Online storage: Files anywhere at anytime

Ever been without the file(s) you really needed? Allow me to paint a quick picture of what happened to me the other day and see if you can relate.

I was out at one of the AALS libraries doing some PC related changes. The library director was happy that I FINALLY made it out after so many weeks. I was on time, pumped and enthused about starting the work. I popped in my flash drive and then in my brain it was a cataclysmic slow motion sound effect of Ohhhhhh Nooooooooooo!!! The file(s) needed were not on the drive. Frantically, I checked my laptop bag, no not there. Ah my CD case! It has to be on one of these discs somewhere, right? As I flip through all of the CD's, beads of sweat began to pour down my head (OK I am exaggerating here), but no luck there either. I suddenly realized I drove an hour and a half without the files I needed anywhere. Thankfully, I was able to download a trial version of what I needed. Then I thought "Rodney! You have an online storage account, why didn't you have it there?" You see with online storage, as long as you have access to the web, you can get to files that you save there. Don't have one yet? You never know when you might need those important files. You can also inform your library patrons about this. If they have an account it is quite possible they may not even need external storage devices.

Here are 3 different online storage (virtual hard drives) companies that I use. Each offer free storage space. Offering access to files/folders which also includes photos, music, video, and much more. You can also share these with friends, coworkers, or others easily. Each of these services will require a user name and password, so read more as you go to their site.


Box.net--A few neat things about this one should be noted. It allows uploading from your email. What that means is that an attachment you have in email can be uploaded to your boxnet account. Another feature is 3rd party tools which allows you to edit previously stored files. For example, say you need to edit a spreadsheet. Access to the tools allows you to edit while it is in your storage area instead of downloading it to yourself, making changes, and the re uploading it to yourself a second time. You can also access files through mobile devices as long as they have a web browser. With the good comes some bad. It gives you only 1 GB of space. And the file size to upload on the free account is not much (10 MB). So large file uploading is not ideal on the free account.

XDrive--I found this service the most pleasant and user friendly to use out of the three. It is easy to navigate, has an upload accelerator, which allows for faster upload speed in most cases, and it also has a desktop download that makes it seem like you have an external drive attached to the pc. There are many other features, one will allow you to create personalized photos and music. The other thing I really like is that they give you 5 GB for free. Not a trial version either. Xdrive also has email upload capabilities.

Windows Live Sky Drive (Beta)--This one as shown is still in a beta form. It gives you 1 GB of space, but the upload is limited to 50 MB per file. This one offered little to impress me, plus this one does not work with the Linux operating system. But still good for getting files when you need them.

Concerned with security? Each offers security as a high priority. And if you share files you can put permissions on those files as well. Having access to your files regardless of where you are, which computer you are on, or the time or day is most ideal.

Have any stories about this topic or comments in general? Please let me hear from you. I will post them here for all to enjoy and learn from.

Rodney

Does your wireless check out when your library does?

Wireless in libraries...It's becoming more and more popular everyday; and a number of AALS libraries have it. You may or may not be aware of all the management capabilities available today even with the most basic wireless routers. Depending on the router, you quite possibly can set up a number of security features. Some examples can be whether to allow a wireless device to even broadcast that it's even available, encryption, set up dynamic or static IP addresses, setting up multiple wireless channels, and many other features. The feature I want to concentrate on in this blog is wireless availability restrictions after hours. A library may be providing a service to the community and patrons by offering wireless, and that's great. But when your library closes for the day, does your wireless close as well? You may want to ask yourself about all the possibilities occurring in your library parking lot at 3 o clock in the morning. If you go by a wireless hotspot (a place offering wireless to the public either for free or for a charge) and there is a vehicle in the parking lot and the person inside is not leaving the vehicle, chances are that person is using an open wireless connection - which may not be a bad thing. But users can be oblivious to everything else that is going on around them, which could lead to them becoming potential victims of theft or other crimes. We would also like to believe that all people are nice, but in the real world, this is not always true. Those that "wardrive" (those that are looking for wireless access spots in a moving vehicle), can be great persons with no intent or malice towards your facility, but that doesn't mean someone couldn't look up and start to think about something they want out of your library. Be smart, when your library closes, so should your wireless service. Chances are nothing will happen, but that problem will be a moot issue if you stop wireless at the end of business. If you are not sure how to manage the wireless administrative tools, contact your technical liason (which could be me, or another "techie") or read the manual for your particular wireless router. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to contact me.

That's my comment, let's hear from you. Drop me an email or fill out a comment.

Rodney

Windows SteadyState--The new and improved Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit

Last December I wrote a blog on the Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit (MSCT). In fact, I even did some workshops on it. Now there is a newer and more improved version, and with a completely different name. Microsoft has chosen to call it Windows SteadyState.

As a brief recap, MSCT helps to maintain a consistent desktop environment to all patrons who need access to pc's within a public access setting (library). This can be setup to restrict user pc access but at the same time allow patrons to use the internet and applications needed.

Some of the changes are as follows:

• User friendly Gui/Set up screen--Right away I noticed that the Graphical User Interface (GUI) is much easier to maneuver and manage.
  

• Easier Disk Protection--Disk Protection is used to clear the history and footprints of previous patron usage from the pc. Similar to what a desktop management software such as Deep Freeze does. Under MSCT, a hard drive partition setup was required before using Disk Protection. Under SteadyState partitioning is no longer necessary. It uses what is called a cache or hidden storage space on the hard drive. And automatic updates for Windows patches and virus definitions can be done without having to deactivate the Disk Protection.
  

• Import/Export profiles--It is now easier to set all desired desktop/security settings to one user, then either import or export that user profile to/from other pc's using a storage device such as a thumb/flash drive. This can save valuable time.
  

• Security Settings--You can either custom select any and all security settings within XP, or use an integrated template security settings. Within this template, one can choose from high, medium, and low security settings. This can add flexibility to library or IT staff without spending lots of time on those settings. ( I recommend testing this first before placing it out to everyone. To make sure the desired settings are there).
  

• Can be used in a domain environment--SteadyState can be incorporated into Windows group policy and Active Directory.

To some, these terms sound Greek and you may not even care. But SteadyState now makes it even easier to secure library desktop pc's for patron users. And the best part is, its free! This can be a tremendous help to library staff involved with patron access computers. If you have more questions about Windows SteadyState, visit their website or contact me and I will be happy to help out.

Microsoft will be working on a SteadyState for Windows Vista. But as of this writing there is not an exclusive SteadyState available yet.

If you have any comments about either MSCT or SteadyState, lets hear about them. Drop me a comment.

Rodney

Before you throw out those old slower library computers...consider Edubuntu

Does your library have old computers somewhere in the back room not being used? Don't know exactly what to do with or how to get rid of them? Well before you do that, I would like to talk to you about Edubuntu.




Edu what???

What is Edubuntu exactly? It is a FREE Linux based operating system. But what makes Edubuntu different is that it is geared towards educating our young patrons. To quote the website of Edubuntu specifically, Edubuntu's motto is "Linux for Young Human Beings"


It provides applications, games, and educational platforms to kids of all ages. For example this one to the right, helps young children learn math skills. Some of the games offered are TuxPaint, TuxMath, and TuxTyping, among others.

Again quoting the website of Edubuntu: "For the younger crowd, just starting out with computers, Gcompris offers a fantastic early learning environment. For slightly older pupils, there are a number of games and activities from the Tux4Kids and KDEEdu projects and for those in high school and older, there is a full office suite as well applications for instant messaging, graphics, sound and video. And that is just by default! Edubuntu also includes access to thousands of other high quality open source programs at no cost."


On a personal note: I had heard of Edubuntu, but didn't really look at what it could do. That is until I went to do an annual assessment at the Eagle Pass Public Library! Daniel, the PC tech there, showed me what Edubuntu has done for their library. Being at their library last year they had approximately 7 computers and a few weren't working. Most were very slow and old. I went there last week, and WOW!!! They had an Edubuntu thin client project going which brought their total pc count to approximately 30 working computers now! Running quicker and more efficiently.

Still interested? Here is a great place to get some screen shots of Edubuntu.

The minimum requirements for running a standalone Edubuntu workstation is:

• 500 MHz x86 processor
• 128 MB of system memory (RAM)
• At least 2 GB of disk space (for full installation and swap space)
• VGA graphics card capable of 640x480 resolution
• CD-ROM drive
• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Standard NIC (If want access to the internet)
  

You say big deal. But try running Windows XP Professional or Vista on that, and you will not get far at all.

For those that are interested in installing Edubuntu. I have burned an iso copy and requested additional copies from Edubuntu personally. You can either email/contact me and I will burn you a copy (don't worry Edubuntu has no problems with free distribution of their software), or you can go to their site directly and request copies of it. Would love to hear your feed back and comments.

Rodney

Upgrade from XP to Windows Vista within public libraries?

Well Vista is finally here! This will be one of many articles I will blog about concerning the new Microsoft Windows Vista operating system (O/S).

To be perfectly clear, (for those that view this outside of the AALS libraries) I am writing this with the mindset for public libraries and not the typical corporate world.

According to dictionary.com the word vista is defined as " a view or prospect, especially one seen through a long, narrow avenue or passage; A far-reaching mental view" I find that to be appropriate as I try to explain a little about Vista today. To upgrade or not? It's a good question.

It would be natural for some to ask "I have Windows XP, should I upgrade to Vista within AALS libraries?" My response would be--"you could, but I wouldn't." At least not yet. Of course this is my personal opinion, you can do so if you wish. But here are my reasons why not.

• Windows XP has been for the most part a stable and robust O/S for years now when all the updates and service packs are applied properly. And the adage if it isn't broke, don't fix it should apply.
  

• Existing software or legacy (older) software products may not be compatible with Vista at this time. Most applications and software like anti-virus, Adobe, and Office software are expected to run just fine. And it is possible that your ILS software or other library related software programs will run too. But there is no guarantee on the library related software. Some software companies haven't written or tweaked their programs/code to be Vista compliant yet, so there could be some concern about that.
  

• If you are going to upgrade, I recommend at least waiting until the first service pack comes out. Why? It is one thing to have experienced people at Microsoft conduct tests and betas. But when it is going out to the entire world, there will be things/issues that do come up that will take time to fix(bugs, glitches, tweaks, and etc).
  

• As with any windows new O/S, Microsoft hardware requirements changes some with Vista. For instance, does the pc have a DVD player? You need to know that because Vista ships on a DVD, not a CD. But for the most part, I would make sure you have sufficient memory ( I recommend at least 2 gb) a new graphics adapter with a minimum of 128 MB of video RAM. Click here to see the hardware requirements. Keep in mind this is the minimum requirements. I would scale 20 to 25% higher than what they project to be on the safe side.
  

• From what I understand, most new Windows pc's are being shipped out with Vista and not XP. In other words, like it or not, Vista will be coming to your libraries as you buy new systems anyway. Vista has some exciting options available with this new O/S. But this is not a reason to upgrade existing pc's in itself just yet. It is ok to wait or choose not to upgrade.
  

Only if a product was inferior would I be typing large text letter saying "CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE!" But XP more often than not, is genuinely a good O/S for staff and patrons to conduct work, research, and activities on computers.

In closing, I have downloaded and tested a beta version of Vista Ultimate. I know it's a beta, but for the most part there aren't many differences that I have seen so far. I bring this up because this will allow me to test and give blog insights concerning Vista and your public libraries in the future.

Some topics I will probably cover:

1. Hardware requirements.
2. Versions of Vista (I would recommend Vista Business for libraries) approx $299 for Full package price as of this writing.
   
3. Application compatibility and tools.
4. Windows Aero, which is Vista's premium user interface (Look and feel of desktop features).
5. Flip 3D and Windows Sidebar.
6. What new programs within Vista could help within libraries?
   

These are just a few to hopefully whet your appetite. If someone outside of AALS libraries wants to be added to the blog mailing list, feel free to send me an email at rodney.greensage@sanantonio.gov. You could also just add an RSS Feed to this blog.

Thanks for reading everyone. I covet ALL, and I do mean ALL comments you may have on this subject, both good and bad. This product is still very new and I am learning just like most of the world .

That's my insights, lets hear from you.

Rodney.

SMiShed splashed

First there was annoying telemarketing calls, then spam and spyware junk on our personal computer. Now it is on to our cell and smart phones? Thus the day and age we live in ladies and gentleman. A term called "SMiShed" could be something you hear more about in 2007. What is it and what does it mean? Well the actual term SMiShed was birthed by the McAfee anti-virus company. SMiShed was a term to describe phishing by means of text messaging or SMS (short message service). I may have lost some of you, but I urge you to read on. First a simple definition about what is phishing. Phishing is done by someone/persons trying to fraudulently gain access to sensitive information such as passwords, credit card information, or bank account pin numbers. This usually is done by masquerading a web page to look like a bank web site, ebay, or another otherwise credible company. Where SMiShing comes in is through your cell phone. You could receive a text message, for example saying that unless you visit a certain website to subscribe/unsubscribe to something, that you could be charged a certain amount of money. This folks is a scare tactic. Unless you sign up for a service, it's not possible for a company to charge you for something. If someone does go to this site, it is possible that this website could be as innocent as trying to sell you something, or as harmful as trying to download virus and/or software without your knowledge or consent. What should you do? Well first thing I suggest is to contact your mobile phone carrier. Let them know as much information as you can about the message. So don't delete it until after the information has been given. Mobile carriers are involved with lawsuit trying to stop spam and smishing from happening via cell phones. Not only is it annoying, but you the consumer are charged a fee for a text message that you didn't even want or ask for. But by all means DO NOT go to the site given within the smish message. I can even see scenarios where infiltration of your phone lists as a way of making this scam happen. This could make it seem like the message is legitimate because it came from someone you knew, just like an email scam could be done. The smart phone certainly makes our lives easier, but we also have to be smart about a more sophisticated way for persons to be scammed. SMiShing is an example of this. Let's hope this is ironed out with these lawsuits. If you have comments, or if something like this has happened to you please let me know.

This is my post, lets hear from you.

Rodney G.