Dropbox Rolls Out New Web Interface
Last Updated on Friday, 9 March 2012 01:23 Written by Alan Friday, 9 March 2012 01:23
Yesterday Dropbox, the popular file storage and sharing web site, announced they were rolling out a brand new user interface on their web site. Dropbox provides free storage for anyone who wants to sign up for an account, as well as giving users the option to pay for additional storage if they need it. I use it to share files with writers and my wife uses it to share homework files with her students.
The new Dropbox UI has been cleaned up and all of the tools are now in an action bar a the top of the screen. The new bar contains the main features that most users need quick access to – download, delete, rename, move, copy, and previous versions. Those same actions are also included in the new right-click menu. The bar is also dynamic, meaning it changes based on what you are doing. ”The new action bar at the top of the screen does it all. Think of it as a multi-tool that adjusts to your needs. You can use it to sort your files by name, date, size, and type. Or, if you select a file or folder, the bar will change to let you perform a variety of actions on your selection.”
There is also now a built-in photo viewer, which is something the web site has previously lacked. You will also now see thumbnail images of all of your Dropbox photos and videos.
In addition, they have also added the ability to drag and drop files, a new search feature, and also a new series of keyboard shortcuts which can be accessed by clicking the “?” button on your keyboard. They are also promising more new features on the way in the coming months.
Dropbox action bar
Dropbox picture viewer
Source: Dropbox Blog
Solar Maximum is Coming – 2 Sites to Find Aurora Info
Last Updated on Thursday, 16 February 2012 05:07 Written by Alan Friday, 17 February 2012 07:00
Many of you in the tech world are probably also science fans, and especially interested in astronomy. 2012 marks the start of the solar maximum, which means increasing activity of sun spots and solar flares. What all of that means is an increase in Aurora activity. In times of high solar activity, like what we are entering, it brings not only more aurora, but it means they are frequently visible further south than what is normal. We tend to think of the Aurora as something generally visible in only the polar regions, but when we reach solar maximum they can become visible in places like Texas, Florida, and many other locals that aren’t used to such light shows.
While we usually focus on technology here, we do love some good astronomy, and this is a great time for it. If you are interested in getting to see the aurora in your own backyard then there are a couple of web sites that you should keep an eye on.
The first is the NOAA Auroral Activity web site. Here you can view maps of the northern and southern hemispheres that are updated daily to reflect current activity. You will see the predicted auroral activity laid out in good detail so you’ll know exactly what to expect, if anything, in your area.
The second is SpaceWeather.com which lays out, in detail, what exactly is going on with the current solar activity. Again, you can see maps showing the likelihood of aurora activity in your area.
3 Good Sources to Track Hurricane Season
Last Updated on Sunday, 24 July 2011 09:59 Written by Alan Friday, 5 August 2011 07:00
With the Atlantic and Pacific hurricane season getting into full-swing, and expected to produce an above average number of storms, this is a good time to look at ways to keep track of tropical weather. If you live in an area where tropical weather can become a factor, then you definitely need to keep up-to-date on the latest developments. That’s why today I wanted to point everyone towards some good sources of news and information about tropical storms.
The Weather Channel’s Tropical Update Center
The Weather Channel, one of the most watched and trusted TV channels, as well a trusted web site, has an excellent page that shows news for both the Atlantic and Pacific basins. The news gives updates of the development of systems, strength of existing systems, and news of their movement. The map also can be switched between such options as Advisories, IR Satellite, storm track, projected path, satellite images of different areas of both oceans (as well the Gulf and Caribbean), and more.
NOAA’s National Hurricane Center
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, better known as NOAA, run the National Hurricane Center. The NHC is responsible for all reporting and investigating of tropical developments – AKA the ones who fly the planes into the storms to get readings. They are also responsible for issuing all watches and warnings.
Their website offers maps of outlooks, active storms, and marine forecasts. There also other maps available depending on the current situation. In addition, they offer season summaries, reports, and tracking charts.
Yes, Google Earth. They have actually added weather information to keep users informed. According to Google “You can also keep track of the current tropical storms through Google Earth, where we’ve made tropical storms part of the “default-on” Earth experience (just make sure “Places” is checked in the left Layers panel).”
They no get you stot only cover the US with Atlantic and Pacific information, but also several other areas where such weather exits, like the Indian Ocean and Tasman Sea.
“In Google Earth, you’ll find information on a storm’s intensity, heading, as well as the latest news and advisory information. Where available, we also provide links to download the historical and forecasted storm positions as a KML file. Be sure to turn on the “Clouds” layer under the “Weather” menu in the left Layers panel to visualize the magnitude of each storm.”
There are three good places started, but I am sure many more exist. If you have, please share it in the comments below.
