Back up online

I have always backed up my Phd work...
In fact, I have a back up log.
I record when  I back up my files, and from which computer to which computer.
The problem is... I back up to my external hardrive, which I ususally keep in my laptop bag.
Hmmm... what whould happen if something happens to my laptop bag.
So today, I am backing up my Phd work online.
At www.humyo.com.
Its 10G free (5 media files, 5 documents).
Try it!!

Organizing my literature review

One of the most daunting task that I have been avoiding is doing the literature review. I remember during those times when I conducted a lit review for my masters thesis, I was so disorganised. I couldn't remember what I had read and I didn't know where I had kept the articles. At that time, we didn't use endnote.

I am determined that for my Phd, I would do a better job. . At least spending less time to just look for things.

Yesterday, I got a few tips from Suraya & Aini.
They suggested that I put my notes in a table using excel, dividing it into columns (year, author, title, theme, etc).
Then keep the ref in endnote.
Then draw a mindmap.
There are 2 free mindmap softwares on the web (Freemind and can't remember the other one).
But... Aini now ends up doing it on paper.
One student even had it on mahjong paper.

I thought those tips are useful.
Thanks Suraya & Aini.

Ooops...
also found important links fom academic skills unit:
Literature search
Reading strategies
Note taking
Courseworks

Research Data Management

One of the classes that I attended was on Research Data Management.
I thought it was useful.
The important message here is you to create an inventory of your files.
You also need to write a protocol on how you keep your things... so that others know your system.

Google Reader

One of the Phd students I met during one of the upskill classes advised me to set up my own google reader. Its one of those tools that helps you to organize your reading materials. First, I need to know how to use it.

Related links:
Google Reader Help Group
Google Reader Help Videos
Google Reader Blog

Hope this works...

My Gantt chart

My task for today is creating a Gantt chart.
You can create gantt charts by using the usual office softwares: word & excel.
There are also specific softwares online, but make sure you install JAVA first.

Hmmm... I thought this was easy...
But you do need a bit of time...