Google AccountIf you have a
Gmail account, you have everything you need to get started. Lacking one, I would have you go to
gmail.com and set one up.
BloggerThe next step would be to start a blog. At
Blogger.com (as with most of the Actuator tools) you can use your
Gmail sign-in.
SettingsFor confidentiality, in the blog's
Settings tab say No to being listed or searchable. In the
Permissions tab, set
Blog Readers to
Only Blog Authors.
LayoutWhen you've saved your prefs, proceed to the
Layout tab and start adding gadgets.
ToolsAt the top of the Actuator page is a list called
Tools. Each link will open in its own window. Go down that list and make sure you're registered with those you want to use. All are optional unless you want to use my Mileage and Expense form templates. (For them you'll need Google
Documents. See below.)
Paste the URL for each service's page into your own links gadget. (Yours won't open in new windows, but if you have a rudimentary facility with HTML you can target them in an HTML gadget instead, as I did.)
FormsAn HTML gadget is what you'll use to add the expense and mileage forms. In Google
Documents, search for "Actuator" using the
Search Templates button. The
Use this template button will open a window where you can customize that form. Then grab the
Embed code from the
More Actions tab, and paste that into your gadget. You'll want to tweak the height number to accommodate your browser's font size. (The data you put in them later should be listed as
Documents spreadsheets.)
More GadgetsIf I haven't lost you by now, embedding your
Calendar code in another gadget will be straightforward. A
Text gadget will hold your brand reminder. A
Labels gadget will handle your sorting.
JournalAfter this basic setup you should be ready to save your layout and begin making journal entries. Don't forget to assign labels as you go. You can date entries retroactively if you need to (Look for
Post Options arrow at lower left.). Adding pictures will be fairly self-explanatory.
Lastly, find your blogger
Dashboard and bookmark it!
That's the basics. Of course, each actor will have unique needs, preferences and supporting service accounts.
If you're already just overwhelmed by all of this,
or if your personal situation requires individual attention, contact me to schedule an orientation, tutorial or whatever you may need. consider joining
Actuator on FaceBook, a forum for peer support.