Minor Tune-Up for Windows XP

1. Go to Start -> All Programs
• Find Programs that you no longer use and click to Uninstall if that option is available
• Remove any Anti-Virus and Spyware removal programs.
2. Go to Start -> Control Panel->Add or Remove Programs
• In the list of programs that appears, locate any Programs that you no longer use
• Click on the Program to reveal the Remove button
• Click Remove
• Be sure to remove any Anti-virus and Spyware removal programs
• If the Program has been corrupted, the removal process may not be successful. (That's okay)
3. Follow this link to the AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.0 download page.
• Download and install AVG
• In the program settings, perform an update to get protection from the latest anti-virus
• After the AVG program downloads, be sure to update it and then run it
• Do not attemt to heal, but quarantine or delete any virus detected
4. Follow this link to the Lavasoft Adaware Free Edition download page.
• Download and install Adaware
• Perform a program update.
• Run Adaware
• Quarantine and delete spyware found by Adaware
5. Go to Start ->Accessories->System Tools -> Disk Clean Up (Click thumbnails for full size image)
• When Disk Clean Up starts, select your computer's main hard drive (default is C) and click okay
• It may take a while for your computer to find all the files that can potentially be deleted.
• You may want to take a break from the computer and let it run the Clean-up program unsupervised.
• When the Clean Up program has found the files for deletion, a window will open with a list of files selected for clean-up
• A brief description will apprear when each item in the list is selecte
• This is the list generated:
• Downloaded Program Files - Safe to delete
• Temporary Internet Files - Safe to delete
• Offline Webpages - Safe to Keep but may be deleted
• Mirosoft Office Temprary files - Safe to delete
• Office Setup Files - Do not delete
• Recycle Bin - Safe to delete
• Temporary files - safe to delete
• WebClient/Publisher Temporary Files - Safe to delete
• Compress old files - Safe to delete
• Catalog files for hte Content Indexer - Leave as the default is set. More on this topic later.
• After reviewing the files and making selections as to save or remove click Okay. The process will remove temporary files and other usless files, increasing free space. The the size of removed files is large, this may take a bit of extra time.
6. Go to Start -> Accessories - System Tools -> Disk Defragmenter
• Click the Defragment button
• This is also an opportunity to leave the computer and let the Defrag program work. It may take a very long time and could be something done at bed time and allow the program to work while you sleep.
7. Empty the Recyle Bin
8. Do a full shut down and restart

How could a "web cell phone" help you in your work?

A web cell phone (WCP) enables me to send and receive email even when I am in areas where I do not have access to a wired network. My cell phone also allows me to access my work calendar and contacts information. I can use my phone to call, email or text a contact in the address book that syncs with my work computer.

I can use my WCP to browse the web for research, to gather information, or to check the weather. With Google's mobile applications, I can even use my phone as a GPS device using their mobile Maps application. I can also access my Gmail, Documents, and other Google applications with a mobile browser. Using mobile versions of "Office" applications, I can access, create or edit documents and spreadsheets and then email them to a contact in my phone. I have an application that interfaces with GTalk, Yahoo, AOL, and MSN chat applications, either individually or all in the same window. Another application allows me to subscribe and wirelessly sync podcasts so that I can listen to them while on the road.

With a good connection and software, I can do almost anything related to my work using my WCP.

Google Tools Step by Step

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg9t7n42_0gj6bzzdh

or

http://tinyurl.com/3qhfv4


These steps are only suggestions. It is fine to go "out of order."

Step One

You should either download this document by clicking on File, located just under the title of this document and opening it with your word processing program or keep this document open in a separate window or tab. This will enable you to follow the instructions by clicking the active links in this document without navigating away from this page.

Step Two

If you have a Google email account or Gmail, you have access to many tools. (Note from Google: If you already use Gmail, Web History or any Google service that requires a sign-in, you already have a Google Account and can sign in now to save your iGoogle page.)

If you do not have a Gmail account, go to the Google Gmail sign up page.

Step Three

After getting your Gmail acount set up, go to the Google home page (http://www.google.com) and click Sign In, located at the top right of the web page then select iGoogle.

Step Four

To get started, click the little boxes next to your interests and then choose a theme .
A theme includes the page colors and an image for the top of the page. You can have more than one page and each page can have a different theme.

Step Five

Personalize your page by:

1. Dropping and dragging stuff around on the page.
   
   • Stuff is what is on your page.
     
   • Each block of "stuff" has a title bar at the top that allows you to minimize or expand or Delete (X)
2. Delete things you don't like.
3. Add Stuff
   • Click the link "Add Stuff" located above the page content on the right.
     
4. Change a the theme.
   • Click the Select Theme link located next to the Add Stuff link.
     
5. Add another Tab.
   • Click the Add a Tab link located at the top left, just to the right of the initial tab.

6. Add Stuff to your new Tab
   
7. Give your self a hand or a pat on the back.

Step Six

Click the Gmail link located above the theme image on the left side of the page to open Gmail.

Do I need an iPod?

mp3ssaturation
Originally uploaded by Weedah

Many folks (mostly my age or older) think that you must have an iPod before enjoying podcasts. This is a picture of the many mobile devices that will play podcasts. Of course the computer is another way to listen to podcasts, it's just not mobile.

Requirements for Web Site Excellence

There are five components to web site excellence:

1. Web sites must use valid code

2. Web sites must be accessible

3. Web sites must be easy to navigate

4. Web sites must be visually pleasing

5. Web sites must have meaningful content.

Component 1- Valid Code

Web sites should be written in XHTML or XML. Most non-commercial sites are created using XHTML. Although it is often called HTML, XHTML has replaced HTML. Viewing the source code in a browser window is how a viewed can identify the coding used in a web page. When viewing the source code, a web page should begin with a Doc Type statement. The Doc Type will include the code type (HTML 4.0, XHTML Transitional, XHTML Strict, etc). The doc type is used by assistive technology devices that read web pages for those with visual limitations. A page that starts with <html> or that is written with HTML coding is outdated so that it is inaccessible for those whit disabilities and browsers may not display the page properly.

Component 2 – Accessibility

The first step in having an accessible web page is valid code. A web site can be tested at http://validator.w3.org/. Web sites should use a style sheet for page layout, font selection and sizing, and page colors. Doing this will increase accessibility. Web site that use tables for layout created roadblocks to web site content because the assistive technology device must read the page row by row. Tables should be used to display data and should contain a summary and headings in the source code (not visible in the page display). Using a style sheet also moves source code items like font type and background colors to the style sheet making it faster for assistive technology to access the page content and for browsers to display the page. All images that provide meaningful content to a page should have alternate text. Image used for bullets or other decoration should not have alternate text. If the image is a hyperlink then the alternate text should include that information like Link to Assistive Technology web site. If the image on a page is a chart or a map with meaningful information then a long description may be required. The same meaning should be provided as if the images were not visible. Scrolling text and animation may cause problems for people who have seizure disorders or migraines and should be avoided or the animation should be slow and even. There should be sufficient contrast between the background color and the text so that people who are color blind will be able to read the text on the page. Movies should be captioned for those with hearing disabilities.

Component 3 – Navigation

Navigation should be clearly visible in the window that shows in the first screen. Links to things below the fold should also include links back to the top of the page. If the web site is large, providing a site map or search form is helpful.

Component 4 – Visual Appeal

Colors on a web site should enhance the visual appeal of the page as well as aid viewers in locating content. Images that enhance the visual appeal should also have a function either as part of an artistic theme or to provide enhanced meaning. When using clip art, all images should be from the same style family and should balance the text on the page.

Component 5 – Meaning

Remember the target audience when developing a web site. Surveying them before a web site is published as well as afterwards will keep the web site relevant and useful. Use the spell check and have others review the site for error. Providing an email address on the site will enable users to comment or respond to questions. Schedules of upcoming events with registration information should be available. A telephone number, street address, copyright and any other policy information should be provided. Opportunities for involvement should be listed with contact information. Bulletins, newsletters, and sermons can be posted for download. The web site should also include an explanation of purpose like a mission statement, beliefs, or affiliations. And the web site content should be updated so that the users will return looking for follow-up or additional information.

Why Web Standards?

Web Standards Project

www.webstandards.org

W3C

http://www.w3.org/

http://validator.w3.org/ - Doc Type required

http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/

Browser wars and Dot Com bubble

Microsoft and Netscape

People and projects

Jeffery Zeldman

Article 2002

Designing with Web Standards, New Riders 2003

Chris Casianno

Daily CSS Fun

www.placenamehere.com/neuralustmirror/2000202

David Shea

Zen Garden website

www.csszengarden.com

Molly E. Holzschlag

Co authored The Zen of CSS Design, New Rider 2005 with David Shea

Eric Meyer

On CSS http://www.ericmeyeroncss.com/

More on CSS http://www.ericmeyeroncss.com/

CSS/Edge http://www.meyerweb.com/eric/css/edge/

Six Reasons for Standards Based Websites

1. Accessibility (http://www.w3.org/WAI/)

Alt attributes for images required for validation

Doc Type needed for assistive technology devices

Evaluation resources: http://www.w3.org/WAI/eval/Overview.html

2. Browser compatibility

Specific to DocType

http://www.w3.org/QA/2002/04/valid-dtd-list.html

3. Bandwidth

Fewer tags

4. Ease of Maintenance

Content and presentation separation

5. Forward compatibility

Deprecated code

6. Output compatibility

Desktops, laptops, cell phones, handheld computer, screen readers

What is a Standards-based web site?

A standards-based web site is a well formed document that passes validation.

A valid web page:

1. Starts with selecting your Document Type Definition or DTD

Most common DTD is XTHML Transitional

Dreamweaver will convert from HTML to XHTML and place the proper doctype at the top of each page

2. Follows rules of doctype

Examples:

• Use styles rather than embedding presentation code in web page

• Lower case code: <h1> rather than <H1>

• Close all elements: <br /> <img …/>

• Use <div>s to layout pages rather than tables

• Do not use deprecated code: background-color

• Follow structure: h1, h2, h3 rather than 18pt, 16pt, 14pt

• Paragraphs must be closed <p> </p>

http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/#normative

From my home office

P2011346
Originally uploaded by Weedah.

With a winter storm visiting Raleigh, I am working from home today. This is the view from the window by my computer. I had to take a break and get a few shots to docuement the snow. This one occurred on Feb 1. I didn't think to make pictures of the snow we had last month. It was fluffier and provided more cover but was gone by the afternoon. This one seems to be hanging around awhile longer. There seems to be some precipitation now but I can't tell if it is rain or sleet. BTW, my kitty - Peppermint Patty - doesn't like snow. I exposed her to it and she could hardly wait to get back inside where it was warm and dry. I had to hold her carefully so that I didn't get the brunt of her anger at being roused from her perch to go outside to see the snow.

Using your iPod On a PC with iTunes

Step 1 ~ Check to see if you have iTunes

Click the “Start” at the bottom left corner of your computer screen. Next click “All Programs” and look for iTunes in the list of programs. If you find it, click to open. Skip to the next step if you already have have iTunes. If iTunes is not listed in your programs, go to http://www.apple.com/itunes/. Click Free Download located near the bottom right corner of the window and follow the instructions to download and install it on your computer. iTunes also includes the free version of Quick Time often used in video Podcasts. After iTunes is installed open the program and follow these directions in iTunes.

Step 2 ~Open iTunes and select Podcast

Find iTunes in your list of programs and click to open. With iTunes open, click Podcasts in the left menu bar near the top of the window. When the Podcast window opens, click Podcast Directory located in the bottom right corner of the window.

The iTunes store website will open (You must be online) You can purchase music, TV shows, etc. from the iTunes stores but most Podcasts are free.

Step 3 ~ Selecting a Podcast

With the iTunes window open, click Podcast in the iTune Store listing in the top left corner of the media window just to the right of the iTunes menu. Next select a Podcast category from the category list located just below the iTunes Store menu. For this tutorial select Education. Then select one of the sub categories in the More Education menu. For this tutorial select Educational Technology. Click one of the Podcasts listed for more information. This list changes from time to time based on popularity. Today I am choosing Connect Learning by David Warlick.
When the Podcast window opens, you can read about the Podcast, listen to one of the Podcast episodes, subscribe to the Podcast or use the back menu arrow in iTunes (not the browser window) to go back to the listing of Educational Technology podcasts. If you listen to a podcast episode, it will be played with the iTunes player.

Step 4 ~ Subscribing to a Podcast

If the podcast content interests you and you would like to hear more than one episode, you can click the Subscribe button. When you subscribe to a podcast, the last episode will be downloaded automatically to your computer with a listing of other episodes.

Click Podcast in the iTunes menu bar on the left (like when you started the tutorial) and you will see the podcast you just subscribed to in the right menu area and a little orange spinning circle under Podcasts on the iTunes menu. The spinning circle means the episode is being downloaded. Click the gray arrow next to the title of the Podcast (Connect Learning for this example) and the available episodes will be shown in a list below.

Good podcasts include descriptive titles so that you can select others to download that interest you. Find an interesting title in the
listing and click Get. That episode will be downloaded to your computer. You can select several episodes and do not have to wait for one to download before clicking another.

Step 5 ~ Listening to Podcasts

Now that you have worked through these steps you have podcasts
on your computer and ready to be played. You can play a podcast episode on your computer by double clicking directly on the episode or you can click once to select it and then click the play button in the top left corner of the iTunes menu. Click the arrow pointing right to play an episode. Click it again to Stop the episode.

In addition to listening to pocasts on your computer, you can play podcasts
on an mp3 player such as an iPod, iRiver, or Zoon. When you connect your mp3 player to you computer, iTunes will open and begin synching the podcasts on your computer with the podcasts on you player. In the iTunes settings you can determine how content will be deleted or how long to keep it. Using an MP3 player makes podcasting mobile so that you can listen anywhere/anytime.

iTunes is example of how to listen to pocasts. Other Podcatching software is available. iTunes is used in this example for its simplicity and ease of use.