20 Essential Internet Resources That Will Simplify Your Life
Over the last century, technology has advanced at an alarming rate. Cars, planes, medicine, microwaves, cup holders… you name it, we have invented it.
However, there is one that has left them all in the dust. And that is the internet.
The internet has the ability to connect people across the planet in a fraction of a second. And not just with voice like a phone can, but with a number of mediums such as text, audio, and video.
The internet has played a huge part in my journey toward a simpler life. The internet’s tools and resources have changed so many lives.
In this post I want to share with you 20 essential internet resources that have helped me simplify my life. I have linked to a few of the key players in each category to get you started. I hope you find the websites useful and benefit from them as much as I have!
1. Maps and Navigation
These online mapping sites have saved me an incredible amount of time and stress. With these you can get directions, locate businesses, alter your route to your specifications, print your directions, view satellite photos and much more. Amazing!
2. Photo Hosting
Photo hosting online is a great way to store, organize and share your photos. And best of all, it is free! Photos can be categorized, albums can be created, photos can be edited and contacts can be made.
3. Free Software
Before going out and buying that shiny, expensive piece of software you have always wanted, see if you can find a free alternative on the internet. You can find quality programs for word processing, graphic design, anti-spyware, anti-virus, finances, etc.
4. Social Networking
Some will argue that these websites will only complicate your life instead of simplifying it. That is definitely a possibility. But if they are used for the right reasons they can help you connect with friends and family with ease. Whether you want find old friends and schoolmates or keep up with your current social group, these sites can definitely help.
5. Encyclopedias
Forget that huge collection of dusty, outdated books in your basement. Online encyclopedias are the way to go. Not only are they constantly updated, but they are easy to search. Plus, Wikipedia is edited by experts and readers just like you, so there is a vast amount of information that is unbiased.
6. Dictionaries
Find a definition in an instant. Some of these online dictionaries also have a sound file attached with each word so you can hear the correct pronunciation. Be sure to sign up for Dictionary.com and Urban Dictionary’s word of the day e-mail subscription. They are informative and quite entertaining.
7. Translations
These will never beat a professional translation, but since they are free and instant, they are definitely valuable resources. Many different languages are offered at all of these sites.
8. Blogging
Ah, the one thing that takes up most of my time on the internet. Blogging is a great way to share your knowledge on a particular subject, share your views, go on rants and rambles, talk about your personal life, or just vent like you would in a journal. Setting up a blog with each of these websites is free and easy. I highly recommend you start one!
9. Employment
If you are searching for employment in a particular location or field, these sites can help tremendously. LinkedIn will help you connect with people in your field and start networking.
10. E-Mail
I am sure all of you reading this have an e-mail address by now. But are you using one that is easy to organize and operate? I highly recommend Gmail. It is the most user friendly, free e-mail service out there.
11. Music
Information about the the most popular and the most obscure music can all be found online. Download MP3’s, discover new musicians, find similar artists, read biographies, find lyrics, watch music videos, etc.
12. Movies
These three sites are essential for movie lovers. IMDb has extensive information about almost every movie and actor out there. Netflix is a cheap alternative to the video store that is cheap, quick and reliable. YouTube allows everyday people and professionals to upload their video content and share it with the world.
13. News
Keep up to date with the latest news with these online news sites. There are many out there, but these were the biggies that I thought should be mentioned. Be sure to search for news sites that pertain to your local area as well.
14. Search Engines
I vote Google the number one most useful site on the internet. It sorts through the crap on the internet and brings you the highest quality content that is related to your search query. Extensive information about any topic is just a few clicks away.
15. Weather
Be prepared and plan ahead with these online weather sites. Great for any outdoor endeavors you will be participating in. Also useful if you are planning on traveling.
16. Buy, Sell, Trade
These sites are great for buying new, used, and free items. I have found some of the most incredible deals on Craigslist for some pretty rare items. These sites are also great for de-cluttering. Clean out your house while making some money in the process.
17. Health
These won’t substitute a visit to the doctor, but they can provide you with some valuable information about your health. If you are curious about the symptoms of a particular disease, how to ease pain, or want dieting tips, these sites are perfect.
18. Finance
My finances would be disastrous without online banking. It makes managing your money so much easier and you can save time and money by paying your bills online. Some banks and financial sites even offer investing options. Look up your current bank on Google and see if they offer any of these features. I use Wells Fargo and they have a high quality, secure website.
- Online Banking
- Online Bill Pay
- Online Investing
19. Miscellaneous
These last few don’t quite belong in any of the other categories, but are valuable nonetheless! Google Reader is a tool that utilizes RSS (Really Simple Syndication) to provide you with the latest updates for all of your favorite sites. If you read a lot of blogs or bookmark a lot of sites that you check frequently, then this resource is a must.
StumbleUpon is a social media tool that allows you to rate all the websites, photos, and videos you come across on the web. It also lets you “stumble” through other pages that match your interests. This allows you to find some hidden gems that you would have never comes across otherwise. It is also great for meeting people with similar interests.
HowStuffWorks is an excellent resource for you curious readers out there. Do you know how a microwave works? Do you know how a plane works? Do you know how hormones affect your body? Go look it up on HowStuffWorks!
20. Add Your Own!
My list has helped me simplify my life a tremendous amount. But I know that there must be some amazing sites that I am missing. I would love it if you would share a few internet resources that have helped you simplify your life. Post a comment below and let us know!
Update: Here are some links to some resources that people mentioned in the comments:
- Bloglines, OpenOffice, Firefox, Google Docs - Added by Rob.
- Quamut - Added by Marelisa.
- Freemind - Added by Maya.
- Indeed, RealMatch - Added by Johnathan HR Dude.
Nice writing style. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Chris Moran
Nice writing. You are on my RSS reader now so I can read more from you down the road.
Allen Taylor
Hi Jack,
Thanks for the link love. And by the way, I am really digging the new black background.
Cheers,
Jeremy
Jeremy Days last blog post..Interesting News From the Blogosphere
I never really got into Google Reader. I still prefer bloglines.com
I would probably add Open Office and Firefox to the list. And Google Docs are great for collaborating with several people on one document.
Robs last blog post..How to Eat Out AND Stay Healthy - 10 Expert Tips
Nice. You did the homework so we don’t have to! Thanks.
Have a Happy Halloween!
Julias last blog post..Happy Halloween!
Hi Jack: Another great site for learning how to do things is quamut.com. Thanks for the link love
Marelisas last blog post..How to Enter the “Flow State”
Great list here!
I LOVE mindmaps for everything from brain storming to note taking and writing a blog post! I use Freemind.
Mayas last blog post..Embracing our cultural identities at work and in life can only be good for us
Nice list - 3 newest/best job sites according to About.com -
http://www.linkedin.com (professional networking)
http://www.indeed.com (aggregated job listings)
http://www.realmatch.com (matches you to the perfect job)
Good luck to all those searching for jobs.
What a great list; this must have taken you a lot of time to put together. Turns out I know about all of them except Pandora, so I guess I’ll have to look to see what that’s all about. Thanks for sharing.
Mitchs last blog post..A Point About Commenting On Blogs
@ Chris Moran - Thanks for checking out Simple Sapien.
@ Allen Taylor - Glad you subscribed, thanks for the comment!
@ Jeremy Day - No problem
I am glad you like the new look. I can never settle on a look. I am sure it will change in a week, lol. Just subscribed or your RSS feed by the way.
@ Rob - Thanks for the recommendations. I have never used any other RSS readers other than Google Reader. Firefox should have been on there, for sure. That browser is a breath of fresh air.
@ Julia - Glad to be doing the homework
I had an excellent Halloween, thanks!
@ Marelisa - You are welcome. Thanks for the recommendation!
@ Maya - I need to try mind mapping. I have heard a lot about it, but have not tried it. Thanks for the link.
@ Johnathan - I am actually searching for a job right now! Thanks for the links, those are some great sites.
@ Mitch - Lol, yea it did take quite a bit of time. Totally worth it though. Pandora is awesome. It is a free online radio that plays music based off your interests and other bands you like. Give it a try!
- Jack Rugile
Simple Sapien
Hi Jack,
Wow, double linked and added as a subscriber! You are the man! I truly hope we can work on some future projects together. Would you be interested in doing guest articles on each other’s site?
Cheers,
Jeremy
I did take a look at Pandora, but truthfully, I get most of what I need from internet radio at Beethoven.com.
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