March 31, 2008
Recycle Your Computer for a Greener Tomorrow
April 22nd, 2008 will mark the 38th anniversary of the first Earth Day--April 22, 1970. For those of us old enough to remember, the first Earth Day was celebrated with spirited walks and demonstrations across our country, accompanied by promises to clean up the Earth. I first became aware of the environment after reading Rachel Carson's Silent Spring when I was about 10. Along with my classmates, I put on my earth shoes and walked the streets of Stamford, picking up litter and other debris. My friends and I were passionate about our mission to clean up the Earth. Over the years since, I have been a faithful recycler at home, separating paper trash from recyclable items, turning off lights when not in use, and keeping the heat to a minimum whenever possible during the winter months. But, back in the 70's, I didn't own even one computer, let alone several, and, like many of you, I'm now faced with the issue of what to do with old, out-of-date computers. It doesn't take a degree in environmental science to figure out that disposing of your old computer at the local dump is probably not the best idea. So, what to do? Well, here are some suggestions for those of you who, like me, remain passionate about preserving the Earth.
- Check with local non-profit groups in your community. Only good for computers with life left in them, charitable donations are a good way to give back to your community while taking care of Mother Earth. Here in Darien, organizations like Person-to-Person and the Darien Senior Center may be interested in your old computer, but be sure to call first.
- Check with your computer's manufacturer. Many major manufacturers--Dell, Gateway, HP, and Apple for example--offer free or low-cost recycling programs. Recently, the Library discarded several unusable computers, all Dells, and I was able to return them to Dell for free.
- Check with your local environmental group. Darien is fortunate to have an active environmental group right here in town. The Darien Environmental Group does a terrific job of informing the community of special collection days and other issues relating to the environmental health of our community. Each year the DEG provides the dates for the Hazardous Waste Collection in Town and other electronics collections open to Darien residents.
Posted by JudyS at 10:36 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
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
June 21, 2006
And I Thought Technology Was Supposed to Make Life Simpler....
Today is the first day of summer, bringing to mind thoughts of that annual ritual: the summer getaway. Unlike our parents and grandparents who just had to pack the kids, the suitcases, and the dog in the car, we citizens of the Millennium have an added challenge: preparing and remembering all our electronic devices. Our cell phones are always with us, of course, but phones won't do us much good without the chargers, so be sure to pack them—all of them! Then, there's the laptop--to bring or not to bring. Sure, we’d like to get away from it all, but can we really stand not getting our emails? Can the kids give up theirs, or their IMs, or their MySpace? Wait a minute! We’ll probably have access to a computer, won’t we??? Umm, better not take the chance, so let’s charge up the laptop before we leave, plus don’t forget to pack that charger. iPods and mp3 players, too: Can’t let them run out of juice, and don’t let me forget the earphones! The portable DVD player may come in handy during the car trip—that’s going to need batteries. Better still, let’s pick up one of those cigarette lighter chargers at Radio Shack just in case we run out. Now, what are we forgetting? Oh yes, that quaint relic from my childhood vacations: the camera. Nope, no room. Anyway, why do we need a camera? I told you I’m bringing my cell phone. Oh, that reminds me, better not forget the USB cable so I can download my snaps to the laptop. Thank goodness the car already has a TV; we may want to watch the Travel Channel during the trip.
Posted by JudyS at 05:12 PM
April 10, 2006
Decisions, Decisions
Time to upgrade your computer? Or maybe you're in the computer market for the first time. Whatever the answer, you could probably use some unbiased advice to help you choose a new machine. Fortunately, there are many excellent online sites that provide good information on the many makes, models, operating systems, internet access options, etc., that are available. For example, ConsumerReports.org offers excellent, step-by-step guidelines to help you navigate the decision-making process. Another site, cnet.com, provides free online courses for the home computer user on such topics as building your dream PC or setting up wireless access at home. Both PC Magazine and PC World cover virtually all aspects of computer purchasing, including these familiar debates: PC vs. Mac, notebook vs. desktop, and upgrade vs. status quo. So, before placing your order, check out these sites and see what the experts have to say. And remember, free access to all these sites, together with technical assistance if needed, is available at the library!
Posted by JudyS at 08:12 PM
March 18, 2006
Don't Become a Victim of Identity Theft
With the increased use of computers in public settings like the library, there is an increased threat of identity theft. Forgetting to log out of your instant messenger or email account can leave your private information up for grabs. It's more important than ever to be aware of your surroundings and to use caution when entering personal information into public computers. How can you lessen your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft? Start by educating yourself about the problem. Steve Weisman has written an informative book on this subject called 50 Ways to Protect Your Identity and Your Credit. Eric Gertler's Prying Eyes is also worth reading. If you're looking for something shorter on this topic, try these recent articles:
Or, if you prefer to do your reading online, visit the Federal Trade Commission's website for free, up-to-date information.
Remember to travel safely on the Information Super Highway!
Posted by JudyS at 02:40 PM
February 28, 2006
Organizing Your E-Life
Back in the '80s, 5.5-in floppy disks were the most popular portable electronic storage medium. Today, the smaller 3.5-in floppy disk is rapidly losing ground to two other storage media: CDs/DVDs and USB drives (aka "flash," "thumb," or "go" drives). While your basic letter, term paper, or resume will fit nicely on a floppy disk, more and more of our patrons are discovering how vulnerable these disks are. Left on your dashboard or stuffed unprotected into a purse, floppies can easily be damaged. Luckily, technology has progressed, and we have alternatives. Compact disks are available in recordable (CD-R) and rewritable formats (CD-RW). With an average storage capacity of 700 mb, vs 1.44 mb for your average floppy, CDs are the best choice for large text files and photos. If 700 mb doesn't quite meet your needs, consider the new DVD-R and DVD-RW formats, which can store an average of 5 gb worth of print, audio, or video data. Equally handy are the new USB drives. As with most things related to technology, the storage capacity and price of USB drives run in tandem, with a 128-mb drive costing under $13 and an 8-mb drive over $600. If you're interested in shopping for some alternatives to your floppy disk collection, here are some vendors to get you started:
Posted by JudyS at 02:21 PM