For students only

If you are a student and are in need of MS Office 2007, here is a really great (and very legal) deal.

http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-us/default.aspx
It is 59.95. You will be asked to enter your school email address and I am pretty sure it will be verified for accuracy.

So, if you qualify, this is worth doing (if you need this).

Happy computing!

Lions, Tigers, and Worms?

Ok, that was not a very good pun. Here is an article I was tipped off to by reading my Linked In update today.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/157876/protecting_against_the_rampant_conficker_worm.html

Protecting Against the Rampant Conficker Worm by Erik Larkin, PC World on Jan 16, 2009. There are links warning of a new strain due on April Fool's Day.

My rationale for writing this (since there are too many threats to bother writing about) is this:
1. Make sure you are current on all your OS updates and patches (this is free) and critical to safe computing
2. Be sure you have anti-virus software that is current, has updates .dat files, and is scheduled to run regularly
3. Install and run spyware software on your computer
4. If you have broadband internet (such as Road Runner or whatever is available in your area) - you really need a router to act as a fire wall.
5. Do your research - take time to learn a little about security and keep your computer(s) running healthy.

To all my students - PLEASE follow my advice above to prevent sending me infected files to grade.

E-books

As an instructor, I often assist students on finding the best book deals. Ironically, the campus bookstore where I teach has some of the better local textbook deals.

I have recently learned though that e-textbooks are a new, popular (and greener) alternative to the super expensive textbooks, especially for those who use them mostly to find things as opposed to relaxing reading.

In the classes I teach, students do need to work through chapter exercises using their books, so this may not be the preferred method for all.

If you are ever interested in purchasing an e-textbook, visit the book manufacturer's site to see if that book is available for download, often at about 60% of the paper price. (This is not a plug for any particular company as many offer this alternative.)

Happy learning!

A Plug for your Local Library

I found a link recommending this article for job seekers, so I wanted to reference it...

http://www.prospectingweekly.com/PW35_a_goldmine_of_information.htm
A Gold Mine of Information…Paid For in Full by Keith F. Luscher - Author, Prospect & Flourish

the basic gist of the article is to use your library. I have heard this advice from other sources as well. Reference librarians are a very valuable resource, so ask for their advice.

Plus, I am a huge fan of the library. (I like bookstores too, but the library is like a candy store with fewer calories.)

Looking for familiar commands in MS Office 2007?

For any of you who knew where to find what you were looking for in Office 2003 or earlier versions, but discover that you can't find what you are looking for now (even if you are staring right at it) - then this is for you!

I discovered the coolest links from Microsoft to help find things in Office 2007.
These links are to interactive command guides in these apps. Once you have the links loaded, click on the menus to do what you are looking for in 2003 -- and then it will show you in 2007.

Excel: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel/HA101491511033.aspx?pid=CH100648241033

Word: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HA100744321033.aspx

Access:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/access/HA102388991033.aspx?pid=CH100621861033

PowerPoint:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint/HA101490761033.aspx?pid=CH100668131033

Enjoy!

The Beginning

Today I am starting my first blog...

After years in IT, I am finally getting more involved in the online world -- web 2.0

I will update this blog periodically with IT tips and links and other ramblings.