PDF 24 - one tool in your "paperless" toolbox

I have talked about my personal goal of not being dependent on any one computer for my files, hence using cloud file servers. I really go a bit beyond that, which is being as paperless as possible and also not dependent on proprietary software. I would say I am about 90% there.

In the interest of being paperless, of course I opt for electronic delivery of bills and bank statements. If you'd still like to save a copy of those electronic documents in your own file system, it can be easily done by saving the PDF form of the monthly statement (which is usually provided on your bank/biller's website). But what if there is something you'd like to save that is not provided to you as a PDF? I use PDF24.  It's a free little program available at PDF24.org, and when installed, "PDF24" becomes one of your printers.  Let's say you have a warranty return and the claim requires you to email your proof of purchase. Maybe that receipt came in the form of an email. You can open up the email, and choose to "print" it with PDF24.org. One word of advice: The default file location on PDF24 is not intuitive, so make sure when you save it, you save to your Dropbox folder.

Dropbox - why you need it

You've got to hand it to the marketing team at Apple. Last week, when they announced their new iCloud offering, a friend of mine apparently heard it discussed on The Today Show (or some equally inane show) and asked me "What's this iCloud and do I need it?"

WHAT?!?

I've been using a cloud file server about three years. I started partially with Windows SkyDrive almost ten years ago, but I went 100% cloud (independent of my computer's hard drive) first with Nomadesk and then switched to Dropbox.  Dropbox is FANTASTIC. I am an evangelist when it comes to cloud computing, but before Apple announced iCloud, I couldn't get too many people to listen.  The irony is that iCloud is really lame in comparison to superior services like Dropbox, SugarSync, DriveHQ, and many more.

Here's what Dropbox does:

• It synchronizes ONE incident of every file across all the devices you use. 
• It can be installed on Windows and Apple computers, iPads and iPhones, Android tablets and smartphones.  
• It is accessible from any device/computer with the Dropbox app installed, OR via the web interface once you log into your Dropbox account. Basically, no matter where you are in the world, or what device you're using, your files are there.
• Due to the immediate synchronization and access, you have a built in backup. No need for crap services like Carbonite for $55/year.
• You have the ability to share entire folders with other users.
• I have converted several friends, who are not tech savvy in the least, and they are totally on board with Dropbox. It is a seamless and painless transition for even the timid computer user. They did a great job making their service run without you even knowing it's there, but it's still quite robust.
• Here's the link to sign up (if you sign up through this link, we each get an extra .25GB storage space).

Craiglist / PayPal Scam - More common than you think

If you ever list a relatively expensive item for sale on Craigslist, it's highly likely you'll be the victim of vast web of internet scammers preying on sellers of such items.  First, the "interested party" sends you a short email asking "Is this item still for sale?" They always say "item," never specifically the thing you're actually selling.  If you reply with "Yes," then the scam begins.  You will receive an email that goes something like this (I've seen minor variations, but it's always that the person has an "agent" picking up the item, that they are out to sea, or away on business with limited internet access, and that they will pay you MORE money than you're asking in your Craigslist ad).

Thanks for the swift response...I am willing to buy it from you..But due to the nature of my job and location,phone calls making and visiting of website are restricted but i squeezed out time to check this advert and send you an email regarding it and i will like to know the present condition and the last price..i will not be able to come for inspection,am a very busy type,i work long hours everyday,i have gone through your advertisement and i am satisfied with it.

As for the payment..i will be paying you via the fastest and secure way to pay online(PayPal).

I have a private courier agent that will come for the pick up after the payment have been made ...so no shipping included.You can now send me your PayPal email so i can pay in right away and also include your address and cell number in your reply.

Await your reply asap

If you follow this link, I have compiled the rest of my correspondence with the scammer "Kimberly Lanz" (I knew it was a scam, I was playing along to see how far it would go so I could see what the scam is).   It ends up that she pretends* to send $700 over the agreed amount, then asks that you to send a $700 Western Union wire to her delivery person in N.C. because she is indisposed. Somehow she's sending emails, but whatever.  There are several threads on the PayPal community forum. I am putting my story on as many of them that I can, but you'd be amazed how many people have fallen for it and are out thousands and thousands of dollars.

*the pretend electronic transfer is done through a spoofed PayPal email, as you'll see.