Computer Training
News, comments, resources, and more.
I've blogged about this before, but I'll share it again: you need to be savvy about safety on your computer and the US-CERT Cyber Security Tips are a way to do that. You can receive them in your email and learn a little more about staying safe online with each tip. (Until you get signed up for the emails, I've linked to various important topics...just click on them below. Then, click here to sign up for the emails.)
Today's security tip's title is "Real-World Warnings Keep You Safe Online". It is all based in common sense, but for some reason, sometimes, we don't apply common sense to our computer experiences. Authors of this email tip, Mindi McDowell and Matt Lytle, have this to say:
Don't trust candy from strangers - Finding something on the internet does not guarantee that it is true. Anyone can publish information online, so before accepting a statement as fact or taking action, verify that the source is reliable. It is also easy for attackers to "spoof"email addresses, so verify that an email is legitimate before opening an unexpected email attachment or responding to a request for personal information.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is- You have probably seen many emails promising fantastic rewards or monetary gifts. However, regardless of what the email claims, there are not any wealthy strangers desperate to send you money. Beware of grand promises—they are most likely spam, hoaxes, or phishing schemes Also be wary of pop-up windows and advertisements for free downloadable software—they may be disguising spyware.
Don't advertise that you are away from home - Some email accounts, especially within an organization, offer a feature (called an autoresponder) that allows you to create an "away" message if you are going to be away from your email for an extended period of time. The message is automatically sent to anyone who emails you while the autoresponder is enabled. While this is a helpful feature for letting your contacts know that you will not be able to respond right away, be careful how you phrase your message. You do not want to let potential attackers know that you are not home, or, worse, give specific details about your location and itinerary. If possible, also restrict the recipients of the message to people within your organization or in your address book. If your away message replies to spam, it only confirms that your email account is active. This may increase the amount of spam you receive.
Lock up your valuables - If an attacker is able to access your personal data, he or she may be able to compromise or steal the information. Some of the most basic precautions include locking your computer when you step away; using firewalls, anti-virus software, and strong passwords; installing appropriate software updates; and taking precautions when browsing or using email.
Have a backup plan - Since your information could be lost or compromised (due to an equipment malfunction, an error, or an attack), make regular backups of your information so that you still have clean, complete copies. Backups also help you identify what has been changed or lost. If your computer has been infected, it is important to remove the infection before resuming your work.
So, by applying some of the same principles you would in your "real life", you can stay safe online an well!
Book
Internet Safety
9780737739862
As I write this blog at my desk in the computer lab, Beth Timmerman, our Local History/Genealogy librarian is doing an Intro to Genealogy workshop. She just got done explaining the difference between a family history and genealogy (yes, there is a distinct difference!). While I try to tune out workshops held in the computer lab while I'm trying to catch up on paperwork, it is very difficult to not glean all sorts of interesting information that Beth shares.
Then, I got to thinking about a class I facilitated the other day: Advanced Internet. In this class, we talk about how to do an effective search online using keywords, quotation marks, and trial/error. One thing I always mention in there is that the Internet is not magic and not all things (contrary to popular belief) can be found on the web--especially people. However, Google Your Family Tree: Unlock the Hidden Power of Google gives specific tips and strategies for more effectively maximizing your search in the hopes of finding ancestral information. (This book can be found in both the regular non-fiction collection as well as in the local history room.)
From the basics of using a search engine and discerning your results to specifically searching in blogs, news archives, maps, and video, this book is a definite must for anyone looking on the Internet for information (regardless of if it is for people or not). Especially of interest is Chapter 14: Tips and Tricks. Searching U.S. Patent filings and checking for Vehicle Identification Numbers are two of the features of searching mentioned in this section.
Ah, Beth just mentioned documenting what you find during your family history/genealogical quest. Google has a notebook feature that allows you to keep your research organize, available, and cited. Chapter 12 is devoted to that.
Because this book really is about using Google for your genealogy needs, it has several appendices that directly address those needs. The final thing I like about this book is the photographs included within the chapters. They don't directly relate to the topics of the chapters, but constantly remind the reader that the book is about history. Honestly, the illustrations inspired me to keep examining this very valuable resource.
Book
Google Your Family Tree
9780982073711
Do you know where YOUR library card is?
Starting on February 15th when the March computer training classes become available for registration, resident patrons (those persons residing within the Kalamazoo Public Library district) will receive priority registration. Anyone outside of the KPL library district (those with reciprocal borrowership or those without library cards of any sort) will be put on a waiting list and, if there are openings, contacted 48 hours prior to the date of the class.
Please have your library card number ready when you register! If you need a library card, please stop by any of our branch libraries to obtain one. You can even begin the registration process online. If you are not in any library district, you may purchase a KPL library card which comes with all resident privileges.
Book
Richard Wright and the Library Card
1880000571
Everywhere we hear about Twitter and tweets, Facebook and status updates. What are they and why are they important? Social networking is not simply for the "young" anymore. The world has evolved to be more and more global--and for that to happen, it is more and more online. Online social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and LinkedIn allow for a greater level of connection with people than ever before. It is one of the premiere ways for new and small businesses to make connections with people and potential clients. It is a way to connect with your long lost high school and college buddies. And, it is a way for grandparents to stay in touch with their families miles away (as well as have a reason for using that computer that might be collecting dust!).
The library has a wealth of print resources on social networking as well as a class coming up in February to help you get a handle on terminology, privacy issues, and benefits of being a part of the growing online community of social networkers. So, come on down and pick out a book or sign up for a class!
Book
Facebook for Dummies
9780470527610
Microsoft sure wants to make things complicated for beginners! They've used the number 7 both in their new operating system as well as in the current version of their productivity tools software. Windows 7 and Office 2007 are two very different things.
- Windows 7 is an operating system that makes your computer work. Previous versions of operating systems go by different names: Vista, XP, 2000, NT. It is like having a different model of the same type of vehicle.
- Office 2007 is a set of software that includes programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and perhaps Publisher and Access.
If you are purchasing a brand new computer this winter season, it is likely your computer will come with Windows 7 and perhaps Office 2007. If your computer is new is the past 2-3 years, you might likely have Vista and perhaps Office 2007. If your computer is a tad older than 3 years, your system would likely be XP with Office 2003. These are general guidelines--not cut and dried rules for what is included when you purchase your computer.
The library has numerous books on Vista currently and are in the process of acquiring resources for Windows 7. They will definitely help you get to know your computer better! Or feel free to check out our schedule of computer classes--we'd be glad to see you!
Book
The Complete idiot's guide to Microsoft Windows 7
9781592579549
Don't be worried if you see less classes offered for the fall--we are simply in the mode of preparing for new and exciting things! In the next few months, we will be upgrading our staff computers to Microsoft Office 2007 which means the librarians and staff you rely on to help you with all your information needs at KPL need a little learning time! We look forward to eventually offering such software as Word and Excel in the 2007 version to patrons. The computer classes will change in the future to reflect this as well.
Also, in an ongoing effort to respond to patrons' needs, we adjust the training schedule. So, some months, you might see more of one class offered than another. For example, since we are now in the "back to school" mode, we have a class specifically designed to assist adults with their research needs. When the newness of school is over and projects are in full swing, we will open up more PowerPoint classes so students can create powerful presentations for their classes. In the colder months when going out for picnics, baseball games, and concerts to socialize isn't possible, we hope to offer classes on the world of social networking online (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
What kinds of classes interest you?
Book
Microsoft Office Word 2007 Step-by-Step
0735623023
Did you know that you can avoid or complement using the mouse on your computer by utilizing keyboard shortcuts? These handy little actions are when you combine the pressing of several keys on your keyboard similar to getting a capital letter on your name (Shift + the first letter of your name). Using the control (Ctrl, located on the same row as the space bar to either side) or the alternate (Alt, next to the space bar) keys, you can save time when doing things like printing (Ctrl + P) or selecting all the text in a document (Ctrl + A).
Keyboard shortcuts are for general computer use as well as for specific software use (such as making commands more efficient in Microsoft Word). Internet and email tasks are also included in the list of shortcuts.
This great little book also introduces how to use the keyboard to its maximum potential with or without shortcuts as well! Check it out today!
Book
Keyboard Shortcuts
0072255005
In addition to our many computer classes, the Kalamazoo Public Library also has a myriad of books that will be helpful to you in your quest for basic computer knowledge. One of my favorites is Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics. I like a couple things about the book. First, I enjoy the funny bobblehead looking images that accompany helpful sidebar tips. One such tip says "Tip: The cursor changes shape--to a double-ended arrow--when it's positioned over the edge of a window". Those types of tidbits of knowledge are spread throughout this great resource.
Second, the book is fabulous at one of the things I encourage most in the classes here at the library: knowing the lingo. Knowing what various computer terms are will vastly increase your confidence and ability to "speak" computers with people. For example, in the world of the computer mouse, there are commands such as right-clicking, hovering, dragging and dropping, and double-clicking. Do you know what each command will do and when to use each command? Little things like that make a world of difference in feeling knowledgeable about computers.
So, come on down for a class, and while you're here, check out our great section on computers!
Book
Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics
9780789736734
Did you know that there are computer programs out there that can guess or "crack" your passwords for your online accounts? However, many times it doesn't even require a sophisticated program to crack your code. You make it easy for a hacker to learn your password because you pick things that are easy to remember: your street name, your pet's name, your birthday. Once someone purports to know that, they simply have to assume you've used that password for more accounts. (You haven't, have you?)
While it is a little extra work to maintain strong password integrity, it is essential to preventing your identity from being stolen. So, no common information that someone could guess. That's easy enough. Now, nothing in the dictionary. What?! Yes, it is true. Nothing that a simple dictionary matching program could find. So what is left?
- Create words that are acronyms for something you like to do. For example, instead of "hoops", you could use "iltpbb" which stands for "I like to play basketball".
- To mix it up even more and ensure even more security, combine caps with lower case: IlTpBB
- One more step to up the security ante: combine letters with numbers and/or characters: 1!2pBb (notice the one and the exclamation mark look like an I and a lowercase L)
So, you have to be smarter than the average bear (as Yogi would say). The password strategies in your pic-i-nic basket have to outsmart the ranger--every time.
Book
Stopping identity theft : 10 easy steps to security
9781413309560
Today, the Kalamazoo Gazette ran a "savvy citizen" article about how the Kalamazoo Public Library is a GREAT place to find information for those seeking employment. Well, in case you missed that, let me tell you that we are the place to enhance your job seeking skills. We can help you with ways to look for a job, spice up your resume, or overcome interview fears (preparation is the key!).
We will be running our three-part series of Job Skills Workshops throughout the coming months, so be sure to check out the schedule for updated registration information.
If you can't make it to a class, consider our
- Career and Employment Topic Guide--this offers a wide variety of essential job seeking information from helpful websites to databases such as our Learning Express Library, specifically designed for job search and workplace skills.
- Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview Books--the library offers a huge selection of books that can help you formulate a resume (or cover letter), practice for the big interview, or help you focus on what skills come naturally for you.
Best of luck with your job search! Make searching for a job your current full time job, be resourceful, and keep a positive attitude!
Book
Resumes for the rest of us
9781564149831