Google Calendar Tips and Gems

I'm pretty sure it's a safe bet that you are using GMail. Given the likelihood, you're probably also using the Google Calendar service too. Well, "using" is probably quite subjective. I mean, I can't actually remember the total number of people I know that don't harness the whole potential of Google Calendar - the shared calendars, the SMS reminders, the additional public calendars. It's quite silly, really. Google Calendar is the de facto calendar application as far as I'm concerned.

I have included a dottotech video below with a few "hidden gems" - I was aware of four of them but never knew about dragging the date picker!

A few quick-fire tips from my side:

Under Calendar Settings

• Add a moon phase to your Google Calendar
• Add friends and contacts Birthday reminders
• Add the weather
• Enable Offline
• Add some Labs!

Enjoy :)

Remote Desktop Protocol via web browser (RDP bypassing site firewall)

Sometimes I have the need to RDP to a remote site but having to file a request with the IT dept. in order to get through the firewall can sometimes delay a quick 5 minute task into a 3 or 4 day task. Just not practical at all!

Thankfully, Ericom has come to the rescue with Ericom Access Now - a web-based "application" that lets you use their site as a gateway to the RDP connection you want. It's obviously not ideal, can slow the process down possibly, and adds a layer of complexity but at least it is an alternative that is (currently) free.

Check it out: http://app.ericomaccessnow.com/ *

Enjoy :)

* PS - I had this installed as a Chrome App on my browser but I am sure you can run it just from the website, although I have not tried this.