Tag: Corning

Some Links To Cool Tech Stories You Might Have Missed

Linda Reimer

It is super busy in the Southern Tier region of Library Land and so I haven’t had time to type up a proper length posting to highlight just why I believe the following 5 articles are of note for the casual tech fan. However, briefly, article 1 is on the reported talks between Apple, that makes the Apple TV media streamer and Comcast and if those talks are successful than cable subscribers might be able to ditch their cable box for an Apple TV box and have some extra streaming options thrown into the mix as part of the Apple TV menu (like having access to Netflix right next to the channel apps for ABC, NBS, PBS & CBS! Article 2, despite the title, is a list of just announced gadgets that were awarded Engadget Editors’ Choice Awards – this gadgets include their best picks for some items  you might expect like the best smartphone and e-reader and some items you might not expect like the high tech Nest smoke detector; article 3 offers a report of Amazon’s upcoming, and not-yet-released, new smart phone that is reported to have many high end bells and whistles, article 4 offers a thoughtful CNET article on just which iPad is the right one for you (And I love iPads so I think everyone should have one!) and article 5 relays the fact that iTunes radio just got a NPR news station – and without further ado – here are the article titles and links for your tech reading pleasure! Have a great evening! Linda R.

 

  1.       Apple, Comcast nod to Net TV future (March 24, 2014)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/03/24/apple-comcast-deal-implications/6829929/

 

  1.       The winners of the 2013 Engadget Awards — Editors’ Choice (March 21, 2014)

http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/21/winners-2013-engadget-awards-editors-choice/

 

  1.       Amazon’s Answer To The iPhone Will Have Six Different Cameras [Report] (March 20, 2014)

http://www.cultofmac.com/270997/amazons-answer-iphone-will-six-different-cameras-report/

 

  1.       Which iPad should you buy? Apple has four iPads for sale. Which do you get? Let us help. (March 20, 2014)

http://www.cnet.com/news/which-ipad-should-you-buy/

 

  1.       iTunes Radio Gets News Radio, Via NPR (March 24, 2014)

http://recode.net/2014/03/24/itunes-radio-gets-news-radio-via-npr/

 

New Streaming Videos Added To The STLS Digital Catalog!

Linda Reimer

Hi everyone, today there are new streaming video titles available in the STLS Digital Catalog. You can check them out and stream them to your smartphone or tablet by simply installing the OverDrive Media Console app. And of course, you can check out free e-books and audio books too! I’ll be posting a separate list of new e-books and audio books that have been added to the STLS Digital Catalog today too shortly.

Have a great day!

And please pass the word on about the availability of the free streaming videos anyone can watch for free courtesy of our library and other libraries within the Southern Tier Library System.

Linda R.

Streaming Videos:

Title:                                                                        Creator/Director/Star:

95 Miles to Go(Documentary)                                T. Caltabiano  & Ray Romano

Accidental Hero: Room 408                                     Steve Rosen,

Adopted                                                                       Pauly Shore

Anansi and the Talking Melon                                  Eric A. Kimmell, Janet Stevens,

Changing Seasons: The Earth                                  Encyclopaedia Britannica

The Company Men                                                     Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones

The Education of Charlie Banks                                Jesse Eisenberg & Jason Ritter

Flight For Survival                                                      Martin Cray

Found Memories (Film Movement)                          Julia Murat, Lisa Fávero

If Only I Were…                                                            Carl Sommer, Kennon James

The Iron Lady                                                                Meryl Streep

Jack Goes Boating                                                          Philip Seymour Hoffman

Killing Them Softly                                                         Brad Pitt

The King’s Speech                                                           Colin Firth, H. B. Carter, G.Rush

Library                                                                              Sarah Stewart, David Small,

Little Fish                                                                         Cate Blanchett, Sam Neill, Hugo Weaving

Long Life, Happiness & Prosperity (Film Movement)  Sandra Oh, Ric Young,

Looking for Fidel                                                                 Oliver Stone, Fidel Castro

The Republic of Love (Film Movement)                          Bruce Greenwood, Emilia Fox, Deepa Mehta

A River of Waste (Documentary)                                      Don McCorkell

Sarah’s Key                                                                           Kristin Scott Thomas

Twilight Children (Documentary)                                     Marie Vidal-Michel

The Violin (Film Movement)                                             Don Ángel Tavira, Dagoberto

Yosemite: Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Devils Postpile

Sorry about the spacing above — here’s a link to a PDF version of the same list which has the proper, non-Word Press changed, spacing:

Newly Added Streaming Videos March 25, 2014

And the link below brings up our streaming video poster should anyone wish to print it off and/or share it!

OverDrive Streaming Video Poster

Have a great day!

Linda R.

Photos & Computers Workshop – This Wednesday, March 26, 2014!

Linda Reimer

Do have a digital camera and a computer?

Have you ever received digital photos from friend or family that you opened up on your computer and then couldn’t find again?

If so please join us for or Photos & Computers workshop this Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. and we’ll show you the basic transfer-photos-from-your-camera* ropes. We’ll also show you how to organize your photos into folders on your computer so you can keep all your vacation photos from 2013 in one folder and all your family reunion photos from 2012 in another!

So if you have questions about how to transfer photos to your computer and then how to organize them and find them – this workshop is for you.

Join us!

Have a great day!

Linda R.

 * Or smartphone – and you’ll need your smart phone to USB cable for that – call us if you are not sure what that is! Tel: 607-936-3713 ext. 502 and ask for Jenn or Linda.

And as a P.S. if you have your own laptop please bring it with you and we’ll walk you through the process on your own computer. And if you don’t have a laptop – never fear – we’ll have some of the library laptops set up so you can walk through the process without having to bring your own desktop computer with you!

March Teen Tech Program – This Friday, March 21 – LEGO bots!

Linda Reimer

 Join us this Friday, March 21, 2014 for our March Teen Tech Friday program!

This month’s tech topic is LEGO Mindstorms – which includes some hand on experience in building LEGO bots!

The program runs from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Registration is required just so we know how many people to set up for!

To register please call us at 936-3713 ext. 503 or stop by the combo Children’s & Young Adult’s desk.

And if you’re wondering what LEGO Mindstorms is – click on the following link which will take you to the Mindstorms  section of the LEGO website where you can see and read more about the Mindstorms kit and Lego bots!

http://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms/?domainredir=mindstorms.lego.com

Have a great day!

Linda R.

Humorous WSJ Video On The Impending Obsolesces of Windows XP

Linda Reimer

I came across this timely and very humorous WSJ video cast on the impending demise of Windows XP.

The video host, WSJ journalist Joanna Stern, is initially shown standing in front of a Windows XP screen with its bright green grass that, as she says, “never needs to be mowed” and with a bright blue sky above — and then she notes that Microsoft is discontinuing support for Windows XP in April and after that the Windows XP universe really won’t be  a safe one to dwell in — and then she’s shown standing with an umbrella over her head on brown grass, with a dark sky above and with hail falling!

So if you’re  a tech fan and in the mood for a humorous video check out this one! 

And if you own a Windows XP PC you might consider one of the very solid options Joanna Stern mentions as an alternative to continuing to use Windows XP; because, indeed, as of April 8 although your XP machine will still run — it won’t be getting any more security updates from Microsoft. 

Have a great day!

Linda R.

Join Us For Our Next Pinterest Program Tomorrow @ 10:30 a.m. @ The Library

Linda Reimer

Hi everyone, just a friendly reminder about our Next Dream & Create with PINTEREST program– it is tomorrow!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014 from 10:30AM-12:00 PM!

Check out the links below to see what we will be creating NEXT week! We will be creating Burlap Table Runners and HomeMade KitKats!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/149885493822840775/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/149885493822821195/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/149885493822710884/

And if you’re coming please let hostess Jenn know! You can give her a call at 936-3713 ext. 216 or send her an email at DIGLIT@STLS.ORG

And we hope to see you tomorrow at Pinterest!

Have a great day!
Linda R.

Digital Literacy Services

Southeast Steuben County Library

Streaming Videos Come To The STLS Digital Catalog!!

Linda Reimer

Hi everyone, if you’ve already checked out the Southeast Steuben County Library’s Facebook page — then excuse the duplication!

We’ve got very exciting news on the streaming video front today! Because as of today you can stream videos from the STLS Digital Catalog or through the OverDrive app for your smartphone or tablet — you don’t have to download them to a PC!

You can simply open the OverDrive app, which is available in your app store and the full name of which is OverDrive Media Console and then tap on any of the categories under the Streaming Video title or tap on “View More” which will allow you to browse all the streaming videos available — so all you need is an Internet connection –and you can watch movies, TV shows and documentaries on your tablet or smartphone very cool!

More videos will be added to the Digital Catalog streaming video library in the near future — in the meantime — enjoy!

Have a great day!
Linda R.

http://stls.lib.overdrive.com/00941FE9-8429-406A-9149-5C29B3246CF2/10/50/en/Subjects05.htm

Free Digital Literacy Assistance Can Be Found At The Southeast Steuben County Library!

Linda Reimer

Did you know that if you live locally you can obtain free digital literacy assistance at the Southeast Steuben County Library?

 

You can!

 

And if you’re pondering what exactly I mean by digital literacy assistance let me explain!

 

Digital literacy is simply fancy computer-speak that translated into everyday American English means we assist patrons in learning how to use their tablets, e-readers, laptops, smartphones and other tech devices.

 

For example, some of the items we assist patrons in learning how to include learning how to:

 

  • Use the iPad to access the Internet, send & receive email, get apps from the App Store and more!

 

  • Create a free e-mail account, send & receive email

 

  • Use Microsoft Word to type letters, resumes and other documents

 

  • Use Microsoft PowerPoint to create slideshows and presentations

 

  • Use Skype to make video phone calls

 

  • Use the Internet to search for information

 

  • Learn to use the e-reader, laptop or tablet your kids gave you for your birthday

 

  • And more!

 

To learn how to use your new gadget or software simply call the library and make an appointment for a free One-On-One session with a member of the library’s Digital Literacy Services team – Linda (that’s me!) or Jenn.

 

We can be reached by phone at the following number: 607-936-3713 ext. 502

 

Or you can send an email to us at: DIGLIT@STLS.ORG

 

Have a great Tuesday!

Linda R.

 

P.S. If you don’t live locally you can still access our blog for instructional material regarding computer, tablet and e-reader usage – simply go to our Tech Talk blog located at: https://sscltech.wordpress.com/ and click on the Online Tech Tutorials link. I’ll be adding more documents to that section later today!

 

STARCat Basics

Linda Reimer

Hi everyone, as you may know STARCat is the name of our catalog of physical materials — and some digital materials too!

So here is a link to a PDF which offers you some basic tips as to how you can best search for items in STARCat:

StarCat Basics

The basic thing to remember about searching for items in STARCat is that if you’re not searching for a specific title or author but instead are searching for a subject — then you should use one or two broad search terms and not shoot for a really specific search as you would with Google.

For example, if you’re searching with Google you can indeed enter a search for “Sony Bravia TV repair manual” and you’ll get search results; however, if you enter that search into STARCat you won’t get any results — instead you can try searching with fewer search words and basic ones like “TV repair” — and then you’ll get results!

Of course the staff is always here to help at the library!

So if you have questions about how to use STARCat please let us know!

Have a great day!

Linda R.

February Personal Technology Programs @ The Library!

Linda Reimer

Google Searching: Learn how to use the popular search engine to find information on subjects that interest you! We’ll also discuss the differences between going to a website by its address and finding a website via a search engine (Google) search. And we’ll offer some helpful Internet navigation tips. Program Date/Time: Friday, February 7, 2014: 11:00 a.m. to noon.

iPad Workshop: This workshop offers new iPad owners an overview of how to use the iPad; and includes a discussion of useful suggested apps in categories that iPad owners might enjoy. The iPad app categories discussed include: News, Entertainment, Sports, Cooking, Games, Books, Weather and more! Program Date/Time: Monday, February 10, 2014, 11:00 a.m. to noon.

Senior Personal Technology: This is a new monthly program offering an overview of todays’ personal technology, i.e. tablets, e-readers, touch screen computers etc., interspersed with fun bits of information regarding new and upcoming technologies. Refreshments will be provided. Program Date/Time: February 14, 2014, 11:00 a.m. to noon.

Teen Tech Friday: This month we’ll learn how to use and create Word Clouds. To register call (607)936-3713 ext. 503 or email mcconnells@stls.org  Program Date/Time: Friday, February 21, 2014, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

iPhone Basics: You can do much more with an iPhone than to simply make a phone call! This workshop will offer tips on how to get the most out of your iPhone. We’ll discuss how to use the iPhone web browser and pre-installed apps. And we’ll also offer a list of suggested apps that you might like to install on your iPhone. Program Date/Time: Tuesday, February 25, 2014, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Dream & Create with Pinterest : Join hostess Jenn for a program based upon recipes and DIY projects found on the fun social networking/personal interest website – Pinterest! Each program offers a delicious recipe which we then use to create the delicious dish of the day and a home decorating craft. Program Date/Time: Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

You can also make a free One-On-One appointment with a member of our

Digital Literacy Services team!

We’ll assist you in learning how to use a new computer, e-reader, tablet or other tech device you own (this includes learning how to use new software and create resumes)!

Just call the Reference & Technology Desk at 607-936-3713 extension 502 to make an appointment.  It is free!

Registration is required for library programs (just so we know how many people to set up for!). To register call the library at (607) 936-3713 or send an email to DIGLIT@STLS.ORG.

If you’d like to receive a PDF version of our monthly tech programs flyer send a request email to: diglit@stls.org or simply click on the following link to load the schedule (feel free to print off the schedule and/or share it!)

SSCL Digital Literacy Services Programs February 2014

Have a great day!

Linda R.