Try Google Voice

  If you haven't heard of Google Voice, let me fill you in. In 2007, Google purchased a company called Grand Central Communications. It began in beta for select users by invitation only, I was a beta tester and have been using it ever since.  Google Voice is a great program that allows you to obtain a telephone number, which you can the forward to any other phone number. You can also setup unique voice mail greetings for each person that you have added to your contact list. You can also set it up to bounce annoying people straight to voice mail everytime they call, or just block them all together. You can receive text messages via Google Voice as well as many other cool features. It is really easy to use and packed full of features. Google Voice just became open to the public so go and set up an account. Have a question? email me anytime at thecommongeek@gmx.com I will be glad to help. Here is a video to explain more:

Cloud Servers

  I have been checking out some cloud servers and decided to give Rackspace a try. Rackspace is a great solution for cloud servers and cloud back-up for your important files. The setup was really easy and I received a phone call within minutes of setting up my account for validation purposes.
  Within minutes I had a Windows Server 2008 instance up and running for just pennies per hour. If you are not familiar with cloud servers, then you might try Cloud Files, which is a great backup solution for your irreplaceable files. I just finished uploading some files via Rackspace Cloud Files and it was simple and very fast. I highly recommend Rackspace Cloud and look forward to using my new account.
  Got a question? email me at thecommongeek@gmx.com I would be glad to help.

Nook- e-reader

This past weekend I received a Barnes & Noble Nook e-reader from my awesome wife for Father's day! I love it!
I have the 3G model which just dropped in price today from $259 to $199! If you are looking for a great e-reader, I highly recommend the Nook. So far I have no complaints. It has a Beta version of a new web browser which works ok if you just really need to check your email or something simple. It has a great battery life and a great screen. I have read for several hours and didn't experience any eye strain. Check one out Barnes and Noble NOOK ebook reader

Great Cloud Storage

  If you are looking for cloud storage, I have a great solution that is very easy to use. Wuala gives you 1 Gigabyte to start, then you can either buy more or trade some of your local hard drive space for space in the cloud. Wuala is safe and encrypted, as well as accessible from anywhere you have an internet connection.
 For more information, checkout their site at Wuala

  There is also a clip of this software in episode 718 of Hak5

Yawcam

Have you ever been at work and just wished that you could check on your home or pet from time to time? I have just the solution, and it's FREE! There is a great program called Yawcam that allows you to access your pc webcam from any browser.

It also allows you to set the camera on motion detection so that if there is any motion within the camera's view, it will take a snapshot. Yawcam can be setup so that the snapshot taken will then be forwarded to an email address, or cell phone address.

I have been using this software for about a year and I love it! You may need to do some port forwarding if you find that you are having trouble accessing the cam from an external computer not on your local network. If you have any questions about port forwarding, checkout portforward.com