Tech Tips
Tech Links and Information
01/04/2010
Follow this link to NYS Tax Forms.
Follow this link to Suffolk Web Mail.
Follow this link to SuffolkWeb Twig Mail.
Do you wish to bypass the Domesticate Your Mouse prerequisite for registering for computer classes? Take this online mousing test or call the Technology Center at 588-5024 x232 to schedule a brief test of your mousing skills.
System Restore in Windows 7®
03/01/2010
Recover from spyware and Windows 7® Errors
Windows 7® has many great features, but System Restore is one of the few genuine lifesavers.
It's a tool that you'll hopefully never have to use, but as with all system maintenance, it's always worth making sure that you're ready in the event of having to call on it.
Its job is to keep notes of everything you change on your computer, enabling you to reverse them with a couple of clicks. Times you might need to use it include clearing up a bit of spyware that managed to sneak its way on to your system, error messages suddenly appearing after installing a new tool, or a critical error developing.
System Restore is switched on by default when you install Windows 7®, although it's always worth double checking. Type 'restore' into your Start menu (not pressing Return) and you'll see the three key options - opening System Restore, and shortcuts to creating and restoring from a Restore Point.
Windows 7® creates these automatically, once a week or just before you install new software, but you're not bound to this schedule - you can create your own Restore Points whenever you like. For the most part, though, this isn't necessary.
Changes, changes
The most important thing to remember about System Restore is that it isn't a file backup tool - it's a system backup tool, and there's a critical difference.
System Restore's job is to look out for Windows files; the programs that you install; registry settings that get changed; and other behind-the-scenes elements - not your documents.
The advantage of this is that in the event of a disaster, you can get your system up and running without needing to worry about anything you created post-Restore Point being wiped away. The downside is that there's not much that it can do if your problem is a deleted file or corrupted photograph.
Windows 7® does add one useful feature, however. Along with system data, Restore Points track any changes to files and folders, enabling you to go back to previous versions.
RESTORE POINT: The best time to make a System Restore point is when you've just installed/reinstalled Windows 7® and your drivers, and everything's working as it should. Right-click on any file or folder, choose 'Restore previous versions' and you will see the list. This is fantastic for documents with a long lifespan, but it doesn't help you if you only need to rewind time by an hour or so.
System security
What can help is that System Restore works hand-in-hand with Windows Backup, although this isn't switched on by default. You'll find the option to use it in System and Security in your Control Panel.
This provides extra previous version support, with its saved copies accessed from the same place as the System Restore ones mentioned earlier; file backups that enable you to retrieve individual documents; and most dramatically, full system images.
A system image is a complete copy of your hard disc - Windows, system settings, your documents, your files, even your wallpaper settings - that can simply be dropped back on to the drive after a crash, ready to use as though nothing ever happened.
Home Printing Disaster? Try Print @ Library!
02/04/2010
Now you can print your documents on our printer. If you can go online, you can print your documents to a printer in the Library's Technology Center. Whether you have run out of ink or toner, had a paper jam you just can't clear or simply want the clarity of a laser printout, we can help.
From the Library’s Home or Adult Page click on "For Your Convenience" and then choose the "Print @ Library" link. Follow the directions to send your document to our printer, and then come in to release your print job and pick up your printouts. You must come to pick up your printouts at least 15 minutes before closing. If you happen to be printing a large number of pages (over 30), you will want to come earlier in order to allow time for the job to print and be verified. Printouts are $.25 per page, black and white or color. Speak with one of our helpful Technology Center staff members for more information.
Information Security - One Important Rule (plus a few tips)
02/02/2010
Just about everyone who uses the Internet is concerned with the ever-increasing number of attacks on the security of their personal information. Inventive criminals seem to continually find new ways to hack in or fool people into giving away information that should be kept secret. Don't panic, common sense can be your biggest ally in the battle against information (and perhaps identity) theft.
The number one, rock-solid, never to be ignored rule is this, "No reputable company will ask for things like usernames, passwords and bank account information to be sent by email". In fact, very few companies will send a link that asks you to fill in any information on the Internet. Companies you deal with have other ways of contacting you and would use them before resorting to email. They will tell you to contact them, and may give you the option of visiting their website, but there are some warning signs you should look for in any case.
Warning signs
A real company will not contact you by email. If you do get an email that appears to be from a legitimate source, here are ways to tell it is a forgery or a phishing attempt.
- The email will be addressed "Dear Customer" or "Greetings", not to your real name.
- They will ask you to fill in an online form immediately before giving the option to contact them by phone.
- The spelling and grammar used in the letter will be incorrect. Misspellings are often a sign of a hoax or phishing scam. (For an interesting lesson, you may want to search for the word "phishing" in a web search like Google, Yahoo or Bing.)
- The web address linked in the message will look SIMILAR, yet different from the company's web address. At times the difference will be as little as ONE LETTER (i.e. www.microsft.com instead of www.microsoft.com), but the misspelled address will be registered to an unknown individual out to get your information.
- No matter what, your first move when investigating a "problem with your account" should be to telephone the company and find out if there is a problem to begin with. If so, they will tell you how to proceed.
- DO NOT trust the contact information given in an unsolicited email. Look it up yourself and go from there.
Common sense and vigilance are the best defenses to the ongoing attacks on your personal information. Be smart, be aware and don't become a victim of identity theft.
L.C.D. Screen Sense
01/26/2010
When shopping around for a laptop, many people get confused at the different type of L.C.D. screens offered. For example, given a choice of C.C.F.L. or LED which is the best?
There are two technologies in question here, C.C.F.L. (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) and LED (light-emitting diode). They are two different ways of providing the backlight for the laptop’s screen. C.C.F.L. is the older and cheaper method and may be the default display option from some manufacturers. However, C.C.F.L. backlight has some drawbacks, however. It consumes relatively more power and also contains mercury, which makes the technology less friendly to the environment. In comparison, a typical LED backlight uses less power and does not contain mercury. Choosing an LED backlight may make the computer more expensive by $20 or more, but it’s a “greener” machine. Some laptop makers have phased out C.C.F.L. altogether. Depending on the manufacturer, other display options may include selecting a glossy or a matte finish. People who like intense, vibrant colors for viewing videos and photos often favor glossy displays. Matte screens show less glare (and fingerprints), but also generally have less contrast and color depth than glossy screens. From there, it comes down to your choice as to which is right for you.
Keep Your Computer Updated
01/15/2010
It is easy to improve the security and reliability of your PC, and take advantage of the continuous improvements Microsoft makes to Windows. Just use this four-step process:
1. Turn on Windows Update. You probably did this when you set up your new PC by selecting the option to “Help protect Windows automatically.”
2. Use the recommended settings. Windows Update is designed to work automatically and not interrupt you while you’re working on other things. Using the recommended settings, you get all of the benefits from the service, such as quick delivery of very important security updates, and you get them with fewer interruptions.
3. Turn on Microsoft Update. Microsoft Update includes updates for both Windows and other Microsoft products. This makes it easy to keep all your Microsoft software updated. To turn on Microsoft Update, go to http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate.
4. Check Windows Update periodically. You will find a list of lower priority recommended and optional updates that you can choose to download and install. These include driver updates, new product features, and so forth. These updates will keep your PC functioning smoothly.
Protect Your Wireless Network?
01/11/2010
According to a recent study, 21 percent of home Wi-Fi users can access their neighbors' wireless networks. As many as 4 percent have "accidentally" logged on and surfed the Internet through a neighbor's broadband connection. Many corporate enterprises have avoided the adoption of WLANs because of concerns over wireless network security.
A lack of security can be due to a number of things. Many times it is a simple matter of changing the default settings during installation of your wireless network. Here are some suggestions as to how you can protect yourself from war drivers.
Don’t broadcast your SSID (your wireless router's manual will explain SSID). This is the first thing a program will recognize. However, configuring your router to not broadcast your SSID only makes hacking difficult, not impossible. Some software can sniff wireless communication so if you are using your wireless network, the SSID can be revealed. Remember to change your SSID from the factory setting. Change your router’s default password too. Routers contain a factory password and many hackers are familiar with the passwords used by different manufacturers.
Encrypt your wireless communication. Enable encryption and enter a key. One of the most common ways of protecting an AP (Access Point) is to use an encryption method called WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). WEP is used to secure the information being passed between your computer and your AP by encrypting the communications with a key. However, a research team at the University of Berkeley has identified inherent flaws in the algorithm. The flaw actually enables a hacker to retrieve the key protecting your information. Most routers are only capable of WEP encryption, but if you can, use EAP encryption, it’s more secure.
Using Your Windows Recycle Bin
01/04/2010
Windows, by default, enables your "Recycle Bin", a safety mechanism used for the temporary storage of "deleted" files. Until that recycle bin is emptied, you can retrieve the files in the bin in case you should decide to keep them. Because the files in the recycle bin take as much space as the original files did, it is a good idea to clean out the bin on a regular basis. Many long time windows users empty their recycle bins on a weekly basis, but the average user may wish do this maintenance on a monthly basis. The easiest way to empty the recycle bin is to right-click on the icon and select "Empty Recycle Bin". This will purge the bin and reclaim the drive space the deleted files were using. After the recycle bin is emptied, the files can no longer be retrieved.
Skip the recycle bin? Caution, the following procedure will result in immediate deletion of unwanted files. Using this method, you cannot retrieve the deleted files through normal processes. Therefore, if you are absolutely certain that the file you are deleting is something you wish to completely expunge, there is a way to skip the recycle bin. Click and hold the left mouse button on the file you wish to delete and while dragging the file to the recycle bin, hold either "shift" key. Release the mouse button when the file in over the bin and that file will be completely deleted and expunged immediately. Again, you will NOT be able to retrieve files deleted this way, so use it carefully.
LED Lighting Saves Money!
12/02/2009
Light Emitting Diodes are among the most energy-efficient light sources available on the market. LED lamps are already today more than five times more efficient than incandescent lamps and future technical achievements offer additional potential for the coming years.
At present, artificial lighting accounts for around 19% of global electricity consumption – that corresponds to 2.4% of worldwide primary energy consumption. 70% of the energy used for artificial lighting is consumed by lamps for which there are more energy-efficient alternatives. Simply replacing conventional light sources with LEDs would theoretically halve global electricity consumption for lighting. The potential savings are therefore enormous.
One study monitored the life cycle of an LED and an LED lamp. It´s outcome made it clear – LED lamps need less than 2% of their energy consumption for their manufacture – over 98% are used for their task: illuminating the world.
Document and Image Scanning in the Technology Center
11/20/2009
One of the services we provide to our users in the Technology Center is image scanning. If you have an old photo you would like to save, print and share, our helpful Technology Center staff will scan documents onto your storage device for only $.50 per scan. Paper documents can be scanned to attach to emailed resumés or store for future use. Bring your USB flash drive to store the image or buy a reasonably priced flash drive in the Technology Center. Floppy diskettes are not suggested due to the limited space available on diskettes and their fragile nature. Speak with one of our helpful Technology Center staff members to find out how.
Tech30 - Tech help in 30 minutes or less, by appointment only.
10/15/2009
Is there a particular website that you just can't seem to figure out? Do you have a problem with your email or with using a Microsoft Office product like Word, Excel, Publisher or PowerPoint? If you have a specific computer-related question that has been troubling you, then you might benefit from a 30 minute, one-on-one tech session.
A Tech30 session is an individualized session with a member of our Electronic Services staff. These sessions are designed to address a specific technical issue you may have, not as a class on using a particular application. If you should need an introduction to any of the Microsoft Office applications, please visit the library's online program calendar to view our upcoming workshops.
Download, fill in and mail this form to "Technology Center" at the library address.
Suffolk Wave - Your Free eAudiobook Download Source
10/06/2009
eAudiobooks are downloadable titles that you can play on your home computer or transfer to your DRM capable MP3 player. Suffolk Wave is one of the free eAudiobook download services provided to patrons by the Sachem Public Library. To take books on the go, or simply listen from the comfort of your own home, visit http://www.suffolkwave.org. All you need is your valid Sachem Public Library card and you are set to start downloading books, music and even videos! It's sure to become one of your favorite web destinations.