If You’re Not Using IFTTT, Then You Should Be

If this, then that (IFTTT) is one of my favorite services on the Internet. It’s like having an uber-geeky personal assistant you don’t have to pay.

Let’s say, for example, that you’d like to be alerted any time the temperature in International Falls, Minnesota falls below 10 degrees. And who wouldn’t?

Like most of us, I’m addicted to Instagram, but Web services go away from time to time (Google Reader anyone?), so I like backing up my fascinating photos of lunch or patio time to Google Drive.

This one saves my YouTube favorites to Google Drive, so I don’t forget to go back and watch.

Get Started with IFTTT

Ok, you’re convinced now, right? (I had you with International Falls, didn’t I?) How do you get started?

Go to the IFTTT website and sign up. Then browse the channels. They add new ones all the time, so it’s worthwhile to check back often. Find the online services and/or apps you use regularly and click the channel icon to see what recipes (that’s what they call the scripts that do all of the cool things) look useful.

If you find something you like, click on the recipe, then click the huge Use Recipe button. That’s how easy it is.

It’s Not Just for Geeks

Lest you should think this service is just for geeks like me, check out this recipe, which could save quite a bit of irritation for my husband. Not that I lose my phone a lot …

I’m sure you’re clicking as fast as you can to go sign up. So come back and share your favorite recipe in the comments, ok?