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July 28, 2006

Keeping Your Cool When the Power Goes Out

Computers are great, but when the power goes out--as it often does in Connecticut during the hot weeks of August--you're out of luck. As with many other things in life, it's best to be prepared. First and foremost, remember to keep important data files, application software, and operating systems backed up. That way, if you're right in the middle of working on a file when the power goes out and your file gets damaged, you can always turn to the backup copy. Next, be sure to get a high-quality surge protector for all your computer equipment. And, if the budget allows, add an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) for good measure. (Confused? Click here for a very clear explanation of the ins and outs of surge protectors and UPS systems.) If you have a laptop computer, consider buying a spare battery and power adapter, which can be operated from your car's cigarette lighter. Finally, as a good rule of thumb, remember to turn off all electronic devices including computers, monitors, printers, copiers, and scanners when they're not being used. And remember, if all else fails and your power does go out, you can always come to the Library--unless, of course, we're out of power, too!

Posted by JudyS at 10:36 AM

July 24, 2006

A Fond Farewell

Photo by Rick Lyons

Rick Lyons, a skilled photographer and Photoshop instructor, passed away last week. Many of you who have taken our adult technology education classes have met Rick and have had the benefit of his knowledge. Rick brought great enthusiam to his classes and often taught for free, just to have the opportunity to share his love for photography with all of you. At the funeral on Saturday morning at St. Thomas More Church, one of Rick's friends delivered a eulogy in which he mentioned how much Rick enjoyed teaching Photoshop and digital photography here at the Darien Library. We enjoyed it too, Rick, and we shall miss you.

Posted by JudyS at 10:41 AM

July 19, 2006

Darien Library Hosts Web 2.0 Workshop

  

Librarians from across the state convened in Darien today to attend a Web 2.0 Workshop, featuring guest presenters Jenny Levine (theshiftedlibrarian.com) and Michael Stephens (tametheweb.com). Levine and Stephens are leaders in the Web 2.0 movement, which focuses on practical new technologies for user-centered services in all types of libraries. Co-sponsored by the Darien Library and the Connecticut Library Consortium, the workshop drew over 40 library professionals interested in harnessing the power of new technologies to better serve their library communities. Among the technologies discussed were blogging, RSS feeds, instant messaging, and Flickr. You can see some of these exciting technologies in action by visiting our home page.

Posted by JudyS at 03:18 PM

July 14, 2006

New Gadgets Have Arrived!

 
The latest additions to the Darien Library's tech arsenal are a Creative Zen Micro MP3 player and five Point & Shoot Digital Video Camcorders manufactured by Pure Digital Technologies. The Zen Micro replaces one of our Rio Carbon MP3 players, which are no longer being manufactured. Like the Rio's, the Zen checks out for 3 weeks. You can download several audiobooks through our website and/or download music from your favorite online music vendor. The Zen is pocket-size and easy to use, although navigating the touch-sensitive front panel takes a little practice. The Point & Shoot camcorders are about the size of an iPod, and come in a handy carry case with an optional shoulder strap. Lightweight and a snap to use (No pun intended!), they operate on two AA batteries and come equipped with a built-in USB adapter that allows you to attach the camcorder to your computer to view your videos. You can then burn the videos to a DVD and/or save them to your hard drive and email them to family and friends. If you prefer to watch your videos on your widescreen TV, a video cable is included. For more information on these new products, contact Judy Sgammato at sgammato@darienlibrary.org. You can call me at 655-1234 x136, or just send a comment to this blog. I'd love to hear from you!

Posted by JudyS at 11:23 AM | Comments (1)