The Tech Desk

Macmillan Confirms Ebook Pilot for Libraries

noreply@blogger.com (Technology Staff) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:12:00 +0000

Is one of the big six publishers, Macmillan, ready to dip a toe back in the waters of library ebook lending?

As the demand for ebooks is growing day-by-day in the library world, publishers are changing the terms in lending e-books to libraries. Reportedly, Macmillan is working on a Pilot Project to lend e-books to libraries. The company has not yet disclosed the details, but watch for more information.

Mango Languages iPhone/iPad App Now Available

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:25:00 +0000

Now you can take Mango Languages with you wherever you go, thanks to the release of the Mango Mobile Library Edition app for iPhone and iPad. This new app includes all of the languages that are available through Mango, and also has many features of the Internet version of Mango, including grammar and cultural notes, interactive phonetic spellings, and semantic color mapping.

To use this new app, you will need a valid Troy Public Library card. You will also need to set up a Mango account, which you can do by visiting our Mango Languages site here. You device also needs to be running iOS4 or greater.

The Mango Mobile Library Edition app can be downloaded here through the iTunes App store. For more information about this new app, visit this site.

NetLibrary is Changing to eBooks on EBSCOhost

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:17:00 +0000

Troy Public Library's NetLibrary eBook collection is scheduled to switch to a new platform called EBSCOhost. All of our eBooks that were available through NetLibrary will be available on the new EBSCOhost platform. Additionally, the NetLibrary name will be retired.

If you are a regular user of NetLibrary eBooks, you need to be aware that your NetLibrary account will no longer be available to you after this switch occurs. Any information that is associated with your account (such as notes you have taken in specific eBooks) will be deleted with your account.

To use eBooks on the new EBSCOhost platform, you will need to create an EBSCOhost account. Account creation is easy, and you can find step-by-step instructions here. For a tutorial on how to search for eBooks in EBSCOhost, please view this tutorial.

eBooks from EBSCOhost will function just like NetLibrary eBooks did. They will not be downloadable. Instead, you will be able to view them directly from within your browser. They are non-holdable, can't be used on eReaders, but are always available for viewing. Additionally, after creating an EBSCOhost account, you will be able to make notes in eBooks you view.

We hope you try out eBooks on EBSCOhost. Please let us know if you have any issues by leaving us a comment.

SYNC is Back for 2011!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:14:00 +0000

Are you interested in downloading some FREE eAudiobooks this summer? Now you can, thanks to Audiobook Community's SYNC campaign.

The SYNC campaign, which is back for 2011, is designed to get more young adults listening to audiobooks. From June 23 through August 17, two audiobooks will be available each week for download. One will be a current young adult title and the other is generally a classic. Each week both books will share a common theme. All audiobooks used in the SYNC campaign are in the MP3 format and will work with both PCs and Macs. They can be transferred to a wide array of mobile devices.

Additionally, OverDrive is distributing all of the SYNC titles. To download titles, you will need to install the OverDrive Media Console. After you have downloaded your free titles from SYNC, be sure to check out other OverDrive downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks that are available from the Troy Public Library here.

In addition to free eAudiobooks, the SYNC campaign also features a discussion group on audiobookcommunity.com to discuss the books that are being offered.

For more on SYNC, including the release schedule for free eAudiobooks, go here, or text syncaya to 25827 to receive text alerts on when new eAudiobooks are available for download.

OverDrive Now Available for Windows Phone

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 22:12:00 +0000

OverDrive already has apps available for iOS, Android, and Blackberry. You can now add Windows Phone to that list. With OverDrive's recent release of their OveDrive Media Console app for Windows Phone, there are now apps available for all major mobile operating systems.

The OverDrive Media Console app for Windows Phone offers the same features as other OverDrive apps for mobile devices, including:

The ability to download EPUB-format eBooks and MP3-format eAudiobooks directly to their device
The Get Library feature that allows you to easily find your local library that provides eBooks
The ability to easily return downloaded items early

You can download the OverDrive Media Console app for Windows Phone here.

For a look at how the app works, watch this video produced by OverDrive:

Avoiding Online Scams

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:26:00 +0000

Recently, a patron called the Technology Center saying that she picked up a computer virus. She received a pop-up that her computer had been infected and a company was offering her antivirus software to clean her computer and protect her from future viruses. She decided to purchase the software, called Vista Antivirus 2011, clicked on the link and provided her credit card number. Shortly thereafter, her bank's anti-fraud division called to tell her that the company she was purchasing the software from was fraudulent and they cancelled the charge.

No harm done, right? Wrong!

By clicking on the link, the patron actually infected her computer with a malware that rendered her computer inoperable. She couldn't access the Internet, she couldn't access files on the hard drive, she couldn't even run a scan using McAfee, the antivirus software she already had installed on her computer. She now has the daunting task of cleaning the insidious virus from her computer.

Reader's Digest published an article about seven typical online scams and how to avoid them. You can read the article here. Our patron fell victim to scam #4. Here is another good article about how to protect yourself online. Microsoft is also aware of this issue, and has an article regarding "scareware" scams here. Additionally, this article from the excellent (but unfortunately recently ended) technology blog Download Squad has some good tips as well on how to spot fake anti-virus scams.

If you’ve been victimized by one of the latest scams, don’t be embarrassed. Scammers work overtime at perfecting their trade and new viruses are introduced every day. And remember, you can call the Technology Center at 248.524.3542 if you have any questions regarding antivirus software.

OverDrive Apps Upgrade to v2.3

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 May 2011 21:36:00 +0000

OverDrive, a supplier of downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks to the Troy Public Library, has upgraded their OverDrive Media Console app for Android, BlackBerry, and Apple devices, including iPhones and iPads, to v2.3. This upgrade now allows users to return EPUB eBooks early and also makes the Adobe Digital Editions authorization process easier.

If you already have these apps installed on your device, they should update automatically. If you are new to using OverDrive on your mobile device, you can download the mobile versions of OverDrive Media Console here.

Brainfuse Upgrades to HelpNow 3.0

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:56:00 +0000

Brainfuse, an online tutoring service available through the Troy Public Library, has upgraded its HelpNow software to v3.0. This upgrade includes an easier to use launch screen and also adds some new features, including:

Flashbulb: An online library of flashcard sets that cover a variety of subjects.
Brainwave: Records actions written on the Brainfuse Notepad while in a tutoring session. These recorded sessions can be saved or shared.
Test Center: The Test Center features practice ACT and SAT tests, and also a variety of state standardized tests.

As always, Brainfuse continues to provide online, live tutoring in a variety of subjects. Tutors are available from 2pm - 11pm, Monday through Sunday. Remember that Brainfuse is not just for students. They feature an Adult Learning Center where you can get help with Microsoft Office products, writing a resume, preparing for the GED, and much more.

Brainfuse can be accessed through the Troy Public Library's website. Click on the eResources link on the left-hand side of the page under the Library Links menu. Click on Online Tutoring, then Brainfuse. Remember, you need to have a valid library card to access Brainfuse.

Try it out and let us know what you think!

Disney Digital Books Now Available Through OverDrive

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 17:10:00 +0000

Disney Digital Books are now available through OverDrive. This collection of over 650 titles includes books for a wide variety of ages that feature both classic and new Disney characters.

Disney Digital Books are also interactive. Some books will read the text to you. Others feature trivia games as you proceed through the title. All Disney Digital Books feature a built-in dictionary that will pronounce and give the definition of a word when clicked.

Disney Digital Books work a little differently than other eBooks offered through OverDrive. Unlike other OverDrive items, Disney Digital Books are not downloaded directly to your computer or transferred to a portable device such as an eReader. Instead, they are viewed from within your computer's web browser. After checking out a Disney Digital Book, visit your Digital Bookshelf in OverDrive and click the Launch button for the book that you wish to view. The Disney Digital Book will open in a new tab or browser window.

Click Launch to open a Disney Digital Book

Another difference with Disney Digital Books compared to other OverDrive items is that they are always available. You do not have to place holds on them; they can be checked out at any time and by multiple people at the same time. Please remember, though, that Disney Digital Book checkouts do count towards your 10-item OverDrive checkout limit. Also, remember that there is no way to return Disney Digital Books early.

Additionally, Disney Digital Books currently are only available for use on PCs and Mac computers. At this time they are not available for viewing on devices such as the iPad. For a complete list of Disney Digital Book technical requirements, please go here. Like all eResources provided by the Troy Library, you will need a valid Troy Library card to be able to access Disney Digital Books through OverDrive. To get started, go to troylibrary.info, click on the "Download eBooks, Audiobooks" link, and select OverDrive.

We hope that you like this new collection of titles available through OverDrive. Let us know your thoughts about Disney Digital Books by leaving a comment below.

OverDrive Updates Android & iPhone/iPad Apps

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:37:00 +0000

OverDrive, a supplier of downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks to the Troy Public Library, has released updates to their OverDrive Media Console apps for Android and Apple devices, including iPhones and iPads. The new updates include the following features:

OverDrive Media Console for Android (v2.2)

Sepia display option for eBooks
Screen-dimming override for eBooks
Faster EPUB performance
Sleep timer for audiobooks

OverDrive Media Console for iPhone/iPad (v2.2.1)

Orientation lock for eBooks
Night mode and sepia display option for eBooks
Screen lock override for eBooks
Improved range of font size settings
In-app library “Website Finder”

If you already have these apps installed on your Android device or iPhone/iPad, be sure to check the app for these new updates. If you do not have them installed already, you can download OverDrive Media Console for Android through the Android Market or download the iPhone/iPad version of OverDrive Media Console through the iTunes App Store.

For more information about these new releases, see this post from the OverDrive Digital Library blog.

Download EPUB eBooks Directly to Your BlackBerry

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:04:00 +0000

If you own a BlackBerry and use OverDrive, you can now download eBooks directly to your device. In addition to MP3 eAudiobooks, OverDrive's new Media Console for BlackBerry v2.1 app now supports direct downloading of EPUB eBooks. After downloading the app to your BlackBerry, use the "Get Books" feature within the app to browse and download eBooks.

In order to use this app with your BlackBerry, you must have BlackBerry OS 4.5 or newer for non-touchscreen devices or BlackBerry OS 4.7 or newer for touchscreen devices. You can download the app directly here.

Happy World Backup Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:33:00 +0000

The folks at PC Magazine want to remind you to that March 31is World Backup Day, a reminder to secure your data before you lose it.

World Backup Day was created by Reddit users (a computer discussion website) to spread awareness and to get those who have never backed up data to start. The World Backup Day site also provides resources on how to backup data. It gives step-by-step options for three different manners of securing data: USB stick or external hard drive, DVD/CD-ROM/Blu-ray, or online backup. "It's a good idea to backup files regularly and in at least two separate places, just to be safe," the group suggested.

There are also a growing number of options for data storage in the cloud. Amazon recently debuted its Cloud Player music storage service. Google is also expected to launch a similar service, called Google Music. Additionally, Apple is said to be revamping its cloud-based storage service, MobileMe.

Have you backed up your data today?

Spring 2011 Troy Today Computer Class Listings - Corrections

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:41:00 +0000

Computer class listings offered by the Troy Public Library as shown on page 20 of the Spring 2011 edition of Troy Today are incorrect. The correct dates and times are:

Computer Basics 1
Wednesdays, March 16 and 23, 1 pm
Wednesdays, April 20 and 27, 1 pm

Beginning Word 2007
Wednesdays, March 2 and 9, 1 pm
Thrusdays, April 7 and 14, 10 am

Beginning Excel 2007
Tuesdays, March 15 and 22, 1 pm
Tuesdays, April 12 and 19, 1 pm

Beginning PowerPoint 2007
Tuesdays, March 1 and 8, 1 pm
Wednesdays, April 6 and 13, 1pm

Registration is currently open for March classes. Registration for April classes begins Friday, March 11 at 10 am. For a complete schedule of classes and to register online, please see our calendar here.

OverDrive Optimizes Support for iPads

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 21:26:00 +0000

OverDrive, a content provider of eBooks and eAudiobooks to the Troy Public Library, has upgraded its OverDrive Media Console app for iPhone and iPad to v2.2. The biggest new feature included is full iPad support. While previous versions of the app worked for iPad, this new version is optimized to take advantage of the bigger iPad screen. Additionally, downloaded content can be displayed in either portrait or landscape orientation.

To use this new upgrade, your device must be running iOS v4.0 or above. You can download OverDrive Media Console for iPhone/iPad v2.2 directly here.

Highlights from 2011 Consumer Electronics Show

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:56:00 +0000

This week, mashable.com reported on the 5 big consumer tech trends at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). These include:

Dual-Core Smartphones: LG and Motorola announced that they will introduce phones that run 1GHz dual-core processors as smartphones take a major leap in power and functionality. Users are demanding more and more multitasking capabilities from their handheld devices.

Android: The best devices at the show all ran on Google's Android Operating System platform. Companies like Samsung, Motorola and LG see Android as the industry's only alternative to Apple.

Seeking the iPad Challenger: 2011 will be the year of the tablet as companies rush to find a competitor for Apple's iPad. The Motorola Xoom has emerged as the best option to give Apple a run for the money.

TVs Get Smart: New TVs revealed this year can connect to the web and run apps. But will people really use their TVs to browse videos on YouTube?

Apple Casts a Giant Shadow: Although Apple does not attend CES, they still try to steal the spotlight. This year, Apple launched the Mac App Store and announced the Verizon iPhone at venues other than CES.

To learn more about the Consumer Electronics Show, click here.

More New Languages Available from Mango

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:06:00 +0000

If your New Year's resolution was to learn a new language, you now have more languages available to you through our language learning eResource, Mango Languages.

Mango has added several new languages to their offerings, including Cantonese Chinese, Croatian, Danish, ESL Mandarian Chinese, Finnish, Haitian Creole, Irish, Levantine Arabic, Norwegian, and Urdu. You can start learning these languages today by visiting our Language Learning eResource page here.

Get Free eBooks from Kaplan Publishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:12:00 +0000

Did you get a new eReader for Christmas and need to add some books to it? Kaplan Publishing is giving away over 130 free eBooks that work with the Nook (both black and white and color versions), now through January 10. Titles include books about education, medicine, and also many test preparation books that Kaplan is known for. To access these free books, visit this site.

Update (1-13-11): Kaplan has extended their free eBook offer through January 17.

OverDrive Shatters Records

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:25:00 +0000

If you have had problems accessing our OverDrive site since Christmas, you are not the only one. According to OverDrive's Digital Library blog, checkouts and new user registrations hit all time highs in the period leading up to and after the Christmas holiday. Additionally, for the first time ever for Overdrive, eBooks out-circulated eAudiobooks.

Statistics for the Troy Public Library have also followed that trend. In December 2010 we have had our highest recorded monthly circulation of OverDrive titles. We have also seen our biggest increase in new patron registrations. In December 2010 we have seen a 75% increase in the amount of eBook checkouts compared to December 2009. Also, the Technology Center has been busy answering questions about a variety of eReading platforms, including the Nook Color, Kobo Reader, Pandigital Novel, Android smartphones, and more.

If you haven't tried OverDrive, now is a perfect time. You can find a list of eBook compatible devices here and eAudiobook compatible devices here. Like all eResources provided by the Troy Library, you will need a valid Troy Library card to be able to use OverDrive. To get started, go to troylibrary.info, click on the "Download eBooks, Audiobooks" link, and select OverDrive.

Tech Help for the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 21:38:00 +0000

The holidays have arrived, and with them comes family gatherings. With family gatherings comes the distinct possibility that you may be asked to help family members with their computer problems. Here are two sites to help prepare you for the role of being the family computer troubleshooter.

If your family has basic tech questions, Google's new Teach Parents Tech site is sure to help. Teach Parents Tech features a short videos about a variety of basic computing concepts, including how to send email attachments, how to crop photos, how to find information in Google, and more. It also features a form that you can fill out so you can send links to specific videos.

If you need to help with more complicated issues, such as virus removal and computer slowness, pcmag.com has an article dedicated to PC troubleshooting tools that you should have on a USB drive. Some of these tools include antimalware software, a Linux distro, and alternate browsers.

Good luck answering your family's tech questions this holiday season!

Yahoo to Close Del.icio.us?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 22:41:00 +0000

Amid news this week that Yahoo! is laying off 4% of its workforce, it appears that it is also going to be ending some of its services. One of the services Yahoo is most likely closing is Delicious, a popular social bookmarking service.

Delicious was an early social site that used cloud computing to store user data. Instead of saving bookmarks and favorites locally within a specific web browser on a specific computer, Delicious would allow you to save links to a Delicious account. These links were then always available on any computer that was able to access the web. Additionally, you could add tags to your links so that links about similar topics were easier to find. At the Troy Public Library, I used Delicious to track various sites regarding eBooks and eResources. I also tagged reference books that may be of interest.

While Delicious may be closing, there are some alternatives. Xmarks is a popular choice. If you have a Google account, Google offers a bookmarking service. Additionally, Google's web browser, Google Chrome, gives you the ability to sync bookmarks between computers that are running Chrome.

Good-bye, Chris

noreply@blogger.com (Technology Staff) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 18:54:00 +0000

Today, The Tech Desk says good-bye to Chris Hunsanger. Chris has been a library aide in the Library's Technology Department for the past three years, and is moving on to pursue other opportunities to further his career.

Chris has been an asset to the the Technology Department. He has taught classes, helped design troylibrary.info, and has been a tremendous help to not only patrons but also staff when it comes to fixing a variety of computer issues.

Chris has also been a contributor to The Tech Desk since its creation. Here are some examples of Chris' work:

We at The Tech Desk wish Chris the best of luck in his future endeavours.

OverDrive App Updates to v2.0

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:50:00 +0000

OverDrive, the digital catalog provider of the Troy Public Library, has updated its Android and iPhone apps to v2.0. What does this mean to you?

Here is what you can expect in the latest release:

EPUB eBook support
Bug Fixes
An all new "Get Books" feature

The biggest feature is the new EPUB ebook support. Now, you can now read EPUB eBooks on your Android device (and tablets), as well as your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. This is in addition to the already available MP3 audiobook support that the app previously provided.

To initially download the books on to your device, you can take advantage of the new "Get Books" feature as well. After finding your library and adding to the app (done by searching), you will be able to quickly click on your library from within the app, and be taken to a mobile friendly version of the OverDrive catalog. From there, you can search, download, and view/listen to the books through the OverDrive application.

Finally, the OverDrive team has also noted the following:

...an optimized version for iPad—with improved resolution and additional features—is coming soon, along with apps for BlackBerry and other mobile devices.

You can find the Android version of the app by searching for "Overdrive" in the Android Market or by scanning the QR code provided below. To download the iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad version, search for "Overdrive" in the App Store or click on this link.

Fun Friday: Google Translate Beatboxing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:04:00 +0000

If you are a fan of 1980s hip-hop, you already know what "beatboxing" is. If you are unfamiliar, beatboxing someone produces drum beats and rhythms just by using their mouth. For an example, see this Wikipedia page.

Humans aren't the only one's with beatboxing skills. Earlier this week, TechCrunch had a story about how to turn Google Translate into a Google Beatbox. Here are some examples of Google Translate beats:

Example 1

Example 2

Inspired by the examples above? Post any great beats you have come up with using Google Translate in our comments section.

35 Years Ago Today: The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Kwik) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

On November 10, 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, an American Great Lakes freighter, sank in Lake Superior, about 80 kilometers northwest of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

The freighter, the size of two and a half football fields, was on a run from Superior, Wisconsin, to Detroit, laden with 26,000 tons of iron ore. While traveling on a routine run, the Fitzgerald ran into a November gale. Th ship sank without sending any distress signals. All 29 crew members aboard died; no bodies were recovered. When the wreck was found, it was discovered that the Fitzgerald had broken in two.

The Edmund Fitzgerald is still one of the largest freighters ever to have sunk on the Great Lakes.

In November 1976, Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot's The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald reached #2 on the Billboard Pop Chart.

In the Detroit area, there are several events which commemorate the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Mango Adds More Languages

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:33:00 +0000

Back in September, we told you that Mango Languages, on online language learning program available through the Library, was adding a new program called Mango Complete 2.0. When it was released, they mentioned that they were going to be adding new content to their Complete 2.0 offerings on a regular basis.

This week has seen the first of these new releases. Mango has added 8 new classes to Mango Complete 2.0, including:

Farsi Complete 2.0
Hebrew Complete 2.0
Korean Complete 2.0
ESL Korean Complete 2.0
ESL Italian Complete 2.0
ESL Greek Complete 2.0
ESL German Complete 2.0
ESL French Complete 2.0

Also, are you curious about how Mango Languages helps you learn a language? If so, check out this video:

Interested in trying out Mango? It's easy! To access Mango Languages, you will need a Troy Public Library card. Go to our website and click eResources on the left under Library Links. Click on Language Learning, then Mango Languages.Try it out and let us know what you think.