There is an abundance of programs we use use on the desktop, either on an Apple Mac or a Windows based PC. Some we use daily, others are used as required for the task at hand.
Did you know most of these programs you use are available as an app for your mobile phone? No? For at least half of these listed apps, I had no idea that they utilise the cloud and that the company has both a desktop and mobile app version. Some of these I discovered over time, others I thought to see if there was an app available and discovered there is.
Here on this list are 10 desktop programs and there related list of available apps. These 10 are not the only ones available, but cover enough subject matter for the casual and business user alike.
1. Google URL Shortener
The URL shortener from Google is a super easy to use long hyperlink shortener. When you paste a long URL into the text box and click the shorten URL button, your hyperlink will be shortened to goo.gl/xxxxxx a six character reference hyperlink made from numbers and letters in lower and upper case. Shortened links like these can be then used anywhere where a shorter link is required, like Twitter. For example the link – https://www.google.com.au/about/products/ will become – https://goo.gl/qqFusk
Desktop link – Google URL Shortener
App Link iOS – iTunes
App Link Google Play – Google Play
2. Google Analytics
Google Analytics is an excellent tool for seeing where your sites traffic is coming from, where they are going on your website and for how long. You can drill down into details for country of origin, which browser they are using and other demographics. If you have a blog, you can even see which are your best performing articles on your site. More details about analytics here.
Desktop Link – Google Analytics
App Link iOS – iTunes
App Link Google Play – Google Play
3. Meetup
Meetup is a tool for creating events, workshops, meetings and micro conferences based around a mutual interest for many people to gather on a one off or regular basis. Interests may range from learning about search engine optimisation, hairdressing, speaking French, discovering about COSplay and numerous other subjects.
Desktop Link – Meetup desktop
App Link iOS – iTunes
App Link Google Play – Google Play
4. Firetalk
Firetalk is an online real time live streaming platform. You can broadcast and also have one guest also video chat in real time. Others viewing the video chat can send text messages. As a ‘host’ you can control if people get ‘booted’ off of a video stream and allow others to connect to video if there is a spare video ‘seat’. Many marketers are using the platform for training or for even using the video or audio for podcasts and video vlogging, others are using it as a social gathering platform and many more gather to debate or discuss various subjects. Your live streams stay on your ‘channel’ and you can also upload your completed live streams to YouTube.
Desktop Link – Firetalk on the desktop
App Link iOS – iTunes
App Link Google Play – Google Play – No Play app yet use the desktop link
5. Amazon Kindle
Amazon Kindle is multi-platform software available to read kindle format books – without the need to have an actual physical Kindle device. You can read, highlight and change to two different fonts. You can also select s specific page to read. The program can hold hundreds of books to read. You can also sync your books on your desktop and mobile devices.
Desktop Link – Kindle on the desktop PC – Kindle on the desktop MAC
App Link iOS – iTunes
App Link Google Play – Google Play
6. Gotowebinar
Gotowebinar Allows you to host record-able webinars with up to 1,000 viewers, share forms, provide digital handout and provide polls, surveys and Q&A’s
Desktop Link – Gotowebinar on the desktop
App Link iOS – iTunes
App Link Google Play – Google Play
7. TED – TED talks are that inspire creativity, conversation and spark new ideas. Talks are from people from all walks of life, scientists, mathematicians, SEO experts, PR reps, journalists, School teachers, street performers, actors, and many others.
Desktop Link – TED on the desktop
App Link iOS – iTunes
App Link Google Play – Google Play
8. Skype – Skype is a program that allows for live real time video communication. You can do single & group video calls, audio calls, have instant messaging, share a screen and share files between users.
Desktop Link – Skype on the desktop
App Link iOS – iTunes
App Link Google Play – Google Play
9. Ookla Speedtest – Speedtest allows you to test your physical internet broadband DSL or cable connection upload and download speeds measured in Megabits per second at your locale (usually the city you are actively present). You can also test the speeds with your mobile device over 3G, 4G and LTE networks. A great tool to determine initial internet troubleshooting issues (like if your speed suddenly drops to 20% of your usual speed) or if your curious about your internet speeds.
Desktop Link – Speedtest on the desktop
App Link iOS – iTunes
App Link Google Play – Google Play
10. Dropbox – is a cloud based file hosting service. Dropbox allows you to upload and access any digital file type on many different devices, you can even share specific files with others. The free account allows up to 2 GB of space, and you can refer others to get up to 16GB total for free! https://db.tt/IY8Sb5Yo
Desktop Link – Dropbox on the desktop – Notice!!!! This is a referral link, if you sign up I get an extra 500MB of storage AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.
App Link iOS – iTunes
App Link Google Play – Google Play
There we have it, although these are ten common platforms, there are hundreds of desktop items that are also available as an app for your favourite device. If you know of any that should be on this list, drop a line in the comments!
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