Wilton Library Technology Blog » Programs

Using Face Time

mamfranco — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 17:47:36 +0000

I have not generally been a fan of Skype or Face Time. In my world, the beauty of a phone call is the invisibility of it—it doesn’t matter if one wears a ratty old sweatsuit or is without makeup.

Earlier this week, I was invited to my nephew’s swearing in ceremony to the Rhode Island Bar. His parents, brother, and girlfriend were invited to his Massachusetts ceremony the week before. I was texting with his mom before the ceremony and I realized that this could be a great time to use Face Time.

On my iPhone, I have his mom entered in my contact list. I brought up her entry and clicked on “Face Time”. I chose her mobile number and when we were connected, I clicked on the reverse camera so she could see what was going on in the court room (instead of looking at me). The sound was great and our Face Time session was not disruptive to other people in the court room. It was a great surprise to his mom (my sister) to attend the Rhode Island ceremony and she was so pleased. I got the idea from the Apple commercial in which a child is sitting on a stage about to begin a recital and the parent’s chair in the audience is empty. As the child (with a very sad face) is about to begin playing, we see a brightly lit iPad in the chair with the beaming smile of a very proud parent. Child is now happy too!

Now, when one does not have enough tickets to an event such as a recital, graduation, or the like, it might be possible to use tools like Face Time to bring that extra family member along!

~mary anne
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OS X Lion, MacBook Air and Windows 8

mamfranco — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:37:27 +0000

I’m very excited about Apple’s OS X Lion! I upgraded the software on my iPod Touch and iPad this past weekend in preparation for upgrading my MacBook Air from Snow Leopard to Lion. This first part of my upgrade went rather well and my portable devices are ready to sync (hopefully next weekend) when I upgrade the MacBook Air to Lion. James Kendrick of ZDNet has a good article on MacBook Air and OS X Lion synergy: A big hurdle for Windows. As much as I love my Mac, I still can’t live without my PC laptop. It’s not as fast, but the types of software I use are just not available on the Mac. And, it will be interesting to see what Microsoft has planned for Windows 8!

~mary anne
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PC Shortcuts

mamfranco — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:34:00 +0000

Learning a few keyboard shortcuts can make your computer time more productive and shorten your document-editing time. Here are 15 PC keyboard shortcuts from mashable.com (via American Express OPEN Forum) that you should learn. As Matt Silverman says, it’s a great way “to speed up your workflow and impress your colleagues at the same time.”

~mary anne
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iCloud, iOS 5 and OS X Lion

mamfranco — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:45:46 +0000

Well, I just finished checking out the Apple site to learn about their WWDC announcements (see June 5 post) and I have to say I’m impressed. I have become a bi-computer person, using both my PC and my newer Mac. I hear so often that Macs are easier, more intuitive, etc.; however, I still believe that whichever system you originally learn (or put the time into learning) becomes intuitive. And, take note–I’m nowhere near ready to abandon my PC! Having said that, the seamless integration of my MacBook Air, iPod, iPad and to-be-purchased in October iPhone (yes, my passion is electronics) is a force I am willing to reckon with. I have also been wary of the cloud–I still like syncing my phone, contacts, etc. via cable for security purposes; but, let’s be real–my personal stuff is not really (or can be made to be not really) sensitive material. What am I saying? I think the ease of use for personal use might just outweigh the paranoia I have had for years about syncing wirelessly (keep in mind that business and sensitive information should have the highest level of security–and, Apple might just be providing that highest level of security for their iCloud information). I am looking forward to the release dates for OS X Lion and iOS 5! I will now begin reading reviews and commentary on these new products–marketing is marketing after all–and I will of course keep you posted!

~mary anne
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File Taxes With An App!

mamfranco — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 13:33:05 +0000

There is an app for almost anything! Intuit has released an app that allows filers of the 1040EZ form to file their taxes on their Android phones or iPhones. This New York Times article by Verne G. Kopytoff explains who may file via phone and also lists some other tax apps you might find interesting. Don’t forget to visit Wilton Library’s Tax Page for information and forms! NOTE: I have just discovered that one must now register for a free account with The New York Times to view many online articles.

~mary anne
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Mac App Store Is Open!

mamfranco — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:40:08 +0000

The Mac App Store is Open!

The Mac App Store is available as a free software update for Mac computers running Mac OS X v10.6 or later. If you have an earlier version of Mac OS X, you will need to upgrade to Mac OS X Snow Leopard. Here’s a link to instructions from Apple. I will be giving this a try in the next few days. . .

~mary anne
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Do You Want To Be A Star?

mamfranco — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:37:54 +0000

Most of us sing in the shower. And in the car. And, we always sound great, right? If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, you can now purchase two apps ($3 each) that will allow you to record your voice over Taylor Swift’s music or over three songs from Glee. The Glee app is truly amazing because you cannot sound bad. “The software uses a special, gentle version of auto-tune, the recording effect that rounds off your notes to the nearest correct pitch.” Many recording stars also use this tool. David Pogue’s article in The New York Times gives lots more details. But don’t worry, I won’t be giving up my day job!

~ mary anne

Staying In Touch Online

mamfranco — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:46:08 +0000

People often tell me negative things about social networking–how too much time is wasted on Facebook and MySpace and that young people need to do other things. Yes, we should aim to be well-rounded people but we must also remember that there are wonderful things about social networking. When we are isolated in our homes for any reason, we do not have to be alone. Our computers can be our pathway to staying in touch with friends and family and we can visit (virtually) any place in the world. Today’s New York Times has an article on how older people are embracing social networking. Business people are flocking to LinkedIn. Rich Gee will be speaking at Wilton Library on June 16, at 7 pm on Social Networking for Adults. Sign up for what promises to be a great program!

Yes, Poetry in Motion Was Wonderful!

mamfranco — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 12:23:50 +0000

It’s the morning after the night before and I’m enjoying replaying the wonderful performances of Poetry in Motion in my head. Wilton’s teens had two sold out performances and they were passionate, prepared, and inspiring. Here’s the technology tie in: Never say you can’t learn new things. . . I was in charge of lighting–a new and scary experience but I learned something new! We’re never too old (or busy) to learn new skills.

Wilton Teens Star in Poetry in Motion at WLA

mamfranco — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:00:55 +0000

I’ve been spending all my spare time with our Teen Librarian, Susan Lauricella, who for the third year has created another amazing Poetry in Motion event with our incredibly talented Wilton teens. The two performances are scheduled for tonite and tomorrow at 7:30 pm and tickets are $5. There are a few left. I hope you can join us for what will be a wonderful experience!