Throughout time, humans have explored their surroundings, crossing oceans and landmasses in pursuit of knowledge and glory. This thirst for knowledge also turned eyes skyward, causing the curious to try to understand the vastness of existence around the planet Earth. As technology advanced, the desire to venture into the cosmos became increasingly possible, until man walked on the moon and equipment traveled much farther away. Fortunately for those who are still on terra firma, gathering information about the universe is much easier than launching on a rocket ship. People can learn and discover more about deep space through adventures in cyberspace without the need for oxygen tanks or special suits.

Zooniverse
Zooniverse is a chance for everyone to get in on the space exploration action. The website is home to five astronomy citizen science projects that are produced, maintained and developed by the Citizen Science Alliance. This alliance is a collaboration of scientists, software developers and educators that works with volunteers to help professionals deal with the astronomical levels of available space data. Amateur astronomers who want to participate in the analysis and discussion can create an account that will access all of the projects in Zooniverse and keep track of what users already have contributed. The five current live projects are: Moon Zoo, a chance to explore the moon in unprecedented detail using images from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter; Galaxy Zoo: Hubble, a way for the public to help astronomers determine how galaxies form and evolve by classifying their shape; Solar Stormwatch, an effort focused on spotting solar explosions and tracking them to Earth; Galaxy Zoo: Mergers, an opportunity to assist astronomers in understanding merging galaxies; and Galaxy Zoo: Supernovae, a chance to find an exploding star. More than 300,000 amateur astronomers already are taking advantage of the projects to work with professionals around the world.

Astrobiology
This site is dedicated to studying life throughout space for everyone from scientists to government officials to the general public. Astrobiology focuses on the origin, evolution, distribution and future of life in the universe including searching for habitable environments in the Earth’s solar system and habitable planets beyond. Part of NASA’s Astrobiology program, the site includes information on NASA’s missions as well as other news and journal pieces and links to more detailed information. Visitors can even “Ask an Astrobiologist” a question if they fail to find the answer anywhere on the site. Space junkies might want to spend some extra time poking around the rest of the NASA site to find information about other initiatives and projects.

WikiSky
Visitors can use the detailed star map on the homepage of this site to search for celestial bodies. When the cursor comes in contact with certain objects, dialogue boxes appear that provide information. A menu on the right side of the page hosts information about “Attractive Spots in the Universe.” Users can click on an item for more information and pictures. The “Getting Started” section explains the features of the site and how to use them so people can get the most out of their visit. The “News@Sky” link brings up another star chart, but this one has little icons representing various news outlets. Placing the cursor on an icon causes a dialogue box with headlines to appear. “The Collection” link takes users to a photo gallery of celestial objects organized by category. Visitors also can create accounts that enable them to contribute to the site’s forum.

Interactive Mars Habitat
Wonder what life for humans would be like if they lived on Mars? Visitors to this site can learn more about Earth’s neighbor as well as the types of technologies necessary for humans to inhabit it. Controls at the bottom of the graphic pane allow users to explore the Red Planet, the “Home Base,” rovers and a greenhouse. In addition, the site features an overview of a simulated mission to and facts about Mars.

Amazing Space
This site mixes interactive activities and facts to help teach the public about space, especially building on discoveries by Hubble. Much of the material is focused for the everyday person to learn more, but teachers can take advantage of special resources developed for them. For all the students on the receiving end of space assignments, the site also has a “Homework Help” section. Skywatchers will want to take advantage of the “Tonight’s Night Sky” videos—available in several formats—to learn what celestial objects can be found and how to identify them during the current date range in the Northern Hemisphere.

These sites are not affiliated with AFCEA or SIGNAL Magazine, and we are not responsible for the content or quality of the products offered. When visiting new Web sites, please use proper Internet security procedures.

Calculators are no longer relegated to the role of small, handheld devices used to perform basic math functions. They’re not even limited to advanced mathematic calculations or to math at all. The Web offers a variety of calculator and conversion tools from the basic (kilometers to miles, anyone?) to the zany (Pig Latin translation, for example). And for all those students out there, the Internet also has the math ones that are helpful in class.

OnlineConversion.com
Need to convert something? Then visit OnlineConversion.com, which offers a calculator for almost every need. While it hosts many calculators for common conversion needs such as length, temperature, area, speed and cooking, the real fun (and unique usefulness) of the site is its more obscure calculators. A brief sampling of what site visitors can use includes astronomical measurement, computers and electronics, clothing sizes in different countries, mapping terms and viscosity conversion calculators. Many of these categories include more than one possible calculator, so users can find the right fit for their needs. And even categories with only one offering are robust. The force calculator, for example, can convert among 38 different units. OnlineConversion.com makes it simple for visitors to locate what they want. The most popular conversions are listed at the top of the page, and the rest of the categories are arranged in alphabetical order. After users finish with their necessary business, they can check out the Fun Stuff page for calculators that convert names and messages into Morse code, determine a person’s weight on other planets, translate words from English to Pig Latin and Häxor, estimate download speeds and much, much more.

Full Universal Currency Converter
Many other websites host currency converters that are easy to access and use, but few offer the comprehensive listing of the Full Universal Currency Converter. Hosted by xe.com (which bills itself as “The World’s Favorite Currency Site”), this calculator converts among almost 200 currencies, which include obsolete currencies. The calculator also offers the ability to convert among special units and precious metals. It arranges the currencies based on the locations where they are used, so travelers only have to know their destination (not the denominations used there) to determine conversion rates. The Web page also links to currency code and currency symbols lists. The symbols list page has instructions and tips for working with those symbols on computers. Sound like too much? Visitors to the Full Universal Currency Converter can select to use the standard converter (also called the Universal Currency Converter) instead. This tool performs exchange calculations at mid-market rates for the top 85 world currencies.

Graphing Calculator
The Coolmath site is designed for students, from those who love math to those who are just looking for some help to make it through a class. In addition to the site’s other arithmetic-related offerings, it has a free online graphing calculator that can compete with the common, expensive handheld versions traditionally used by school children in upper-level classes. Though multiple calculator websites offer graphing calculators, this particular one comes with helpful bonuses: formula and key explanations. Underneath the calculator gadget, the site posts basic graphing calculator instructions for oft-used equations such as linear and parabolic. Farther down the page, visitors can find a table explaining other functions of the calculator and which keys to press to use them. The site also posts a list of operations that can be conducted with the site’s calculator buttons and the computer keyboard or through the keyboard only.

BMI Calculator
Body mass index (BMI) calculators help adults age 18 to 65 determine the amount of fat on their bodies. And like most other BMI calculators, this one works by asking users to enter their height and weight. However, the website also offers explanations of the categories (underweight, normal, overweight, obesity [class 1], obesity [class 2] and morbid obesity) as well as treatment suggestions for those who need to gain or lose pounds. Site visitors can choose to use a metric or imperial calculator. Other calculators available on the site include ones for basal metabolic rate, body fat and waist-to-hip ratio.

The Inflation Calculator
Basic but fun, the Inflation Calculator lets users enter a dollar amount and then select two years between 1800 and 2009 to compare to each other. For example, according to the calculator, $100 in 1850 equates to $2,547.28 in 2009. The site adds another tidbit of information, explaining that if someone bought a product for $3.91 in 1850, the same item would cost $100 in 2009.

These sites are not affiliated with AFCEA or SIGNAL Magazine, and we are not responsible for the content or quality of the products offered. When visiting new Web sites, please use proper Internet security procedures.

“Money. It takes a lot of work to earn, save and manage. Fortunately, in this digital age, tools that simplify these tasks are available at the click of a button. Whether people need to find calculators, make plans, educate children or just learn more about what others are doing, the Web offers it all. And sometimes, the help can even be fun.

Bundle
Bundle is all about money. Not one person’s money, not the stock markets’ money, but all the money spent by people across the United States. The site has a feature called “Everybody’s Money” where visitors can see who buys what, where. The application enables users to narrow down results through different criteria. Another tool breaks down where people in different locations dine out and shop. Site visitors can take a quiz to find out their spending type. People also can discuss various life and money matters on the site itself or through Bundle’s presence on social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

The Motley Fool
According to its own description, The Motley Fool is a multimedia financial company striving to build the world’s best investment community. The main site is only part of a broader outreach effort that includes books, newsletters and more. The people who run the main Web site also have other sites focused on specific subjects such as stock ratings and asset management. The Motley Fool’s main site has a range of financial information such as articles, opinions, the current status of the U.S. stock market, a stock of the day and a chart comparing The Motley Fool’s returns to the Standard and Poor’s 500 index. Additional site resources help visitors learn how to invest or plan for retirement. More personalized advice is available from various experts on different categories for certain fees. People who want to reach out to others, but would rather do it for free, can take advantage of the community discussion boards.

ESPlannerBASIC
This free, easy-to-use Web site helps people develop personalized financial plans based on their situations. Users enter their information about subjects such as family, income, assets and housing and the planner generates life-cycle spending, saving and life insurance suggestions. People can follow the recommendations to help create a more complete plan. For those who want more comprehensive planning tools, the site also sells advanced versions of its software.

KidsBank
Looking for a way to teach children financial responsibility? KidsBank uses animated characters to instruct youngsters about different aspects of money such as interest, saving, checks, electronic funds transfers and even where money comes from and how it is made. The site features two calculators: one helps children figure out how much they need to save to buy a car; the other helps them determine how much money they will have to spend during holiday season. A “Game Room” section features quizzes about different money-related topics. Adults can visit the Parents’ Page to find out more about the site and what their children will learn.

NerdWallet
Money is about more than just banks, saving and spending; it also is about credit and rewards. NerdWallet helps site visitors find the best credit cards for their needs and compares various cards so consumers can make informed decisions. People can search all cards, or narrow down selections based on the rewards that matter most to them. Anyone more interested in low annual percentage rates (APRs) or balance transfers can find credit cards in those categories, and student and “pre-approved” choices also are covered. The site’s blog features not only discussion specifically about credit cards, but other money decisions as well, such as whether to purchase car rental insurance and how credit cards are involved in that choice.

Coupons.com
Sometimes, it just comes down to the savings. Coupons.com offers no tools to manage money; it simply allows people to find savings on items they want to purchase. Visitors can search for savings by category or see all the discounts available. Users also can enter their ZIP codes to find coupons specific to their locations. The site features a “Daily Deal” section where goods and services are offered at discount rates. A free membership allows people to take advantage of additional savings, rewards and promotions. For easier saving, the site enables users to add their grocery story loyalty rewards card to their coupons.com account, and the online savings can be sent right to the card eliminating even the need to print a coupon.

These sites are not affiliated with AFCEA or SIGNAL Magazine, and we are not responsible for the content or quality of the products offered. When visiting new Web sites, please use proper Internet security procedures.

The hard-hitting storms that beleaguered parts of the United States this year taught the East Coast a valuable lesson—sometimes you just can’t get to work. But with immovable deadlines tasks still must be accomplished. One way offices can continue to function with personnel in disparate locations (assuming they all have power) is by storing documents in locations other than organizations’ computer drives. Using the Internet as a storage device enables people to continue to move work forward, even if they can’t get out the front door.

FilesAnywhere
FilesAnywhere launched in 1999 to offer online document storage to individuals and corporations. The Web site itself is extensive, with copious amounts of data on how to use the services provided. It also offers free customer support over the telephone. In addition to basic storage and retrieval, it provides other services such as a control option, which allows multiple users to work on a document while also reducing duplicative efforts. Popular files saved on the site include basic text documents, large-scale projects and MP3s. Businesses can take advantage of private site branding. Other features include searching files by content including custom metadata, security, video and audio streaming, picture editing, and sharing files using dropbox links. The site offers three plan levels ranging from a free plan with limited features and 1 gigabyte (GB) of storage to the Web Advanced plan that costs $7.95 a month and offers 5 GBs to 500+ GBs of storage and an array of features. Corporate plans also are available.

DropBoks
DropBoks is a free, no-frills Web site that allows users to store files online. Accounts come with 1 GB of storage and accept uploads and downloads in any format up to 10 megabytes. Once visitors sign in, the site switches to an https address with encrypted, authenticated and secure files. People who want more features can upgrade their accounts for a monthly fee. Contact information is available online along with pictures and descriptions of staff members. The site also runs a blog containing information about the company and services.

FreeDrive
This personal storage and file sharing service is designed for folks who love their social networking. A FreeDrive account enables users to access their own files as well as the files of their friends within online social networks. Interested parties can even set up accounts through Facebook at http://apps.facebook.com/freedrive. In addition to the private files that people can store and share, FreeDrive has a public folder containing various items that anyone can view.

SugarSync
With SugarSync, users can access, back up and share their files even when they have no computer access. The services work with any Web-enabled mobile communications devices. Data is automatically configured for mobile viewing when people reach out for their documents, photographs or music this way. SugarSync applications for iPhone, iPod Touch, Windows Mobile and BlackBerry are available for download at no cost. In addition to its on-the-go capability, the service can automatically sync files and folders across multiple computers. Account holders can provide unlimited access to their documents or set limits as they deem appropriate. SugarSync offers a free 30-day trial. Costs for the various membership levels are listed on the homepage.

divShare
Users who transfer their files to divShare can have them automatically converted to Flash, enabling viewing, streaming and playing of the media from any browser. The share/embed options let users embed, download, e-mail and more with the click of a button and the insertion of an address. Music can be streamed and embedded in the audio player with tools to create playlists or make slideshows. Account holders can customize file download pages with names, links and logos. Upgraded accounts enable people to add links and logos to Flash video, audio and slideshow players. Each upload to the site generates a unique URL that owners can share with others. People who want more security can add a password to files or folders. Several other privacy options also are available. Facebook account holders can use that information to create a divShare account, and divShare information can be integrated with Facebook, iPhone and WordPress Plugin. Using the divShare API, Web site developers can integrate the site’s services into their own applications. DivShare additionally offers two blogs, one with general information about the company and one dedicated to keeping members informed about maintenance issues. Accounts are available at various service and price levels.

These sites are not affiliated with AFCEA or SIGNAL Magazine, and we are not responsible for the content or quality of the products offered. When visiting new Web sites, please use proper Internet security procedures.

Winter’s over and it’s time to travel. Whether the mood is right for a late spring break or early summer planning, the Web is full of sites that help users find and book the perfect vacation. From the United States to Europe and beyond, the only limit to researching locations and packages is how long Web surfers can stare at their computer screens.

Airfarewatchdog
Airfarewatchdog is like many other airline fare sites in that it lists and allows people to search for the lowest prices on airline tickets. Unlike many other sites, however, this one works hard to search from the customer’s point of view, performing services such as checking the availability for flights it lists, listing promo code fares, searching for value in addition to lowest price, including fares on airlines such as Southwest and JetBlue and listing only fares that team members of the site believe are reasonable. All the fares posted are checked by team members, and users can click the “Our Team” link to learn about the site employees and see their pictures. The site lists 12 reasons it differs from others, and it also explains six features of each of the fares it lists in the “About Our Fares” section. Many of the deals offered are short-lived, so this site is especially beneficial for people who can make decisions quickly. Visitors can search to and from any city, see rates to and from the most popular cities, view current Top 50 Fares, sign up for fare alerts and view an online airline route map. Airfarewatchdog also has a community section featuring polls, frequently asked questions and more.

iExplore
iExplore is dedicated to adventure and experiential travel. The former includes hiking, biking, diving and multisport tours while the later encompasses expedition cruising, wildlife safaris and culinary tours. Visitors can search for tours by region, country, activity, trip length and price. They also can read about the Top 10 Best Selling Tours or learn more about the Destination of the Day or Tour of the Day. The “Best of Travel” section features lists such as the best safaris or culinary destinations. The site offers a variety of tools for researching and planning excursions, including information arranged by group, solo and family travel. Users can even learn more about visa requirements for different countries.

SeatGuru
This site is dedicated to giving people information they can really use when planning a trip. Not just fares, not just schedules, but comparisons of airlines, information about the best places to sit on certain aircraft and lists of amenities offered on various airplanes. SeatGuru lays out aircraft seating charts, then labels seats as “good,” “standard,” “poor” or “some drawbacks.” It also has icons that explain which amenities, such as food, video, audio and AC power, are available. Users looking to find the most room can view information about space on the airplanes as well. Visitors can search airlines by an alphabetical list (in addition to seat and amenity information, contact and other basic airline information also is listed) or use the comparison charts to find the right airline for them. The Web site includes information about traveling with infants and minors. This is a site worth taking time to explore to find all the travel gems it has to offer.

Venere.com
This site helps users find overnight accommodations with an emphasis on Europe. Though the online services do include hotels in the United States, they cover a large amount of the European continent, and the “Popular Destinations,” “Top Cities” and “New Hotels” lists are populated almost exclusively with European locations (as of press time). Listings in parts of Asia, Africa and South America also are included. The Web site is available in seven languages, and telephone customer service is offered in several languages as well.

flycheapo
After finding great hotel deals in Europe, people likely will be eager to find deals on flights. Flycheapo is a specialist guide to low-cost airlines in Europe. It offers route and airline news in addition to a search engine. Users can search by route or airline to find the flight that works for them. The site also lists the newest low-cost routes and posts statistics about low-cost flying. To stay up to date with the latest in budget European flights, visitors can read the posted news items, sign up for e-mail alerts, follow @flycheapo on Twitter or subscribe to an RSS feed.

These sites are not affiliated with AFCEA or SIGNAL Magazine, and we are not responsible for the content or quality of the products offered. When visiting new Web sites, please use proper Internet security procedures.

Google. A noun so popular it became a verb. Everyone who uses the Internet knows about Google the search engine, and most are familiar with the free Gmail service, but what about the company’s other offerings? From helpful business applications that enable more collaboration with fewer messages to tools that help individuals keep their Web pages organized, Google offers features that make the Internet experience more efficient and fun.

Google Reader

Google Reader helps users keep track of all the Web sites they visit in one place. The tool checks people’s favorite news sites and blogs for new content and collects it all in a single location, similar to an inbox for the entire Internet. It also includes a built-in public page the allows users to share interesting content, and users can add custom clips of their latest shared items to their personal Web pages. The integrated feed search helps people find content relevant to them. The service is free and requires no software installation. Google Reader’s homepage offers site visitors a tour of the function as well as a link to “Try it out.”

Google Docs

Docs is short for documents, not doctors, so visitors won’t find medical advice at this Web page. What they will find is a tool for creating and sharing online documents, spreadsheets, presentations and more that allows multiple people to collaborate on a single item without sending e-mails back and forth. People create their documents using their own design or templates available in the online tool and then can share it with others. Edits and changes can be seen in real time by everyone who has access to the item. Users also can upload existing documents in most of the popular file formats such as DOC, XLS, ODT, ODS, RTF, CSV and PPT. The documents are stored online. The Google Docs Web page takes visitors through features, instructions, examples and more.

Google Translate

Google Translate lets users enter text and URLs or upload documents, and then it translates between 51 different languages. Site visitors also can submit a better translation if they feel they have an enhanced version. The “Translated Search” link enables users to search Web sites in other languages. The “Translator Toolkit” offers features to help people correct automatic translations in an editor, search past translations, publish translations to certain Web sites, collaborate with others and employ more advanced tools. A video tour of the toolkit is available on the Web page. Additional tools and resources include making people’s own Web site available in other languages, translating to English with no clicking necessary and one-click translations. The latter two are available via the Google Toolbar download.

Google News

Google News aggregates news stories from sources around the world and displays them under traditional news categories as well as a “Most Popular” section. The homepage includes several top stories in each section, and a menu allows visitors to see more stories in a particular category. Users can click on a “YouTube News” link to see videos from that site, or choose the “Google Fast Flip” link and see page captures from various news sites. Google Fast Flip also has a mobile option for iPhone and Android devices. In addition to the stories and sites displayed up front, users can search to find information about specific topics making headlines. Google News also is undertaking an experiment in conjunction with The New York Times and The Washington Post to present complete coverage of ongoing stories on one URL. This allows users to navigate among news, features and opinions without waiting for pages to load. Each story has an evolving summary of events and an interactive timeline. Updates are highlighted each time readers return, while older news is summarized.

iGoogle

iGoogle is a Google Web page customized for individuals. This site offers to create a home page tailored to each user in less than 30 seconds and then displays the information page owners chose as relevant to them. Among the many custom offerings, visitors can receive weather information for one or more locations, read local news stories and pick a theme for their page. A new feature enables users to add social gadgets so they can keep in touch with family and friends, share content and play games. Users who have or create a Google account can access a chat feature.

These sites are not affiliated with AFCEA or SIGNAL Magazine, and we are not responsible for the content or quality of the products offered. When visiting new Web sites, please use proper Internet security procedures.

Ahhhh, February. A time when thoughts naturally turn to love or at least to the need to buy tokens of that love and hand them out on the 14th. The Internet is full of sites selling cards, diamonds and everything in between, but it also offers more substantial materials. Anyone looking to learn about the history of, unique takes on or international customs celebrating the holiday need look no further than their favorite browser. For all those who are separated from their loved ones because of military deployment or other reasons, the Web also offers ways to stay connected now and all year long. And those who want to send gifts to deployed service members–without paying shipping–can find that too.

History Channel Valentine’s Day
The History Channel’s Valentine’s Day site takes a look at the history of this candy- and card-laden day. Visitors can watch videos about St. Valentine, the first Valentine’s card, how chocolate is made and even the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Users also can access a collection of love quotes and information about romantic figures throughout history. Great romances, love letters from President Harry Truman to his wife, a movie guide and fun facts about the holidays are posted as well. For a little more fun, visitors can play Valentine’s Day games by selecting the appropriate links.

St. Valentine’s Day
This site features many common St. Valentine’s Days offerings such as ideas for crafts, cards and gifts, but it also presents more offbeat and educational items with an international flair. Using links, visitors can view pages that teach how to say “I Love You” in different languages or learn about traditions associated with the holiday. The site explains Valentine’s Day symbols that can be found through links on the left-hand side of the page or in a nearby box that holds a list with pictures of the symbols as well as names linking to their meaning and history. The Web site also includes information about the holiday during the Middle Ages and present day. A box near the bottom of the homepage takes visitors through legends, celebrations and customs in 12 countries.

Skype
Skype is not associated with Valentine’s Day directly, but it does offer separated loved ones a means for hearing and even seeing each other for free. Already in common use among troops deployed in the Middle East and their families, Skype enables people to make video and voice calls as well as send instant messages and share files. When both parties have the software, all calls are free. Fees apply only to calls made to landlines and cell phones. Downloading the software also is free. All that site visitors have to do is click on the download link and follow the directions. More instructions and help are posted online as well.

My Dear Valentine
For those who want to send a card or letter on Valentine’s Day, this site features several options to help anyone facing writer’s block while staring at a giant heart-shaped card. Those seeking some help with putting feelings into writing can use links on the left side of the page to access items such as love quotes, love sayings, love messages and love letters. To help send the words along, the site offers e-cards with various themes, and once the words have taken effect, visitors can use the links to ideas for honeymoon trips and romantic vacations.

Hickory Farms
Chocolates may be the traditional food gift on Valentine’s Day, but shipping them across continents, and to warm climates, can result in a gooey mess. Enter Hickory Farms, which is offering free shipping to APO and FPO addresses on a selection of products. Users can click the “Military Gifts” link near the top of the homepage to view the selection, which even includes some non-melting sweets items. A larger selection of items is available to those not sending gifts to military loved ones overseas, but shipping costs apply.

These sites are not affiliated with AFCEA or SIGNAL Magazine, and we are not responsible for the content or quality of the products offered. When visiting new Web sites, please use proper Internet security procedures.

“Armed with Science: Research and Applications for the Modern Military” is a weekly podcast from the U.S. Defense Department that highlights the importance of science and technology to modern military operations and the DOD. Interviews with scientists, administrators and operators are conducted to inform listeners about the cutting-edge research and development happening within the defense community.

The second season kicks off on Wednesday, January 13. Visit the Web site and Facebook or follow on Twitter for more information. Tweet questions to @ArmedwScience and get scienced!

As the iPhone continues to increase in fame and popularity, the applications to fill up the device are growing in number and diversity. Whether people are looking for utility or nonsense, the options are almost endless. Featured here are some offbeat iPhone applications and their Web sites as well as sites to learn more about available offerings and what people are using. And just in case the applications seem overwhelming, one Web site offers an organization solution.

Yappler.com Sync
Sync is an iPhone application that enhances the use of other applications. It enables users to organize their applications and share them with friends. By employing Sync, iPhone owners can create a list of all their other applications, send the list to friends (on the new iPhone), show friends which applications they like best, share the list through social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook, share the list through e-mail, embed the list in blogs and other places, and automatically update their lists. Downloading is free for Windows and Mac 10.5+ users, and a link for the download is prominently placed on the Web page.

The Sync site includes a video originally posted on YouTube that explains how the application works and how to install it. By clicking links on the Sync page, visitors can access the main Yappler site, which has a variety of other application offerings. Visitors also can ask questions, obtain help or provide feedback. Another interesting feature is the Stats page (accessible through a tab at the top of the Sync page), which has statistics on iPhone applications, including the total number of applications available for the device and various cost and price breakdowns.

1Password
Installing this application is like having a safe in your pocket, or so the manufacturers claim. 1Password and 1Password Pro allow users to save Web site login credentials, freeform secure notes, personal identity information and passwords in one secure location protected by a four-digit unlock code and a master password. It also has the ability to download data to Mac or PC desktops so users can back up all their information and restore it if necessary. The application is available for iPhone and iPod Touch. The Web site includes a short video that explains more about the application and how it works. The site also contains information about new and Pro-exclusive features. Links to purchase either version of 1Password are available on the Web site. They direct site visitors to the Apple iTunes store.

Tapbots
Tapbots are robots for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The homepage displays two images of the iPhone, one featuring Convertbot and one featuring Weightbot. By clicking on the phones, site visitors can learn more about the applications. Convertbot is a unit conversion robot that is capable of converting to and from mixed units (feet and inches, pounds and ounces, etc.). The Weightbot application helps people keep track of their weight. Users can set their goal weight, record their weight at any interval of a day or more, view Body Mass Index and see progress in graph form. It also includes a password feature to protect those precious pound amounts from prying eyes. Photographs and movies relating to the devices also are posted on the site for more visual stimulation. The Web pages for both bots include lists of features and requirements and, of course, links to download the applications.

Action Method
Need to get organized? Action Method is a free downloadable iPhone application, but it also is available to download directly to computers. Action Method can be used alone or in conjunction with Action Method Online, which adds even more functionality and tools to the product. iPhone users can capture and manage their “Action Steps” even when iPhone has no reception such as on an airplane. The Web site explains how the application organizes projects into basic elements and how it can help enhance productivity and improve project management. The “Take a Tour” link at the top of the home page takes viewers to a page with captured screen shots that include explanations. Users also can watch a demonstration video. Site visitors can download the iPhone application or sign up for the computer version using links on the home page.

Apptism
This site is not related to the promotion or sale of a specific application. Rather, Apptism is an iPhone application activity aggregator that tracks the activity of every application in the Apple App Store. Apptism users can monitor all application activity and quickly find specific applications. The tool offers a variety of searching, sorting and filtering options. The Web site includes detailed explanations of what Apptism can do. The site also invites developers to tell the site about their creation using the “Feature My App now!” link. News, reviews and links to top applications are available as well. Users need to create an account to access certain features.

Like this post? Check out our blog feature, “Cool App-titude,” for more blog posts about applications.

These sites are not affiliated with AFCEA or SIGNAL Magazine, and we are not responsible for the content or quality of the products offered. When visiting new Web sites, please use proper Internet security procedures.

Each day, millions of people use the Internet for purposes of work and play. Each year, the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences—a 550-member body composed of leading Web experts, business figures and others—distributes Webby awards for the best Web sites in a variety of categories. All of the nearly 70 categories include two prizes—the Webby Award and the People’s Choice Award, voted for by the online community. The groupings include one for Consumer Electronics, which features some very creative work.

TomTom Secret Services
This Webby Award winner in the Consumer Electronics category invites site visitors into secrets about the TomTom navigation tool. Users can choose to view the site content in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German or Norwegian. After a language is selected, a manual opens, first instructing readers to keep the information as “our little secret” and then turning the page to reveal nifty tricks for getting the most out of one’s device. Offerings include content about how to obtain information regarding traffic conditions, points of interest, voice recording, iPod control and deletion of recent points of interest or buddies. Also included are instructions for how to use special features such as TomTom Map Share and TomTom HOME, a content-sharing platform. The manual write-ups take a tongue-in-cheek approach to sharing instructions, keeping site viewers amused as well as informed.

Wired.com: Gadget Lab
As the tag line puts it, this winner of the People’s Choice Award features “hardware that rocks your world.” The site—actually a blog section of Wired.com—has an abundance of information regarding electronic devices. Most of the Web page is devoted to write-ups and videos about common and uncommon electronics ranging from items as original as homemade security robots to mass-produced, famous-name products. The blog also posts Do-It-Yourself information such as how to ruggedize and waterproof personal gadgets. The right-hand column includes a list of links to Gadget Lab videos as well as product reviews, recent entries, popular tags and more.

Samsung Music
The nominated Samsung Mobile Music site is an experience for the eyes and the ears as colored bars pulsate in time with music to demonstrate the value of Samsung’s Mobile Music phones. The Soundscapes created on the Web site calm visitors with the pastel shades and silky melody while demonstrating the products Samsung is pitching. Site users can explore different features of the two cell phones featured as well as create their own music. Choosing the “Create your own Soundscape” option takes visitors to a virtual music production studio where they can choose different sounds connected to various shapes. After creating the sound of their choice, amateur composers can save their work and share it through e-mail or by posting directly to a blog page. The site’s music gallery allows users to scroll through Soundscapes created and saved by previous site visitors. Users can even rate the posted compositions.

Virtual Kitchen Tour
This site by Electrolux enables visitors to obtain a close-up look at the appliances in the company’s latest collection without ever leaving their chairs. Television star Kelly Ripa hosts the tour of the nominated Web site, which features a wall oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, induction hybrid cooktop and always-necessary European-style wine tower. Users can watch demonstrations of several features on each device to learn how the appliances will benefit them. When site visitors choose an appliance, the screen zooms in on the chosen tool located in what appears to be a luxury apartment before listing the available demonstrations. Foodies and non-foodies alike should enjoy the tour of the state-of-the-art kitchen. The Virtual Kitchen Tour site also includes links to appliances organized by category and not featured on the tour.

1000 Awesome Things
This Web site actually won the Webby for the best Cultural/Personal blog. The final nominee in the Consumer Electronics category is a site called Epsonality; however, it has been the victim of the economic downturn, according to officials with the company. To fill in the blank, readers should visit 1000 Awesome Things even though it falls outside of the electronics realm. The site is a countdown of 1,000 awesome things updated every weekday. Every item already cited on the homepage can be found listed in countdown order using the “Top 1000” link. The right side of the page offers more resources such as the last five comments posted, top posts, contact information and a blogroll.

When visiting new Web sites, please use proper Internet security procedures.