Chris Pirillo » apps

Are You a Pack Rat?

Chris — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:16:46 +0000

Are You a Pack Rat? is a post from Chris Pirillo

I’ve noticed lately that I seem to save things that most people would simply throw out. I have software that dates back so far, it wouldn’t even install on any computers I currently own. Seriously – some of it is that old! I have cables and cords that won’t fit any plugs. I have clothing that went out of style more than a decade ago. It’s time to face it… I am a pack rat.

However, I just can’t pitch this stuff. There are people who don’t have clothing that I could donate mine to. There are people who have and use older computers, who may be able to use this software. Heck, there might even be someone – some where – who can use some of these damn cords that are lying around!!

My point is, if you’re a pack rat it’s time to clean out. But don’t just throw it all away, guys. Take time to figure out who may really need what it is you no longer want/wear/need. You may just make a big difference in someone’s life, by taking a few moments to donate what you need to get rid of, anyway.

I went through a lot of things today, and wore myself out. I had to take a sanity break to check out what’s going on in our community. It’s a darn good thing I did, or you might have missed out on some of it yourself!

Our downloads team has been working very hard to keep updating the new and hot apps that are available. I hope you’re taking advantage of the savings they’ve found!

Also – the holidays are right around the corner. Our coupon guru is hard at work as well, making sure he’s getting the best and biggest coupons there are! Keep the coupons page bookmarked.. you’ll definitely want to check there often during the next few months!

Air Hockey!

Chris — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:05:44 +0000

Air Hockey! is a post from Chris Pirillo

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I was in the middle of getting my tail kicked on this game when I recorded this game. This is an air hockey game for the iPhone. It’s addictive – even if I’m not any good at it! There are several different air hockey games available, so take your pick. You can play them against the computer, or against friends.

I enjoy playing against myself. It’s quite fun to kick my own ass, seriously! I actually did lose to myself at the end of this video. I told you it was coming!

If you have other cool iPhone Apps and games that you know of, just shoot me an email. I’ll be happy to take a look at it.

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What are Your Favorite iPhone Apps?

Chris — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:59:48 +0000

What are Your Favorite iPhone Apps? is a post from Chris Pirillo

After a photowalking tour of Seattle, my friend Kristin and I started talking about our favorite iPhone apps. She used to work for AT&T, and now… she’s looking for a job (so if you have a lead, be sure to reach out to her):

Quick iPhone OS 3.0 Review

Chris — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:51:00 +0000

Quick iPhone OS 3.0 Review is a post from Chris Pirillo

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I love my iPhone, that’s true. You might remember that I didn’t want to get the iPhone back when it first came out. I’ve eaten mountains of crow since that time, and have now accepted the iPhone into my life as my personal digital savior! iPhone OS 3.0 was recently released, and of course I’ve already upgraded. Is the upgrade worth it? Absolutely! There are so many features (some not even documented) are sitting under the interface!

Some of the awesome new features with this version of the os include cut,copy, paste, a landscape keyboard, spotlight search, voice memo recording, and an improved calendar! There are some small bugs, yes. But those I think are more personal preference, rather than actual bugs. I wanted to let you know the things that I feel are completely outstanding updates.

One of the first things you’ll notice is that Voice Memo app. It is relatively high-quality recordings, and it has a lot of features. You can send these to others, and even edit them if need be.

A lot of smaller tweaks in classic Apps are very welcome. For instance, in Notes you can now swipe and then delete a particular note. It also syncs through Notes back in iTunes. I think it’s cross-compatible with my Exchange account.

You can also have more page open for Apps. You not only have 11 pages, but you can put as many Apps that will fit in your iPhone! I had 300 of them at one point! I used to have to delete them, in order to stay under the threshold allowed. Now I don’t have to worry about it.

Spotlight Search is an amazing addition to the iPhone. Spotlight searches all of your contacts, email, calendars, and notes, as well as everything in your iPod. There really isn’t an App that hasn’t been updated, which is just awesome.

The iPhone no longer auto-corrects swear words! If you want to swear, then by golly you can! This may not seem like a big deal to some people, but to me it is. If I curse, you can believe I meant to. I wasn’t happy that the iPhone wouldn’t let me say the words I intended to say.

All in all, I’m VERY happy with this upgrade. What are your thoughts on the new iPhone os 3.0? Are you using it yet? Do you love it – and why? Do you hate it? If so, uh… have you really used it? No matter, let me know that, as well.

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How to Get Cheap Mac Software

Chris — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 06:12:39 +0000

How to Get Cheap Mac Software is a post from Chris Pirillo

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There’s a myth that there’s no software available for OS X. That is a lie! If you don’t believe me, then check out the MacHeist Bundle. It has a handful of Apps that would be worth around a thousand dollars – but it can be yours for $39!

This year’s bundle features a dozen popular apps, games and utilities that represent the best of the Mac development community. It doesn’t matter if you’re interested in cooking, playing games, or selling on eBay – the MacHeist Bundle has you covered.

MacHeist is again donating part of the proceeds to charity. 25% of each sale will go to a partnering charity of your choice. To date, MacHeist customers have raised over $700,000 for charities around the World. That amount is definitely nothing to sneeze at!

So what do you get in this year’s Bundle? I’m glad you asked! You’ll receive apps such as iSale, SousChef, World of Goo, Kinemac, WorldView and more! Kinemac alone would normally cost you about $300.00! You’re getting these titles and more for only $39.00. You just can’t beat that price.

There aren’t any equivalent bundle programs that you’ll find anywhere. I can’t wait to see what these guys are up to next. I’m looking forward to working with them more, and to helping all of you save money!

If you weren’t able to join us for the official MacHeist Bundle reveal show, you can still watch it on YouTube.

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Do You Like the New Facebook or the Old One?

Chris — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:31:22 +0000

Do You Like the New Facebook or the Old One? is a post from Chris Pirillo

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I have a Facebook account, and I log in every other day or so. I pretty much only log in to add friends, and ignore all App invitations people send me. Some people add only a small group of people they know, and others feel the need to add every person they can find. Apparently, Facebook has undergone a radical transformation, and there are a lot of grumblings as to whether people love or hate it. Andreas from Norway sent me the following email about this exact subject:

Last week, groups against the new Facebook design have been coming out of nowhere. I did a search for groups of people who love the new design, and I found only one group with 25 members. In comparison, there are nearly 700,000 members of anti-Facebook design groups! Do you think this is just hype? Do people hate change that much? Are they being lazy?
For me, I think the new design is anything but bad. It’s much cleaner, and more interactive. Two things I think are really big step ups in the design are:
The chat, is really a step up for the Facebook site. Though people who is visiting Facebook, are probably connected to other chat clients at the same time.
What I really hated with the “old” Facebook, was all the Apps people added to their sites. If you really want to have Apps showing what day of the week it is, or what car you like best, that’s fine. But please… put your Comment Wall at the top!! Thankfully, profile settings have been changed in the new version. The profile has all the latest activities in one line, and the Apps are hidden on a different page.

I have to agree wholeheartedly. I think the new design is fine, and good. Then again, I don’t get hung up on Web design so much that my whole life crumbles if it changes. I quit going to Facebook because of the amount of crap I saw on a constant basis. If I go to someone’s page, I want to see what people are up to, what events they may be going to, and what discussions they’re participating in. I hated seeing all those Apps sitting there, and seeing what Vampire bit who.

We launched two Facebook Apps for Geeks recently. GeeksStream will load all of the latest data right into your Facebook tab. That was created by Wesley. With this one, it will highlight the latest pictures, videos, Groups and even discussions.

The other Facebook App for Geeks is pretty much the same thing, just laid out in a completely different way. This has the 20 latest activities, the latest videos, and the latest forum threads and descriptions. This one is called simply Geeks.

You can add either or both of these Apps to your Facebook profile, in order to help spread the word, and to help keep you connected.

Next Generation Internet Marketing And Home Based Business Store.

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What are the Best and Worst iPhone 3G Apps?

Chris — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:28:58 +0000

What are the Best and Worst iPhone 3G Apps? is a post from Chris Pirillo

Tyler wrote in to tell me of the games and Apps that he wishes he hadn’t wasted his money on in the iPhone App Store. Here is his list:

IBeer or IMilk Really this is just terrible. I brought IBeer but not IMilk. Why would you make an application of this? It was cool to see before the App Store, but not now. Just a waste.
Vector Pong Remember that flash game 3D Pong? But it uses the Accelerometer, and is very hard to control. Don’t get this game!
300 Bowling Wow… just… wow. Here I am, thinking this is a game I can play once in a while just to have fun. The GUI is terrible, and all you have to do is flick your finger. They even had the guts to include a settings menu. And it’s hard to work the buttons!
Level Everyone probably already knows that this is just plain stupid. Why would anyone pay money to use your iPhone as a level? GO OUT AND BUY AN ACTUAL LEVEL!
HangmanSim You are probably wondering how this is a bad game? The words are too hard! I played 4 games quickly: Apostle, Deify, Syllabus, and Prolix. WTF?! The first two are related to religion, and the last two… I don’t even know what they mean! This is not “Hangman”, it’s a language lesson!
Colour Tilt Why is this sort of popular? When you tilt your iPhone, the screen colour changes. Your can draw… but why?
iGotchi So you like to take care of pets? Well this is not the game for you or anyone!
SimStapler Yes, I know this one is free. Still, I’m sorry that I downloaded it. You would think a developer would make a game out of it. Maybe it could be about… STAPLING THINGS!
Myaccount To Go Its expensive, and doesn’t do a whole lot. Save your cash.
Apache Lander Everyone has said it’s bad so I should have taken their advice.
FrisbeeGolf Horrible graphics, and a horrible control scheme. It looks decent at first, but it is honestly the worst thing that I have ever seen. It is a waste.
AirHockey Completely unresponsive.

So now that we’ve seen Tyler’s list, what’s on yours? What are your favorite Apps you have bought and/or downloaded, and why? And… which ones have you gotten that you wish you hadn’t?

Top Ten Portable Applications

Chris — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:18:03 +0000

Top Ten Portable Applications is a post from Chris Pirillo

Hey Chris, I wanted to tell people in your videos and chat my favorite use of Portable Applications. I am now dual-booting Vista and XP, just for the programs that run on XP and barely work on Vista. Instead of installing the programs on both Vista and XP, I’m running the programs off of my 2 gigabyte Cruzer micro usb flash drive. I’ve found some awesome programs that I’ve run smoothly right off the drive. The increasing sizes of these drives makes them more convenient and easy to use. Here are my top 10 recommended portable app’s, in no particular order.

Firefox Easily the most powerful open source browser is also available in portable form. You can even save your bookmarks, addons, and history right to the usb.
NVU Portable Easy Html coding on the road with NVU. Whenever I need to code something in HTML (well hey its better than Frontpage) really quickly.
GIMP Portable Open Source Photoshop-like program. Portable edition helps so you don’t have to install all the stuff on your computer.
Filezilla My FTP client of choice. (And I know Chris recommends WinSCP, but I think they’re all the same.) Runs fast and allows you to upload on the fly.
VLC Great program for watching a lot of Video and Audio formats.
Open Office Similar to Microsoft Office, this document editor has much of the functionality of the expensive Microsoft Office.
7-Zip Unzips many file formats, such as RAR and ZIP
Foxit Reader Instead of using Adobe’s slow and junky PDF reader, use this free (for basic features) one thats fast.
Miranda IM Instant Messaging Program that works with AIM, Jabber, ICQ, IRC, MSN, Yahoo, Gadu-Gadu (I have no idea ask someone else) and more.
Double Killer A simple program that scans your hard drive for duplicates. You can save so much disk space by clearing up those double MP3s.

How to Handle Remote Tech Support

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:30:00 GMT

Using GoToAssist is the easiest way to view and control another person's computer online. Use it to provide instant technical support to family, friends and customers. Start a session with just one click, and instantly connect with the other party.

Network Tools for Windows

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

You need these network tools, no matter which operating systems and networks you have to support. SolarWinds ipMonitor: Affordable Network Monitoring for SMBs. Get turnkey network, server and application availability monitoring with SolarWinds ipMonitor v9.0. This easy-to-use, reliable solution for SMBs delivers out-of-the-box availability monitoring so you always know exactly what's up with Active Directory, DNS, Exchange, FTP, Web, IMAP, MS SQL Server, and SMTP. Download your free trial today. Or, try their totally free tools! And, through 2/29, save 20% when you purchase ipMonitor 9.0.

Get Your Own Web Site

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

Starting at just $3.99/month, web hosting from GoDaddy includes 99.9% uptime, 24/7 support and free access to GoDaddy Hosting Connection, THE place to install over 30 FREE applications sure to help you get the most from your hosting plan and Web site. Enter code CP2 at checkout, and save an additional 10% on any order.

Plus, as a friend of Chris Pirillo, enter code CHRIS7, that's C-H-R-I-S and the number 7, when you check out, and save an additional 10% on any order. Get your piece of the internet at GoDaddy.com.

VMware and Parallels for Virtual Machines

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

It doesn't matter if you're running on Windows or Mac OS X - every power user needs either Parallels or VMware (or both). There's never been an easier way to test software without destroying your primary operating system's stability. Think of how many times you wish you could press a 'reverse' button on your computer. Plus, there's no easier way to try new Linux distributions - see what all the fuss is about. Run Windows in OS X, run Linux in Windows, but the best way to do either is with VMware and/or Parallels.

Coupons for Online Shopping

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:56:13 GMT

This feed is fueled by Lockergnome Online Shopping and Coupon Codes

Before you shop next time, see if we have a coupon first.