Why would you want to map a folder to a drive letter? Maybe some folder you work with constantly is hidden under a convoluted folder structure, like:

‘U:\Data\User Files\Shared\Clients\VIPClient\Pensky File\Project 232\’

Wouldn’t it be easier to refer to it as: R:\ ?

This is pretty common to do with network locations under Tools -> Map Network Drive. However I didn’t know of a way to do this with local folders until recently. You can either do it via command line or use a simple program known as Visual Subst.

(1) Using “subst” command

Voicemail for cell phones has basically been the same since it was first released. Someone calls you and if you don’t answer or your phone is not available on the network, the call is forwarded to voicemail. A signal is then sent to your cell phone that there is one or more messages waiting and you dial in to pick up those messages.

What a 20th century solution!

Wouldn’t it be great if you could have your voice mail e-mailed to you or otherwise retrieve it without having to call back in to your number?

Do you want to take your favorite programs along with all of your bookmarks, settings, email and more wherever you go and use them on pretty much any computer ? If so here are four free tools that can help you with that. These are portable software packs that can be installed on any USB device. Download the pack, install it on your portable device and done. Use it at work, a friend’s PC, college lab, anywhere.

Not so long ago MUO author Dave posted an article on How to control Windows Mobile Phone from the Desktop, today I want to show you how to synchronize your phone with your loved one.

Due to my career and title as “The Admin”, when I am at home the wife expects nothing less than technology perfection, and being an admin I like to be in control of things. I hate outsourcing anything I can do myself; specifically running my own email server, ftp site and such.

Why use other peoples services when you don’t have to? Good Question!

In the first part of my article, I wrote about mapping Exposé onto your mouse buttons, blocking out distractions while working, using keyboard shortcuts, Sidenote and Spotlight. Now, in the spirit of productivity, let’s just get on with part two!

1. Organize your Mac

Having a cluttered workspace takes up precious time when you’re trying to find certain documents which you might have misplaced. The first step in using your time wisely to do work is organization - knowing where everything goes. There are several ways to accomplish this.

As much as I like Windows XP, I am constantly aware of its severe limitations. I realised this when I installed Teracopy to replace the standard Windows moving & copying function and it shot out the gate like a bat out of hell.

Piky Basket is something similar although it isn’t a software program. It is a shell extension which integrates itself into your Windows Explorer right-click menu. But where Teracopy is best suited for large-sized files being moved between drives, Piky Basket is more for your standard day-to-day folder maintenance, when you’re cleaning things up and generally staying organized.