Check Out Google Docs!
By Michael Morse | July 12, 2010
Google Docs can now scan PDFs and image files with Optical Text Recognition (OCR). Most lawyers use Adobe Professional to run the recognition. If you do not have that program, or you are mobile, Google Docs is very helpful. Say opposing counsel sends a settlement agreement, and you need to revise it. Google Docs can convert the document and you can edit away.
Google Docs allows you to quickly and easily create an exhibit, or need to insert a picture into a document. You may rarely need to do this but it’s good to know you can do it online, from any computer.
The major downside to Google Docs is privacy issues. There are three settings, private, anyone with the link, and public. Private allows only you to access the document and is the default setting for all documents. The second option allows anyone with the web address of the document to see it and make revisions. For a law firm, this is problematic. Of course, having unsecured documents on the web can be a disaster. The third option, public, would have little use for a law firm.
Let me know how you like it once you get started with Google Docs.
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Michigan Bans Texting While Driving
By Michael Morse | July 1, 2010
I previously wrote a blog post about Michigan’s new law banning texting while driving. The new law goes into effect today, and should make our Michigan roads safer. We get calls every day from Michigan auto accident victims who were hit and injured by someone who was texting and driving. Check this link for more details including information on fines and using your cell while driving.
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Try Skype!
By Michael Morse | June 17, 2010
Skype is a great service because you can use it on your computer and on your mobile phone. Changes are pending that will make it awesome to use on an iPhone. First, the new operating system will allow multitasking, so you can talk over Skype and run other applications simultaneously. Secondly, you can make Skype calls over the 3G network. That is a huge upgrade, and an awesome feature to have. Plus, your office phone goes where you go. Of course it features videoconferencing and also allows you to use your computer as a phone. With all of these features and flexibility, it’s time to give it a try.
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Social Media Management
By Michael Morse | June 1, 2010
Successful social media campaigns use multiple platforms—Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, blogs, etc. Each platform by itself, does not necessarily take a huge time investment. If you’re trying to manage multiple platforms one at a time, you can spend hours per day updating posts, etc. Outsourcing these tasks is something to consider, or you can try the do-it-yourself approach with a program like Sendible. Sendible can manage several accounts and also allows you to send status updates, emails, blogs and RSS feeds. You might like the flexibility you get with this type of program.
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A Great Alternative To Trips The Post Office
By Michael Morse | May 21, 2010
A great new tool for increasing efficiency is available now. Stop trips to the post office by printing certified mail labels from your desktop, Simply enter the addressee and return address information on SimpleCertifiedMail.com’s website, then print the label. Labels can be printed on standard paper, folded, and placed in window envelopes the company provides. You can also choose to receive an email alert when the return receipt has been delivered. The service costs 35 cents for a #10 envelope. Larger 9 x 12 envelopes cost 50 cents. The company’s website indicates accounts are typically setup like a postage meter.
This is a great alternative to multiple trips to the post office.
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60 sites in 60 minutes
By Michael Morse | April 23, 2010
As many of you know, I attended and spoke at 2 sessions at the ABA Techshow that was held last month in Chicago. It was an amazing show. I am still compiling my notes, and getting ready to speak at MAJ’s yearly conference being held on May 7, 2010. They have asked me to speak on the top 10 technology tools that you are not using. I will put the list on my blog once it is completed. The most popular track at the yearly ABA Techshow is the 60 sites in 60 minutes. The complete list was just posted on their website. I have included a list on the sites here. Enjoy and watch for more posts!
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An Email Alternative
By Michael Morse | March 9, 2010
If you know someone who refuses to use email, try Celery!
All you need is a phone line and a fax connection. Celery is kind of like a beefed up fax machine. If you hate email, your Celery machine will receive them as faxes and print out the message and documents for you. If you want to send something back, just put it back in the machine and it will be sent as an email to anyone you want.
Don’t forget about the ABA Techshow on March 25th-27th! Go to www.techshow.com for more details.
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Techshow 2010!
By Michael Morse | January 11, 2010
I blogged about attending last year’s ABA Techshow in Chicago and told you what an amazing experience it was. The new schedule was just posted and they are now taking reservations for this year’s show. The dates for this year’s show are March 25 through the 27th in Chicago. Take a look at the schedule and the website at www.techshow.com. The show is for beginners as well as those of you who are more advanced. I will be attending and speaking at two different times. If you decide to go, let me know so we can grab coffee or a drink in the windy city.
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Lost your iPhone?
By Michael Morse | January 7, 2010
I love this new application for the iPhones with built in GPS. I have not yet made the plunge into the AT&T iPhone, but I think about it often. AT &T is actually getting better and better according to articles I am reading. Anyway, I digress. For $100 a year you can get the MobileMe service. You simply go to the website and it will show you exactly where you phone is. You can also send the phone a signal so it will beep loudly for minutes. You can also send it a message that would pop up to a thief or someone else who took your phone. Lastly, if it is stolen, you can remotely erase the entire phone through the MobileMe service. I have heard that the new Droid phone has this feature built in for free. I hope this catches on with all phones.
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New Year’s Resolutions
By Michael Morse | January 4, 2010
I read in the New York Times this past week that only 8% of New Year’s resolutions are kept up with past the month of January. One of mine was to post at least one blog a week to my technology blog. The past couple of months has been busy and has taken me away from writing. However, I just spent 2 weeks in sunny Florida reading and playing with my kids. I have stumbled upon some great new gadgets and websites that I am excited to share with you. I wish you a very happy new year and all the best in 2010!
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