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Happy Earth Day

Published by TechJohnson on April 22nd, 2012 | No Comments »

Happy Earth Day! Today, April 22, marks another anniversary of the modern environmental movement which dates back to 1970. Whether you woke up to clear skies or grey skies with rain, there is always something to make this Earth a bit more healthy.

Earth Day is described as the “largest civic observance in the world.” The picture above is the doodle Google put on their homepage. Every year since 2001, Google has marked each and every Earth Day with a new design.

What did you do to celebrate Earth Day?

Tags: 2012, Earth Day

What Tech Do You Use Every Day?

Published by TechJohnson on March 24th, 2012 | No Comments »

Being a technology enthusiast and doing a the bulk of my work on the internet, I get asked the same questions on a day-to-day basis. What computer do you use? What kind of phone do you have? What do you record your videos with? What do you edit your videos with? Whether people want to copy me, gain knowledge or just get input about their own buying decisions, people love to know things about other people.

Instead of just giving you a list of what I use on a daily basis in my office, I’ll separate this post into three key categories: Things I use in my office, Things I use while traveling, and Things I use while I’m out and about. You may notice the same items in each category.

Things I use in the office

Customized Dell Dimension 2400
Acer 22″ 720p Monitor
Acer 22″ 720p Monitor
Logitech M705 Wireless Mouse
Apple Wired Keyboard
Audio Technica AT2020
Insignia NS-PCS21 Speaker System
Western Digital 1TB External HDD
Compaq Presario CQ60
Sony Vegas Pro 11.0
Canon Powershot ELPH 300 HS
Microsoft Cinema HD Webcam

The list of technology could go on and on for my daily use, so I’ll leave it at the most common things I use. I use various amounts of programs on my desktop to get me through the day and which gives me the ability to get my work done. Of course, I’d rather be on a Mac as my primary machine, but for the time being, I make what I have work. Years ago, the Dell Dimension 2400 was the top of the line computer. Since then, it’s probably one of the slowest but with my knowledge in technology, I have upgraded just about all the internals to have a pretty decent machine. I’m not a gamer, so it’s not a powerhouse, but it runs photoshop with no problems.

Video has always been a big passion of mine so having a great quality HD camera on a small budget was a must. The Canon Powershot ELPH 300 HS is a great camera, whether you’re on a budget or not. I have been using this camera for months now and I’m loving it. When shooting in HD, you will need a lot of storage for the large files. The Western Digital 1TB External HDD houses all my videos and music, as well as my computers backups. With the amount of storage I have, I can’t complain!

The final thing I want to talk about is typing on the Apple Wired Keyboard. I type a lot on a daily basis and I’m always in search for a great feeling keyboard that’s not too loud. I have tried various amounts of keyboards and I just can’t grasp them. They either feel cheap, type loud, needs a lot of force or they just look ugly and cheap. The Apple Wired Keyboard is my favorite keyboard of all time. It feels perfect, looks amazing, types with a breeze and it’s quiet. If you haven’t typed on this keyboard, I would recommend it.

Things I use while traveling

Compaq Presario CQ60
iPhone 4S
Skullcandy Headphones
Targus Traveling Bag
Canon Powershot ELPH 300 HS
8GB SanDisk Flash Drive
Swiss Army Knife
Various Cords

I have never been a huge traveler, but when I do travel, I’m away from my desk for days at a time. Being away from the desk for such a long period of time could be stressful knowing that I have working piling up. Making sure I have all my technology goodies while I’m away is essential.

My Targus Traveling Bag has the ability to hold everything I have mentioned and then some. There is a bunch of space for storing random wires, pens, paper, computers and more. The Targus Traveling bag is the only bag that I need for all my technology goods while I travel.

Of course, my iPhone is meant for on the move emailing, text messaging and gaming while my laptop is meant for physical work: blogging, video editing and graphic design. There may not be a huge amount of power in the laptop, but while I’m on travel, it gets the job done and then some. I always make sure I have my 8GB Flash Drive with me to backup any work that I have done. Sometimes, I’ll bring 2 or 3 flash drives on a trip if I know I’ll be away for an extended amount of time.

Things I use while I’m out and about

Modified 2007 Honda Civic Si (FA5)
iPhone 4S 16GB Black
Black Bladed Pocket Knife
Amity Leather Single Fold Wallet

Making sure you have the right tools when leaving the house is essential in your day-to-day errands. Obviously, a car/truck is always a good thing to remember. If you’re forgetting this then you may be working. I don’t want to offend anyone who doesn’t have a vehicle, so don’t take it personally. I bring my iPhone 4S everywhere I go. After all, it is my phone but it is one of the best smartphones on the planet and arguably the best on-phone camera. When I bring my phone, I don’t have to worry about carrying around a digital camera since my iPhone has great quality to take quick snapshots.

I hope you enjoyed reading the things that I use on a daily basis as well as my traveling technology. What works for me may not work for you, so keep that in mind while reading. I do plan on upgrading a lot of my technology in the future, but I’m on a tight budget and have bills and family that comes first. What do you use on a daily basis? Leave your thoughts below.

Tags: Daily, Technology, Traveling

20 Successful Blogging Tips

Published by TechJohnson on March 16th, 2012 | No Comments »

Blogging has been an art form on the internet since the early 1990’s. Whether you blog about your personal life, healthy dieting or technology, there are a bunch of tips and tricks that you should follow in order to be successful. We’ve compiled a list of 20 easy-to-use, do-it-yourself blogging tips to help you succeed in the blogging community.

Choose a passionate niche that you will always be happy to blog about.
If you haven’t purchased your own customized domain name, think about doing so. Keep is short and/or relevant to your niche.
Try not to let your blog post go too long without a post. Post on a regular/consistent basis.
Optimize your blog using SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
Use a simple and elegant theme. Don’t want too much going on to distract the reader of the content.
Do your best to reply to all comments made in your blog.
Don’t force yourself to write content.
End your post with a question so that you will receive feedback.
Make sure you use correct grammar and spelling.
Double check your work before making that article live.
Try not to talk in the first person unless it’s your personal blog.
Include images in your posts.
Don’t focus on making money.
Be helpful to other bloggers (especially beginners).
Don’t copy other articles from other blogs. This could lead you to a possible lawsuit.
Always use a sense of humor. Keeping it clean is always advised for a professional blog.
Make sure your blog appears well in other Web Browsers
Always include an About Page and Contact Page.
Always be yourself. Don’t be someone you’re not.
Last but not least, have fun!

We hope these 20 tips will help you blog succeed. If you have any other suggestions you would like to leave, put them in the comment section.

Tags: Blogging, Successful, Tips

More Knowledge, Less Packed

Published by TechJohnson on February 27th, 2012 | No Comments »

Pushing out content has been one of my biggest passions in life. I love helping people and giving people knowledge. I’ll admit, I’m not the smartest person out there but when I know something valuable, I want to share it to help people out. With that being said, you may have noticed that I’m starting to push out more content. I have some long term goals that I’m going to really start pushing to achieve. Thus brings me into my next topic, I have added a lot of content to my website in the past two days. You may not notice it at first, but when you start diving into the site, you’ll notice a lot has changed.

In the coming weeks, I plan on changing up the design a bit. It won’t be anything major, but definitely noticeable. With that being said, what has changed, so far?

New SEO eBook for a free download
New content in my portfolio
Added a “Resources” page
Added a “Services” page
Navigation made easy

Like I mentioned above, at first glance, not much has changed. I encourage you to take the dive into the content to see for yourself how awesome things have become. I’m very proud of this update and I feel it will benefit everything in the long run. Content will be added on a more regular basis, make sure you check back every few days.

I appreciate your support as I go through changes. I always enjoy reading your feedback, so feel free to contact me regarding anything you see or wish to see.

Vlog Down

Published by TechJohnson on January 15th, 2012 | 2 Comments »

Since the beginning of my YouTube ”childhood,” I’ve always been into vlogging. Vlogging is the same thing as a blog but in video form. I tried to keep my YouTube channel more professional but with my passion growing, that was a difficult task to handle. After becoming a fan of TyMoss and his daily vlogs, I took up the drug. Now yes, I used drug because it’s like a drug for me. A healthy drug! Kids, drugs are bad.

Since I started to do more vlogs instead of “official” videos, I noticed my viewers drop. I didn’t lose determination and kept doing what I always loved to do. With my ratings still dropping with each vlog, I was put to the task of a lot of deep thinking.

I have officially come to the conclusion that vlogging on my TechJohnson YouTube Channel is going to have to stop. I will continue to do vlogs for the seasons, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, but that’s it. With that in mind, I have a serious task that I need to think through. I’m debating whether or not to start a new channel that are just my vlogs and keep my main YouTube channel tech related.

Give me your honest input, should I drop my vlogs all together or should I create a new YouTube Channel primarily for vlogging. I love doing the hobby, but it’s taking away my main focus of my YouTube Channel.

Please give me all your input in the comments. If need be, give me constructive criticism, just don’t be harsh.

Tags: Vlog Down

Happy New Year

Published by TechJohnson on January 1st, 2012 | No Comments »

Happy New Year to everyone! Everyone here at TechJohnson just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a happy new year and to say thank you for all the love and support over the last year. We have big plans for 2012 that we all think you will enjoy. Hope each and every one of you have a safe and amazing year.

Tags: 2012, Happy New Year

2012 New Years Resolutions

Published by TechJohnson on December 31st, 2011 | 1 Comment »

With the year 2011 coming to a close in under 24 hours, many seem to reflect on the past year. The one thing everyone asks themselves is, “What can I do better in the new year?” This question has started up something called New Years Resolutions and I’m going to share a few of mine with you. These will all be goals that I wish to accomplish within the year and possibly things that will last a life time. I hope you have your reading glasses on!

Zachary Tyler Johnson

Zachary is my newly born son who was born on December 25, 2011. He is absolutely a blessing to my heart and my family. My goal for him is for me to be the best father I can be to him. Clearly, this is one of the goals I want to be lasting a lifetime. Zachary has changed my life for the better and I love him with all my heart. Things didn’t seem so real until I was the first person to hold him, then it hit me. I want Zachary to grow up in a Christian family and I have to be his roll model. I’m extremely excited to start my new lifelong journey with him and Alyssa.

Money

I have always seemed to struggle with my money situation in my life. I’m praying that this year things will fall into place so I don’t have to struggle so much to keep up with bills and not be so stressed. It’s a really rough economy right now in the US so it’s very hard to make a buck. With my car bills close to $1,000 a month alone, it’s been really rough to have money for myself or even to get the car paid!

YouTube

As many of you know, YouTube has been one of my biggest online passions this past year. I really started to push myself to create decent content for my subscribers. For the new year, I plan on pushing on great content for all my subscribers. I’m going to strive to hit 1,000 subscribers and open up a vlogging channel and leave my main channel for tech related videos. I don’t want things to get jumbled up and such. If you aren’t already subscribed to my YouTube channel, what are you waiting for! Click here!

Blogging

Earlier in the year, I was creating close to 5 blog posts a day. I want to bring back the website and having more blogs on the site. This could be a long stretch with a new born and having YouTube my primary focus online. But hey, I’ll do my best!

Freelance

Yes, freelancing has the same concept of making money but in my eyes, it’s completely different. Making money through job is one thing but making money through things that you actually enjoy doing is different. I want to better my freelance work over the next year in terms of graphic design, web design, photography…and maybe even video editing. I think it would be fantastic to start working more from home on Freelancing and making a living that way so I can tie into my first resolution of my baby boy, Zachary.

Sleep

With a new born, I get no sleep. I would love more sleep!

Believe it or not, that’s all that’s on my list of resolutions. I like to keep things simple and logical. Of course it would be nice to sign a multi million dollar contract with Google but it’s just not logical. I want to keep everything simple and things that I could actually do.

Before you click away, I want to know what your New Years Resolutions are! Leave them in the comments.

Tags: 2010 New Years Resolutions, Resolutions

It’s a Christmas Baby!

Published by TechJohnson on December 26th, 2011 | No Comments »

I have a huge announcement to make today and no, I didn’t win the lottery. As awesome as that would be, I think this announcement is much greater. Imagine getting the most amazing present in the world, now times that by 10 or even 100. That’s how amazing this is.

As many of you may have known, my girlfriend has been pregnant for the last 9 months (obviously). After a long stretch of pains, aches, attitude, and of course labor, my baby boy has been born on Christmas at a healthy 7lbs 15oz. We have named him Zachary Tyler Johnson and of course with me being the dad, he has to have a Twitter! Feel free to follow Zachary at @JohnsonZachary.

I know this probably isn’t the biggest or most exciting thing you have read but to me, this is life changing and I felt the need to share this with all of you. If you have kids, what is your most treasured activities with them? If you had a Christmas baby, would you give him the same amount of presents or double up sense it’s their birthday and a holiday? Leave your thoughts in the comment section.

Merry Christmas

Published by TechJohnson on December 25th, 2011 | No Comments »

From everyone here at TechJohnson, we just want to take the time out of the Holiday weekend to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. We hope you spend it with your family and show a lot of love and hospitality. Remember, Christmas isn’t about receiving gifts, it’s about our Lord, Jesus Christ. Hope you all enjoy your Holiday and have a wonderful day! What did you get from Santa?

Tags: Merry Christmas

Motivation Kills the Cat

Published by TechJohnson on December 18th, 2011 | No Comments »

Have you ever been motivated to do something useful online but find yourself lacking things to do? This happens to everyone that I have ever asked. It’s going to happen to you at least once in your lifetime. I’m sitting here at the computer trying to make use of myself and my skills and nothing is popping into my head. Basically, I feel like my cat laying on the bed next to me is getting more done then I. That makes my title a bit more understandable. The cat basically killed my motivation. Why not flip around that motivation to kill the cat. Figuratively speaking, of course.

My question to you, what do you do when you find yourself having a lot of motivation but nothing to accomplish? I’m going to do my best to give you a few basic tips to help you regain some thoughts and possibly accomplish something that may benefit you down the line.

Whatever you do, don’t waste away your time and talent on Facebook. I have come to learn that Facebook will just put you below any motivation that you may have. Facebook is just something that will completely distract you from doing anything wonderful. Believe it or not, you will make better use of your time if you open up Twitter or Google Plus. NOT Facebook.

Anyway, what exactly do I do? I have found that the smallest of things help me the most. Things like taking a step away, grabbing a glass of water, making a small meal, or even going to the bathroom. As nasty as that last statement is, it could help you clear you mind and regain focus.

I’m starting to realize that this post is going no where…

What do you do to regain focus when you have a lot of motivation but nothing to accomplish. Let me know down below.

Just to give you guys an insider, this blog was pointless and just something that I felt like typing. I was in the mood to type

September 11th: 10 Years Later (9/11/01)

Published by TechJohnson on September 11th, 2011 | 2 Comments »

September 11, 2001 will be a day to remember for years and years to come. This day makes the 10 year anniversary of such a tragic day. On September 11, 2001, our nation was under attack by a terrorist group. Two planes flew into the World Trade Centers and they collapsed. Another plane flew into the pentagon and took out a section. The last plane was set to strike the White House but geared off course and landed in a field in Pennsylvania.

On this tragic day, the United States of America lost thousands of people. I just wanted to give my respects to all those who lost their lives that day and the families who have been impacted.

10 years have passed since this tragic day and it feels like it was just yesterday. I remember I was in the 5th grade when all this had happened. I was called out of class and was rushed home by my mother in fear of another attack. At the time, I lived very close to New York City and I was able to see the smoke and everything happen. It was very frightening. Although i was young, I will never forget this day.

Again, my thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been impacted.

My questions for you:

If you could have prevented 9/11, what would you have done? What were you doing when you found out about the attack?

Alien Sheep!

Published by TechJohnson on September 8th, 2011 | No Comments »

As awful as it sounds, Alyssa has an Alien Sheep in her stomach. I bet you didn’t know that was possible. Also, have you ever brushed your teeth with a Razor Blade Toothbrush?

Happy Labor Day

Published by TechJohnson on September 6th, 2011 | No Comments »

Happy Labor Day!

Yes, I’m aware that I’m a day late and a dollar short (I never understood that saying?) but it’s better to be late then never!

I’m not sure if people outside of the US celebrate Labor Day so my apologies if you do not. Here in the US, Labor Day is a National Holiday. To be completely honest, I’m not sure why we even celebrate the holiday. If you know the true reasoning, please enlighten me in the comment section.

This year for Labor Day, I spent the night at my friends house. They had a pretty fun party and a bunch of my friends were there. They all took part in some beer pong. No, I wasn’t involved in any of it. I’m not legally able to drink yet. In the US, the drinking age is 21 and I’m only 19.

I didn’t get much footage but it was a blast!

What did you do to celebrate Labor Day? Leave your answers in the comment section.

Tags: Labor Day, LBI