, it seems like the obvious choice, being native to iTunes, over FLAC (for instance).

Jonman wrote:

Question the second: is ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) a no-no? Given that Airplay is likely to be the way music gets to the speakers, it seems like the obvious choice, being native to iTunes, over FLAC (for instance).

ALAC is perfectly acceptable over FLAC. It's now open source (wasn't initially). If you rip it to ALAC now, you can always switch to FLAC later if you need to for some reason without any information loss. You could also go with FLAC now and switch to ALAC later without any information loss.

Edit: As to the first question, I don't know much about airplay. I was under the impression that it's just basically sending the file to whatever device is going to be playing it, so in that respect, you aren't losing any information. I believe it's much different than say, most wireless headphone technologies.

There might be issues with bitperfect audio and whatnot, but you probably don't need to worry about that.

All of my lossless is ALAC. Have you considered just using iTunes Match to update all of your music to 256kbps? Easier than re-ripping.

McIrishJihad wrote:
Chairman_Mao wrote:

Might also want to give Mega.co.nz a look for personal cloud storage use. 50gb free accounts, apparently lots of encryption. No desktop app for easy syncing though (yet).

I would strongly recommend against this. Mega is the rebranding and relaunch of MegaUpload, and the "lots of encryption" ... isn't.

Stop foiling my attempts to steal all your datas.

Time to ask another question about my landlord situation!

Ok, so to recap: landlords have not asked for more money from me because my girlfriend is staying with me half of the time until we get our own place in about 2-3 months.

HOWEVER, on this month's rent check I see where they wrote on it "partial payment" when they cashed it in. I now feel that they are being extremely passive aggressive, and are not planning on telling me they are charging me more, or how much, until I move out.

After doing some quick back of the envelope math, they should AT MAX be able to charge me $150 for her 1 1/2 months of staying with me since the only thing they use of theirs is water for a daily shower and twice-a-week laundry.

Thoughts? Should I confront them? I really want to use them as a reference when I get my own place, and I always pay on time and have been a stellar tenant, but if they are going to be d*cks about this and not say anything firm to me beyond asking questions like "how long are you staying here?" then I'm taking the aggressive approach and not playing this stupid game because they don't have the fortitude to be firm about something.

I would not depend on them for a reference at this point.

Definitely ask them about the partial payment... they are setting you up to lose your deposit at best, and owe them more at worst. Did they tell you how much your new rent amount is? If they didn't, how are you supposed to pay it?

Sadly you don't get to tell them how much to increase it... if you don't like their answer, you move. But waiting a couple months until you move lets them make it huge, add late fees, etc. CYA because honestly it sounds like they're short on cash and plan to use you to make up the difference.

Actually, after talking to the Baltimore tenancy board I was told that they cannot price gouge me simply because they want to. At most, they can legally say I need to pay what my girlfriend is using of their household resources, which as stated is extra water and a little bit of electricity.

And I do agree they are probably short on cash. They don't have full time jobs. Or if they do, they are always working from home (which is unlikely).

Oooh, you have functional landlord-tenant guidelines! That will make everything easier. Hopefully they can backstop you if your landlords get (more) stupid about this.

At least in MA, you have to be notified, in writing, 30 days ahead of any rent changes if you are month-to-month. Unless they time it perfectly, you usually wind up with two rent periods at your old rate before the change should go into effect.

And as clover mentioned, if they've never notified you (especially in writing) of a change, how are you going to know that there's been a change?

McIrishJihad wrote:

And as clover mentioned, if they've never notified you (especially in writing) of a change, how are you going to know that there's been a change?

Exactly! I expect they were just going to dump it all on me once I moved out and got my security deposit back, and use the excuse of I didn't give them enough of a notice to re-organize the bills since I'll have another person living with me part time.

Does it make sense? No. They should have still told me that they want more from me.

This is why I only rent in larger buildings owned by soulless corporations now.

I think the only smaller place I lived previously that was totally transparent and hassle-free money/paperwork-wise was the house I shared with a bunch of European grad students and a socialist nonprofit.

Oh, and the tiny place I had in Fort Lauderdale had a cool manager, but the neighborhood was featured on COPS a little too frequently.

Vrikk wrote:
McIrishJihad wrote:

And as clover mentioned, if they've never notified you (especially in writing) of a change, how are you going to know that there's been a change?

Exactly! I expect they were just going to dump it all on me once I moved out and got my security deposit back, and use the excuse of I didn't give them enough of a notice to re-organize the bills since I'll have another person living with me part time.

Does it make sense? No. They should have still told me that they want more from me.

At that point, you've got a really solid small claims case.

They never served you with due notice about a rent change, but wanted to start charging you more, started adding in late fees, and then withheld your deposit.

As long as you have all your paperwork in order, I doubt there's any judge that wouldn't rule in your favor.