My basic software and apps

Frequently, I am asked what software and apps that I use. Here is the basic list:
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I rely heavily on Google’s services, especially email. There is not a better system out there for managing your email, and working across ALL platforms.
Google Apps is used for clients and friends who own their own domain name.
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Google Calendar (shared between Genia and I)
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Keeping up with birthdays or family events plus my work calendar. Genia can also see my work calendar and get an idea of my daily schedule. Of course it also syncs perfectly with our iPhones and iPad and Mac calendar.
This is free and included with Gmail.
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Sharing certain files, pictures, and videos with clients and others. Also, serves as a backup of those files. They can be accessed from your dropbox folder on your Mac, from dropbox.com, or from the iOS app.
Files are encrypted but Dropbox does retain a key for legal / technical purposes.
2GBs of storage free. Above that is paid.
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Works very similar to Dropbox, but provided by Google with 5GBs free. Included with Gmail.
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Use for online collaboration of certain basic text and spreadsheet documents. You can work on documents in real-time with multiple people.
Google Docs is basically a part of Google Drive now.
NOTE: I keep a running list of important inventory items here. For instance, gun serial numbers and descriptions in case of theft. While I trust Google’s services, I DO NOT keep social security numbers here just in case my account is compromised.
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Backup software very similar to Carbonite.com – only with a few better features and less expensive. I use this for backing up EVERYTHING that is important to me.

Data is encrypted very well – and there is an iOS app.
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NMI.com (merchant account needed), Authorize.net (merchant account needed)
Square (free + fees), PayPal (free + fees)
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These are all used for credit card processing. While all of them are not necessary, since I’m in the merchant services business, I utilize depending on how someone wants to pay me – and the service or product that I am being paid for.
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Adobe Creative Cloud – Subscription
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For $50/month I get access to the latest versions of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere – and more. While it is an ongoing monthly fee, it ends up FAR less expensive than purchasing the individual apps. Plus I can use the software on 2 computers (Mac or PC).
This helps with photos, logos, video, and more.
NOTE: The software is downloaded and installed on your computer as normal – it is NOT run from the cloud.
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Even though I use Adobe products quite a bit, I still like the free Picasa software for simple and quick photo management and quick edits.
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Since I switched to a Mac (primarily to better edit video), I have started using Final Cut Pro X to edit most of my videos. It is not free, but great software and has a little more advanced learning curve.
Also, iMovie on the Mac and iOS allows you to easily edit videos right from your iPhone or iPad – and its free. It is great for doing movies and has an easy learning curve.
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While not free, this is the best service out there for managing invoices and clients. Hands down – and the iOS app is very polished too.
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iOS app for scanning in documents, etc. Works great and is a snap to use.
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GoToAssist is used primarily for my remote support for clients. While not free, it is well worth the money if you need to remotely help someone.
Logmein is used by me for maintaining client computers on a constant basic. On many client computers, especially business servers, I will have Logmein and GoToAssist installed for redundancy.
The LogMeIn Ignition app is superb for remotely accessing client computers from an iPhone or iPad or Android phone.