What is Adobe Reader?

Adobe Reader is free downloadable software that enables the user to open, view and print PDF files or documents.

Adobe Reader allows a document that has been created, to be opened, viewed and printed on a computer that does not have the same software program in which the document was created.  As an example, a document that is created in Microsoft Word on a Windows device (Windows OS) can be converted to a PDF file, and then opened on a Linux device (Linux OS).  The Linux user can use Adobe Reader to open, view and print the document; they do not need to have Microsoft Word on their device. 

What is Adobe Digital Editions?

Adobe Digital Editions is a free, downloadable software (from Adobe.com) that allows the user to aquire, view and manage ebooks, digital newspapers, and other digital content.  Using Adobe Digital Editions, ebooks can be downloaded from a library website or popular bookseller, and can be read online, offline, or on a personal device.

Adobe Digital Editions uses a proprietary digital rights management software that limits the number of devices on which the user can view digital content.  The user is allowed to view content on as many as six devices.

Get Started with Adobe Digital Editions

Returning eBooks Through Adobe Digital Editions

Calculator accessory

If you ever need to do some quick math and need a calculator, look no further than the accessories menu on your computer.

You can use calculator to perform simple calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Calculator also offers the advanced capabilities of a programming, scientific, and statistical calculator.

You can perform calculations by clicking the calculator buttons, or you can type calculations by using your keyboard. You can also use the numeric keypad to type numbers and operators by pressing Num Lock.

Windows Media Player

The following link will take you to the Microsoft website page that explains basics of the what, how and why of Windows Media Player:

Getting Started with Windows Media Player

QuickTime PictureViewer - QuickSummary

PictureViewer is a component of QuickTime for Microsoft Windows and the Mac OS 8 and Mac OS 9 operating systems. It is used to view picture files from the still image formats that QuickTime supports. (from Wikipedia)

Windows: If you have QuickTime Pro, you can use PictureViewer to import and export various types of still image file formats and to rotate images. PictureViewer is in the QuickTime folder on your hard disk. (from Apple.com)

Google Earth

Google Earth allows you to virtually travel the world.  Google Earth’s geographical content includes satellite imagery, maps, and terrain, as well as 3D building imagery. A few things you can do with Google Earth: discover the Earth, explore the sky, dive in the Ocean, walk on the moon, and even visit Mars!

A New 3D Frontier In Google Earth  For Mobile 

iTunes

iTunes is installed on all DCL public computers and is widely used by patrons.  Check out the following videos for basic information regarding what iTunes is and how to use it.

Introduction To using iTunes     

How To Download Music With iTunes  

How To Add Files to iTunes Library 

QuickTime Player

What is QuickTime?

A powerful multimedia technology with a built-in media player, QuickTime lets you view Internet video, HD movie trailers, and personal media in a wide range of file formats. And it lets you enjoy them in remarkably high quality.


With its simple design and easy-to-use controls, QuickTime Player makes everything you watch even more enjoyable. Its clean, uncluttered interface never gets in the way of what you’re watching. Want to speed through a movie or slow things down? A handy slider lets you set playback from 1/2x to 3x the normal speed. And you can search through individual movie frames quickly.

Software Applications on Public Computers

Here is the list of software applications that are available to our patrons on the public computers with which you should be somewhat familiar:

Windows DVD Maker
Windows Media Player
Snipping Tool
Sticky Notes
Google Earth
iTunes
Microsoft Suite 2010, which includes

• Access 2010
• Excel 2010
• InfoPath Designer 2010
• InfoPath Filler 2010
• OneNote 2010
• PowerPoint 2010
• Publisher 2010
• Word 2010

OverDrive Media Console
Picasa 3
Quick Time Player
QuickTime Picture Viewer
Adobe Digital Editions
Calculator
Adobe Reader

OverDrive Media Console Review

If you need to review OverDrive Media Console, you might check out the Emedia: A Brave New World document (F) and (G), both of which are Part 3 in the LT_Documents, Emedia A Brave New World folder on the G-Drive.

OverDrive Media Console program installation

For a quick refresher on OverDrive Media Console installation and basic uses, visit the folder below in the G-Drive and select (H) OverDrive Install Presentation

G:\ALL_STAFF_ACCESS\LT_Documents\Emedia A Brave New World

OverDrive Media Console Update (HOT Blog Tip)

I found this interesting tip relating to OverDrive Media Console on the DCL HOT (Hands on Technology) Blog:

Tip from Dianne:
I recently updated Overdrive Media Console on my personal laptop and discovered a new feature. You can now return audio books early.
For more information:
You will need to upgrade to the latest version in order to do this.
May 14, 2012

The DCL HOT Blog has a variety of tips posted by your fellow staff members, as well as lots of information relating to emedia devices.

Snipping Tool

For a quick review of how to use the "Snipping Tool" computer application, check out this handy YouTube video.



Windows 7 Snipping Tool for Screen Capture

Publisher 2010

GCFLearnFree.org has a great video section on Microsoft Office's Publisher 2010. Focusing on the video Getting to Know Publisher 2010 should give you a good general idea of why Publisher is useful and why you might use it rather than Word 2010.

Publisher 2010 Tutorials and Videos

Access 2010

GCFLearnFree.org has a great video section on Microsoft Office's Access 2010 as well as a brief description of what Access is.  Focusing on the video Introduction to Databases should give you a good general idea of why Access is useful.

Access 2010 Tutorials and Videos

CustomGuide

Check out CustomGuide - Computer-Based Training under eLearning on the DCL Website to learn more about some of the common Microsoft Office Suite 2010 products, as well as see some of the self-paced learning options available through the DCL website.

Picasa

Natalie found this video on the photo software, Picasa.  Picasa is a free program that is installed on all of our public computers.

Picasa 3 (5 Minute Video)

OneNote

Microsoft's OneNote 2010 offers a method of keeping track of "stuff" at home, work and school.  It is based on the idea of notebooks (just like the ones we used to use in school!) and can be used on a single computer or across computers with an Internet connection and Windows Live ID.

After signing onto a computer with your personal Active Directory account, open up OneNote under the Microsoft Office folder.  It should default to an explanation page with a short video at the bottom to give you more information about this helpful program.