Data Doctors Tech Tips

Anyone that works with spreadsheets all day long knows that working with large data sheets can make it very difficult to analyze the data. Graphs and charts are an excellent method of taking large data sets and turning them into more digestible or understandable reports. While the built-in tools for generating charts and graphs can be adequate, there are more elaborate resources available if you want to step up your game. An open source and free option that's available is called RAW. As the missing link between spreadsheets and vector graphics, this tool is really cool. You start by using copy/paste or drag a file into the interface. Next, you select a layout type and then drag datasets to map the dimensions you want to display to the categories you want to use. Once the basic data is setup, you can customize what will become the visualization of your data to fit your needs. When it's finalized, you can download the graphics and use them any way you want. It's really powerful stuff! The link to RAW is http://raw.densitydesign.org

The influence of social media has become very apparent in virtually every aspect of our lives. Everything from basic buying decisions and politics to the financial markets and global conflicts are being influenced by social media every single day. This popularity has created a technology known as the 'social bot' which is simply software programs attempting to appear as humans. They are often used by companies for creating automated posts while spammers use them to hit our profiles with junk advertising and in some cases, governments use them for propaganda campaigns. On the dark side, social bots can be used to infect other accounts by circulating malicious links, so it is always best to avoid them if you can. Twitter in particular seems to have a large percentage of profiles that seem to be leveraging social bots, which was the impetus for a research project at Indiana University. The "Truthy Project" Botometer tool was created to try to analyze Twitter profiles for signs that they are using social bots. While it's far from a definite analysis, it can be a helpful tool to avoid getting tricked by a profile that may seem to be a real human user. I've posted a link to the project at DataDoctors.com/radio http://truthy.indiana.edu/botornot

If you are ever the one stuck with the task of transcribing a recording, voice message, interview or any sort of spoken word sound file, it can be an inefficient process. You will need to use multiple tools on your screen and bounce between them to start/stop the audio in order to have the time to properly capture all of the words. There's a much better way to get the job done by using a simple utility, whether it's a regular task or a once in a while need. The website is called oTranscribe.com and it is really simple to use. You simply upload your audio file via their web interface and suddendly, everything to complete the job will appear in one place. They have a simple word processor which also has controls for the audio file built-in to the tool with basic keyboard controls for all your commands. When you need to slow down or even speed up the playback to match your typing speed, it's no sweat. Starting and stoping the playback won't require you to reach for your mouse; you can simply tap the Escape key. This web resource is certainly bookmark worthy - http://otranscribe.com

Twitter is a great business communication tool but if you are posting tweets at the wrong times, they aren't going to get much engagement. There are a plethora of sources that can suggest the best times and days to post your tweets, in general. One researcher says that brands will get better engagement on weekends, while another suggests tweeting late on weekdays is better. All these 'general' suggestions are all well and good, but for the best results, you are much better off determining when your network is active on Twitter. A free and very simple resource to use that will analyze your actual network is at http://Tweriod.com. By specifically analyzing your followers and your past posts, Tweriod can generate insight into when you are most likely to get the best exposure and real-time engagement. It breaks the data down into weekends, weekdays, Sundays and Mondays so you will no longer be guessing when the best time to schedule your posts. Using Twitter without any type of strategy is why most give up on the network, so look into http://Tweriod.com for best times for YOU to tweet!

For any avid iPhone smartphone photographer, there's little that's more frustrating than taking what looks like "the perfect shot" just to have the image come out all blurry. Taking several pictures in a row is one way to improve the odds of a better shot, but many times, movement is being generated every time you tap to snap the image. The art of 'holding still' and gently tapping to screen goes a long way to help create better pictures, but there are several other ways to take the shot that a lot of people may have forgetten they have. One option is to use either of the volume buttons on your phone, which feels a lot more like an old-school camera when you're holding phone sideways. If you have those famous white Apple headphones plugged in, you can use also use the volume buttons on the headphones to snap the picture as well. Using your headphones to snap the picture comes in very handy, especially when trying to capture those candid shots or when you're using a tripod. Whatever you do, remember to always hold still longer!

Anyone that's in a job where tracking your mileage is necessary has probably seen that there are numerous apps that will allow you to manually track mileage, but why not use the built in GPS in your phone to make the task more automated? An app called "TripLog GPS Mileage Tracker" is designed to use the 'smarts' in your smartphone to make tracking mileage much more efficient. The app can also track toll charges, parking fees, fuel costs or other driving related expenses to create a complete trip report. The best part is that all that's required for it to work is to plug the phone into a power source or connect to something via Bluetooth, like your car stereo and it'll automatically begin the tracking process once you go faster than five MPH. When you disconnect the phone or turn the car off, it automatically stops the tracking so it's dead simple to use. Triplog is a free app for both Android and iPhone users with some additional premium features available at: https://triplogmileage.com

Yesterday, I shared tips for iPhone and iPad owners on how to restrict access to their apps and today, I've got the same advice for Android users. An awesome app called 'Hexlock' is a very flexible way to control privacy and security on any Android device. Hexlock lets you lock down individual apps with a special passcode or pattern lock screen, which allows you to lend your device to others with complete confidence. This level of control is also very handy when a child gets to use their parent's phone or tablet. Hexlock can also act as a security barrier if your device gets lost or stolen while it is still unlocked. The app allows you to create 6 different profiles; work, home, kids, vacation, etc. which easily protects apps based on where you are using the device. The free Hexlock app is easy to setup and using it is pretty straight forward. If it's something you've been thinking of using, simple search for 'Hexlock' in the Google Play Store or go to:http://liquidum.com/hexlock

The iPhone and iPad have become defacto "electronic babysitters" for millions of moms and dads, but handing over a device with full access to a child is pretty risky. A lesser known feature in all iOS device can easily safeguard any mobile device before you hand it over to a child. The feature is called "Guided Access" and it lets you to lockdown the device to only allow one app to run. Once you turn it on, you choose the app you want to run then it locks the system to that one app so you'll know the child can't get into anything else. If you want to allow a number of apps to be accessible, using the "Restrictions" setting instead can safeguard individual apps. Either of these features can quickly get setup in the 'Settings' menu and fortunately, it won't take a rocket-scientist to make it happen, so it's truly convenient. I have posted the links with How-To instructions for both of these features at DataDoctors.com/radio Tomorrow, I'll help Android Users do the same! Setup Guided Access: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202612 Setup App Restrictions: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201304

The social networking world continues to grow and not just by the most well known ones like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Specialty networks that are based on religion, race, age, gender or just about any special interest are up an running and if you are an enthusiast of fishing, there is now a social network just for you. "FishBrain" has millions of downloads of the social app that "connects fishing fanatics in over two hundred countries. It's a huge resource loaded with information and connections for those that love to fish. Share or track new fishing spots, compare techniques and baits and even compete on a leaderboard as you record your catches to become the "King of the Water". There are more than 330,000 catches and 50,000 baits so you can learn from thousands of other fellow anglers right from your smartphone. The FishBrain network and apps are available for both iPhone and Android users http://fishbrain.com

Anyone on the creative side that owns an iPad should checkout a pretty cool app called 'Paper'. Paper by Fifty Three is powerful but easy to use app for Sketching, Writing, Drawing, Outlining and Coloring. The concept is to allow you to flexibly use an iPad like it's a piece of paper. You can draw and write using your finger or buy the optional Bluetooth pencil for better accuracy if you're a serious artist. What makes this sketch app so powerful is its simplicity; it tends to work the way you think, making it pretty intuitive. You can also take advantage of their community of 'creators' to discover pre-existing templates so you can avoid having to start from scratch on a new project. The actual Paper app is free to download and if you wan the accuracy of a stylus, the Pencil sells for about $60. Checkout examples of what others are doing with this app and download it if you want to give it try at http://FiftyThree.com ; that's fifty three spelled out, not the numbers.