Jackson Free Press

Families live farther apart than ever. Several tech tools can help you keep in touch from afar. Here are some tips for staying in touch.

Virtual Cards
    Getting a card in the mail is a fun surprise. But if you're busy, it can be difficult to buy one and make a trip to the post office. Try sending a virtual card to someone you love by using sites such as bluemountain.com or virtualgreeting.com.

YouTube
    Does your father live too far away to take him out on Father's Day? Grab your camcorder and videotape a heartfelt message, or perform a song and upload it to YouTube. Send the link to him. It's almost as good as being together.

Skype It
    Grandparents and great-grandparents all over the world can visit their favorite babies from a distance. Using voice and video chat services, such as Skype, they can do this for free. If both parties have the Skype service, it costs nothing to place a call using only your computer terminal with a microphone. If both have video cameras in the computer, the visit can include visual contact. More than two computers can join the conversation, turning a conference video call into a virtual family reunion. It's as easy to sign up for Skype as it is Twitter or Facebook. Skype users can also call land lines and cell phones for a small monthly fee. Visit skype.com for information.

Social Media
    Facebook and Twitter have gone from being social networking sites among friends to an important way that families can keep in touch, share photos and plan events. Need to organize a family reunion? Just create a Facebook event site.

Pick Up the Phone
    Having a real conversation with a family member is a great way to reconnect and keep in touch. Try to have a regularly scheduled time to make calls.