Tag Archives: Apple

Facebook Changes (Again) & New Tech Products

With Facebook’s latest algorithm update, it’s less likely that those who have liked your Facebook page will actually see your posts.  Beth Kanter offers many great tips on how to respond.  Maybe it’s wise to spend a bit more time on Twitter, which doesn’t restrict what tweets will appear to your followers.

This week has seen a dizzying array of new products: Windows 8, Wndows RT, Microsoft’s Surface tablet, the Ipad mini and a new full sized Ipad.  As David Pogue points out, Microsoft tries to bridge the desktop/laptop and phone/tablet worlds, but the result is unsatisfying. If you’re happy with Windows 7, there’s no urgent reason to upgrade – there’s also a big learning curve with the new software.  Here’s a comparison between Windows 8 and Windows RT.  As far as tablets, I’m happy with my Google Nexus, which cost only $199 vs. $329 (and up) for the new Ipad mini.

I’ve been using Timely.is for scheduling my social media updates, but that product is going away in mid November.  I’ve already switched to HootSuite, which I was already using for listening and responding to mentions / retweets;  Buffer is also worth a look.

Twitter doesn’t have built in analytics like Facebook, so I’ve been experimenting with tools such as SocialBro, Sparkwise and TwentyFeet,  I’ve also heard great things about Small Act’s Thrive.  What’s your favorite?

I’m working my way through Measuring the Networked Nonprofit – do you have your copy yet?  Listen to a 6 minute interview with Beth Kanter, attend an Nten webinar next week  and read my previous post to learn more about why it’s so important to track your organization’s social media efforts.

Windows Vista – Does Anyone Care?

Five years after the release of Windows XP, its successor Windows Vista has finally arrived.  Does anyone care?  Of course it will come as default on new machines, but otherwise is there any real reason to upgrade?

The purpose of an operating system is to support applications.  With few programs out yet that require the new OS, will anyone really need to upgrade?  More applications are now browser based, so as long as you have an Internet connection, you can access many of the latest programs.  Of course I’m curious about Vista and plan to get a copy of it to judge for myself, but at home and at work I’m happily staying with Windows XP for now.  What’s the best operating system available?  Based on everything I’ve heard, probably Apple’s Macintosh, and it will only get better with a new release planned for this spring.