Digital Lovers Blog

War of the iPhones: Is AT&T's better or is Verizon's better?

2011-05-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

Today, we are going to compare the AT&T iPhone4 to the Verizon Wireless iPhone4. As we all know the iPhone craze started back in 2007. The first iPhone was released on June 29 of that year (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iphone). Since 2007, Apple has released an upgraded model of the iPhone in 2008, 2009, and 2010. There is some talk of the iPhone 5 (possibly the iPhone 4GS) to be released in 2011, but nothing has been confirmed by Apple.

So since Apple makes the iPhone 4 for both AT&T and Verizon, the phones are the same right? Wrong! There are a number of differences between the AT&T version and Verizon version. First let's compare the iPhone from both companies. Both companies carry the 4th generation iPhone (hence the name iPhone 4). In saying that they both have the following: 2 cameras (1 front facing and 1 rear), can be used as an MP3 player, receive email and texts, have the ability to multitask, can record and edit in HD, have GPS abilities, and have access to over 350,000 apps in the Apple App Store.

So what makes them so different? The main difference between the AT&T iPhone compared to the Verizon iPhone if the placement of the internal antenna. When AT&T first released the iPhone 4 in 2010, many people were dropping calls and having horrible connection to their 3G network. The reason for all of this was because the antenna was placed in a bad location; the bottom right side of the phone. Because most people are right handed, this "little issue" suddenly became quiet large. Apple has not fixed the issue, however they have offered free iPhone covers that prevent the signal being interrupted by your hand.

Verizon Wireless was lucky. They did not start selling the iPhone 4 until early 2011. This meant that they were able to look at the issues AT&T customers were having and addressed them before the phone was released on their network. The Verizon iPhone 4 also has the ability to act as a 3G mobile hotspot. This allows 5 devices to connect to Verizon's 3G network via the iPhone (the iPhone acts as a wireless router). According to Cnet.com the Verizon iPhone was faster (See video for testing).

Overall, both the AT&T iPhone 4 and Verizon iPhone 4 are great phones. The iPhone is a popular device and that will not change in the future. I would almost go as far as saying it leads the way in cell phone development. But I am an Android person so I could be a little bias....

Sources/More Information:
Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iphone
www.attwireless.com
www.verizonwireless.com
Comparison Chart - http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/02/att_vs_verizon_iphone_-_a_comp.html

5/24/2011: Tech Tuesdays Podcast #3 (51 mins)

2011-05-24T18:26:00.000-05:00

TECH TUESDAYS

EPISODE #3

Podcast Topics:

Library Tech News: Spring Festival Slideshow | Library Website Upgrade
Smartphones vs. Not-So-Smartphones: Budget vs. Smartphones
Cell Phone Providers: Major vs. Minor Providers | 3G vs. 4G service
Plans & Contracts: Pros & Cons

Resource Links:

May is Cell Phone Month (read now)
The Evolution of the Handheld Cell Phone by Jaketha (read now)
Smartphones vs. Not-So-Smartphones by Charlie (read now)
My Move from a Feature Phone to a Smartphone by Charlie (read now)
My Move from a Smartphone to an Even Smarter Phone by Jaketha - Coming 5/25/2011
The War of the iPhones by Charlie - Coming 5/27/2011

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Thanks for listening to our first Tech Tuesdays podcast on the Digital Lovers Blog (http://bpl-it.blogspot.com/) brought to you by the Information Technology Department of the Bossier Parish Libraries (http://www.bossierlibrary.org/). We would love to hear from you! Feel free to use the online form provided by FormSpring.me to submit a question or comment on today's topic.

My Move from a Feature Phone to a Smartphone: Was it worth it?

2011-05-23T09:02:00.000-05:00

My Story

My last article was comparing feature phones and smartphones. Well today I am going to talk about my move from a feature phone to a smartphone and if it was worth it. My cell phone endevors started when I was 16 years old. For Christmas that year I got an old Nokia cell phone (black text only). I was able to call people and towards the end of its existance, I learned how to text. Oh...and I can't forget, I learned how to play the game that revolutionized cell phone games forever, Snake.

"older" Nokia | Motorola Razr | Motorola Krzr

From the Nokia I went to a more modern looking flip phone. I thought I had a million dollar phone. It was a flip style and it had a color screen (Then... I knew what it was like to go from black and white TV to color). I stayed with the flip phone style for a while, going through the Motorola Razr (razor) and Krzr (krazor). These phones were great and were very tough. I dropped these phones countless times and they still worked. Other than the simplicity of these phones, the contract was the best part of owning a feature phone. Most of the contracts were low cost. I did have to pay extra for text messages and phone protection, but I feel it was worth it.

Blackberry Curve | Motorola Droid

When I got married in 2009, my wife and I decided we needed better phones. We joined our contracts and decided to get smart phones. My first smartphone was a silver Blackberry Curve 8330. In the beginning, this was a great phone. It did everything I imagined and more. I couldn't beleive I could surf the web, call/text people, and get my email on one device. My eyes were opened to a new world (A world my wife wishes I had never seen). From the Curve, we upgraded to a Motorola Droid, which I am currently still using. In my opinion, the Motorola Droid is 1000 times better than the Blackberry Curve; more apps, faster phone, and better 3G connection. The only draw back to having a smartphone is the contracts (as I mentioned in my first blog). Since my move to smartphones, I have taken an interest in mobile technology. When something new comes out, I generally head over to Best Buy or do research on the internet. Just like computers, cellphones are contstantly changing.

Was the Move Worth It?

If I base the move off of features, speed, and abilities, then the move to a smartphone was deffinatly worth it. If I base the move from a price stand point, then absolutely a bad move. You need to know that when upgrading to a smartphone, you will pay at least $15-$30 more per phone. The extra fee is for the constant connection your phone has to have with your provider. You can think of it as DSL or Cable internet. You computer is always connected to the internet. In fact, most smartphones will not work at all without this connection. You also need to know that "phone insurance" is more for these devices because they are more valuable than feature phones. For an individual, it can easily cost you $100 per month for a smartphone and the plan that goes with it. Some providers have better deals than others, but we will talk about providers and contracts later this week.

Sources/More Information:
http://www.themobileindian.com/news/806_Moving-from-feature-to-smartphone

Smartphones vs. Not-So-Smart Phones: Which one is better?

2011-05-20T10:00:00.001-05:00

As you all know this month is Cell Phone month here on the Digital Lovers Blog. Earlier this week, Jaketha posted an article about the Evolution of Cell Phones. Today, I am going to compare smartphones vs. not-so-smart phones or feature phones. But before I begin, lets look at the definitions of each device.

Feature phone
PhoneScoop defines a feature phone as "Any mobile phone that is not a smartphone. Feature phones have proprietary operating system (OS) firmware." Proprietary operating systems mean that the OS is limited to that device/company only. Often times, feature phones cannot download or access third-party software; commonly called "apps." If so, then they in no way interact with the phone's OS. This means that the phone's hardware or software does not increase the performance of the app. Even thought feature phones have limited or no access to apps, they are still loaded with features. Most feature phones today are "socially" designed. That means that more feature phones are coming with enhanced texting/typing abilities, access to web based email (i.e. Yahoo, AOL, Gmail), updated web browsers, and access to Facebook and Twitter. Of course accessing any type of email or social media will cost. Because feature phones do not require any sort of 3G or 4G connection to work properly, Internet access is cheaper (anywhere from $5 to $15 monthly fee).

Smartphone
PhoneScoop defines a smartphone as "A category of mobile device that provides advanced capabilities beyond a typical mobile phone. Smartphones run complete operating system software that provides a standardized interface and platform for application developers." Smartphone are geared toward the business person; having regular access to the Internet is a must as well as receiving cooperate email or storing multiple email accounts. Smartphone have the ability to download apps via the appropriate "app store" (i.e. Android Marketplace, Apple App Store). Smartphones give the user an enhanced experience surfing the Internet with the ability to view HTML5, Flash, and Java based sites (a.k.a. the fancy stuff). Because smartphones utilize your network's 3G or 4G connection, a GPS feature is always available, up-to-date news and weather can be accessed, and keeping your calendar up-to-date via it's syncronizing feature is available as well. Some smartphones have whats called a GPU or graphical processing unit. This enhances streaming media like YouTube, Netflix, and HDMI videos.

So which phone should you purchase?
My answer to that: Great question!?! :) Feature phones are great for those who don't like change. If all you do is make phone calls and text occasionally, then don't waist your money on a smartphone. If you can't get away from Facebook or Twitter, or you have a constant flow of email, then you probably need to look into a smartphone. I know earlier in the article I mentioned that feature phones are generally cheaper than smart phones, but this is not always the case. Carriers are always changing their plans and costs. You can get a low-end smartphone for FREE when you upgrade your contract or if you catch the right deal. But again, there are more costs associated with the smartphone (monthly data fee, phone insurance, basically anything that isn't considered standard). My wife and I made the switch to smartphones a few years ago and we love our phones. Now if only I can find a way to make the bill cheaper.....

Sources:
PhoneScoop - http://www.phonescoop.com/glossary/
Cnet - http://www.cnet.com/8301-17918_1-10461614-85.html

The Evolution of the Handheld Cell Phone

2011-05-18T17:49:00.003-05:00

Just like with any technology, many are not aware that the concept of the cell (or mobile) phones can be traced back to the mid-1800s even though they did not become publicly accessible until 1988.

A. HISTORY:
If we think pass the actual devices, the framework for them started with a chemist named Michael Faraday, who "researched if space could conduct electricity" back in 1843 (see Article #1 below).

Thirty-one years later, a Virginia dentist named Dr. Mahlon Loomis, is believed to have been the first person to send messages wirelessly using the earth's atmosphere.

Dr. Martin Cooper

Then a little over a century after that, Dr. Martin Cooper, an engineer who once worked for Motorola, is coined as being the actual inventor of the cell phone. He not only made the first handheld device but also made the first cell phone call too.

By late-1970, Dr. Cooper's concept was being tested in major cities like Chicago, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.

Today, according to C.T.I.A., which is the international organization that sets standards for cell phone technology, as of December 2010, in the United States, there were:

Over 300 million wireless subscribers
Over 2 trillion cell phone minutes used
Over 187 billion text messages sent
Over 26% of households are without landline phones due to owning a cell phone

B. FEATURES:
Nowadays, cell phones can do more than just make a call. Since 1988, cell phone features have advanced to the point that some types are now referred as "smartphones" due to the addition of features, such as, text messaging, Internet browsing, downloading and listening music, movies, games, and downloading and watching full-length feature films just to name a few.

Via: Cell Phones

Be sure to checkout these other references:

(Article) - Timeline of Cell Phone History - CellPhones.org
(Pictorial Article) - The Evolution of the Cell Phone Design Between 1983-2009 - WebDesignDepot.com

May is Cell Phone Month

2011-05-16T14:39:00.000-05:00

In today's world, nearly everyone, even kids, have their own cell phone. Since the invention of hand-held cell phones back in the early 70s, the mobile phone has come along way. So for the next two weeks, we will explore the world of smartphones and "not-so-smart" phones. As a result, we anticipate discussing the following topics here on the Digital Lovers Blog:

The Smartphone vs. the Not-So-Smart Phone (Charlie)
My Move from a Feature Phone to a Smartphone: Was it Worth it? (Charlie)
My Move from a Blackberry to an Android: Was it Worth it? (Jaketha)
The War of the iPhones - Verizon vs. AT&T: Which is Better? (Charlie)
The Evolution of the Cell Phone (Jaketha)

As always we will continue with our regular episode of Tech Tuesdays podcast, which is been rescheduling from Tuesday, May 17th to Tuesday, May 24th. Be sure to check back between 6:00 and 6:30 PM to listen to the show!

DID YOU MISS LAST MONTH'S DISCUSSION ON TABLETS?

Throughout the month of March, we covered Computers & Printers from desktop, laptop and netbooks, along with tips and techniques for inkjet printers. In case you missed it, check out these links!

Tech Tuesdays Podcast #2A - Listen here
Tech Tuesdays Podcast #2B (41 mins) - Listen here
The History of the Tablet Computer by Jaketha - Read now
Are They Tablet Computers or Tablet PCs? by Charlie - Read now
Tablet Computers: Overgrown MP3 Players or What? by Charlie - Read now
Buyer Research: Apple iPad 2 by Charlie - Read now
Buyer Research: Android by Charlie - Read now

4/26/2011: Tech Tuesdays Podcast #2B (41 mins)

2011-04-26T18:30:00.037-05:00

TECH TUESDAYS

EPISODE #2B

Podcast Topics:

Library Tech News - Library Spring Festival (00:55 | 41:03)
Tablet Buyers Research (02:21 | 41:03)
Getting the Internet on Your Tablet: 3G vs. WiFi (25:00 | 41:03)
Tablet Features and Drawbacks (33:35 | 41:03)

Resource Links:

Tablet Computers & PCs (Episode #2A) by Jaketha & Charlie
Buyer Research: Apple iPad 2 by Charlie
Buyer Research: Android Tablets by Charlie
Buying a Tablet Computer 101 by Andrew Wozny, Canadian Internet Examiner
Tablet PC 101: Slate Tab by GottaBeMobile

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Are You Going this Saturday?

2011-04-25T09:39:00.001-05:00

Buyer Research: Android Tablets

2011-04-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

Last week we focused on the Apple iPad. Today, we are going to continue our discussion with tablet computers and dig a little deeper in the realm of Android. Unlike the Apple iPad, Android is an operating system (OS) that can be used by anyone. For instance companies who use Microsoft products may also use Android OS to widen their market. Dell, Acer, and Samsung are a few companies who sell Microsoft computers and Android tablets. For you to better understand how Android works, I am going to use the Samsung Galaxy Tab as well as the Motorola Xoom as my Android Tablets.

Android first started being developed in 2003. In 2005, Google bought Android Inc. This move appeared to set Google up for the mobile market. In the early development of the Android OS, not many details were given other than it was a mobile device OS. Android's official release to the public was on October 21, 2008. This gave public developers a chance to "play" with the Android OS and start development on apps and such.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab was the first major Android tablet to hit the market. Sure, there were other companies that offered the Android Tablet, but Samsung utilized the OS to it's fullest. The Galaxy Tab was released on September 2, 2010. The Samsung Tablet has been advertised as a media player/computer. The Galaxy Tab originally had a 7 inch version, but according to (http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxytab/) Samsung has developed an 8 and a 10 inch tablet that will be releasing soon. The main difference between the iPad and the Galaxy Tab, other than the OS, is the ability to upgrade the memory. The Galaxy Tab has a 16GB microSD card preinstalled and can be upgraded to a 32GB microSD card.

The Motorola Xoom(zoom) was the second major tablet released with the Android OS. The Xoom is the first device to run Android 3.0; the most recent version of the Android OS. Motorola has been a leader in developing and utilizing equipment for the Android OS. Motorola was one of the first major cell phone producers to release the Motorola Droid. In saying that, they have done a good job of leading the way for many mobile devices. The Xoom is a prime example of this. If I may get "techie" for a minute; the Xoom has a duel-core processor and 1GB of RAM. That's faster than some of the computers on the market right now. Like the Galaxy Tab, the Xoom can hold up to a 32GB microSD card.

Features:
All Android tablets have access to the Android Market. Here, apps can be downloaded and utilized on your Andriod Tablet. Most Android tablets, especially the newer ones, have cameras with them. The battery life of Android tablets are impresive as well. Like the iPad, they can give you at least 10 hrs. of use. Depending on what you are doing on your tablet, possibly longer. Android Tablets are also 100% touch screen. A keyboard or mouse is not needed in using an Android Tablet.

Below is a few images of the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Motorola Xoom.

Motorola Xoom Samsung Galaxy Tab

Resources/Links:

Motorola Xoom info> http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Tablets/ci.MOTOROLA-XOOM-US-EN.overview

Samsung Galaxy Tab info> http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab
Android OS info> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system)

Buyer Research: Apple iPad2

2011-04-14T14:51:00.009-05:00

This is the first of three articles on buyer research for tablet computers. As you know, our focus this month on the Digital Lovers Blog is tablet computers. So far, we have articles defining a tablet computer, the difference between a tablet PC and a tablet computer, and the history of tablets. We also have a podcast that introduces you to tablet computing. But as you can see by the article title, we are going to focus on the Apple iPad2.

The iPad was first released to the public in April 2010. The iPad2, and most recent version of the iPad, was released in March 2011 (less than a year apart). The iPad is the only brand of tablets where the operating system (OS) is unique. What does that mean? Apple is the only company that sales/licenses the iPad OS (which is the same OS as the iPhone and iPod Touch). iPad led the way for the year of the tablets (2010). Apple advertised the iPad as "a platform for audio-visual media including books, periodicals, movies, music, games, and web content" (Wikipedia). Apple has not said anything about the iPad replacing your computer, nor can it. Yes, it can be an addition to your computing devices, but the iPad cannot replace your computer.

Features:
iPad, like most tablet computers, is 100% touch screen and does not require an external keyboard or mouse. The iPad has a virtual keyboard that appears when typing information in the appropriate field. Your finger is considered the mouse. The iPad does not have any ports that allow USB use or other external devices. You cannot expand the memory either. When you purchase an iPad, the memory you have is what you are stuck with. The iPad has a decent battery life, "up to 10 hours of video, 140 hours of audio playback, or one month on standby. Like any battery technology, the iPad's LiPo battery loses capacity over time, but is not designed to be user-replaceable." (Wikipedia). Since Apple does not allow its users to change the battery, you have to send the it to an Apple Store.

iPad allows for users to install small applications called "apps." These apps can be a number of things such as games like Angry Birds, utilities such as Google Earth, and ereaders such as Kindle. Some apps are free, others are not. Apps that have to be bought start at $.99 and can cost up to $50 or $60. Most of the higher end apps are for developers who need "fancy" stuff. Apps bought through the Apple AppStore are charged to your iTunes account.

Price:
Apple did their research when they started selling the iPad. They knew that at the time nothing compared to their product. Because of that, they were not limited to other companies offering their product at a cheaper price. Since then, many companies have released their version of the tablet computer. But Apple has not changed pricing strategy. The new iPad2 is available in 6 versions: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB WiFi only | 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB WiFi + 3G. The 16GB WiFi only iPad2 can be sold for $499, $599 for 32GB, and $699 for 64GB. The WiFi + 3G versions cost more and a contract with AT&T or Verizon is needed for the 3G feature to work (for pricing > Verizon Wireless | AT&T). The WiFi + 3G versions are as follows: 16GB $629, 32GB $729, and 64GB $829. (Apple Store). Apple, along with 3G providers, has however lowered the price for the original iPad (or iPad1). See Cnet.com for more details. All in all this is a good product, but when it comes to usage and features that is left to the customer.

Be sure to check back next week as we have more articles about the Android Tablets and Windows 7 Tablets. Also be on the look out for the second part of our podcast on April 26. If you thought the first show was good, then you will for sure enjoy the second half!

Resources | Links:
Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPad
3G for Verizon Wireless - http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobilebroadband/?page=plans
3G for AT&T - http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/ipad.jsp
Online Apple Store - http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad/select?mco=MjE0OTI0MDI
Cnet.com - http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-31747_7-20046927-243.html

4/12/2011: Tech Tuesdays Podcast #2A (13 mins)

2011-04-12T18:00:00.001-05:00

TECH TUESDAYS
EPISODE #2A

Podcast Topics:

Library Tech News - Spring Festival 2011 / Gorilla Joe Music Video (00:43/12:44)
Virtual Keyboard or Physical Keyboard: That is the Question! (01:47/12:44)
Just How Old are Tablet Devices? / Is the Apple iPad the Best Choice? (07:39/12:44)

Resource Links:

What is a Tablet Computer? by Larry Classen, Financial Mail
Tablet Computers: Overgrown Touchscreen MP3 or What? by Charlie
Are They Tablet Computers or Tablet PCs? by Charlie
The History of the Tablet Computer by Jaketha

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Thanks for listening to our second Tech Tuesdays podcast on the Digital Lovers Blog (http://bpl-it.blogspot.com/) brought to you by the Information Technology Department of the Bossier Parish Libraries (http://www.bossierlibrary.org/). We would love to hear from you! Feel free to use the online form provided by FormSpring.me to submit a question or comment on today's topic.

The History of the Tablet Computer

2011-04-11T10:00:00.044-05:00

With all of the excitement brought on by the Apple iPad, many erroneously believe that tablet computers are a relatively new concept. However, that's far reality! In this article, we will trace the history of the tablet computer as far back as the 1950s, which makes the tablet computer well over 40 years old!

Styalator (1950s)

In the 1950s, there was the Styalator, an electronic tablet with a pen for computer input and real-time software for handwriting recongition.

RAND Tablet (1964)

RAND tablet (1964)

More popular than the Styalator was the RAND tablet developed in 1964. It had an electronic slate tablet and a pen but cost a whooping $18,000 (see image to the right).

Dynabook by Alan Kay (1968)

In the late-1960s, the Dynabook was the first fully-functioning tablet computer conceived by computer scientist, Alan Kay. Originally targeted to children and was to be considered a "child's computer," anyone could have utilized the Dynabook.

Below is a Youtube video shows its features, as you can see, it was considered thin, lightweight, utilized a stylus for drawing, had WiFi access (really!?!), along with a built-in keyboard and was powered via rechargeable batteries.

Just like today's iPad2, the Dynabook also retailed for around $500.

Here are a number of other links of interest, each with its own unique way of outlining the history of the tablet computer:

A Brief History of the Tablet Computer by John Pope - read now
Pictorial Timeline of Tablet PCs by Huffington Post - view now
Timeline of Tablet PC History via Wikipedia - read now
The History of the Tablet PC by IGN Gear - read now

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Are they Tablet Computers or Tablet PCs?

2011-04-11T08:40:00.000-05:00

During my research for this blog post, I found some interesting information on this topic. In my first blog released this month, I gave a definition of a Tablet Computer. Again they are devices that only have a touch screen, no keyboards or mouses are needed to use or navigate through these devices. They are also smaller than a laptop, but bigger than a smartphone. So are these devices called Tablet Computers or Tablet PCs? Again, this is a great questions and hopefully this blog will help clear the air.

Tablet PCs have been around for a while. Tablet PCs are laptops that have the ability to turn the screen around 180 degrees and lay flat on the keyboard. This allows the user to write on the monitor with a stylus. You can also use your fingers to type or draw directly on the screen. Programs, such as Microsoft Office, can be installed on these devices. Tablet PCs are not as common as they where a few years ago, but they are still manufactured and are still sold by companies like Dell. An image of a Tablet PC is below.

Dell Tablet PC closed

Dell Tablet PC open

Tablet computers are a bit different. They are flat devices, such as the iPad, that are popular today. These devices are lighter, thinner, and more compact than the Tablet PCs. Tablet computers do not have the ability to install programs. However, they have the ability to install small applications or "apps" as they are more commonly called. Apps can be games (Angry Birds), utilities (Battery Saver), and books (Kindle App).

Apple iPad

So what makes the Tablet Computer more popular than the Tablet PC? Simple; it's smaller, thinner, and more mobile. But it mainly comes down to what the customer wants. If you want to "keep up with the Jones'," and want something that wont weight you down, then a Tablet computer may be the way to go. If you want a devices that functions like a laptop, but with a few more added features, then the Tablet PC may be your tablet of choice. Either way you go, I feel both devices can be helpful/useful in their own way.

Tablet Computers: Overgrown Touchscreen MP3 Players or What?

2011-04-08T08:01:00.007-05:00

Tablet computers are mobile devices that do not have a keyboard or a mouse as input tools (such as desktops and laptops), but instead have a touch screen where users can write with a stylus or use a virtual keyboard that appears on the screen when inputting information. Basically, it’s a device that is touch screen only. Tablets are usually smaller than a laptops and can be using in places where a laptop is too big. But remember, tablets are 100% touch screen.

Apple iPad (100% Touch screen)

Do I Need One?

This is a question I often get asked and the answer to this question depends on how you are going to use it. If you are on the road a lot and work away from your office, then yes a tablet would be a good addition to your computer collection. If you are a student and are able to take notes on electronic devices, then you may also be interested in a tablet. People who are in a sales position may also see a need for a tablet. They are always showing off their company’s products.

Some people who may not need a tablet are those who are looking to find a cheaper device to replace their laptop. Tablets will not replace your desktop computer or laptop for many reasons. We will discuss about tablets replacing computers in our podcast, so be sure to tune in.

If you have a smartphone and a laptop/netbook, chances are you do not need a tablet. You can do all your work on your laptop. When you need access to the Internet and WiFi isn’t around, use your smartphone to search the web. After all, didn’t you purchase a smartphone partially for its web browsing features?

How Can I Use a Tablet?

Tablets are used for many different reasons. The ones I mentioned earlier were a student taking notes in class, a salesperson showing off their product, and working away from their office/home. But you can also access the Internet on a tablet. Most tablets have a WiFi or 3G connection feature. Some have both. Most tablets also have the ability to store music and photos. In short, I like to think of tablets as an overgrown touchscreen mp3 player.

For more information on if you have a need for a tablet, check out this article: http://www.gottabemobile.com/2008/09/30/tablet-pc-101-slate-tablet-pcs/

April is Tablet Computers Month...

2011-04-01T10:56:00.000-05:00

Heard a lot about tablet PCs but not sure what they are? Or maybe you received a new tablet for Christmas, but you're not sure what you can and cannot do with it. Well, for the entire month of April, we'll focus on helping learn what tablet computers are, how they work and whether or not, it will benefit you in the long run.

Also this month, we will continue offering a newest podcast - Tech Tuesdays on the Digital Lovers Blog, which will air right here at 6:30PM on April 12th & 26th. Therefore, our anticipated blog postings and podcast discussion topics are as follows:

The History of Tablet Computers
Tablets vs. Laptops: Are They the Same?
Why is iPad So Popular?
What Makes a Tablet Computer Work? - an look at the current "operating systems" available.
Who Needs a Tablet? - the benefits of having a tablet computer.
Buying a Tablet Computer - which brands are available, features, and pricing.
How Can I Get Internet on My Tablet? - what are my options for Internet service?
Can I Get a Tablet Instead of a PC? - or Will a Tablet Replace My PC?

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DID YOU MISS LAST MONTH'S DISCUSSION ON COMPUTERS & PRINTERS?

Throughout the month of March, we covered Computers & Printers from desktop, laptop and netbooks, along with tips and techniques for inkjet printers. In case you missed it, check out these links!

Tech Tuesday Podcast #1 - Learn more
Windows 7 vs. Vista vs. XP: Computer Speeds by Charlie - Read now
New Windows PC + Old Printer = Will They Work? by Jaketha - Read now
One or Two Easy Ways to Save on Printer Ink by Jaketha - Read now

Patron Computer Classes: April 2011

2011-03-31T14:59:00.000-05:00

Computer Class Calendars NOW AVAILABLE!

This month, Bossier Parish Library is only offering 4 computer classes for the public. Why only 4?!? The reason is the I.T. Staff is hard at work preparing for our annual Spring Festival on April 30th at the Louisiana Boardwalk. Therefore, the classes are as follows and are in no certain order:

Internet Fundamentals - Using Internet Explorer 7 and through hands-on exercises, you will learn the basics of navigating the World Wide Web (WWW) using the most popular search engine, Google. (1.5 hrs) We ask that patrons know how to use the mouse and keyboard for this class.
Email Fundamentals - Setup a free email account using Yahoo! Learn basic navigation and become acquainted with account features, such as, Inbox, Drafts, Trash and Sign Out. Create and reply to your first email and learn basic email etiquette. (1.5 hrs) We ask that patrons know how to use the mouse and keyboard for this class. We also ask that patron be familiar with the Internet.
Computer Fundamentals - Got a brand new computer at home collecting dust? If so, come and learn the basic components of your personal computer and printer, along with basic terminology. Learn how to turn on a computer on/off. Lecture only class! (2 hrs)
Word Fundamentals - Using Microsoft Word 2007, learn the basic features, how to create, edit, open and save a document as well as use templates for quickly creating a resume, letter or calendar. (2 hrs) We ask that patrons know how to use the mouse and keyboard for this class.

Stop by your favorite library branch and pick up an April 2011 Computer Class Calendar TODAY! Calendars outline the dates, times and registration details. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

3/29/11: Tech Tuesdays Podcast #1 (32 min)

2011-03-29T19:24:00.001-05:00

TECH TUESDAYS

EPISODE #1

Podcast Topics:

Library Tech News - Spring Festival/Gorilla Joe Video/Computer Classes (00:39/31:53)
Tips for Buying a New PC / How this Pet Can Harm Your PC? (04:25/31:53)
Saving $$$ on Printer Ink / $4.99 Black Ink Cartridge (18:41/31:53)

Resource Links:

Windows 7 vs. Vista vs. XP: Computer Speeds by Charlie
New Windows PC + Old Printer = Will They Work? by Jaketha
One or Two Easy Ways to Save on Printer Ink by Jaketha
Free Printer: How to Avoid Getting Ripped-Off on Refills by Kathy Kristof, YAHOO! Finance

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New Windows PC + Old Printer = Will They Work?

2011-03-28T16:17:00.000-05:00

If you recently set up a new Windows PC at home, plugged in the USB cable for the printer, then saw that little yellow box in the lower right-hand corner pop up saying "Your printer has been installed!" You probably got all excited and thought, "Great! That's one less thing for me to worry about!" But then, when it came time to print.... The motor geared up or maybe it didn't do anything but one you do know that is this stupid thing isn't printing. Ugh!

The bad side is that you are likely too frustrated to read the rest of this blog posting to see that there is a good side which does not involve going out and buying a new printer. So today we will focus on how to install an old printer on a new Windows Vista or Windows 7 PC, which is somewhat easy. Please note these instructions are intended for those who do not have an actual printer software installation CD. If you still have the installation CD for your printer, then use it instead.

How to Download Printer Drivers:

[1] Avoid plugging in the USB cable that connects the printer to the computer or turning on the printer until told to do so. If you have already done so, then unplug and turn off the printer. The reason is because the printer software installation will tell you when to turn on the printer as well as when to plug in the USB cable.

[2] Now, look at the printer and get its brand name and model number. For example: My office printer is a color laser printer made by Samsung with a model number of CLP-300.

[3] Once you have the brand name and model number, now its time to find the manufacturer's website, where you need to supply the make and model of your printer.

Below, I have provided the links for each manufacturer's drivers/downloads section:

Brother: http://www.brother-usa.com/downloads/Default.aspx <- Based on your model group based on the type of printer you have, you would select from the drop-down either Printers (HL Series) or Multi-Function Center (MFC and DCP series).

Canon: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support <- Under Product Type, click on Consumer & Home Office. Next, under Product Family, select Printers & Multifunction.

Epson: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/SupportIndex.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes <- Click on the Printers & All-in-Ones and select your product type - inkjet, laser, etc.

HP: http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/support_task.html <- Click the radio button for Download drivers... and then enter the model number in the box, then click Enter or press the arrow button.

Lexmark:http://support.lexmark.com/index?channel=supportAndDownloads&page=home&locale=en&userlocale=EN_US <- Click on the Select Your Product arrow

Samsung: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/ <- Click on Printers under the Office section.

Unfortunately, it would take many blog postings to explain how to navigate each manufacturer's website. So, here are a few tips to help you get started.

Once you have entered your model number information, you will need to select your computer's operating system. For example, if your new Windows PC has Windows 7 installed, then you need a printer file that is compatible with Windows 7. So, you must download the printer driver listed under Windows 7.

After you have selected your operating system, you will be provided with a list of printer file options. Even if you own a multi-function printer, we advice that you to stick with downloading a printer driver labeled as BASIC. Even if you have a multi-function printer, it is likely that you want to utilize all of the features available to you. This would require downloading a printer driver that is likely much larger in size, would take much longer to install and is far too advance for blog posting.

[4] Lastly, we will download the 'printer driver" to your desktop (or Downloads folder) and then we double click on that file to begin the installation. Printer installation could be quick or slow depending on your printer type.

Thanks for reading this posting. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post a comment below.

One or Two Easy Ways to Save on Printer Ink

2011-03-14T14:44:00.000-05:00

Image Source: computershopper.com

Unless you've been living under a rock, everyone knows that printer ink cartridges are expensive!

Most people give little thought to this when buying a printer. Usually, we're more consumed with what features our printers offer - monochrome vs. color, media slots, photo or two-side printing, etc. So we find ourselves falling in love with a particular printer, only to learn that the ink cartridges are going to cost an arm and a leg.

For this reason, many people simply won't buy additional ink for their home printers, but that defeats the purpose for having it in the first place. So, here are a few tips for how to preserve your printer ink and no using refillable ink cartridges is not on our list.

Before you begin, make sure your most used printer is set as your default printer then proceed.

First, printing in draft and/or grayscale (black/white) mode. Sometimes we just want to print something simple like a To-Do list or an email, but we really don't need to it to use up a lot of ink, since we'll likely throw it soon anyway. So, the best way to handle this is to change your printer settings to save on how much ink is printed onto the page.

To use this feature, whether you're in Internet Explorer or Microsoft Word, when you get ready to print and the print dialog box opens, look for a button called Properties... or Preferences.... Clicking on it should open another window.

Now look at each tab because you need to find two options, which are usually together and they are Print Quality, which has choices like Best, Normal, or Draft and Color Mode, which has choices like Color, Grayscale or Black & White.

Once you have found those settings, you will want to change the Print Quality to Draft and maybe even the Color Mode to Grayscale or Black and White. After doing so, click OK to close out the Print Properties (or Print Preferences) box and then click OK to print your document. Please note that you will need to change this setting every time you print. But its worth it since it will save you money in the long run.

Second, print more than one page on a page. No, I'm not talking about reusing old printer paper and printing on both sides. I'm talking about setting your print to print multiple pages on the same page. Think in terms of a BINGO card, where there are multiple options to win and its easy to work with because you have multiple cards on a single page.

For example, if you have a four page document, instead of printing four separate pages, you can set your print to print all four pages on the same page. Or you could have it print that entire document on only two pages. To use this feature within your favorite software, click on File | Print and when the print dialog box opens, click on the Properties or Preferences....

But this time we are looking for a feature called Layout or Layout Options.... This feature will likely have more than one component. For example, in one box you need to set it to "Multiple pages per sheet" and in the next box, you will need to tell it how many pages you want printed on a sheet. After doing so, click OK to close out the Properties box and then click OK to print your document. Just like the draft settings, you will also need to turn off this settings, when you are ready to print normally.

That's it! Do you know of additional printer settings for saving on ink? If so, let us know by posting a comment below.

Windows 7 vs. Vista vs. XP - Computer Speed

2011-03-10T09:05:00.002-06:00

The first topic we are going to discuss is Windows 7 vs. older Windows (OS) operating systems. Windows 7 is Microsoft’s most recent OS. Windows 7 became available to the public on October 22, 2009, ending the terror named Vista. Microsoft approached the development of Windows 7 differently than previous OS. Microsoft had a solid OS in Windows XP, but Vista fell short of its hype. However, Vista did introduce a stunning graphical user experience that Windows 7 uses. To better explain the differences of the 3 operating systems and to make this article as simple as possible, I have broken the article into a few sections: Article 1 – Computer Speed

Computer Speed

In the first part of this article, I am going to talk about computer speed. I have been asked many times what computer speed is and why it is important. The first and most common speed issue is the start-up process. This process is called the “boot-up” process. This process is measured from the time the power button is pushed; to the time the computer becomes fully operational (i.e. desktop is loaded, programs can be accessed, etc.). The boot-up process can be affected by many things, but mostly it’s the computer’s hardware (hard drive, RAM, etc.). As mentioned earlier, Windows has addressed this issue. Windows XP takes an average of 2-3 minutes to start up; while Vista takes an average of 90 seconds. Windows 7 on the other hand is faster than both of them; best start up time of the three with 30-45 seconds. That’s the fastest Windows OS start up.

The second most common computer speed issue is the reaction time of the computer. If you click on a program to open it and it doesn’t open right away, chances are you are going to click on it again, and again, and again, and …….. you get where I am going. Doing this will cause your computer to “freak-out.” Your computer will try to open the program multiple times. This will drastically slow your computer and can sometimes cause the computer to crash (which is never good). When you click on a program to open, give it a few seconds. If no response is given, try this again.

The third most common computer speed issue I get asked about is Internet speed. Internet speed is not necessarily an issue with the computer. You service provider (ATT, Suddenlink, etc.) controls you internet speed. When it comes to fast internet, the old saying it true; you get what you pay for. Your computer can affect your internet speed, but this is mainly seen in older computers.

March is PCs & Printers Month...

2011-03-01T11:00:00.000-06:00

Image Source: PowerPCNet.com

Recently bought a computer or thinking about buying one? Or maybe you received a new computer for Christmas and you're not quite sure what to do with it. Well, for the entire month of March, we'll focus on helping brand new Windows 7 computer owners.

To help you out, we'll bringing back a SPECIAL EDITION of Tech Tuesdays as well as focus on how to select a new home printer or how to take your old printer and save money on ink and other techniques for printer efficiency.

Our anticipated postings are as follows:

Windows 7 vs. older Windows operating systems, such as Windows Vista or XP
What Should I Buy First - Laptop, Netbook, or Desktop?
MACs vs. PCs
Home Printers 101

Learn about the different Types: desktop, inkjet, photo, laser, multi-function/all-in-ones...
Ways to Save Your Printer Ink...
The Importance of Using the Right Printer Paper...
What to Do When You Have a New Computer & an Old Printer...

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DID YOU MISS LAST MONTH'S DISCUSSION ON eREADERS?

Throughout the month of February, we covered eReaders from the most popular devices to the eReader benefits, apps and much more. In case you missed it, check out these links!

Kindle vs. Sony vs. Nook: Part II (Feb. 28th) - Read now
eReader Apps (Feb. 24th) - Read now
Benefits of an eReader (Feb. 23rd) - Read now
Kindle vs. Sony vs. Nook: Part I (Feb. 18th) - Read now
How to Get Started with Overdrive (Feb. 14th) - Read now
eReader Terms You Should Know (Feb. 11th) - Read now
Introduction to eReaders (Feb. 11th) - Read now

Kindle vs. Sony vs. Nook: Which is What? (Part 2)

2011-02-28T18:40:00.005-06:00

Sony Reader

The second most popular eReader is made by Sony. Sony offers three different models for their eReaders as shown from left to right: Pocket Edition, Touch Edition, and Daily Edition.

The only differences between the models is size and features. But the main reason many people like this eReader, is you can either buy your books or you can use with downloadable eBook services, such as Overdrive or NetLibrary, if offered by your local library!

Now, all of these models utilize eInk or ePrint technology (what is eInk?). However, unlike the Amazon Kindle, all Sony eReaders come with 12 dictionaries, have touchscreen capabilities, which is a plus for many users, and has bookmarking features so you never lost your place.

The Pocket Edition allows for 1,200 books and has a two-week battery life according to their website. The only complaints, we could find from Internet reviews, was that it requires being connected to a computer for Internet access and for charging. Oh yeah! And it only comes in two colors: hot pink or gray.

According to their website, the Touch Edition allows for 50,000 books via 2GB of on-board memory and has a two-week battery life. Unlike the Pocket Edition, this one offers MP3 capabiilty, where you can put your favorite songs on it and listen as you read. Unlike the Kindle, you must utilize headphones. Also unlike the Kindle, it comes with a note-taking app (what is an app?) for say a To-Do list. Furthermore, it has an expandable memory slot in case you run out of space for all those books. The Touch Edition comes in two colors: gray or red.

Just like the Touch Edition, the Daily Edition also allows for up to 50,000 books with an expandable memory slot and 22 days of battery life. The advantages to the Daily Edition is that it comes with WiFi and 3G combined. Just like the Touch Edition, you can add your favorite songs, but you must use headphone to listen. The Daily Edition also allows you the ability to subscribe to newspaper and magazines too. Unlike previous Daily Edition models, the most recent model only comes in black only.

The only disadvantages that I am aware of regarding Sony eReaders pertains to the battery life. Although they claim a 14- or 22-day span, I would like to point out that this eReader only goes into sleep mode after it has experienced one hour of inactivity unlike the Amazon Kindle, which goes to sleep within 10-15 minutes of inactivity. The second disadvantage is the cumbersomeness of learning which software to use for managing your collection along with problems downloading eBooks from the vendor's website, then moving the eBooks to the software - say the Adobe Digital Editions - and finally from the software over to the eReader. Therefore, if you purchase a Sony eReader, find someone who can help you beforehand, so you can get through its learning curve rather quickly and start fully enjoying your books right away.

Like Amazon, Sony has its own eBookstore, where you can purchase titles. Unlike Kindle which requires you to only buy books from Amazon.com, with a Sony eReader, you can purchase titles from any vendor that provides eBooks in ePub format. So, if you haven't already, go out and get your new Sony eReader from the Sony Store online, from Best Buy®, etc., by clicking here to visit the Sony Store today!

Barnes and Noble Nook

The third most popular eReader is made by Barnes and Noble. The Nook now comes in two models: Nook and Nook Color. Just like the Sony eReaders, the Nook (see image furtherest to the right) and Nook Color (see image on the left) allows you to use downloadable services, such as Overdrive, offered by your local library.

First, there is their Nook, which uses eInk or ePrint technology and can hold up to 1,500 books. It comes in either 3G or WiFi models with an expandable card of up to 16GB. It does not support other common formats, such as Word or PDF files, like the Kindle and Sony and it doesn't support radio features or listen to audio version of eBooks. Lastly, the battery life is upwards of 10 days with the wireless is turned off - not good!

The Nook Color is only one of the three most popular eReader brands that offers an eReader in full color. It is 100% touchscreen, can hold up to 8,000 books, allows for newspaper and magazine subscriptions, allows you to share your eBooks with friends through LendMe technology and it comes with preloaded games and Pandora Internet Radio. Just the Kindle, this model allows you to share updates on Twitter and Facebook! However, there are a few disadvantages, such as it only comes in WiFi and the battery life - with the wireless turned off, its up to 8 hours, which cancels out the fact that the memory can be expanded to 32GB.

Besides B&N, the Nook or Nook Color is available at Best Buy, Books-A-Million and other stores. Click here to purchase your Nook or Nook Color or to learn more.

NOTE: This is the conclusion of a two-part series on Kindle vs. Sony vs. Nook: Which is What? Click here to access the first part of this story.

eReader Apps

2011-02-24T08:59:00.000-06:00

In this post, we will be talking about eReader apps. Apps (or applications) are software that can be downloaded to a smart phone, computer, or tablet (such as the iPad). These apps generally enhance the use of the device. eReaders have become so popular that companies such as Amazon (Kindle) and Barns and Nobles (nook) have developed apps for smart phones, computers, and tablets. This means that you can literally take your books anywhere.

When you purchase a book from Amazon or Barns and Nobles, you have the option to download it to any device that has the eReader app; unless you have downloaded the ebook to the eReader itself. For instance, if I download the Kindle app to my laptop and I login with my Amazon account information, then I can download the book to my laptop and read it. Although these apps are convenient and free, they are not an actual eReader. This means that you cannot utilize everything that makes an eReader unique.

There are many different eReader apps out there for download. Android has an app for almost all of the major eReaders. Simply search for the app in the Android market or go to the eReaders website and download the software. Apple also has its own eReader apps available to download. Just like the Android market, you can visit the App Store to download your eReader’s app. Again, if you do not see your eReader there, then visit the company’s website and try to download it.

This article has covered just a few ways you can access you ebooks via eReader apps.

Benefits of an eReader

2011-02-23T11:00:00.000-06:00

Last week we introduced you to eReaders. This week we are going to take it one step further. Today we are going to discuss the benefits of an eReader. You may be like me and ask yourself “Why do I need an eReader?” For starters, imagine condensing your home library into one device. That’s right, eReaders can store hundreds of ebooks; some can store thousands. So instead of having an entire room to “store” your books, you can have one device that holds them all. The second reason you may be looking to get an eReader is because you may be tired of carrying books around with you everywhere you go. As we all know, vacations are awesome. It’s time away from reality, even if it’s only a day or two. Instead of carrying 2-5 books with various weights, you can carry one device that weights far less than a pound and keeps all your ebooks organized. College students are starting to use eReaders as well. Places like Amazon have many books available to download in digital form; and most of the time the digital books are cheaper that the physical book. As most of us know, college books can be expensive. eBooks is just another way to save.

One of the main questions that is asked about eReaders is, “What should I buy an eReader when a laptop does the same thing?” And that is a good question. But since we are talking about eReaders, we will stick with eReaders. eReaders are lighter, more mobile, cost less, and are easier to read. Computers, including laptops, have a bright screen that basically lights up when in use. This is called a backlight screen. The main drawback to having a backlight screen is your eyes become tired faster. This means less reading. eReaders were created for the reader in mind. They use what’s called E ink. E ink is meant for the eReader to have a book feel to it. When reading an ebook, you feel as if you are reading a real book. This means you can read longer without your eyes getting tired.

Backlight display

Physical book compared to E ink.

There are more benefits to getting an eReader than one thinks. Just like any big investment, research your product, compare them with one another, and purchase the eReader that fits you the most. I'm sure once you sit down and think of way to use an eReader, you will realize that you want one after all!

Kindle vs. Sony vs. Nook: Which is What? (Part 1)

2011-02-18T12:16:00.002-06:00

Back in late-2009 through mid-2010, I quietly watched the "War of the eReaders" among the top three vendors: Amazon, Sony and Barnes & Noble. For months, I had visited the sites of each vendor many, many times. I even visited one particular vendor's web site more than all of the others. But each time, I'd click on the "Buy Now" then view "My Cart" only to sit their staring but never completing my purchase.

WHY?

In the back of mind, I wondered: "Do I really want to this particular eReader brand?" Then, just when I thought my mind was made up, the eReader war grew larger. The top three vendors were either releasing new models or dropping their prices. Then I wondered, "What is the world is going on?"

By August 2010, when the dust had settled, I was finally able to make a decision. So in October 2010, I became a Kindleholic!

Before we get into the brands, if you do not own an eReader but would like to one day soon, I want you to think about your answers to these questions:

Do you...
...want an eReader that has built-in Internet for buying and downloading books anywhere, anytime, any place?
...want an eReader that allows you to highlight and save passages?
...want an eReader that allows you to download and read eBooks from your local library?
...consider yourself a casual or an avid reader?
...prefer reading, listening, or both?

Your answers to the above questions will determine which eReader is best for you whether your are a potential buyer or an existing owner thinking about trading in, then listen and learn! Today I'll briefly introduce the first of three brands. And although there are scores of eReaders out there, the three most talked about are the Amazon Kindle, Sony eReader and Barnes & Noble Nook. So, now it's time to find out, which is what?

Amazon Kindle

Image Source: http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/

The most popular among all eReader is the Amazon Kindle. Currently the Kindle is in its 3rd generation of eReaders with the most recent models being the larger Kindle DX and the smaller Kindle 3 (as shown to the right).

The features I like most:

The month-long battery life if you keep the wireless off like I do. Oh! When it comes to Internet access, the smaller Kindle 3 comes either with Wi-Fi or with 3G and Wi-Fi and the Kindle DX only comes in 3G.
All current model carry up to 3,500 books. <- That's right!
You can bookmark "pages" and highlight passages of text and keep them stored on your device and upload them to the Amazon servers for safekeeping. Or have one or two posted directly to Twitter or Facebook accounts.
Books can be purchased online at Amazon.com or right on your Kindle then you can download them in less than a minute (depending on your Internet signal).
Books can easily be categorized into folder/directories for easier access.
Some books have text-to-speech capabilities, so you can listen to them while driving (no headphones needed).
You can even get eAudiobooks through Audible.com, an Amazon service. Download and listen to them right on your Kindle.
You can also add your favorite MP3s and listen to them as you read.
When reading a book, you can change the font size and the screen layout to what is most comfortable for you.

Whether or not, you want to buy a Kindle is found in whether or not you want to pay for your own books or if your local library has an eBook program such as Overdrive or Netlibrary that you want to take advantage of. Here at Bossier Parish Libraries, we have Overdrive which provides eBooks in ePub format. The problem with that - Kindle does not support ePub. With the Kindle, you must purchased your books directly from Amazon.com, which are in AZW format. For some readers, this is a disadvantage, but for me - it isn't.

Most of the books that I like to read are usually not found on the library shelf anyway, so I have always purchased the books that I wanted to read (and keep). So if you're a big fictional reader, who might prefer downloading your books for free from your library and then get rid of them once your check-out period expires, then the Kindle is not for you. In Part 2, we will discuss two brands that would accommodate you - Sony eReader and the Barnes and Noble Nook.

Click here to learn more about the Amazon Kindle or visit your nearest Best Buy® or Staples store locations.

Here are a Few Links of Interest:

BPL's List of Common eReader Terminology (view now).
Article: 10 Features in the Kindle 3 You Didn't Know About (view now).
Article: Lots of Little Improvements Makes the Kindle 3 the Best E-Ink E-Reader (view now)

How to Get Started with Overdrive...

2011-02-14T22:00:00.000-06:00

TO GET STARTED:

To start using Overdrive, visit our “Virtual Branch” at http://bossier.lib.overdrive.com/.

Find the “Software Downloads” link on the left side of our Virtual Branch Page. You must download two pieces of software:

Adobe Digital Editions: e-book software.

ADE will need to be activated with an email address. Follow directions on the installation screen.

Overdrive Media Console: allows you to enjoy audiobooks, music, and videos.

Once you install the software, you will be ready to download some books!

Click on a title to download.
Click “Add to my Digital Bookbag.”
From there, you can “Browse for More Titles”, or “Proceed to Checkout.”

TO CHECKOUT:

You will be prompted to “Sign In.”
Login with your library card number and PIN.

Your PIN is the last 4 digits of your library card number.

Select 7 or 14-day checkout.
Click “Confirm Checkout.”
Download your titles.

E-books will open in Adobe Digital Editions
Audiobooks, music, and video will open in Overdrive Media Console

Once your titles are downloaded, you can transfer them to a portable device.

Don’t have a portable device? Not a problem! You can enjoy all of our downloadable materials directly from your computer!

Want to learn more about Overdrive? Read our Jan. 26th article entitled Why Buy When You Can Download? available here. Still need help, then send an email to overdrive@bossierlibrary.org.

eReader Terms You Should Know...

2011-02-11T12:10:00.000-06:00

Whether you are new to eReaders or consider yourself a pro, here are just a few terms that you should be familiar with as we progress through the month of February focusing on eReader technology. Oh yeah and just in case I miss an term you think is important, feel free to add it as a comment. Or if you want to give us your take on one of the definitions below, feel free to do that too!

Don't forget to take this month's poll question: How did you receive your eReader?

3G (or Third Generation). Commonly heard in regards to cell phones and cellular networks, it is a wireless format that enables you to access to Internet content via your eReader. Having an eReader with 3G means it has the Internet built-in. As long as you can get a signal, then you can access the eReader store and buy/download eBooks. Since 3G is built-in, there is no monthly fee or subscription for utilizing it. (see also eBook & eReader)

app (or application). Commonly heard in regards to smartphones, it is a generic term for a stand-alone application (or program). Most eReaders come pre-installed with apps. Some vendors provide a store in which you can download and install additional apps either at no additional charge or for a small fee.

DRM (or digital rights management). A concept derived from the music industry in which control is held over description, identification, trading, protection, monitoring and tracking of both tangible and intangible assets. Ultimately, DRM allows for limited user access while at the same time meeting the restrictions set forth by the actual copyright holder. An example of DRM is whether or not eBooks can be shared with others and at what rate.

eBook (or electronic book). An digitally-formatted interactive book often containing hyperlinks and other multimedia. Designed to be read from a desktop, laptop or tablet computer or a portable reading device also known as as eReader. eBooks are often restricted by digital rights management (see also eReader & DRM). Other variations of eBook are e-Book, eBook, Ebook and EBook.

eInk - Developed in the mid-90s by the E Ink Corporation, eInk also known as "electronic ink", is a technology that displays or mimics the look of ink on paper. This technology is most commonly used now for eReaders because it is easier on the eyes. eInk is usually associated with various shades of gray but in recent years, eInk is becoming available in color for eReaders. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Ink)

ePaper (or electronic paper). see eInk.

eReader - An portable electronic device that is designed primarily for the purpose of reading digital books and periodicals and uses e-Ink technology to display content. Some eReaders have multi-function capabilities offering additional features such as the ability to access the Internet, download and playing apps, listening to music and much more. see app.

ePub (or electronic publication). This format is the most common format in which eBooks come. ePub is the standard for all eBooks; however, not all eBooks come in ePub format. Some come in other formats, such as plain text (TXT), portable document format (PDF), or mobile version (MOBI), among others. For example: Amazon Kindle books are DRM-protected and restricted with a format called AZW; therefore, Amazon Kindle eReader does not support ePub. see PDF.

PDF (or portable document format). A format developed in the early 80s by Adobe Systems. This format allows for users to store, open and print a document used free software called Adobe Reader (available here). PDF files always end with a .pdf extention - resume.pdf.

Wi-Fi (or wireless fidelity). A means in which a portable device such as an eReader, laptop, or tablet computer can connect to the Internet wirelessly. Unlike 3G, Wi-Fi is not built in. So you must be in the vicinity of a Wi-Fi connection to connect to it.
There are two ways to access Wi-Fi: through a secure or an unsecure network. Secure Wi-Fi network have a password that only authorized people have, while an "unsecured Wi-Fi network" is open to all. For security purposes, always use caution with connected to an unsecured Wi-Fi network since these types of network can be easily hacked to gain unauthorized access to your devices. (Other variations are WiFi or WIFI). see 3G.

Don't forget to take this month's poll question: How did you receive your eReader?

Check out these eReader glossary available on the Internet:
- http://electricread.net/ereadglossary.html
- http://www.mansfieldct.org/schools/mms/palms/Meet_the_Team/Glossary.htm
- http://www.planetebook.com/mainpage.asp?webpageid=70
- http://www.nova.edu/library/help/misc/glossary.html

Introduction to e-Readers

2011-02-11T09:00:00.007-06:00

An electronic book (e-book) is a text and image-based publication in digital form produced on, published by, and readable on computers or other digital devices. Sometimes the equivalent of a conventional printed book, e-books can also be digital only. The Oxford Dictionary of English defines the e-book as "an electronic version of a printed book,” but e-books can and do exist without any printed equivalent. E-books are usually read on dedicated devices known as e-Readers. Personal computers and some cell phones can also be used to read e-books. (Wikipedia)

e-Readers have come a long way over the years. Ten years ago the concept of reading a book on a device other than reading a physical book, was crazy. But now, e-Readers are widely accepted throughout the world. In fact, they are becoming so popular that companies such as, Amazon and Barns & Nobles, are selling e-books online (most of the time cheaper than the physical book) and can be downloaded to the e-Reader or your personal computer in a matter of minutes. Libraries have also jumped in the realm of downloading e-books. For example, here at the Bossier Parish Library System, we offer a free service to called Overdrive (Click HERE for Overdrive article). Another reason e-Readers are becoming more popular is because they are considered “green”. This means that no paper is involved with an e-Reader. And you know how you have hundreds of books on 5-6 different book shelves? This is not a factor anymore. e-Readers can hold hundreds, if not, thousands of books on 1 small portable device. But we will discuss these things and many more this month.

There are a lot of positives to having an e-Reader. This month we hope to share all of them with you! Also be sure to “follow us” on Facebook and Twitter!

February is all About eReaders....

2011-02-07T15:48:00.000-06:00

Do you have an eReader? Are you thinking about buying one? Or did someone give you one during the holidays? Well that's great because for the entire month of Feburary, we will be focusing on everything you need to know about the latest generations of the Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble Nook/Nook Color or the various Sony eReaders.

Our anticipated article "line-up" is as follows:

eReaders 101
eReader Terminology - apps? ePub? Wi-Fi? 3G? What does it all mean? Learn the basic terminology to stay ahead of the game.
eReader Brands - What's hot and what's not in the new e-World?
eReader Benefits - For example: Imagine all of the books on your shelf being compacted into one hand-held device, this along with other eReader benefits will be discussed.
How to Get Started with Overdrive? - Have you OD on Overdrive cause you're still trying to figure out how it works? We understand so we will post step-by-step instructions for how to get started.
eReader Apps (and Other Cool Features) - Look at the coolest built-in features as well as fun apps that you can download to your device.
eReader Buying Tips - We'll highlight the important features of the top-ranked eReaders to help you decide which one may be best for you.

DID YOU MISS OUR BLOG POSTINGS FROM JANUARY 2011?

Last month, we covered the latest in library product offerings from Overdrive to Mango to Research Databases, such as, Tutor.com and Teen Health & Welleness. Here are the links in case you missed it!

Have You Checked Out "Dear Reader" Yet? (Jan 18th)
Have You Heard About Tumblebooks? (Jan. 19th)
Want to Learn a New Language Fast? (Jan. 20th)
Are You Planning (Or Reestablishing) Your Career? (Jan. 21st)
Why Teen Brains Fixate on Stuff Like Tacos & Ninjas? (Jan. 24th)
Hey! Homework Help is Just a Click Away?!? (Jan. 25th)
Why Buy When You Can Download? (Jan. 26th)
Need to Practice for that Big Exam. Try Then... (Feb. 1st)
Two Great Ways to Research You Family's Background (Feb. 2nd)

2 Great Ways to Research Your Family's Background

2011-02-02T10:00:00.002-06:00

Genealogy is a very popular topic, as evidenced by the popularity of TV shows like Who Do You Think You Are? and Faces of America. If you’re interested in tracing your family tree, we have two free quality resources – Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest. You can access Ancestry from the Bossier Parish Library homepage on a library computer at any branch. HeritageQuest is accessible from your home computer; you just need to enter your library card number.

Great Way #1: About Ancestry

Ancestry Library Edition is a fantastic tool for anyone who is researching family history. With Ancestry, you will be able to search US federal censuses, the social security death index, military records, state censuses, immigration records with ship manifests, passport applications, birth and marriage records, and heaps of international sources, which come in handy once you are able to trace your ancestors back to a country of emigration. You can also view and print images of the original records. If you’re lucky, you might locate a forgotten picture – I was surprised to see a high school yearbook photo of my grandfather!

1910 census image from Ancestry, showing Amelia Earhart as a young girl in Iowa.

It’s very easy to start searching with Ancestry. You simply type in any known information about the person you are trying to find. If you don’t know the exact birth date or birthplace of an ancestor, take a guess. If you heard family stories that Great Grandpa was born around the turn of the century, add 1900 to your search box. Ancestry will use this information and give results that closely match your search items. At the History Center, we recommend that beginners start by researching family members that they know personally. Backtracking is easier to do; you simply follow the records, linking the people you do know to the mystery branches on your family tree.

One of the best sources of information on Ancestry is the US Census Collection. US Federal Census records range from 1790 – 1930. The 1940 census will be made public in 2012. The information from each census varies slightly, depending on which questions were asked. You will almost always find name, age, gender, race, marital status, nationality, and relationship to head of household. You may also find occupation, real estate value, age at first marriage, birth month and year, education level, year of immigration, citizenship status, naturalization dates, and place of parents’ birth.

Great Way #2: About HeritageQuest

HeritageQuest (HQ) is another genealogy resource that provides census records and allows users to view, print, and download original images. If you can’t get to the library to use Ancestry and want to do some genealogy detective work at home, HQ is your best bet. It provides a collection of material for both genealogical and historical researchers, with coverage dating back to the late 1700s.

In the Books section of HQ, you can search through genealogy and local history books with digitized pages. Use it to find published works on families, as well as historical books that focus on specific regions. Learning about the time and place where your ancestors lived can give you a good sense of their daily life. The Periodical Source Index (PERSI) on HQ is a comprehensive index to genealogy and local history periodicals. For example, you can search through issues of The Genie, the journal of the Ark-la-Tex Genealogical Association.

There isn’t enough space to fully explain all of the resources you will find on both Ancestry and HeritageQuest, but it’s easy and fun to browse through their databases as you begin your genealogy journey. I encourage you to take a peek into your family’s past if you haven’t started to already. If you’d like some assistance, the staff at the History Center is always ready to help!

Marisa has been the Curator of Collections and Exhibits at the Historical Center since February 2009. She creates exhibits that focus on Bossier Parish history and also cares for the archival collections. She enjoys assisting patrons with their genealogical research and continues to search for her own family history. You can contact her with your history or genealogy questions at mdiedric@state.lib.la.us

Need to Practice for that Big Exam? Then try...

2011-02-01T13:54:00.000-06:00

Do you have a very important exam coming up---maybe the LEAP, ACT, GRE, GED, or a professional test like the Praxis or Civil Service exam? OR… Do you need a little extra help honing your reading, math, or vocabulary skills? OR… Wouldn’t it be great to be able to teach yourself computer skills at your own pace and have eBooks at your fingertips for ALL of these things---FREE!!!!

The Bossier Parish Library is pleased to share with you information on one of our best databases, Learning Express Library. Learning Express Library is an industry leader in customized test-preparation materials for students and adults to improve their performance on academic, licensing and certification exams. The Web-based learning solution provides everyone, from elementary students to adult learners, with instant access to the most comprehensive collection of test-preparation tools, skill-building materials, and career resources available.

Recently, Learning Express added a computer skills module which includes interactive tutorial courses and tests that are self-paced. This module presents material on Adobe Flash, Photoshop and Illustrator; Microsoft Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project, Publisher, SharePoint Designer and Visio; Corel WordPerfect; and finally, Windows and Mac Operating Systems.

The Bossier Parish Library, through the State Library of Louisiana, is providing the free service, which can be accessed from within the Bossier Parish Library or from a user’s home computer by visiting www.bossierlibrary.org. All that is required is a Bossier Parish library card. Once you have logged in, notice on the left side of the page “Research & Homework.” The fourth option is Learning Express. Click on “Learning Express,” and you will be taken directly to the database. On the Learning Express Library homepage be sure to create yourself a username and password so that you will be able to save your tests, courses, and eBooks in your Center. It’s super easy!!!

Once you have your username and password, click on one of the Learning Centers on the left, read the latest Learning Express Library news on the right, browse the eBooks on the lower right, or take the guided tour of the database by clicking that option which is also on the lower right side of the page.

The Learning Centers are grouped and color coded which makes finding what you need even easier!! Just find the Learning Center you need, open it by clicking, click on the skill/test you need and add it to your center (that option will be on the right side of the page). Then all you have to do is click on My Center at the top right side of the page and begin. Another great feature of this database is that you don’t have to complete anything in one sitting. Just save what you were doing in your Center and work on it later. It’s great!!!

Currently, Learning Express Library offers more than 770 online practice tests and interactive skill-building tutorials, along with more than 130 eBook titles. Preparation materials cover areas such as professional certification, licensing and aptitude tests in health care, civil service, law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, military, and real estate. Entrance exam assistance is available for the GED, ACT, SAT, AP, GMAT, GRE, LSAT and MCAT.

For more information, contact Connie, Reference and Education Coordinator at 318-746-1693.

Connie has been the Reference and Education Coordinator since August 2010 and has been with the Bossier Parish Library since 2006. Since becoming the Reference and Education Coordinator, she has been training staff and the general public on how to take advantage of Learning Express Library. There has been a lot of positive feedback from everyone including the local schools that have introduced the database to their students.

Why Buy When You Can Download eBooks for Free?

2011-01-26T10:00:00.001-06:00

Did you get a nice, shiny e-reader for Christmas? How about a new iPod or MP3 player? Through your library’s newest service, Overdrive, you can checkout and download e-books and audiobooks without leaving your couch. (We also have music and videos available!)

All you need is your library card, a computer with an Internet connection, and free software.

How it works:

To start using Overdrive, visit our “Virtual Branch” at http://bossier.lib.overdrive.com/. Our homepage features iPod compatible audiobooks, the newest additions to our collections, and our most popular titles.

We have a variety of collections for you to browse on the left side of the page, including our audiobook (fiction /nonfiction), e-book (fiction / nonfiction), music, and video collections. These collections are broken down into different genres for more specific browsing. For example, our ‘Audiobook Fiction’ collection is broken down into several genres, such as Mystery, Romance, and Historical Fiction. We also have separate collections for children and teens. You can sort each collection by the date the titles were added, popularity, title, and creator.

Check out the public domain e-books from Project Gutenberg, which don’t count against your number of checkouts and are yours to keep forever.

To get started:

Find the “Software Downloads” link on the left side of our Virtual Branch Page. You must download two pieces of software:

Adobe Digital Editions: e-book software.

ADE will need to be activated with an email address. Follow directions on the installation screen.

Overdrive Media Console: allows you to enjoy audiobooks, music, and videos.

Once you install the software, you will be ready to download some books!

Click on a title to download.
Click “Add to my Digital Bookbag.”
From there, you can “Browse for More Titles”, or “Proceed to Checkout.”

To Checkout:

You will be prompted to “Sign In.”
Login with your library card number and PIN.

Your PIN is the last 4 digits of your library card number.

Select 7 or 14-day checkout.
Click “Confirm Checkout.”
Download your titles.

E-books will open in Adobe Digital Editions.
Audiobooks, music, and video will open in Overdrive Media Console

Once your titles are downloaded, you can transfer them to a portable device.

Don’t have a portable device? Not a problem! You can enjoy all of our downloadable materials directly from your computer!

Pros:

Free of charge
Available 24/7
No late fees
No wait time for overdue returns

Once an item placed on hold returns to the system, you are immediately notified that it’s available to download

Cons:

Publisher decides which titles are available and in which format

Some books not available at all
Some titles only available in one format

May be incompatible with Macs

However, we select the most versatile options for downloading, as well as the hottest titles as soon as they are available

One book, one user

We purchase individual electronic copies of a title, just like physical items.
If a book is checked out, it’s unavailable to other patrons.
However, you may put a hold on a book and will be notified via email when it is available.

No renewals

Can be checked out again immediately if no holds on item

No early returns

except for Adobe e-books

Getting started with this service may seem a little daunting, but have no fear! Once you get over the initial hurdles of downloading the software and transferring to a device for the first time, the process will be smooth sailing from there.

Tips:

Guided Video Tour: http://www.overdrive.com/Solutions/Libraries/tour/MenuWelcome.html.

We also recommend going over the “Getting Started” guide located on the left hand side of our Virtual Branch page. This will help you get familiar with the service.

Mobile Device and E-book Reader How-To Guide:

http://www.overdrive.com/files/eBookHowToGuide.pdf

E-book Devices Cheat Sheet:

http://overdrive.com/files/ebook-cheat-sheet.pdf

Please note that the Amazon Kindle is not compatible with Overdrive. For a list of compatible devices, see: http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/

Kimberly is the Children’s Acquisitions Librarian and has worked at the Bossier Parish Library for 1.5 years. She has been fully immersed in Overdrive since September. Some of the downloadable titles she has recently enjoyed include “Freedom” by Jonathan Franzen, and “The Other Wes Moore” by Wes Moore. You can contact her with Overdrive questions at overdrive@bossierlibrary.org

Hey! Homework Help is Just a Click Away?!?

2011-01-25T10:00:00.005-06:00

Image: buzzle.com

Mom, I need help with my homework!!! Or….What did my teacher say I need to do to solve this algebra problem??? Or ....Periodic Table of Elements----What is the Periodic Table of Elements???? Do these sound like familiar questions being asked at your house when it’s time to complete homework? Are you as a parent at your wits end after a long day at work and can barely comprehend two plus two? Or are you a middle school, high school, or college student who needs a little extra help to complete an assignment? All of you are in LUCK!!!!!

The Bossier Parish Library offers free online homework help to all students from elementary school to college freshmen and sophomores and even adults seeking a GED through a service called Tutor.com. This service connects Louisiana K-12 students, adults preparing for the GED and college students to a live tutor online for one on one help with homework. It also offers studying and test preparation in all core academic subjects including math, science, social studies and English. It’s awesome!!!

If you or your student is having trouble with a homework problem or concept, call on the professional tutors from Tutor.com for help. Every tutor is a highly qualified expert who has completed a thorough background check. Tutors are certified teachers, graduate school students, university students, and professionals in their fields. Upon accessing Tutor.com, you or your student is connected to a tutor anonymously in a secure online classroom where you will use text-chat, an interactive whiteboard and secure web sharing to communicate with the tutor. Once the session is completed, the session can be printed or emailed to yourself for later review. The professional tutoring portion of Tutor.com is available Sunday-Thursday from 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tutoring in Spanish is available as well.

Another great feature of Tutor.com that I have neglected to mention so far is the SkillsCenter. The SkillsCenter is a facet of Tutor.com that allows students to access online resources such as streaming videos and worksheets to build skills in math, science, English and social studies. These resources are available 24/7!!!

With Tutor.com available at your fingertips, Mom and Dad can relax after work instead of trying to figure out the capital of Vermont, and upper level students can get that little bit nudging when they are stuck on a problem. There is no reason NOT to take advantage of this great resource! It’s FREE and available to anyone who needs it.

The Best Way to Access Tutor.com:

Tutor.com, which is also referred to as Homework Louisiana, is the leading online tutoring and homework help service. The Bossier Parish Library, through the State Library of Louisiana, is providing this free service, which can be accessed from within the Bossier Parish Library or from your home computer by visiting www.bossierlibrary.org. Once logged into the site, click on the first link under Research and Homework: Tutor.com/Homework Help. If you are within the borders of Louisiana, you won’t even need your library card!

For more information, contact Connie, Reference and Education Coordinator at 318-746-1693.

Connie has been the Reference and Education Coordinator since August 2010 and has been with the Bossier Parish Library since 2006. Since becoming the Reference and Education Coordinator, she has been training staff and the general public on how to take advantage of Tutor.com. There has been a lot of positive feedback from everyone including the local high schools that have introduced the database to their students.

Why Teen Brains Fixate on Stuff Like Tacos & Ninjas?

2011-01-24T10:00:00.018-06:00

What would you do if your friend was in an abusive relationship? How do you deal with a friend who is avoiding you? Find help with these questions and more, including how to lose weight safely and how to get your parents to trust you at Teen Health & Wellness!

You can easily visit the Teen Health & Wellness website by visiting the Bossier Parish Library website at http://www.bossierlibrary.org and clicking on the Teen Health and Wellness link on the menu on the left. This link will log you in automatically so that you can access all of the features.

Once you’re on the site you can read personal stories written by teens about their experiences with acne, anxiety, dating, driving, food allergies, being adopted, and dealing with the death of a friend or family member. You can also write and submit your own personal story – if your story is published on the website you’ll receive a letter of commendation and a $25 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble.

You can submit questions for Dr. Jan, as well as read questions other teens have asked. The website also offers a glossary of health terms and information about human anatomy and mental health, including this tidbit about the teen brain:

“Every person interprets the world, through his or her body and brain, in his or her own way. Yet, there are certain things that we can say about the way teens, in general, experience life that we can’t say about small children or the elderly. In other words, teens walk a different walk than the rest of the world. They—you—see things differently from the rest of us. You interpret things—facial expressions, sounds, anger, and even time—in a way that is all but foreign to those who aren’t teens. You sleep differently. You make decisions differently. You act differently. You are different, and it is because you are a teenager. It also has a lot to do with your brain.

What do we mean when we ask, “How does the teen brain work?” More accurately, we might ask, “What is the way in which the teen brain interprets the world and then causes the teen body to act upon those interpretations?” In a general sense, the answers to these questions have been called teen brain syndrome. It sounds downright nasty, doesn’t it? But if you think about it (with your brain) for a little while, it may not be as far off the mark as it seems.” (Wilson, 2011)

Check out the site to find out more about why the teen brain works differently! Other topics that you can learn about on the site include:

Body Basics
Developmental Disorders
Diseases, Infections, & Conditions
Diversity
Drugs & Alcohol
Eating Disorders
Family Life
Friendship & Dating
Green Living
Grief & Loss
Mind, Mood, & Emotions
Nutrition, Fitness, & Appearance
Safety
Sexuality & Sexual Health
Skills for School, Work, & Life

Wilson, Michael. "The Teen Brain." Teen Health and Wellness. Rosen, 2011. Web. 20 Jan. 2011.

Tonya Oswalt has worked with the Bossier Parish Library since April of 2007, including 2 ½ years in teen services. She strives to make the library a more interesting and entertaining place for teenagers by providing them with new books and regular teen programming, including a monthly get together on the first Saturday of each month, a teen summer reading program, and four lock-ins a year. For more information about any of the Bossier Parish Library’s teen programs, contact Tonya at 746-1693 or toswalt@state.lib.la.us.

Are You Planning (or Reestablishing) Your Career?

2011-01-21T10:00:00.010-06:00

Image Source: nataliedee.com

Times are tough!!! Did you know that it was recently reported that the unemployment rate was 9.4 percent which means that approximately 14.5 million people were out of work (Bureau of Labor Statistics)? However, there is some good news. Also according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 3.2 to 3.3 million jobs available for the taking. Those statistics tell me that jobs are available for about 4.5 percent of those 14.5 million people, and this is where the Bossier Parish Library can help!!!!

The Bossier Parish Library is now offering a free online job resource tool called Career Cruising. Career Cruising uses a comprehensive approach in planning a successful career. This leading online career exploration and portfolio development system provides detailed occupation profiles, comprehensive post-secondary education information, and industry-leading assessments. With these tools, you are able to determine your interests, job related strengths, and educational requirements for your desired occupation. After exploring various career choices, you are then in a better position to decide on which career best suits you. Career Cruising also assists with interviewing skills and resume writing. How great is that?!

Image Source: careerealism.com

Career Cruising allows access to hundreds of detailed occupation profiles. The Career Matchmaker component is based on an internationally acclaimed interest assessment that is used and respected around the world, while the My Skills component matches patrons’ skills to careers. Personalized Feedback will help you understand how careers relate to your skills and interests. You can input and store career and education related documents and your professional looking resumes on the site by simply creating a Portfolio.

As you can see, Career Cruising can help everyone from the recent high school graduate trying to figure out what he or she wants to do after graduation to those who are changing careers mid-life either by choice or necessity. With all of the wonderful features in Career Cruising, anyone can easily determine which careers interest them, what is required in order to obtain that career, and even how to make a good impression at the interview!

How to Access Career Cruising:

The Bossier Parish Library is providing this free service which can be accessed from within the Bossier Parish Library or from your home computer by visiting www.bossierlibrary.org. From the library’s homepage, click on Career Cruising under Research and Homework on the left side of the page. All that is required is a Bossier Parish library card. It’s truly that simple and the database is extremely user-friendly.

For more information, contact Connie, Reference and Education Coordinator at 318-746-1693.

Connie has been the Reference and Education Coordinator since August 2010 and has been with the Bossier Parish Library since 2006. Since becoming the Reference and Education Coordinator, she has been training staff and the general public on how to take advantage of Career Cruising. There has been a lot of positive feedback from everyone including the local high schools that have introduced the database to their students.

Want to Learn a New Language Fast?!?

2011-01-20T10:00:00.063-06:00

Image Source: http://blog.coverofthemonth.com

Have you ever wanted to expand your horizons and learn a new language? Maybe you have tried buying or checking out books from the library. Maybe you have thought about getting Rosetta Stone but was turned off by the hefty price tag. Well, look no further because Bossier Parish Library now offers an online foreign language learning service that’s FREE for active library cardholders.

Through our website, you can gain access to Mango Languages, which is the easiest and fastest way to learn a new language. If you will be visiting a foreign country soon or just want to take a quick lesson or two, then try out the Basic version of over 30+ languages. Or if you want a more in-depth teaching at a slower pace, try the Complete 1.0 or 2.0 version of most languages.

Once you delve inside of Mango, you will notice that with each chapter lesson, you will be introduced to a new word, phrase, or sentence, that you can see and hear, then it’s your turn to practice saying it aloud. Similar to Rosetta Stone, Mango Languages now has a Voice Comparison tool, that enables you to record your pronunciation and compare it against the "native speaker" via the software. Now needing computer speakers and/or headphones, you would also need a computer microphone to utilize the Voice Comparison tool. To be honest, for the nontechnical user who might not be use to record sounds via their computer, this part might be a bit cumbersome. But even without it, you still have fun trying out a new language. The following video takes you behind the scenes of Mango and gives you a brief tutorial of a lesson.

How You Get Started:

To sign up for Mango Languages, go to http://www.bossierlibrary.org/ and in the right-hand column, look for the Mango icon (as shown). Click on the icon and you will be redirected to a login page. Here you will enter your BPL library card number and four-digit PIN (usually the last four digits of your library card). Upon providing the correct login information, another page will appear where you will click on the Mango Languages link (or its icon as shown) and you will be forwarded to the actual Mango Languages website where you can begin. Before you go any further, feel free to bookmark that page for future reference.

Before you can access a lesson, you must decide how you wish to use this service. As shown in the video above, you can use it as a guest by clicking on the "Start Learning" button or you can create a profile so you can keep track of your progress for the remainder of the year. To create a profile, all you will need is your email address and a password and then click the "Signup" button.

Selecting a Foreign Language:

To browse or select a course, click on the Course tab across the top of the page, and then browse the 30+ courses listed under “Foreign Languages for English Speakers”. (If you are an ESL student, you would click on the “English Courses” link instead).

Once you have selected the language that you would like to study, click it and you will be redirected to a web page where you will see the options for Basic, Complete 1.0, Complete 2.0, etc. Select which route you would like to take, but before you can begin the actual course, Mango will perform a system check of your computer to ensure that two features are either enabled and/or installed.

First, it will check to ensure that Javascript is enabled. If not, it will tell and may even provide on-screen instructions for how to correct this. Click here to learn how to turn on Javascript. The second system check is to verify your current version of Adobe Flash Player. If its outdated or not installed, then just like Java, it might provide on-screen instructions, but if not download it here. Once the system check is complete, your lesson will open in a new window. Now, you too can have fun with Mango!

Since late-2007, Jaketha has worked as the Information Technology Specialist for Bossier Parish Libraries. For the past 14 years, she has worked in the technology industry for several public library systems in Louisiana and in Mississippi. She is currently using Mango Languages to learn French and Haitian Creole.

MORE REVIEWS THIS WEEK:

DEAR READER - Did You Know You Could Sample Book via Email!?! (1/18/2011)
TUMBLEBOOKS - Have You Ever Seen a Book Tumble?!? (1/19/2011)

Have Your Heard about TumbleBooks?!?!

2011-01-19T10:00:00.236-06:00

TumbleBooks!? Isn’t that what happens when books fall off the shelf? Not in this article. Just like adult books have leaped into the digital age, so too have children books. Therefore, TumbleBooks are talking books and games designed specifically for kids and is offered online for FREE by Bossier Parish Libraries.

TumbleBooks takes a unique approach in presenting books to children. The books literally come alive right on the computer screen. Each book is full of animation, talking characters, music and sounds. We all know that in today’s world, children basically grow up with a computer mouse in their hand. Why not let them “play” on the computer and learn at the same time? So now let's take a quick peak to see what all the fuss is about.

TumbleBooks is loaded with great features, such as Storybooks, Read-Alongs and Nonfiction books (as shown to the right). One feature I find pretty cool is the ability to download Ebooks and Audio Books to the computer. In no time, your child could download their favorite Ebooks & Audio Books and read/listen to them right from your home computer for 90 days! Now isn't that cool?!? You don't even need to worry about installing any special software once you've downloaded them. That's because TumblePad 2.0 is an application that comes preloaded with the first download of an animated book, eBook, TumbleGame or audio book. In other words, each time you download an eBook or audio book, the TumblePad application comes right along with it. Oh yeah! The TumblePad app is also available for download via an hyperlink located at the bottom of the TumbleBooks website.

A couple of other features your child might like is the collection of learning Puzzles and Games that accompanies each book they read. These Puzzles and Games reinforce concepts from the book, allowing for a fun and educational experience. So what if you find a book or a game your child really enjoys and they want to save it? Well, TumbleBooks has taken care of that. From the navigational menu bar (as shown below), items can be saved and stored under the My Favorites. Kids can even save and store their favorite songs into their TumbleBooks playlist. From the navigational menu bar, the My PlayList option works just like an online music player allowing them to save and playback their favorite songs either collectively or selectively.

So now that I’ve told you all about TumbleBooks. Here's how to access it along with a few recommendations for your home computer or laptop that ensures that it works properly. Two easy steps to gain access to TumbleBooks:

Open your favorite web browser and visit http://www.bossierlibrary.org/.
In the right-hand column, look for the TumbleBooks logo (as shown to the right) and click it you will be take to the Tumblebooks website. Feel free to bookmark this page in your favorite for easy access later.

Now before you venture into the world of TB, it is recommended that you use a broadband internet connection like DSL or "high speed". You will also need to make sure that your home computer has Adobe Flash Player (unless you are using Google Chrome). You can easily tell if your computer have Adobe Flash installed because as soon as you visit the Tumblebook web site, if you don't see the big blue Tumblebook character surrounded by the six menu options (see large picture above), then you don't have Flash installed on your home computer. In this case, you can either follow the on-screen instructions or you can download Flash right here (it’s free!). Once you have both of these features, your child can begin exploring books, educational games and more in the wonderful world of Tumblebooks.

Charlie Ashby is the I.T. Customer Support Liaison for the Bossier Parish Library System. He has held this position since August 2009 and has worked for BPL since mid-2006. Charlie is not a parent, but he does have a six-year-old sister-in-law who has used TumbleBooks and she absolutely loves it.

Have You Checked Out "Dear Reader" Yet?!?

2011-01-18T10:00:00.149-06:00

Have you ever wanted to join a book club, but just can’t find the time? I can’t attend book clubs during the day because I work. I can’t attend book clubs during the evening after work because of responsibilities at home!

Have you read every book by your favorite author, and want to find other books that interest you, but have no idea what other author writes books you might want to read? Do you hate checking out a book from the library and, after reading a few pages, you realize you just can’t get into the book?

Through the Bossier Parish Library website, I found solutions to these problems – a FREE online book club called Dear Reader! You can choose from several different genres of books, including: fiction, nonfiction, teen, business, romance, science fiction, mystery, thriller, audio, and classics. Dear Reader offers something for everyone! It is a great way to discover new authors that write books you want to read. There is even a Book Club Forum you can participate in so you can discuss books just like you might at an “in-person” book club meeting. You can also sign up for the AuthorBuzz newsletter. It introduces about 5 new books per week, and usually at least one (but usually more) of the authors has posted a prize giveaway you can enter! I recently won a signed and personalized copy of a book! One of my co-workers won the grand prize which consisted of a gift basket of specialty items from the author’s home state in New England!

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:

Every day, Monday through Friday, I receive in my email a five-minute selection from a chapter of a book. Since it is in my email inbox, I can read the selection whenever I have a few minutes to spare, whether early in the morning or late in the evening when I’m at home in my PJ’s! By the end of the week, I will have read 2-3 chapters of a book – usually just enough for me to decide whether or not I would be interested in reading the rest of the book. If I’m interested in finishing the book, I just search for it using the Bossier Parish Library online catalog, and usually the book is available for check-out from the library. If the library does not own a copy of the book, then it can easily by found it at another library. All you need to do is submit an interlibrary loan request to have a copy from another library system.

HOW TO SIGN UP:

To sign up for the Dear Reader online book club, go to http://www.bossierlibrary.org/, in the right-hand column and scroll down into you see the "Online Book Clubs" icon (as shown). Click the icon, then just enter your email address and check the boxes beside the genres of any selections you want to receive. You can choose as many as you like. New books are started each Monday. But the best thing of all - you don't need a Bossier Parish Library library card to enjoy this email book club service. It is open to any and all! Happy Reading!

Leslie is an Administrative Assistant for Bossier Parish Library. She has worked for the library (and has been a subscriber to Dear Reader Online Book Club) for a year and half!

Gateway SX 2801-11e Review

2010-10-21T07:30:00.004-05:00

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Gateway SX 2801-11e Desktop

2010-10-18T07:30:00.002-05:00

This week we will be discussing the Gateway SX 2801-11e desktop. Gateway has been building and selling computers for awhile. It’s no surprise that they have designed this new desktop system with price in mind. The SX 20801-11e starts out at $499. It comes with a duel-core processor, which means using multiple programs at once is easier, Windows 7, 6GB RAM, and a 640GB hard drive. Like our other desktop systems, this Gateway does not come with a monitor or speakers. But compared to our other desktop systems, you get more for your money with the Gateway SX 2801-11e.

Check back later this week as we compare the Gateway desktop to other desktops. Until next time, happy teching!

HP Pavilion p6510t Review

2010-10-14T07:30:00.002-05:00

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HP Pavilion p6510t

2010-10-11T08:18:00.004-05:00

This week we will be blogging about the HP Pavilion p6510t. This desktop starts out at $349. HP has always manufactured quality computer systems and this desktop is no exception. In comes with Windows 7 Home Premium, a decent Celeron processor, 2GB of RAM, a 320 – 500GB hard drive, and a nifty graphics card. Like the other desktops we are discussing, the HP Pavilion p6510t does not come with a monitor or speakers. These items can be purchased when customizing the machine on the manufacturer’s website (www.hp.com in our case).

Be sure to check back later this week to see how this desktop compares to others. Until next time, happy teching!

Dell XPS 7100 Desktop

2010-10-05T08:34:00.004-05:00

Over the next few weeks, we will be discussing desktop computer systems. These are the computer systems where monitors, keyboards, and the mouse are separate. Desktop systems are also most popular among businesses and moderate computer users. We will be discussing economical desktop systems that pack a punch.

This week, we will be discussing the Dell Studio XPS 7100 Desktop. To start off, the price of this desktop is fairly cheap. The Studio XPS 7100 starts at $499. But do not mistake its low-end price for low-end manufacturing. This desktop comes with Windows 7 Home Premium (Microsoft’s current operating system), a great AMD graphics card, 3GB RAM, and a 500GB hard drive. All this will keep you up and running for a while. You can store you pictures on this computer, play games, and store files with ease. Again, we are discussing economical desktops. When purchasing a computer system of any kind, you can go to the manufacturer’s website (www.Dell.com in our case) and customize the system to fit your needs. Keep in mind the monitor and speakers are sold separately. In saying that, monitors are becoming cheaper, around $100, and you can get a good set of speakers for $20.

Be sure to check back at the end of the week for an overview of this system and how it compares to other desktop systems.

Droid 2

2010-09-20T08:18:00.006-05:00

This week we will be talking about the Droid 2. This is Motorola’s newest Android phone. It is also one of the most powerful phones on the market. Verizon Wireless is the only carrier that offers the Droid 2. The Droid 2 is equipped with a 1GHz processor. This allows for fast internet surfing and video streaming. It also quicker response time when accessing apps. The Droid 2 supports up to a 32GB removable SD microSD card. This allows for tons of storage for music, pictures, videos, and apps. The Droid 2 is also a 3G mobile hotspot. This allows multiple devices to connect to the phone to gain 3G access to the internet. The greatest thing about the Droid 2 is that it runs Android 2.2 (Froyo) out of the box. The is Android’s newest and fastest operating system. It allows for faster “phone” speed and Flash 10.1. To simplify it, it utilizes the phones core components.Overall, the Droid 2 is a great phone. Until next time, happy teching!

Motorola Droid X

2010-08-30T08:19:00.008-05:00

Staying with our Android blogs, this week we are going to talk about the Motorola Droid X. The Droid X is the 2^nd “super phone” released by Motorola and one of the most powerful phones Verizon Wireless offers. Like the previous Android phones we have discussed, the Droid X is great. It comes loaded with tons of features and is one of the fastest phones on the market. The Droid X has a 1GHZ processor and can store up to 32GB of information. The Droid X also has a dedicated GPU. What does that mean? This phone has its own graphics card! This means the videos you watch, the games you play, and the pictures you take will be crisp and unmatched by other phones. The Droid X is also a 3G hotspot. You can connect up to 5 devices (laptops, phones, etc.) to the internet. Not to mention, the Droid X is also wifi capable.

Overall, this is a great phone. With the technology in the Droid X, not many phones can match it? Until next time, Happy Teching!

HTC Droid Incredible

2010-08-23T08:40:00.001-05:00

Staying with our Droid topic, this week we will be blogging about the HTC Droid Incredible. This Droid Incredible was the second release of the Droid phones that Verizon carries. This phone was the first of its kind to have a 1 GHz processor and 512MB RAM (that’s fast). Your basic desktop computer has a 2 GHz processor. My first computer had a 1.3 GHz processor with 256MB RAM. Although the original Droid was dubbed the iPhone killer, the Incredible was the device that gave Apple’s product a run for its money. The HTC Incredible is 100% touch screen and comes with a ton of features; Bluetooth, 8MP camera, WiFi, and they even added a lot of cool features to their social networking apps. This device also come standard with Google Maps.

Over all, this is a great phone. Be sure to check back this week as we compare the Incredible to the Droid. Until next time, happy teching!

Motorola Droid

2010-08-16T09:00:00.007-05:00

A few weeks ago, we did a blogging series on popular cell phones. There was one model of cell phones we did not cover. This week, we will start our series on Android phones.

Android got its big break in September 2005 when it was purchased by Google. Android was a startup company then, but already had a lot of money invested into it along with some big names to support it. In November 2007, the Open Handset Alliance, OHA, was formed. This increased the popularity of the Android operating system. Some of the members of the Alliance include Google, HTC, Texas Instruments, and Qualcomm. In December 2008, the OHA added 14 members including Sony, Toshiba, and Asustek. I tell you all this so you can understand the interests in open source development for mobile devices. The first release of the os was in February 2009 with Android 1.1.

Android is a Linux based operating system. Linux is a free, open source OS. Because it is available to the public, programmers and software writers are developing new software daily to utilize the power of the Linux kernel. Android is a mobile based Linux OS that can be found a number of devices such as netbooks, tablets, and the purpose of this blog, mobile phones. This week we will be talking about the Motorola Droid which was released in November 2009. The name Droid is a trademark of Lucas Films. Verizon Wireless is the only carrier in the US that carries the Droid. The Droid is loaded with features. The Droid is a touch screen device with a QWERTY keyboard that slides out. The Droid also doubles as a turn-by-turn GPS, which comes standard and is free. Droid was released with Android 2.1, but an update for Android 2.2 was released in early August 2010 for this device. The update increases the phone speed and utilizes its core for better performance. Also, because of the update, the Motorola Droid is also one of the first phones to have Flash 10.1. This is a solid device with virtually limitless capabilities.
Be sure to stop by daily as we give you more info about the Motorola Droid. Until next time, happy teching!

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system)

Kindle DX Review

2010-08-12T08:27:00.003-05:00

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Kindle DX

2010-08-09T08:34:00.001-05:00

Last week, we discussed the Kindle 3. This week we are going to stay with Kindle, but go bigger. By bigger I mean the Kindle DX. The Kindle DX is as reliable as the smaller Kindles out there. The Kindle DX also has a bigger screen at 9.7 inches. This makes the Kindle DX one of the largest ereaders available for purchase. The Kindle DX weights just over 1 lb. You would think because of the bigger screen and bigger everything that it would hold more books. This is not true. The Kindle DX still hold 3500 book, which is a lot any way you look at it. With wireless off, the Kindle DX will last 2-3 weeks on one battery charge. With wireless turned on, the Kindle DX only lasts 7 days on one charge. The good thing about the Kindle DX is that there is only one version of it; which means the Kindle DX is both WiFi and 3G. Just like the other Kindle, the Kindle DX 3G is free. All in all, the Kindle DX is a good buy. If you are looking for a bigger screen and willing to compromise with the weight, then the Kindle DX is for you.

Be sure to check back later this week as we compare the Kindle DX to some of its competitors. Until next time, happy teching!

Kindle 3 Review

2010-08-05T08:01:00.002-05:00

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The Kindle 3

2010-08-02T08:39:00.002-05:00

This week, we are continuing our discussion about ereaders and will be talking about the Kindle from Amazon. There are 3 versions of the Kindle, but we are only going to talk about 2 of them; the WiFi and WiFi+3G. Both are affordable and both have some awesome features!

The Kindle was first released on November 19, 2007. The day Kindle was first released Amazon’s stock ran out in 5 and a half hour and stayed out for 5 months! That just goes to show how highly anticipated this device was. The crazy thing is, the Kindle starting price was $399. That’s extremely high compared to what it is today. The Kindle 3, 3rd generation, is scheduled to be release later this month, August 3, at a steal; $139 WiFi and $189 WiFi+3G. If the new Kindle does what Amazon.com says, then the Kindle 3 is a nice piece of equipment. It still carries the 6” screen, but it packs some awesome features. The storage space has been doubled to 3500 books! The battery life is truly amazing as well. The Kindle 3 can go a month on a single charge; of course that’s with the WiFi turned off. Overall, this is an awesome device even for the casual reader.

Keep a watch for our review later this week. Until next time happy teching!

Sony Reader Touch Edition Review

2010-07-29T08:10:00.002-05:00

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Sony Touch Edition

2010-07-26T08:29:00.002-05:00

Continuing with our discussion on eReaders, this week we will be talking about the Sony Reader. Like we mentioned in our Walkman blog, Sony has done a good job in keeping up with technology and is competitive in many fields; the ebook field is no exception. Sony has designed three ereader models. Today we will be talking about the Touch Edition.

The Sony Reader Touch Edition is 1 of three readers Sony offers. Starting out at around $169, this ereader was PCWorld’s #1 ereader in 2009. In saying that, let’s look at the feature and specs to see why it was rated #1. The Touch Edition comes in 3 colors: red, black, or silver. It also supports audio files for listening to music. The Touch Edition comes with 512MB of user storage and users can add 16GB with a microSD card. It has a 6 inch grey level display that allows it to be read in the brightest of places. A user can also view multiple file formats with the Sony Touch Edition. For example, you can view files in PDF or Word formats. The battery lasts up to 2 weeks on a single charge.

Over all this is a good device. If you are in the market for an ereader, do not rule Sony out. Sure they have great TVs, computers, and mp3 players, but there ereaders are top of the line as well. Until next time, happy teching!

The Nook Review

2010-07-22T08:33:00.002-05:00

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The Nook

2010-07-19T08:44:00.002-05:00

Over the past few years, many companies have been thinking of ways to go “green.” Companies in the book businesses have been thinking the same. With magazines and books being thrown away, and the waste of a lot of paper, publishers and the like have come up with devices that have changed the way the world will read books forever. I am talking about eReaders. eReaders are devices that allow you to read a book cover to cover electronically. This week we will be discussing the nook.

The nook, developed and sold by Barns and Nobles, is a one of a few popular ereaders on the market right now. When picking up and ereader for the first time, you will notice the screen does not have a backlight. This enables you to literally read books, magazines, etc. anywhere. Whether you are at the beach in the sun or in the quiet of your home, the nook can be read anywhere. Another key thing you will notice is there are 2 version of the nook. One is $150 and the other is $200. What’s the difference? The cheaper of the two is WiFi only whereas the more expensive one is WiFi and 3G. And the $200 has a dark grey back (if the makes a different). The good thing is that’s the only difference. They both hold 1500 books, can search over 1 million titles, and they can download samples of books for FREE.

Be sure to check back Thursday for our product review. Until next time… Happy Teching!

Asus Product Review

2010-07-15T08:59:00.001-05:00

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Asus Laptops

2010-07-13T08:48:00.003-05:00

Asus (suse) has been around since 1990. It is based in Taiwan. Asus is a multinational computer product manufacturer. They produce mother boards, laptops, servers and mobile phones. Asus also produces parts for Dell, Apple, and HP. In saying that, we know Asus produces quality products.

This week we are going to discuss Asus laptops. Asus laptops can be purchased at many different locations throughout the United States. Best Buy is one of the more popular stories that carry Asus. On http://www.besybuy.com/ they claim to sale 15 Asus models. These computer models range from lower priced netbooks to high-end laptops. Asus has done a good job in keeping their products up to date. For example a lot of their laptops are equipped with an i3 processor or higher. They also have 2+ GB of memory and the hard drives are able to hold 500+GB of information. In saying that you know when you buy an Asus, you are getting a good product.

Be sure to check back Thursday as we compare an Asus laptop to some of its top competitors. Until next time, happy teching!

HP Laptop Review

2010-07-01T08:42:00.002-05:00

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HP Laptops

2010-06-28T08:15:00.003-05:00

Hewlett-Packard, HP, was established in 1939, but didn’t trademark the name until 1954. HP equipment can be dated back to 1941. One of HP’s first clients was The Walt Disney Company. Disney purchased equipment to better the surround sound for the movie Fantasia. As Hewlett-Packard grew so did their products and their knowledge for technology. Today HP provides desktops, laptops, servers, printers, and cameras to name a few. They also sell switches, wireless access points, and WAN routers making them the 2nd largest networking company in the world.

This week we will be discussing HP laptops. Like most companies who sell laptops, HP’s range in price, size, and memory. For instance the cheapest HP laptop sells for $379.99 and the most expensive sells for $1699.99. The reason for the big price gap is again size, memory, and processor speeds. The smallest amount of memory (RAM) in 2010 HP models is 2GB. Some models can be upgraded to 4GB. The smallest laptop, not netbook, HP produces has a 13” screen, while the biggest screen is 18.4”. Hard drives in these laptops range from 250GB to 640GB. The processors range from single core 1.7GHz to duel core i5 2.23GHz. In layman’s terms, that’s fast in both performance and startup time.

In our product review Thursday, we will compare the HP G42t to some of its top competitors. Until next time, happy teching!

Toshiba Laptop Product Review

2010-06-24T08:37:00.002-05:00

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Toshiba Laptop

2010-06-21T09:03:00.002-05:00

This week we are going to be discussing Toshiba laptops. Toshiba has been around for a while. The company was founded in 1939 by merging two Japanese companies together. But it wasn’t until 1978 when the company was officially named Toshiba. Like Dell, Toshiba sells many technological devices such as, servers, desktops, laptops, netbooks, external hard drives, and home entertainment equipment. In recent years Toshiba has gained popularity by developing cutting edge devices. There laptops are no different. In fact, I am on my second Toshiba laptop.

Toshiba’s laptops range anywhere from 11.6” to 18.4”. Most laptops that are sold today have Windows 7 installed on them. Windows Vista can still be purchased. Like Dell, some netbooks or mini laptops can be purchased with Windows XP, but the supply is limited. Toshiba laptops start out at $429.99 and can reach prices well over $1000. Prices range because of the different ways you can customize your laptop. Some models allow you to upgrade your memory (RAM), while others may allow you to upgrade your hard drive. Also, like many manufactures, Toshiba gives you the options of installing software when purchasing direct such as MS Office 2007.

Over all, Toshiba has always been a leader in developing reliable laptops. Be sure to check our product review later in the week and see how one of Toshiba’s laptops compares to others. Until next time, happy teching!

Dell Laptop Product Review

2010-06-17T08:42:00.002-05:00

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Dell Laptops

2010-06-15T08:05:00.002-05:00

This week, we are going to start our discussion on laptops. As you know, there are many different companies that produce and sale laptops. You have probably asked the same question I have asked myself many times, which one should I get? Over the next few weeks, we hope to show you the many different features available on laptops and what to expect out of them.
This week we are going to talk about Dell laptops. Dell has been in business since 1988. Dells’ founder started his business, then PC Limited, from the idea of selling personal computers (PC) to the public. By 1993, Dell was an international corporation. Through the years, Dell has made many useful devices. Dell also gives schools and businesses big discounts. Today Dell sells desktop computers, servers, printers, scanners, storage devices, and of course laptops.

There are 2 types of laptops Dell sells; the netbook and the notebook or laptop. We will be looking at the laptop. Dell has 16 laptop models available for public purchase. The operating systems range from Windows Vista to the new Windows 7. Dell also has a wide variety of screen sizes ranging from 11.6 – 17.3 inches. Keep in mind the screens are measured diagonally like televisions, not by width. The battery life on Dell laptops are impressive ranging 3-9 hours. The battery life, like all things that use battery, depends on the amount of time the device is in use and what is being done on the device. For instance of you are watching a DVD on the laptop, then the battery will use more to power the device. If you are typing a document, then not much battery is used. Dell laptops also range in prices. Starting at $349.99 you can get a laptop that will do all you need. If you are a gamer, then you may want to look at Alienware Dell sales. The Alienware computers start at $799.99.

With 20+ years of computer design, productions, and sales Dell knows a thing or two about what customers what out of a computer. In the product review later this week, we will be comparing the Dell Inspiron 1764. You will see that this laptop is a good all around machine for home, office, or school.

Until next time, happy teching!

Walkman X Product Review

2010-06-10T08:16:00.002-05:00

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This ain't your parents music player! - Sony Walkman

2010-06-07T08:21:00.003-05:00

Sony has always prided itself in selling quality electronics. Whether it is a TV, computer, or music players Sony strives to produce products that customers love and enjoy using. The Sony Walkman is no exception. The first Walkman was marketed in 1979. The somewhat bulky cassette player was very popular at the time. Through the years the Sony Walkman has evolved into what we use today. The Walkman is more than a music player. On some models, you can view pictures, listen to music, and even watch movies. One model lets you surf the web.

We are going to start with the Walkman W series. The W series is a unique mp3 player. This mp3 player eliminates the need for cables and wires. The mp3 device has combined the headphones to make 1 unit. The W series Walkman will hold nearly 2GB of music; that’s almost 1000 songs. The next mp3 player in the Walkman family is the E series. The E series can hold anywhere from 8-16GB of music and video. It also has an FM tuner built in. The battery life is impressive at 30 hrs of music play back and 4 hours video play back. The next Walkman is the S series. The S series is another unique mp3 player. They can play music, videos, and the radio just like the other. But the S series can also record voice and radio. The battery is beefed up holding up to a 42 hour charge with 6.5 hr of video play back. The last Walkman that we will be talking about is the X series. This is Sony’s attempt to rival the iPod Touch. In saying that, the X series is touch screen, Wi-Fi enabled, and has the same features the other Walkmans have. The X series is an awesome device. Like I said at the beginning of this article, Sony has always produced good products and the X series is no exception.

Enjoys the Walkman talk this week. Until next time, happy teching!

Zune HD Product Review

2010-06-03T08:14:00.004-05:00

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iPod, meet the Zune

2010-06-01T08:13:00.003-05:00

The Zune is Microsoft’s answer to the iPod. The first Zune was released in November 2006. Since its release, Zune has done its best in keeping up with the Apple iPods, but has not yet reached the popularity the iPod has. In saying that, Microsoft has given its portable music player some great features.

Today, there are 6 models of the Zune. Let’s start with the smallest first. The Zune 4 has 4 GB of memory which allows it to hold 1000 songs, 25,000 pictures, and 12 hrs of video. The big difference between the iPod nano and the Zune 4 is the Zune 4 can be wireless, which allows for wireless syncing and have access to the Zune Marketplace. Next is the Zune 8. The Zune 8 has 8 GB of memory which allows it to hold 2000 songs, 25,000 pictures, and 24 hrs or video. The Zune 8 can also use wifi. Next is the Zune 16 which allows up to 16 GB of storage; 4000 songs, 25000 pictures, and 48 hrs of video. After that comes the Zune 80. The Zune 80 allows you to store up to 80 GB of memory. This allows you to have 20000 songs, 25000 pictures, and 250 video hrs. The biggest Zune Microsoft sales is the Zune 120. This mp3 player allows you to store 30000 songs, 25000 pictures, and 375 hrs of video. So far, all of the Zunes we have talked about are able to access wifi connections. They all also have a built in radio. The final Zune we are going to discuss is the Zune HD. The Zune HD is the iPod touch’s biggest competitor. The HD is touch screen, wifi, and can download games, movies, and other cool stuff from the Zune Marketplace. The Zune HD can hold anywhere from 4000 songs – 16000 songs, 25000 pictures, and 22-96 hrs of HD movies.
Until Next time, happy teching!

iPod Touch Product Review

2010-05-27T08:32:00.002-05:00

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iPod Touch Interview

2010-05-25T16:39:00.001-05:00

Portable Music Players: iPods

2010-05-24T11:16:00.002-05:00

This week we are going to start our discussion on mp3 players; and what better way to start this discussion than by researching iPods. The first iPods were released in October 2001. These small portable music players could hold up to 1,000 songs, which at the time was a lot. Through the years the looks changed and customer satisfaction grew. Today, some of the iPod models are on their 6th generation. Today some of the models can view pictures, watch videos, and play/download games.

Today, there are 4 different iPod models: shuffle, nano, classic, and touch. Starting with the smallest iPod, the shuffle holds 2-4GB of music. That’s 500-1000 songs! The shuffle was designed to “plug and play.” When you turn the shuffle on it “shuffles” you music. Because of the simplicity of it, the battery life is good. Next in line is the iPod nano. The nano hold 8-16GB of songs and photos. As of 2009 the nano doubles as a camera. In fact, the nano can hold anywhere from 7,000-14,000 photos, 2,000-4,000 songs, and 8-16 hrs of video. This device is very popular because of its versatility. The next iPod is the classic. This iPod has kept its same look since it release. The classic holds 160GB of music (40,000 songs), photos (25,000 photos), and video (200 hrs. video). This iPod also costs you a pretty penny at $249. The last iPod we are going to discuss is the touch. The third generation touches is by far the coolest mp3 on the market and like the other does more than play music. The third gen. touch holds 32-64GB of music (7,000-14,000 songs), photos (40,000-90,000 songs), and video (40-80 hrs video). The touch can also download games from the App Store. In fact, there are few differences from the iPod touch and the iPhone (see our blog on the iPhone).

As you have read, the iPod is a nice device and in my opinion #1 when it comes to mp3 players. Until next time, happy teching!

Windows Mobile Product Review

2010-05-20T08:35:00.004-05:00

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Windows Mobile

2010-05-17T08:41:00.002-05:00

This week we will be talking about Windows Mobile phones. Windows based cell phones are more popular than most people think. Microsoft currently has 53 devices licensed with Windows Mobile operating system. HTC is by far the biggest Windows Mobile carrier. Currently HTC has 18 Windows Mobile phones. Out of the 53 phones, 4 major service providers in the US carry a Windows Mobile phone. Verizon Wireless is the largest carrier of Windows Mobile phones with 12.

So why should I look into a Windows based phone? Windows has always strived to have products that are user friendly. Most of their operating systems, such as Windows XP and 7 have accomplished that. Windows mobile phones have a “Start” menu just like the desktop versions. Anyone who has used a Windows computer before knows this is where to access most, if not all your computer programs. Another cool feature about Windows Mobile phones is the ability to create and edit documents. “Docs to go” allows you to create and edit Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, and zip files. This is very useful for those who are constantly on the go. Windows mobile also has a wide range of apps available to download via the MarketPlace.
Until next time, happy teching!

iPhone vs. the others ...

2010-05-13T08:43:00.003-05:00

The iPhone is a very popular phone. But how does it compare to other top phones of today.

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iPhone Interview w/ Leslie Woodall, Admin Assistant at BPL

2010-05-11T08:13:00.002-05:00

Smartphones: The iPhone

2010-05-10T08:25:00.001-05:00

The iPhone was released by Apple in 2007 and has quickly become the # 1 smart phone in the US. I believe some of the reasons for its success is because one, it’s made by Apple, and two, there are 185,000+ apps available for download. As of April 2010, the App Store has seen 4 billion total downloads. These apps range from showing you how to cook to maintaining your bank account. Another reason I think the iPhone is so popular is because of its hardware. The iPhone 3GS comes with a 600MHz processor with 256 MB RAM. This enables the iPhone to reach speeds not many cell phones can reach.

So what are features that I can use daily with the iPhone? The iPhone was designed with both the general public and businesses in mind. In saying that, let’s start with the general features and work our way up. Like most phones, the iPhone has a camera. The 3GS version records video and allows you to edit the video when finished recording. This is great for birthdays, vacations, and other family events. Another feature that comes with all iPhones is the iPod feature. Yes, the iPhone is a fully fledged iPod. This allows for music to play at any time. iTunes is also on the iPhone. This literally means you can purchase videos, music, and games from the comfort of your home; better yet, the comfort of your bed. The iPhone also doubled as a mini computer. Like we mentioned earlier, the iPhone 3GS has a processor that allows for fast internet browsing. Another thing Apple did when creating the iPhone was, think about children’s safety. Apple added Parental Controls to the iPhone. This allows parents to have control over what apps can be downloaded, when songs can be downloaded from iTunes, and what they can watch on YouTube. You can say it’s mom’s best friend. Of course, what phone is complete without messaging feature? The iPhone has almost every kind of messaging feature available today: texting, I.M., email, audio messages, picture messaging, etc. The iPhone can also use Skype.

For the business person, the iPhone is still a great phone. You can set your business email on your phone. Stay in contact with colleagues with the messaging feature discussed earlier. The iPhone also has a built in calendar. You can integrate your Outlook, Gmail, and Yahoo calendar on the iPhone. You can also set reminders.

The iPhoneis truly a phone in another league with the 185,000+ apps for download and the processing speed the 3GS offers, not many phones compare. Be sure to listen to our Tech Tuesday interview with Leslie Woodall, Admin. Assistant for BPL as we interview her about her experiences with the iPhone 3GS. Until next time, happy teching!

BlackBerry Review

2010-05-06T08:10:00.003-05:00

Take a look at how the BlackBerry Bold compares to other popular smart phones.

*Click to enlarge the table*

BlackBerry Interview w/ Delbert Terry, Director of BPL

2010-05-04T08:23:00.001-05:00

Do BlackBerrys make good personal phones?

2010-05-03T08:43:00.003-05:00

A BlackBerry is a line of smart phones developed by Research in Motion, (RIM). There are currently 4 cell phone carriers in the US that provide BlackBerry services; AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless. BlackBerrys are commonly used in the business world because of the many different communication services offered with the devices. The most popular service is email. All BlackBerry smart phones are able to send and receive emails. This allows constant communication between coworkers. Another popular communication app is the BlackBerry Messenger. This is an I.M. app that allows instant conversation with other BlackBerry users. Speaking of apps, BlackBerry has a lot of apps for download via the App World. Some of these apps include Facebook, Twitter and ESPN. Not all apps are free. BlackBerrys come pre-installed with a lot of helpful apps, such as a calendar, address book, email, web browser, and a calculator. Recently Skype and Bing have pushed out apps to BlackBerry users.

So how can a BlackBerry be beneficial as a “non-work phone?” As mentioned earlier, a BlackBerry is very handy when keeping in touch with family and friends. With the BlackBerry Messenger app, you can start an instant conversation with a push of the “track ball.” Personal email, such as Gmail, can be accessed on your BlackBerry via a Gmail app. This allows you to send and receive email from your personal Gmail account without logging into a computer. The Gmail app also synchronizes your Google Calendar with the calendar on your phone. Of course like all cell phones now days, BlackBerrys have a texting feature. The good thing about most BlackBerrys is they come with a full keyboard. This makes texting, emailing, and web browsing much easier. Another great feature that comes on all but one BlackBerry is the ease of navigation. Instead of pushing buttons to navigate through menus and the internet, the BlackBerry phones have a track ball; which is basically a computer mouse on your phone. The one BlackBerry, the Storm, is touch screen.

BlackBerrys are reliable phones. They have good battery life and are built tough. I have dropped mine more times than I can count and it still works. If I do happen to break it, loose it, or it becomes submerged in water, then the insurance plan available for these phone would send me a new one. Of course I send them $50, but I think that’s a fair trade off. But anyways, tomorrow I will interview Delbert Terry about his experiences with his BlackBerry. Until next, happy teching!

Twitter vs. the Others ...

2010-04-29T08:17:00.006-05:00

Twitter is different compared to other social networking sites. In saying that, take a look at our comparison chart.

*Click on the table to enlarge it.*

Twitter Interview w/ Jaketha Farmer, IT Specialist at BPL

2010-04-27T08:34:00.005-05:00

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What to take from this interview…

· Twitter is easier than other social networking sites and also does not require as much information as others.
· There are many cell phones apps for Twitter. Some companies charge for downloading and using their app so shop carefully.
· The Twitter Language is very important to know. There are e-book as well as library book about Twitter. Read those books to help familiarize you with Twitter.
· To protect yourself, use a different username and password for all of your social networking sites. A lot of people use the same email/password combination for all of their accounts. This is not safe and could make it easier for a hacker to get into your accounts.

Do you Tweet ...?

2010-04-26T08:58:00.005-05:00

Twitter is quickly becoming one of the most popular social networks on the web. It has surpassed the public criticisms and has made its way into 3rd place (on my list) of top social networking sites behind Facebook and MySpace. Twitter currently has 100 million active users. Within those users are celebrities, athletes, businesses and of course libraries (@bossierlibrary). Twitter is available to those who are 13 or older and have an email account.

So what is Twitter? Twitter is a social network/microblogging site that allows you to post a 140 character message, also known as a tweet. In other words, it’s a website that allows you to send free text messages to your followers (friends). If you set your profile to private, then only your followers can view your tweets, but if you leave your profile public, then the Twitter world can view your tweets. Like most popular social networking sites, Twitter can be accessed from a variety of devices such as, your laptop, desktop, or cell phone. Most cell phones (especially smart phones) have an app that allows you to tweet from your phone.

So why should I consider Twitter? Twitter is worldwide. This means you can go anywhere in the world and tweet; of course an internet connection is needed. Twitter is customizable. You can change the skin (profile background) of your profile to a preloaded skin or one of your own. Profile information is short and to the point. When signing up for an account, the only information that is asked is your name, location, a short bio and possibly a website you want to promote. This allows you to search your friends faster. Another good thing about Twitter is it doesn’t carry as many viruses as other social sites. SPAM email not associated with Twitter, is usually sent to someone. This email invites you to join Twitter, but when you open the email, it opens a virus; this is common among popular websites. Other reasons you should look into Twitter is because most news sites, such as CNN, tweet. Those who have Twitter on their phone are able to tweet news the moment it happens. No more waiting on reporters or the newspaper. There are also a lot of businesses, such as GameStop, that tweet about weekly deals. Again, no more waiting on the Sunday paper to see what’s on sale. When you start tweeting look for some of your friends and favorite businesses; and of course you can follow us @bossierlibrary.

Join us tomorrow as I interview Jaketha Farmer, IT Specialist of BPL about her experience on Twitter. Until next time, happy teching!

Facebook vs. Other Social Networks

2010-04-22T08:12:00.003-05:00

It’s hard to rate a social networking site because so many people have their own opinions. In saying that, we are going to compare Facebook to some of the popular social networking sites that are available to you.

*Click on the table below to enlarge.*

Facebook interview follow up

2010-04-21T10:04:00.002-05:00

Here is a follow up on a few things Mrs. McEntee mentioned in the interview. When she was answering the second questions, she said something about using her iPod Touch to connect to Facebook. In the blog we talked about some cell phones, especially smart phones, having a Facebook app available to download. The iPod Touch is not an iPhone, but can use the same apps as the iPhone. In saying that, the iPod Touch can download and use the Facebook app. Mrs. McEntee also mentioned privacy settings towards the end of the interview. We had a patron ask about privacy settings. Here is the Q/A:

"I just got finished listening to the "Tech Tuesday" interview, she mentioned something about privacy settings like "Friends Only". I have noticed this on my FB account, what do those different settings mean? I use the "Everyone" setting a lot."

When posting a message on Facebook, you have a few options as to who can read the message. The option "Everyone" allows everyone on the Internet to see your message. For instance, if you select "Everyone" when posting a message about the Bossier Parish Library System, there is a good chance that your message could end up in a search engine. This is Facebook's way of making your messages public. This is good if you are promoting a website or event, but not so good when talking about your employer or a family member. The other option mentioned is the "Friends Only." This means only your friends can view your messages.

Facebook Interview w/ Heather McEntee, BPL Assistant Director

2010-04-20T08:47:00.006-05:00

Do you Facebook ...?

2010-04-19T08:51:00.007-05:00

Facebook is a social networking site that started out strictly for college students and was available by invitation only. Now, it is a cultural phenomenon stretching across the globe. Facebook has taken hold as the undisputable leader amongst social networking sites. With that title come great demands from users. Some of those demands are for great features, and Facebook offers that. Some examples of Facebook features are, posting pictures, videos, starting discussions, commenting on others pictures, and writing on your friend’s wall. Facebook is free to us for anyone over the age of 13; all you need is an email address to get started.

Facebook can be accessed on your laptop, netbook, desktop or cell phone. Speaking of cell phones, most phones, especially smart phones, have an app you can download to enable Facebook on your phone. You may ask, “Why do I need Facebook on my phone?” I say why not? Having Facebook on your phone allows you to keep in contact with your friends and family 24/7. Besides, most people post what’s going on in life on Facebook before their best friends know.

So, I guess the big question is, “Why should I choose Facebook over the other numerous social networks available to me?” In my opinion, Facebook is more modern and safer than other social networking sites. All Facebook profiles come with a standard white and blue skin (the background of your profile) that is not customizable. This allows pages to load faster, fewer distractions when trying to read my friend’s profile and it gives profiles a more sophisticated look. Also, some Facebook doesn’t carry as many viruses as the other social sites. Facebook was also one of the first social networking sites to have instant messaging, which allows for instant conversation with friends and family. Facebook is the most popular social networking site (http://www.ebizmba.com/). Did you know that Facebook has 400 milion active users and Facebook.com claims 50% of FB users log on daily? What does this mean? Chances are someone you know is on Facebook and keeping in contact with them couldn’t be much easier. With so many friends and family on Facebook, the Christmas card as we know it could eventually fade. Why; (if I may borrow a line from AT&T) “there’s an app for that.” So the big question is; Are you on Facebook?

Don't forget, tomorrow on "Tech Tuesday" we will interview Heather McEntee, Assistant Director of the Bossier Parish Library System on her experiences on Facebook. Until next time, happy teching!

iPad Product Review

2010-04-16T12:31:00.004-05:00

The Apple iPad made its debut last week (April 3, 2010). With it came questions and debates over whether or not to buy it or to look elsewhere for a similar product such as a tablet (PC). Well today we are going to compare the iPad against its top competitors. If you are still in the market for an iPad and you are asking the ever important question, “Do I really want an iPad?” please feel free to use this as a guide.

*Click on the table below to enlarge it!*

Interview with Jason Jordan/Best Buy GM, Shreveport, LA

2010-04-16T12:27:00.003-05:00

Interview with Jason Jordan/Best Buy GM - Shreveport, LA

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So what can you take away from the iPad interview with Jason?
We learned that the different versions of the iPad cost anywhere from $499-$699 and all models are WiFi. In late April, Apple will release 3 more iPads that have 3G capabilities via the AT&T mobile network. The 3 that will be released in late April will cost more and require a monthly contract with AT&T. We also learned that most iPhone/iPod Touch apps are compatible with the iPad. As far as running multiple apps, you are only able to run one at a time. In saying that, Apple apps, such as the iPod feature and surfing the web via Safari, can run at the same time. Another thing Jason talked about was flash in the iPad. He said, “Steve Jobs has a certain opinion about flash.” And as far as the iPad replacing your personal computer, that’s not going to happen.

NOW OFFERING! Mango Languages at Your Library

2010-04-16T12:06:00.005-05:00

Bossier Parish Libraries has added Mango Languages to its growing list of patron resources. Mango is free of charge to all (Library name) members and is the easiest and most effective way to learn to speak a foreign language. Mango is available in two versions:

Mango Basic:
Perfect for a foreign language beginner, Mango Basic teaches everyday greetings, gratitudes, goodbyes and helpful phrases in a short period of time. The courses, which require only two to five hours of time to complete, are currently available in 22 foreign languages and 14 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.

You can view all the supported Mango Basic languages and ESL courses here: http://mangolanguages.com/mangobasic/languages/

Mango Complete:
Mango Complete offers a 100-lesson course that digs much deeper and is designed to provide a more complete understanding of the entire language and culture. It is available in nine foreign language and three ESL courses. Foreign language courses include Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. ESL courses include Polish, Spanish and Portuguese.

To learn more about Mango and get a short preview of what the program has to offer, you can visit the company's website at www.mangolanguages.com. Even better, you can visit the library and get started on the courses themselves!

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The iPad has Arrived ...

2010-04-12T08:00:00.009-05:00

The iPad is Apple’s newest release of high tech portable devices. If you are familiar with Apple products, you might mistake the picture above left to be an iPhone, but you can’t make phone calls with it. If we were going by looks, we could say it looks a lot like an iPod Touch (right). Although there are some similarities, the iPad offers much more. Just like the iPod Touch, the iPad will also allow you to connect to WiFi and browse the web, watch YouTube videos, and download your favorite songs and TV shows from iTunes. The major difference between the two is battery life (up to 10 hours), the ability to download electronic books (iBooks), the dimensions are about 5 inches more in height and width and the ability to buy a smaller flash drive capacity (16GB).

In addition, the iPad was custom designed by Apple with an A4 1GHZ processor. The first release of the iPad due out April 3rd will be WiFi-enabled and will not require any type of contract with AT&T to fully use this device (i.e., wireless data plan). However, by later this month (late April 2010) you will be able to buy a 3G version of the iPad (appleinsider.com).

Unfortunately, the iPad falls short in that it does not have a camera or any video capabilities. According to InfoWorld.com, there are a few questions that Apple refuses to answer, such as its ability to transfer documents, can you use other media services other than iTunes like Netflix, can it be upgraded, can multiple apps be used at the same time, and will Flash work.

Here is a complete list of the preinstalled apps on the iPad. Join me tomorrow for Tech Tuesday as I travel to the Apple Store located within the Best buy store in Shreveport. There I will interview a Geek Squad agent about the success of the iPad since its release along with the other unanswered questions. Feel free this week to ask your own iPad questions using the Ask-A-Tech form in the right hand column. Until next time happy teching!

· Safari - web browsing
· Mail – email
· Photos – viewing photos
· YouTube – watching videos online
· iPod – listen to music
· iTunes – download songs, movies, TV shows, and more
· App Store – download apps such as games or health tips
· Maps – similar to Google Map
· Notes – jot down quick notes and information
· Calendar – manage your schedule
· Contacts – manage personal or business contacts

Discontinuation of NetLibrary...

2010-03-30T09:48:00.006-05:00

NOTE: The following message was emailed to a patron inquiring about NetLibrary. The following was emailed to them and I felt it would be appropriate for me to share it here as well.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 3, 2010

The library no longer subscribes to NetLibrary. We are in the process of switching from NetLibrary eaudiobooks to a similar service called OverDrive. Unfortunately, Overdrive will not be available until early June, 2010. A delay in setting up Overdrive has occurred because of their large back log of their new contracts. By moving to Overdrive the library will be able to offer not only eaudiobooks but also ebooks for downloading. OverDrive is supposed to be easier to download and work on more types of devices. If you would like to see a sample of their services check out the Shreve Memorial Library’s page at http://www.shreve-lib.org/ and click on the OverDrive icon.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you and other patrons. I believe you will like OverDrive and their larger selection of eaudiotbook titles and other material. In the meantime, if you have any titles we can get for you by purchasing them for the library or through InterLibrary Loan please let us know. Please feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. Thank you, Tedy

Tedy Pesnell
Technical Services, Chief
Bossier Parish Library
2206 Beckett St.
Bossier City, LA 71111
(318) 746-1903 (M-F, 7:30 a – 4:30 p)
(318) 746-7768 (fax)

Plus 50 More Acronyms Every Parent Should Know

2010-01-06T08:39:00.004-06:00

2NITE - Tonight
AEAP - As Early As Possible
ALAP - As Late As Possible
AWGTHTGTTA - Are We Going To Have To Go Through This Again
B4YKI - Before You Know It
BOHICA - Bend Over Here It Comes
BRB - Be Right Back
BRT - Be Right There
CWYL - Chat With You Later
C-P - Sleepy
CYT or SYT - See You Tomorrow
E123 - Easy as 1 2 3
EM? - Excuse Me?
EOD - End Of Day
F2F - Face to Face
FOAF - Friend Of A Friend
HAK - Hugs And Kisses
ILU or ILY - I Love You
IMNSHO - In My Not So Humble Opinion
L/C - Just Checking
KOTL - Kiss On The Lips
L8R - Later
LD - Long Distance
LMK - Let Me Know
LOL - Laugh Out Loud
NAZ - Name, Address, Zip
N-A-Y-L - In A While
NM - Never Mind or Nothing Much
OLL - Online Love
OSIF - Of Sh** I Forgot
OTP - On The Phone
QT - Cutie
RN - Right Now
ROTFL - Rolling On The Floor Laughing
RU - Are You ... ?
RUMORF - Are You Male or Female
SITD - Still In The Dark
SMIM - Send Me an Instant Message
SMEM - Send Me and Email
SO - Significant Other
SOHF - Sense Of Humor Failure
SWDYT - So What Do You Think?
TOM - Tomorrow
TS - Tough Sh**
TTFN - Ta-ta For Now
U-R? - You Are ... ?
WFM - Works For Me
WTH - What The Heck
WUF - Where Are You From?
WYRN - What's Your Real Name?

For more information, please visit http://www.netlingo.com

The NetLingo Top 20 Internet Acronyms Every Parent Needs to Know

2010-01-05T08:38:00.005-06:00

POS - Parent Over Shoulder
PIR - Parent In Room
P911 - Parent Alert
PAW - Parents Are Watching
PAL - Parents Are Listening
ASL - Age, Sex, Location
MorF - Male or Female
SorG - Straight or Gay
LMIRL - Let's Meet In Real Life
KPC - Keeping Parents Clueless
TDTM - Talk Dirty To Me
IWSN - I Want Sex Now
NIFOC - Nude In Front of Computer
GYPO - Get Your Pants Off
ADR - Address
WYCM - Will You Call Me
KFY - Kiss For You
MOOS - Member Of the Opposite Sex
MOSS or MOTSS - Member Of the Same Sex
NALOPKT - Not A Lot Of People Know That

For more information, please visit http://www.netlingo.com/

Internet Protection Tips for Parents

2010-01-04T16:02:00.004-06:00

Once it's online, it's ALWAYS online!
Do not post any identifying information online.
Never share passwords with anyone!
Set profiles to private.
Teach your children that "stranger danger" also applies to the Internet.
Do no post any pictures.
Be very careful about adding a stranger to your "friends list."
Give you child permission to tell you if something is wrong online.
Monitor your child's online activity.
Warn children about the dangers of "chat rooms."
Limit online activity.
Accompany your child if they want to meet someone they met online.
Check your child's profiles and blogs.
Report anything suspicious or threatening to the networking site.
Don't assume that filters or security programs will protect your child better than you can.

Discontinuation of MyLibraryDV...

2009-12-28T14:29:00.005-06:00

Recorded Books has announced that as of 12/31/2009, the MyLibraryDV service will be discontinued. This discontinuation applies to all libraries throughout the nation that use this service. Per their Dec. 2009 notification which was brought to our attention on Dec. 28th:

Although the MyLibraryDV player works very well and has been popular in many areas, the overall demand from the patrons has not been as expected. In an effort to stimulate demand we recently changed our format to include more educational programming. Unfortunately, with the downturn in the economy..., we can no longer justify offering a service where the patron demand is marginal.

We are sorry to inform you that your MyLibraryDV service will be deactivated effective December 31, 2009. We still believe there is a future for downloadable video in libraries and we hope to offer a more popular version of this product sometime in the future. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause..."

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Looking for a New OS (operating system)?

2009-12-16T13:57:00.006-06:00

Over the past year I have been exploring various operating systems ranging from Windows XP to Linux. And I must say, I was surprised with my findings. I first started my exploration earlier this year when my Toshiba laptop of 4 years started giving me fits. When purchased brand new, the Toshiba had a Celeron processor, Windows XP Home, with 512 RAM and a 80 GB hard drive. Sounds out dated right? In 2006, upgraded the RAM to 1 GB (a $50-$60 addition) and installed Windows Vista Home. Everything was working perfectly at the time; until I installed Office 2007 Student/Home ed. I noticed Office 2007 took a long time to load on my laptop and would sometimes crash and turn my computer off.

My first mistake was installing Vista on a machine that wasn't stable enough for it. Vista claims it can run on 1 GB RAM, but I have yet to see it preform well in that type of environment. My second mistake was installing Office 2007 with a hard drive that was half way full. Both, Vista and Office 2007, require a lot of hard drive space to run. The laptop never had a virus. I did a good job of keeping it clean and free from the evil viruses that plague Windows computers. Plus, I was the only one to use the laptop. As you can imagine, it was an endless road of frustration. It was so bad that I bought a desktop and put the laptop in a closet.

After my wife and I got married in March, we took a leap of faith and moved to Oklahoma City, OK to finish our education. This is where most of my research and trial and error took place with operating systems. I wanted something "light" and easy to use. Unfortunately, Windows did not match my search criteria. Windows OS are easy to use, but by no means light. Plus, living on a student income, Windows was not in my budget. So, off to Google I went. One of the first things I noticed when started my research for reliable light weight operating systems, was the word Linux. I have heard of this OS before, but never researched it or any of that jazz. So as a curious techie guy, I started to dig a little deeper on this Linux. Come to find out it was very light and my computer's response time was quite fast. I guess you could describe Linux as the basics of a computer. The best part about Linux operating systems are they are FREE to download and to install. No licences, unlike Windows.

My Linux OS of choice and recommendation is Ubuntu. I installed Ubuntu on the laptop and it works great. But before I start praising it, I need to tell you some important details. Microsoft programs are not compatible with Linux. I will say that there are free open source programs that are like Microsoft, but not exact. For example, Office 2003 or 2007 will not run on Linux, but there is a program called OpenOffice.org that is as close as you can get to the Office programs. Also, Linux uses Firefox and Opera for Internet browsers instead of Internet Explorer. Overall, I like both Windows OS and Linux/Ubuntu. They both have their positives and negatives. Again, research before deciding on your OS and always look for reviews. And it never hurts to ask your computer guy about either of the operating systems.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-08T13:43:00.010-06:00

Ok... I know...! It's a little late to be posting a blog about popular Christmas gifts, but if your like me and wait untill the last minute to do all your shopping, then this blog may be what you need for a last minute Christmas gift idea.

Ok, for my first gift I'm going strait to the big stuff; a flat screen LCD TV. Due to the popularity of these televisions, I doubt there will be a shortage in the Shreveport/Bossier area. I will say that you may want to get them now rather than later, because the cheaper ones will sale faster. Plus, the "Big" games are right around the corner (BCS National Championship and the Super Bowl) and store love to play with prices around this time of the year.

For my second recommendation, I am going with a family item; the Nintendo Wii gaming console. I know, it may seem a bit childish, but the Wii will create family togetherness and everyone will have fun in the process. Not only are the "younger" games fun (Mario Kart, Wii Sports, and Wii Play), but Nintendo has released a Wii version of Super Mario Brothers (the popular game in the mid-late 80's). This gaming system is also wireless and can surf the web. NOTE: Since the release of the Wii, they have sold out rather fast. I have a feeling that Nintendo will push out a good amount just in time for the Holiday season.

Another great Christmas gift that is popular every year are laptops/notebooks; especially with the new release of Windows 7 (Released in October 2009). Laptops are great for high school and college students. They are also great for those of you who travel a lot. Dell, Toshiba, and HP are a few companies that will have specials. Check you local Best Buy, Office Depot, or Walmart for the best deals.

Of course, I can't have a Christmas gift list without a few cellphone. And with the choices that are available to you, a new cellphone will not disappoint. AT&T has, the always popular, iPhone made by Apple. AT&T also has the Black Berry Bold. Both good choices for smartphones. Verizon has the Droids (Motorola and HTC). Both phones are touch screens and fast. Another phone Verizon has is the Black Berry Storm. A touch screen black berry that is powerful and rivals the iPhone.

And if there is a female in your life, jewelry will not disappoint. A nice ring or necklace would be the perfect finish to a good year.

As always, all of the items mentioned above are popular items. I cannot say that they will be in the store when you do your shopping, but I can say that each of these items are good gifts and are affordable, especially with the holiday sales.

From the I/T Dept. at the Bossier Parish Library System, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Security Software

2009-10-19T08:58:00.003-05:00

As we all know, security software for our computers is vital. Whether it's for your home or work computer, virus protection is important. But unfortunately, there are some people in the world that would rather see your computer crash rather then help it. Viruses, malware, and other harmful programs are becoming more and more popular every year. Not to mention more and more vicious. Viruses and malware are notorious for destroying important files on your computer. Sometimes it get so bad that the computer can't function and the hard drive crashes. Below are some virus protections I recommend:

1. Kaspersky
2. Webroot
3. AVG
4. Trend Micro

Other virus protections, such as Norton and McAfee, attract viruses because they are so popular. Yahoo! has posted an article about this as well: http://tech.yahoo.com

Looking for a New Computer?

2009-08-25T11:14:00.003-05:00

Laptops:

If you’re looking to save money on a computer, then Mini laptops are the way to go. Mini laptops get their name from the size of their screen, which generally range from 8in to 10in. Mini laptops will generally cost anywhere from $279 to $499. Some of the Mini laptops have Windows XP on them due to the size of the processor and the amount of RAM. For the mini laptops with the bigger processors and more RAM, they have Windows Vista. Here is a list of companies that sell Mini laptops: Dell, HP, Acer, and Asus. Here is my recommendation for a Mini: Aspire One, Atom Processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB Hard drive, 10.1in screen, and Windows XP ($289). Keep in mind prices vary in regions and in stores.

If you want something with a little more power, then you may want to look at a general laptop. The screen on general laptops range anywhere from 13in to 22in. Laptops will normally cost you anywhere from $399 to $2000. Unless you buy a Mac (Apple), they will have Microsoft Vista. General laptops have anywhere from 1GB to 4GB of RAM and their processors range from Intel 4, Duel Core, and Quad Core. This simply means the speed of the laptop will be faster. For basic use I would recommend 2GB RAM and a Duel Core processor. The reason being is most programs now will not run unless your computer has sufficient RAM. Again, prices will vary in regions and in stores. Here is a list of companies that sale laptops: Dell, HP, Acer, Gateway, Mac (Apple), e-Machine, and Toshiba. Here is my recommendation: Dell Inspiron Laptop, Duel core processor, 15.6in screen, 2GB RAM (expandable to 4GB), 160GB Hard drive, and Windows Vista ($429.99).

Desktops:

Desktop are normally used in office areas of your home or work. They are bigger and have more parts (Ex. Mouse and keyboard plug in the cpu, rather than being a part of the computer). Desktops are beginning to become cheaper. Since the new wave of laptops have come out within the last few years, you can buy a good desktop for $399. I recently purchased a desktop system and it cost me around $500. I added MS Office 2007 and an extra 1GB of RAM. Desktops generally come with more RAM, bigger hard drives, and faster processors. The RAM ranges from 2GB to 8GB, the hard drives range from 150GB to 500GB, and the processors are normally duel core, but some come with quad core. Most desktop, unless you buy a Mac (Apple) will have Microsoft Vista. Again, sometimes the basic computers are better in the long run. Here is a list of companies that sale desktops: Dell, Gateway, Mac (Apple), HP, e-Machine, and Sony. My recommendation: Dell 537 Desktop, duel core or quad core processor, Windows Vista, up to 4GB RAM, and 320GB to 750GB hard drive ($399+; Monitor not included).

Netbooks:

Netbooks are the newest computers in the bunch. They are laptops (generally Mini laptops) provided by mobile phone companies, such as AT&T and Verizon Wireless. You can also buy these at stores like Walmart or Best Buy. They will use regular wireless rather than a mobile signal. Just like a cell phone you will need to have a contract to utilize the internet on the netbook. Also like your cell phone plan, you will need to pay for the access of the internet (Verizon Wireless charges $39.99 mth.). The specs on a Netbook are somewhat the same as a Mini Laptop. Here are the specs on Verizon’s Netbook, the HP Mini 1151 NR Netbook: 1GB RAM, 80GB Hard drive, Windows XP, 10.1 in screen, and 2.4 lbs. If you are on the go a lot, then this may be the best buy for you.

Most Expensive Tech Toys at CES 2009

2009-06-17T10:56:00.005-05:00

These most expensive tech toys debuted the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show in January of this year. Ironically, you will need to do your own research to find the true costs of these tech toys.

1. Samsung 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series LCD HDTV w/ LED lighting and Internet connectivity for Yahoo! widgets, faster refresh at 120 Hz (6000 and 7000 series and 240Hz (8000 series only). (pricing: varies)

2. Samsung BD-P4600 Blu-Ray, "thinnest blu-ray player in the world" at 1.5 inches thick, with WiFi capabilities, Internet streaming capabilities (NetFlix), digital media streaming capabilities (Pandora) and touch-sensitive controls. (pricing: varies)

3. Motorola Aura (cell phone) -with a sapphire crystal face and a rounded display screen (pricing: $2,000)

4. JVL Encore - a counter top entertainment system with a 22" screen for gaming and digital music streaming capabilities.

To learn more, please visit http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/10064.html

TV Embedded in Contact Lens...Is it Possible?

2009-02-11T16:58:00.002-06:00

Click here to check out an article from Yahoo! News entitled "Contact Lens TV in 10 years?"