Written by Andrew Couts

Backup your files and access them from anywhere with the 5 best cloud storage services compared, including Dropbox, Amazon Cloud Drive, and Windows Live SkyDrive.

The dawn of the cloud computing era is upon us. Each day a new service arrives that moves to decentralize our data. This new way allows us to live unencumbered by the constraints of internal data storage. With these services, never again will you have to say, “Oh, I forgot that on my home computer.” Instead, your most important files, like pictures, videos and music, will be accessible from anywhere. But for the uninitiated user, choosing a quality service can be a daunting task. We’ve rounded up five of the best cloud storage services currently available so you can pick the one that suits your data storage needs the best.

Box

The first thing you notice about Box (formerly known as Box.net) over its competitors is its design, which echoes that of Twitter, Facebook and a wide variety of social media tools out there. “Simple, Secure Sharing,” says the Box website. This service isn’t about storing your resume, it’s about sending it out.

Box offers new individual customers three separate account levels. Like Amazon (below), Box offers a free account version, which provides 5GB of total storage space, and allows users to upload files that are up to 25MB apiece. For 25GB of storage and 1GB file uploads, Box charges $10 per month; the 50GB/1GB option costs $20 per month.

Box also offers a “business” account, which provides 500GB of storage, or an unlimited “enterprise” level account.

Sign-up is simple, and can be done from the Box homepage. Like many services, it does require clicking through a confirmation email to complete sign up.

Box allows users to create private folders, or to easily share files and folders with others: Just click the “share” button, and you’re given a direct link to the file or folder. Uploading files is also simple and straightforward: Drag the files onto the browser window to initiate upload.

In addition to storing files, Box provides a number of applications, like Web Documents and Zoho, an online productivity suite. Box also offers a solid app for the iPad and iPhone, which provides much of the service’s functionality on the go. Users can also connect to an Apple-Air-Print-enabled printer for wireless printing.

Out of all the sites, Box is easily one of the most user-friendly, especially for those who aren’t as familiar with this type of service.

The lowdown: Free 5GB, fast uploads, simple functionality, well-designed site

SOS Online Backup

Far more robust than any of the other options, SOS Online Backup is a serious tool for anyone with a large amount of important data to keep secure.

Unlike other services, SOS doesn’t offer any free storage. Pricing plans start at $9.95 per month or $79.99 per year for 50GB, which is accessible from up to five computers. A 100GB plan costs $99.95 per year. SOS also offers two- and three-year pricing options at discounted rates.

Uploading to SOS can be done in a number of different ways. Classic View allows for the highest level of control, with drag-and-drop options and full-system browsing. Users can also use the SOS wizard, which scans a computer for files that are most often chosen for backup, like pictures, videos and music.

SOS’s Live Protect feature enables users to select particularly important files for monitoring by the SOS system. These files are automatically backed up on the online server to ensure they are never lost. Automatic backups can be scheduled from one daily to hourly, depending on user preference.

Like most other options on this list, SOS sharing is simple, with links generated for specific files or folders. SOS also offers an easy-to-use iPhone app, which can be used to download, view and share files on the go.

The lowdown: Best overall for high-volume back ups, simple sharing and archiving features, no free opti

Dropbox 

Simple but full-featured, Dropbox is one of the best deals for heavy users, and has the functionality to satisfy everyone from tech junkies to Grandma.

Unlike Box, Dropbox requries users download an application to use the service. The app is, essentially, just a folder on your computer where you can place files you want to back up. But it also opens up further functions for easy file uploads.

Once a file is placed in the Dropbox folder, it’s automatically uploaded to the Dropbox cloud. From there, the data is accessible for download through the Dropbox website. Files can be added to Dropbox simply by right clicking, and choosing the “Dropbox” selection, or by dragging the file or folder into the Dropbox desktop icon.

Another handy feature with Dropbox is that uploaded files are monitored by the service. Anytime a file is updated, a new version is saved online. Fortunately, Dropbox tracks all changes made to every uploaded file, and allows users to revert to older version if necessary.

Dropbox also automatically detects photo files, and makes them available in a gallery view, which makes the service a great alternative to Facebook, Flickr, Imgur, or any other photo storage site.

With the Dropbox mobile app, which is available for iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry devices, users can download stored files for easy transport. Photos and video taken with a mobile device can also be easily uploaded to Dropbox straight from the handset. Files can also be easily shared through the mobile app — just type in the recipients’ email address, and click “send.” The Dropbox website also allows for easy sharing.

Dropbox offers 2GB for free, and charges $10 per month for 50GB of storage, or $20 per month for 100GB.

The lowdown: Best deal for users with multiple computers or mobile devices, simple usability, less free storage offered than some other services.

Amazon Cloud Drive

Amazon has long offered cloud storage under the label S3 — but S3 isn’t made for the average consumer. Amazon’s new Cloud Drive, announced just last week, is.

Anyone who has an Amazon.com account is already registered to use the Cloud Drive. All users get 5GB free, right off the bat. Additional storage options are available for the equivalent of $1 per gigabyte: 20GB costs $20 per year, 50GB costs $50, all the way up to 1TB ($1,000).

While any type of file can be loaded onto the Cloud Drive, the service is built to work with the Cloud Player, which makes it possible to stream any music files uploaded to the Cloud Drive from any computer, or from the mobile app for Android-based devices.

For users interested in using the Cloud Player, or anyone who just wants an online locker for their music, Amazon sweetens the deal by offering any music purchased through its site to be automatically downloaded and stored directly in the Cloud Drive for free.

Uploading and downloading files is done through an explorer window, and is fairly easy and stress free. The service isn’t great, however, for large backups, as it is evidentially impossible to upload entire folders without selecting each file individually.

Other downsides include no file-sharing options, the interface is bare-bones, and its privacy features are nearly non-existent, compared to other services.

The lowdown: Works great for the casual user, fast upload and downloads, can be used for streaming music, not great for full backups, no privacy guarantee.

Windows Live SkyDrive

Launched in 2007, this stellar option is one of the best 100-percent free services available. Essentially Microsoft’s answer to Google Docs, Windows Live SkyDrive offers anyone with a Hotmail address or other Windows Live account access to 25GB of online storage at no cost.

Files can easily be uploaded and organized to the users’ liking. Data is stored in either Public, Private or Personal folders, so users can decide who, if anyone, can access the files. Sharing with SkyDrive is as straightforward as any other service, and can be done simply be e-mailing access rights to other users through the site. If they accept the invite, then they have access. The administrator can allow other users editing rights, or mark a file as read-only.

Free access to the Microsoft Office web apps suite serves as one of the biggest bonus perks of using SkyDrive. Through SkyDrive, users can create Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint or OneNote documents without having to pay for the pricey desktop software.

Another added benefit is SkyDrive’s integration with Hotmail, which allows users to send up to 200 photos at a time, without having to worry about pesky attachments or e-mail size caps.

SkyDrive can also be connected with Windows Live Mesh, which syncs photos and videos between a user’s computer and SkyDrive.

The only major downside to SkyDrive is the 25GB storage cap. It’s a great amount to receive for free, but if you’re wanting to backup your entire computer, SkyDrive is the wrong service.

The lowdown: 25GB free, great all-around functionality, Microsoft Office Web apps access, low storage space cap

Bonus: outsmarting a child the old fashioned way

Written by the walrus and the oyster

Lesson 1: Naked Wife

A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, “I’ll give you $800 to drop that towel.” After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob.

After a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 dollars and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks,…

“Who was that?” “It was Bob the next door neighbor,” she replies. “Great!” the husband says, “Did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?”

Moral of the story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

Lesson 2

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, “I’ll give each of you just one wish” “Me first! Me first!” says the administration clerk. “I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.” Poof! She’s gone. “Me next! Me next!” says the sales rep. “I want to be in Hawaii,relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.” Poof! He’s gone. “OK, you’re up,” the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, “I want those two back in the office after lunch.”

Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.

Lesson 3

A priest offered a lift to a Nun. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said,”Father, remember Psalm 129?” The priest removed his hand. But,changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, “Father, remember Psalm 129?” The priest apologized “Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.” Arriving at the convent, the nun went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, “Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.”

Moral of the story: If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.

Lesson 4

A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day. A rabbit asked him,”Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?” The crow answered: “Sure, why not.” So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested.

A fox jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very high up.

Lesson 5: Power of Charisma

A turkey was chatting with a bull “I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree,” sighed the turkey, but I haven’t got the energy.” “Well, why don’t you nibble on my droppings?” replied the bull. “They’re packed with nutrients.” The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, there he was proudly perched at the top of the tree. Soon he was spotted by a farmer, who shot the turkey out of the tree.

Moral of the story: Bullshit might get you to the top, but it wont keep you there.

Lesson 6

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Moral of the story:
1. Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy
2. Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend
3. And when you’re in deep shit, it’s best to keep your mouth shut!

Bonus:Little Jedi girl joins the Dark Side at Disneyland

Written by Natty

So you’ve decided that going to bars kind of sucks.   It’s not that you’re having so many one night stands that you are tired of getting laid all the time.  It’s that you kind of want something more.  So you end up joiningMatch or whatever site you choose and try to meet that special someone.

Little did you know this is an entire world unto itself.  Personally I like online dating as that’s how I met my wife.  It’s easier, cuts out all the bullshit and you can definitely get laid if you want to.  Yay!

But if you are serious about being successful in online dating then I would suggest you follow these five rules….

1. Use an Accurate “Less Good” Picture of Yourself

I can’t tell you how many faux pictures there are out there of girls online.  It’s like they want you to think they’re hot in the picture and then you meet them, see that they’re not and you’re not supposed to care?  Wrong.   What I would recommend is that you get a picture of yourself that is slightly LESS good looking than you are in real life.  That way if they’re attracted to that picture you’re golden on a first date.   Undersell and over deliver.    Don’t do it the other way around.

2. Become a Picture Wizard

Learn the ropes in identifying pictures of the opposite sex.  A couple of key points.   If a girl only posts pictures of her face?  She doesn’t have a good body.  Same with guys.   Look for way too much airbrushing or makeup.    You want pictures with barely any make up because then you’ll have a clearer picture.  You must master picture identification.

3. Learn to be funny on IM

This is your intro folks.  Most likely you’ll be chatting it up with someone.   Using IM conversations is a great way for you to have time to think of what to write.  Don’t screw it up.

4. Be Simple, and Don’t Scare them off

Remember, you haven’t met these people yet.  I’ve had girls tell me they want to get married, have kids, etc etc.   I guess there’s merit in telling the truth right off the bat but wait a couple of dates for that stuff.  It’s really not necessary at the beginning.   Don’t get too deep too fast unless you really click on that first date.

5. For God’s Sake Don’t Lie

Don’t say you’re 5’10 and wind up being 5’0 tall.   HOW in the world do people do this?

Bonus: Do you know the meaning of Alphabetic letter’s?

Written by Steve DiCarlo

College relationships are a pain in the ass on both ends. But while there are lists all over the internet of things college girls wish their men did differently, there are significantly fewer websites which feature requests that college guys have for their women. Girls, hate to break the bad news, but you aren’t without flaws either. Here’s a list of a few things us guys want you to stop doing…immediately. If you want us to change… we expect you to follow suit.

1. Invading Our Privacy

That text your boyfriend just got? It was from his buddy Slappy who is drunkenly texting, whilst humping a telephone pole, outside of the local bar. It wasn’t from another woman. If you can’t trust your boyfriend enough to not ask him “Who was that?” or “Are you talking to that whore from your philosophy class?”, then it won’t be long before he is talking to that whore from his philosophy class. Not every call or text is from a girl, and even if it is, it doesn’t mean he’s fucking her. So seriously, stop asking.

2. Calling Us ‘Cute’

Puppies are cute. So are babies. But guys don’t want to be ‘cute’ – ‘cute’ is the kiss of death. It is basically saying, “Aw, look at you, aren’t you precious!” Why would we wanna hear the same thing from you, that our bat-shit-crazy old aunts say at family reunions. And for heaven’s sake, don’t call our dicks ‘cute.’ They hate that word even more so than we do.

3. Licking Our Ears

I guess I can’t speak for all guys on this, but come on. I’ll never get why girls think this is an acceptable form of foreplay. Ears aren’t cleaned out as often as they should be. Licking them might feel good for a few seconds, but then your tongue just tastes like earwax. Utilize your mouth for something else. There’s no earwax on our junk.

4. Sending Emoticons

Some girls think receiving hearts ( <3 ) and kissy faces ( ;-* ) in text messages is some sort of extreme turn-on for guys. It’s not. In fact, it’s fucking annoying. Use your words. Sexting is awesome (albeit complicated when you get those steamy messages whilst in the middle of a two-hour college class on political science), but only when done correctly.

5. Talking to Our Families Without Us

Every guy wants a girl he can bring home to mom…sort of. But no guy wants his girlfriend to have a better relationship with his mother than he does. Don’t send our families Christmas presents, or call to ask how things are going without consulting us first. This is college; I don’t talk to my parents and neither should you.

6. ‘Testing’ Us

Girls, don’t pretend you’ve never done it. You’ve all pulled the classic “Oh, it’s fine, we don’t have to hang out tonight. Go chill with your friends”, just to later be pissed about it. We’re tested enough in college; we don’t want to deal with that shit when we’re out of class too. Just tell us how you really feel – don’t expect us to know what you’re thinking at all times. If you’d stop being such a secretive, manipulative bitch, maybe we’d actually want to hang with you instead of our boys.

Bonus: Dear Boyfriend

Challenge accepted.

Source

Written by David Harfield

Would you recommend this to your friends?

If you are reading this, stop now. You have stumbled on to an iPhone website that has clearly lost its mind and is telling you reasons why you shouldn’t own the item that it so clearly is obsessed with. Up is down, black is white, left its right and right is wrong, the world has gone mad! Still, as you’re still here, let’s look at the 8 top reasons why you shouldn’t own an iPhone.

1. The Signal Is Terrible

“What? Yeah, I’ll meet you by the Apple Store! By the Apple Store! By the App-! Yeah, the Apple Store, I’ve got to return my iPho-, what? I can’t hea-, no, I can’t hea-, I can’t hear you! F*%k it, I’ll just keep the damn thing!” If this conversation is reminiscient of any exchanges that you may have encountered due to the poor signal strength of the iPhone, you have our sympathy. In some parts of the country, you’d be better with a carrier pigeon.

2. Everybody In The World Has An iPhone And It’s Newer Than Yours!

“OMG, have you seen my new – oh, you’ve already got one. And it’s a newer model. How come, I got mine yesterday?!” iPhones are so prevalent in today’s society that it would be more cool and alternative to have an old Nokia; plus, they are so quickly outdated that you might as well save up for the iPhone 2000.

3. iPhones ALWAYS Crash

Why make app games that are so damn addictive if the screen just crashes on the final level?!!!

4. Android Is Soooo Much Cheaper Than iPhone

By the time you’ve bought the latest model, insured it and kitted it out with the latest accessories, not to mention getting a premium payment plan so that you can let all of your friends know just how cool you are via text, calls and WAP, you could have bought approximately 6 billion Android phones. And they’re pretty similar anyway.

6. The Insurance Excess On An iPhone is $1,000,000

Or something like that.

7. If You Have A PC, installing iTunes Is A Pain In The Ass

Ok, so you’ve bitten the bullet and decided to venture over to Apple for all of your mobile needs; however, you’re sticking with your trusty PC, after all, when’s it ever let you down? No worries, but to run an iPhone on it, you have to install iTunes. Yep, no more playing your music through Windows Media Player, it’s iTunes or nothing for you Mister, and guess what? You’re gonna lose that Tori Amos B-side collection in the switch. (Solution: Get a Mac, loser.)

8. There’s No Flash Support On An iPhone

Oh, this one really takes the biscuit. According to Apple, “the mobile era is about low power devices, touch interfaces and open web standards — all areas where Flash falls short.” Thus, your iPhone and iPad will not show flashing animated banners on any website in Safari, nor will it play the embedded videos on sites like YouTube or Facebook without jumping to the site’s app, which is a royal pain. Ironically, iPhoneAppCafe’s flash advert banners can’t be viewed on iPhones. Sometimes Steve Jobs, just sometimes, you can get a bit too big for your boots!

If you made the grave mistake of already buying an iPhone and are really ticked off with it, check out 10 Most Annoying iPhone Problems (And How To Solve Them!)

If, for some unknown reason, you are really into your iPhone, you may want to look at 10 Warning Signs That You Are Addicted To Your iPhone. May God help you.

Written by visualnews

Last months TED conference featured a moving film about Chinese artist Ai Weiwei highlighting his treatment by the government, social change, the power of social media and Weiwei’s hopes for the future of China. Now he has been detained by authorities which has prompted concern from TED HQ and the global community. Chris Anderson of TED says:

“The film, which was shown as Ai Weiwei himself watched live over the web in the middle of the night, prompted a huge standing ovation from the TED audience.

TED is a nonpartisan, nonpolitical organization, and we understand the Chinese authorities’ concern at anything which might provoke social unrest. But for anyone who believes in the power of ideas, of human imagination, it is heartbreaking to see one of the world’s great artists shackled in this way. We will be tracking developments carefully.”

Watch this video in Youtube