If you use Gtalk which is the instant messaging service developed by Google, then you have two different options in how you can use it. Whichever one you choose to use, having two option can be helpful at times.
The two option you have are the online version which is available when you log into your Gmail account (Google’s email servie). Or your can download the desktop version and access Gtalk without having to log into your Gmail.
To help you understand the difference, I thought it would be good to share with you some of the capabilities of each version. See …read more

PimpYourWork.com
You’ve installed them all – Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Skype, Google Talk, etc. Now, if you’re very popular (or you just have annoying contacts) you find that you get interrupted by instant messages constantly. Some of the messages are essential, while others can wait. How do you filter out the distractions while remaining accessible for emergencies?
Take advantage of selective invisible or stealth modes.  Most instant messengers allow you to selectively block contacts from seeing you. Use this feature as much as possible. While you’re working, temporarily block out your annoying cousin, while remaining visible to your …read more

I saw this a few days ago and have held off writing about this Skype for Blackberry app until I had some time to play with it:
IM+ for Skype Software by SHAPE Services is a mobile client for Skype Software. It enables voice and text communication with other Skype users as well as cost-effective calling to landline or mobile connections. IM+ for Skype Software uses SkypeOut credits for voice communication ensuring cost- effective calls to any number around the globe. For users of Skype Unlimited plan (only USD 29.95 per year) IM+ enables almost free calling from a BlackBerry smartphone …read more

Twitter is hot among us bloggerati, geekerati, digerati, etc.  All day long I get “tweets” (a message in Twitter) from my friends and other information sources (like CNN and the BBC).  Before I get into how you really can use Twitter in your business life, let me explain it (if you don’t know about it).
Twitter is a site/service where you send messages (max 140 characters).  The messages can be submitted via the web, SMS, IM, or some third-part clients.  They are received in the same way.  People add you as a “friend” or “follow” you and receive your tweets as …read more

Yep, I’ve been trying to do more with my Berry lately.  In fact yesterday I was in Victoria and had to drive all over looking for an apartment to rent.  Man did Google Maps come in handy.  Let’s see, okay I’m here and I need to get to this address, map it for me.  You know, it was pretty darn accurate.  I know Victoria pretty well so I knew when Google might be off the mark, I followed their directions and they were bang on.
Anyway the other thing I’ve been hunting for is a free MSN client for my Berry.  …read more

Gina on LifeHacker tells you how to encrypt your IM conversations using the universal IM client Gaim.  It’s simple, easy and … both of you need to be using Gaim for it to work.  I have a love-hate relationship with trying to encrypt IM.  I think one reason that I like Skype is that everything is just encrypted by default, I don’t have to think about it or do anything.
The next question is, do you need to?  Ah a long philosophical discussion there.  Let’s just say that if you really, really feel that your IM needs to be secure all …read more

I live and die by IM.  I have it open all the time.  I even have it on my Blackberry (Gtalk).  Now, there is some etiquette to IM.  Yes, really.  No, I’m serious, there is.  Sometimes people don’t follow it (sometimes I’m even guilty of it), but there is one.  Recently there was a parody post about IM (non)etiquette, but DownloadSquad refers to an article from my old friend Stowe Boyd (another Boston boy, BTW) who takes the parody and puts the real stuff to it.  Funny there are somethings that the parody author doesn’t like that he (and I) …read more

Another good post from WebWorkerDaily.  They list the core tools for distance collaboration.

Email
Phone
Text chat
VOIP
Web Conferencing
Document collaboration
Group online document sharing
Wiki
Shared calendars
Message forums
video chat

No doubt that these are extremely important.  I use all of them, except for wikis.  No doubt as well that video and web conferencing has made use strides since I first tried them in 2000.  I think there should be some other things that are important.  I think there is a mental toolkit you need.  You need independence, mental toughness, a get-it-done (even in you PJs) attitude.  You also have to take risks.  Big risks.
How about you?
Tags: web worker …read more