Bitstrips and Chromebooks


I have had a Facebook account for a couple of years now, initially to keep up with the news and activities of Elder and Younger Daughter and, as I've always been aware of Facebook's reputation on privacy issues, I make sure I choose the highest privacy settings  and don't bother with any of the 'extras', but I have to say, I am quite impressed by Bitstrips. 
With this little programme, you can use your own avatar and those of contacts who also use Bitstrips to make cartoons, such as the one above. I have a feeling that it's going to become a bit addictive and Facebook contacts are going to get fed up with seeing all my status updates in the form of cartoons!
Now to the Chromebooks. Odd that we should be using them in a Welsh lesson, but the idea is for our class to form a closed group within Google Hangouts in order to post useful websites, etc related to our course.
As I am a tech addict, I was glad of the chance to get my hands on one, just to compare the experience with that of using an ordinary laptop. They are fast, have eight or more hours of battery life with continuous usage and, because programmes are used 'in the cloud' they are not on the Chromebook itself and there is little risk of getting infected with viruses (although I did read recently that Chrome browser has had more than its fair share of malware recently.) You have access to Google Docs, which means that you can work on Office documents, albeit it without some of the extra trappings, and then save them in Office format and access them on other computers within your Office programmes. 
OK, I can hear the sounds of gentle snoring from here, so that's all I'm going to say on the subject, but if you want to know more,  have a look here.
And don't let me hear any rude comments about my avatar

10 comments:

Cro Magnon said...

Facebook for me is all about 'family'. We use it for news, photos, and greetings. Like you, I take no notice of anything else.

Yorkshire Pudding said...

I was looking at Chromebooks the other day as our laptop has died. It seems a daring thing to do - buy a little laptop without a Windows operating system. I hate wasting money and if it didn't do the business for us I would be mortified. Of course we still have the main computer. Regarding your avatar, I love your mustard coloured top. It goes delightfully with your khaki coloured beads. And - Facebook = Buttbook.

mrsnesbitt said...

My e-mail address is denise by designs at googlemail dot com (obviously you can work it out. Would welcome some info re security settings on facebook. How can I stop/prevent people following me? Cheers Dxx PS

Flighty said...

I mostly stay on Facebook, which I'm not that keen on, as there are friends there who aren't anywhere else.
I've also looked at Chromebooks but I'm still undecided. Flighty xx

Dale said...

I love the layout of your blog, Jenny. You are a techie indeed! Haven't tried a Chromebook yet, but it may be a viable option for Ivy when she finally kills her little netbook. She insists on leaving it switched on, on her bed, where it cannot cool itself. I've rescued it a few times, but I hate crossing the threshold of the rubbish tip she calls her bedroom.

Jennytc said...

I find it very useful for that, Cro.

Jennytc said...

Well, Bluto (sorry - YP), from what I have read, a Chromebook works well as long as you have another computer in the house. Have a look here

Jennytc said...

Have a look at the link I've put in YP's reply, Flighty. It might help you decide.

Jennytc said...

From things I have read online, Dale, Chromebooks seem to be quite popular with students. You can use memory sticks (thumb drives?) to save work and take it to an ordinary computer to print out. Rubbish tips and teenagers go together like peaches and cream, you know, although the end result probably isn't as nice. ;)

Jennytc said...

I'll email you, Denise.

Plaster board and dust

So, we're still no further forward on the British Gas smart meter front and I've given up making non-existent appointments with them...