• 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?

• 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

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.

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

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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BOSSIER PARISH LIBRARIES will host its first Spring into Technology March 24-28. During the week, I will roll out BPL's new and improved library website (http://www.bossierlibrary.org). Along with new products, services, and several special events.

1. New downloaded audio books or eAudiobooks serviced by NetLibrary, Recorded Books & OCLC.

2. New downloaded movies called MyLibraryDV, which offered downloadable Hollywood movies, Internet TV shows and a few regular TV shows, such as, Antiques Roadshow. This product is serviced by Recorded Books.

3. Surveys 4 Patron Computer Classes - THIS WEEK ONLY!!! - Stop by one of our branches and fill out a survey. The results will be used to establish a Summer/Fall 2008 listing of free computer classes for the Summer/Fall 2008. Classes are open to all active BPL library card holders.

4. Teens/YA Internet Safety Programs - For more details, contact Beverly Miles, East80 Library Manager, at (318) 949-2665 or Connie Ammons, Benton Library Manager, at (318) 965-2751.

5. Genealogy Photo Fair - If you have an copy of an old photo that highlights the history of Bossier Parish, bring it to the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center and we will reproduced it for you. Oh! And they would love to make an extra copy to add to their genealogy collection. Contact the History Center at (318) 746-7717 for more details.

6. "Old Technology" Display sponsored by the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center - A display showcases "old technology". Contact the History Center at (318) 746-7717 for more details.

7. "The Future is Now" Program sponsored by the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center. Contact the History Center at (318) 746-7717 for more details.

OTHER S.I.T. EVENTS:

1. Fines-free week - This is the time to return all those "past due" BPL library materials without being charged late fees. Contact Margie Carney, Circulation Manager at Bossier Central Library at (318) 746-1693.

2. Teens/YA Poetry Contest - In celebration of National Poetry Month - see the YA blog for more details (http://bpl-ya.blogspot.com).

3. Children Bookmark Contest - see the kids blog for more info
(http://bpl-kids.blogspot.com).

All week long we will be giving away freebies from pencils to books. We hope to see you March 24 through 28 at Spring into Technology 2008.