Monthly Archives: March 2013

Tech Tip Tuesdays, Technology

Keyboard Shortcuts

This was meant to be posted on Tuesday the 19th, but I was absent and didn’t get to post in time.

Sometimes, it’s easier to complete tasks with a few keystrokes rather than fumbling around a webpage or a program screen to look for a path or menu. Below are some common shortcuts that every PC user should know. Mac shortcuts are a little different and can be found on Apple’s website.

Ctrl+P: Print

Ctrl+X: Cut

Ctrl+Z: Undo

Ctrl+V: Paste

Ctrl+C: Copy

Ctrl+A: Select All

*Ctrl+B: Bold

*Ctrl+U: Underline

*Ctrl+I: Italics

F5: Refresh

Ctrl+Alt+Delete: Lock computer, switch user, log off, switch password, task manager.

Ctrl+Shift+Arrow keys: Control selection

Ctrl +: Zoom In

Ctrl -: Zoom Out

Windows key + left/right arrow: snap windows (Windows 7)

*These shortcuts only work in programs or websites that support rich text format.

Want more shortcuts? An even longer list can be found at Microsoft’s website.

Stay tuned for more helpful tips!

Media Center, Notices, Technology

Borrow an iPod Touch

Need a handy mobile device?  Take advantage of one our circulating iPod Touches.  There are several convenient apps already loaded on the device for both entertainment and educational purposes.  While they are not phones, per se, they do have apps, such as Skype, available that will allow you to contact others. Already available for immediate access is:

  • Zapd – an easy to use webpage creator for photos and text
  • QRafter – scan the QR codes, similar to mazes in appearance, that are posted all around the community.
  • Skype – video/chat application
  • Animoto – create videos with still photos

Come on by the library and ask at the information desk to check one out.  You may borrow it for one week.  It also does require a WIFI access point in order to get to the internet functions. There is an iPod Touch waiting for you. Give it a try!

Display, Library Tidbits

What would you do?

Quote

As part of our book display series about finance, the library asked visitors this very important question:

“If you won the lottery, what would you do?”

Below are several of the interesting responses we received:

I would move to help children and poor people around the world.

I would just keep enough money to live a simple life and give the rest to children or create and organization that will help them.

Travel–get a sports car [and] drive around the country.

Pay off debts, give a few friends cars or money, setup college fund for my son, put some in stocks, EFTs, mutual funds. Take a month off, go on vacation. Buy a few t hings for myself and family. Buy my husband a new car. Have some [money] in the bank, pay for my schooling and books and set up a nest egg for later.

Here’s the kicker:

I’d pay off my debt, buy a rocketship, and become the first person to send a oat into outer space.

What would YOU do if you won the lottery?

Notices

Tech Tip Tuesday

If you want to access your files from any location, then cloud storage provides a solution to your needs. Cloud storage refers to data that is placed on a virtual server, usually hosted by a third party service provider (such as Google), thus enabling access to the information from any location that has a computer (or another digital device such as a tablet) and an internet connection. Using cloud storage can reduce worrying about lost USB drives (a  common issue with students). Many cloud storage services also has content creation capabilities–allowing users to create files anywhere. Users can also collaborate with and share these files with others–very useful for class and work projects. The following list provides a brief description of several popular cloud storage services.

Box.net
Box.net offers 5 gigabytes (GB) of storage space for free and offers an option to send files via email and collaborate virtually. Box.net is also available for mobile devices.

DropBox
Free users are provided with 2 GB of space. While this is is fairly low (especially compared to Box.net and Google Drive, both which  offers 5 GB of space), Dropbox is useful in that you can download the software onto each of your computers or mobile devices and it will automatically sync to Dropbox’s servers. Users can decide which files should be publicly accessible, which files should be shared with only a few people, and which files should remain private.

Google Drive
Similar to Box.net, Google Drive has 5 GB of storage space. However, if you have a Gmail account, then Google Drive (and a host of other Google Products) is already available to you. There’s also an option to download Google Drive onto your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

SkyDrive
SkyDrive is an online storage site that is part of the Microsoft family  of products. Sky Drive provides users with 7 GB of space and allows users to sync their files from any location. If you already have a Microsoft account, then SkyDrive is already available to you; if not, then you will need to create a Microsoft account prior to using it.

Notices

Spring Break is here!

The Annandale Campus Library’s hours for Spring Break are as follows:

Mon, March 11 – Fri, March 15: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Sat, March 16: Closed

Enjoy your week off from classes!