Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit for Windows XP

A large number of AALS libraries are now using Windows XP Professional computers. There is software available to protect against viruses, spyware, and even software than can keep changes from being permanent. But what about keeping those what I call “creative” users from gaining access to areas on that PC or even worse on your network?

There are a number of ways you can lock down an XP box, but one that is simple for libraries is through a download from Microsoft. It is called the Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit for XP.

Personally, I can’t think of reasons why not to use this within our libraries. This product was made with the mindset of public libraries, schools, Internet cafés, and any other public computing locations.

Allowing access for the public to computers within the library is essential. But it is important that access is only to the extent of what they need out of your PCS and NOT what they want. Need vs. want can be different for different locations, and that is also the beauty of the download. It can be simple and customizable, yet very effective in locking down or restricting a PC.

Without restrictions, users can change the desktop appearance; reconfigure system settings; and introduce spyware, viruses, and other harmful programs. Not to mention gaining access to resources on other PCs, servers, and network areas within the library. Repairing or monitoring PCs without a tool like this can costs significant time and effort.

And the best part is that it is free to XP licensed users.

Keep in mind that this tool is only available for Windows XP machines and has to have at least Service Pack 2 as well.

Some of the benefits to using the toolkit are as follows:

• Saves you and your staff time;
• Reduces the need for maintenance and repairs;
• Allows for a more robust and stable pc environment for all patrons; and
• If after setup a change is needed, it can be reconfigured.

I plan on giving an introductory-type class very soon on the Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit, and I encourage everyone who is interested to attend. I want to gauge interest from libraries and their staff on how many are interested. So please email me at rodney.greensage@sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-2609 and let me know you want to attend or have any questions on this product.

Rodney G.

Interesting sites and gadgets

Hi everyone, this blog post is not related directly to library technology issues per say, but I am sure some of you might find the entry interesting.

Let me start off with a few sites:

When you do an online search, would you like a new approach to web searching instead of google, yahoo, or msn? Try doing a search using http://clusty.com/ You might ask "Rodney why is this one different?" Well it has a whole new way to search the web. To quote their site personally "Clusty queries several top search engines, combines the results, and generates an ordered list based on comparative ranking. This "metasearch" approach helps raise the best results to the top and push search engine spam to the bottom."

But the unique part is what they do with the information to make searches more effective. Again from their site they state "Instead of delivering millions of search results in one long list, our search engine groups similar results together into clusters. Clusters help you see your search results by topic so you can hone in on exactly what you a’re looking for or discover unexpected relationships between items."

If you have wasted time by going through pages and pages of entries only to get no where fast then you will understand. Go to the page and type in something for it to search and see for yourself. I now have it as my top search engine, so tell me what you think about it.

An interesting tool within clusty.com is a site called Shakespeare Searched. This is a search engine designed to provide quick access to passages from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets. You can find Shakespeare Searched at http://shakespeare.clusty.com/

And the last site for this blog, is a site which houses an in-depth index of more than 3,350 collections of personal narratives in English from around the world. It is called "In The First Person", which is at http://www.inthefirstperson.com/firp/index.aspx

You can search over 650,000 pages of full-text by more than 15,000 individuals from all walks of life. It also has areas to search 3,500 audio and video files and 30,000 bibliographic records.

A neat gadget or two:

I just think this is really cool and a "why didn't I think of this" type of idea.

How about a battery that can work in all types of application devices and is rechargeable via a running USB port? A USB rechargeable battery??? Take a look below and you can also go here.















Do you get frustrated like I do when you temporarily lose something? Like your keys, wallet, purse ( I don't have a purse, but for the purpose of making a point) or other items? Well here is a gadget that can help you find them easier. Its called a loc8tor. Loc8tor uses a unique combination of audio and visual cues to guide you to your lost item from up to an incredible 600 feet away! Simply tell your Loc8tor what you need to find. But will they have to have a loc8tor to find your loc8tor??? Here is a picture of one





Anyway this is a light hearted blog about some neat things I have seen lately. Hope you enjoy.
That's all for now, look for more interesting blog ideas in the future and if you have comments on today's blog, please send them.

Rodney G.

Internet Explorer version 7

Hi everyone,

I wanted to talk a little about the new Internet Explorer (I.E. 7) that is available for download now. Now we all have our preferences and/or quirks when it comes to a browser. And some of us could care less. But I do think it is worth mentioning since I.E. is still the most widely used browser and does come bundled with Windows operating systems.

I have looked at, downloaded, and reviewed this browser. What I have noticed so far is that (I.E. 7) has definitely had a new makeover. Some of the features that are noticeable right away are as follows:

• A new streamlined toolbar--This can make it easier to save favorites, do a web search, clear history, and more.
• Tabbed browsing--Although this concept is not new to other browsers, it is new to I.E. This can provide an easier way to switch between websites without having to open a new browser.
  
• Search box--Again not new to browsers, but now implemented within version 7. This can help save time without having to open a search provider page.

Some interesting things happened after I downloaded and installed the browser. It brought up a page for optional settings. Those settings are:

• An automatic phishing filter--This feature, if utilized can help alert the user to either potential or direct phishing on a web page. What is phishing? Phishing, without getting too technical, are websites that look legitimate, but are in fact websites that are being impersonated. Usually this is a link in an email, that you click and opens a web page. This could be to try and scam users into putting in sensitive information such as passwords, pin numbers, or credit card numbers, and etc.
• "Clear type" option--This option can make webpage test easier to read.
• RSS Feed Tab--This option can give you the latest feeds concerning news agencies, weather, money market information, sports, travel, cooking, etc.

Although there are good features, there are some changes I found not so good. Here are a couple of examples. On the browser, the default is for no menu bar (File/Edit/View/Etc) buttons. Now you can right click to get to it, but I believe it should be standard. Also, the search bar seems to be permanent at least in the download I have. So you could be stuck with a search bar if your preference is not to have one.

As of today (10/26/06), there has been a security compromise within the browser already. I am sure to the embarrassment of Microsoft. And that is why I would wait a while before downloading (if you decide to) this browser. Usually there are still bugs and/or kinks that need to be fine tuned right after a new Microsoft release. Also it is not as customizable as other browsers such as Firefox or Opera. If you would like to view a tour of the new I.E. 7 browser follow this link http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.mspx and you can watch a video or a web tour.

Again everyone has their preferences, (I personally am sticking to my firefox browser) but I wanted to give you some insights to some news on this new browser. Microsoft is really going to promote this, as they haven't made major changes in the layout of their browser for a number of years.

These are my comments, if you have some as well let's hear from you.

Rodney

AALS New Technology Blog

Well this is my first blogging experience. I wanted to try this out for a few reasons. One is to find out what all the blog hype is about. Two, to give a forum of discussion for librarians and their staff concerning libraries and technology. And last, to find out directly from all of you what is important or questions you might have. It is my intent to peruse through the various aspects of blogging, and see how I can improve on this. Once that is done, I will try to posts blogs atleast once every two weeks on various library and technology topics.


I will be asking for your opinions, so please give me your insights and opinions.

Thanks for viewing,

Rodney