Flu Season and Viruses

I hope you've gotten your flu vaccinations, but if not, remember that hand washing in any event is a great way to reduce the likelihood of passing along (and receiving) viruses.

I say that to say this: Computers, as we all too-well know, are prone to virus infestations without a degree of maintenance and updating.

This week I went into a mobile lab. Just two of the 25 laptops I examined were HEAVILY infected. Preventative,  periodic maintenance takes only minutes, versus hours spent trying to sanitize infected systems!

My multi-pronged approach to system integrity and the prevention of the nasties includes:

1. Norton AntiVirus (NOT Norton Securities)
2. Hard Drive Powerwash
3. SUPERAntispyware
4. Malwarebyte's "Antimalware"

The last two require periodic (weekly for me) updating. Items 2 - 4 are free. Norton Antivirus isn't free. Download these free programs. Install, and update items #3 and #4.

Learn how to disable "System Restore" before conducting full-system scans and deleting suspicious files. Once scanned and deleted, "System Restore" can be re-enabled.Don't forget to defragment the hard drive after all has been cleaned.

To defragment the hard drive, I use one or both of the following free programs, because they are faster and more efficient than that which is included with windows:
1. UltraDefrag
2. Smart Defrag

I run checkdisk (Windows XP) to find and correct hard drive errors.  Click here to learn how. Basically you click "Run", type chkdsk /f, then press enter.  Enter Y at the prompt, then restart the computer.

Because of regular maintenance, my home computer (now 10 years old) runs faster than many I see that are 3 or 4 years old.

Stay safe and healthy!!!

Keepin' It All Together!!!

Progress......transitioning from Palm-based PIMs to the Android smart phone (Sprint "Moment") is really going to simplify things for school administrators!

Textbooks can be ordered from the smartphone using Google Forms.

Classroom walkthroughs can be conducted on the smartphone using Google Forms.

With the purchase of a product called "Sync2", get this:

1. A contact or an event is entered into Microsoft Outlook.  
2. Sync2 then uploads that information to one's Gmail account (calendar and contacts, respectively).
3. The smartphone will then wirelessly synchronize data from the Google account (and vice-versa)

Got that?   Sync2 = Information into Outlook>>>Google Calendar/Contacts>>>Smartphone.

Two more freebies to experiment with that will help keep your busy schedule in order:

• "Remember the Milk" (mine exists as a widget on my iGoogle web page)
• "COL Reminder" -  a free app from the Android Market that resides on my smartphone.

 Life is good!.

Synchronizing Outlook and Google Calendars & Contacts

How Can I Sync/Copy Data From Outlook to Google Apps (Calendar and Contacts)?

As we transition from a Palm-based “Centro” to the Android-based “Moment”, the question above has been asked of me many times.

I’ve experimented with 3 different programs (there are more) and feel that my recommendation to help you accomplish the above task is best served by a program called “Sync2”.  It can be downloaded from http://www.sync2.com/default.asp

Sync2 is a trialware program, good for 14 days following installation.  However, its value is found in the following attributes:

1. It does what it says it will do, and does it well.
2. It can be configured to simultaneously auto-synchronize between multiple devices
    (i.e. a desktop PC at work, a laptop, and your new Android-based smartphone).
3. It is fairly easy to operate.

This assumes that you have a Google/Gmail account. I suggest that the WebTop version of Google Calendar be left out of the equation; that you create your own, personal Gmail/Google account. Outlook and the WebTop Google Calendar don’t seem to communicate well with each other, thus my reason for suggesting that you create your own Google account.

Initially, it may take awhile using “Sync2” to sync Outlook’s calendar and contacts with Google’s calendar and contacts.  Subsequent synchronizations (should you decide to purchase the program) will not take as long as the initial synchronizations.

Using the trial version of Sync2, even though it will expire in 14 days from installation, will take care of the lion’s share of synchronizing, saving you a considerable amount of time.

Your new phone can be set to automatically synchronize with Google’s calendar and contacts, so if you decide to stop using Outlook, then there’s no need to purchase Sync2 after the initial synchronizations have been performed.

As of this writing I haven’t yet found a free, reliable, and accurate program that synchronizes both contacts and calendars other than “Sync2” with its 14 day trial.

There exists  a free program that’s supposed to synchronize Google’s Calendar with Outlook’s Calendar.  It’s produced by Google. I’ve had limited success using it.  On one individual’s PC, it synchronized the calendars flawlessly.  When tried on my computer, it rendered the operating system unusable. I had to reformat the hard drive. I can’t, with any degree of confidence, recommend the application.

Should you elect to try a “free” solution to synchronize calendars, try “Google Calendar Sync”.  See information at http://blogoscoped.com/archive/2008-03-06-n27.html

Should you elect to try a “free” solution to synchronize contacts, try “GO Contact Sync” at
http://sourceforge.net/projects/gocontactsync

If I can be of help, please let me know.

Pet Peeves

We all have pet peeves. Some of us aren't as good as others at repressing "triggers" that elicit an emotional response.Here are a few of mine. Feel free to comment with your own,

1. receiving emails with no subject - Why are concise, descriptive email subject lines so crucial? I don't know about you, but an email subject header informs me of the focal point before I open the message.
2. Cross-communication: It's probably happened to you before. You place a phone call and leave a message. The recipient responds immediately, but their response is made using email. It's days before you discover the individual's reply because you didn't check your email. By then potential opportunity has expired. If a conveyance takes the form of an email, respond using email. If initiated by phone, follow up by phone unless the sender asks for a response in another fashion,
3. You call someone and leave them a voicemail.  They call back and say something like this: "I saw where you called. What was it you wanted to tell me?"  Considering the elapsed time between calls they may or may not have received your message. Some services are faster than others at sending messages to your voicemail. If sufficient time for the message to transmit has elapsed and the recipient asks what was in the voicemail, It makes me want to shout (throw your hands up and...) Just check your voicemail! Nothing is more satisfying than to leave a voicemail, only to be asked to repeat it. Like I have all the time in the world for that kind of duplicity!
4. How about the email from one who is experiencing difficulties and needs some HELP!!!? If it's that urgent and they're extremely upset because I didn't immediately reply to their message, they should try using a more suitable mode of communication, like a phone call or personal visit.
5. Multiple Phone Tag - It's played like this: You call a person from a cell phone that goes to the recipient's voicemail. They return the call to a different cellular number than you indicated. Why does this happen? Is it because they don't know how to write down a number, or is it because they'd rather use speed dial and it's linked to a different number?
6. how about folks who fail to employ any use of capitalization punctuation or other writing mechanics such as greeting body closing (New sentence follows) I've heard it said that those who write in that manner just might be highly intellectual. That may be so, but could it also be that such a person is lazy and is capitalizing on that premise of intellectualism?Learn how to write! Using email doesn't extend the privilege to abandon good writing skills. In fact, the very "faceless" nature of email should make one write more clearly; to format words (bold, italic, underline, text size, font, and color) to add substance to what the written word in all of its nakedness fails to convey.
   
7. One last gripe (although there are more) has to do with folks leaving messages on voicemails. Did you know that there exist multiple voices, each to be used according to circumstances? The same exists for the written word. The "voicemail voice" speaks at about 175 words per minute. The voicemail voice runs sentences together so rapidly that the message has to be played three or four times before one can write all of the pertinent information. The really poor voicemail mentions the contact's phone number at the outset so that by the time you've reached the end of the recording, it needs to be replayed in  order to jot down the number (A hint follows.)
8. Why not speak in a conversational tone, at a normal speed? Oh, and make the phone number be the last detail you mention.

Children (and many adults!) must be taught which mode of communication to employ in a given situation. Communications should be delivered based upon immediacy. Teach individuals the various forms of communication and response. As the song says, "Teach your children well..."

Summertime Cleaning

My wife (a teacher) made the comment, as have other fellow educators, that summer is when we get things done around the house that are usually done in the spring. I'd have to agree with that sentiment! Summer is also a time when many educators "fill their cups" with inservice trainings, conventions, and by taking classes.

Summer is also a good time to give your computer a little TLC. A few suggestions below are offered, as well as a link to a handout that I received this week at a virtual ISTE conference in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It addresses the many features of Google Apps and how they can be employed to increase productivity and lead to more efficient learning.

First, let's give our computers a little "spring cleaning":

1. Dispose of non-essential files residing on your computer's hard drive. Two free programs do this chore very easily and quickly. One is called Hard Drive Powerwash. The other is named Disk Cleaner. Download and run both programs.  You'll be amazed at the amount of space reclaimed on your computer!
2. When you've sent all of the non-essential files to the Recycle Bin, empty it and run Smart Defrag. First run "defrag only", then run it in "Deep Optimize" mode.
3. After you've defragmented the hard drive, defragment your computer's registry using Free Registry Defrag.
4. I'd be remiss if I didn't put in a plug for checking the computer for malware, trojans, and viruses. Two excellent products to use: AntiMalware and SUPERAntispyware. Download and install both.  Update both.  Run a "full system scan" using both. Delete anything they detect.
5. It used to be that the most common way viruses were spread was via floppy disks. Times have changed and flash drives can now become carriers of viruses. To reduce the likelihood of contracting a virus using a flash drive, download and use USB Guardian.
6. Lastly, back up your files! If you suffer the misfortune of contracting a virus or other form of malware, a degree of "peace of mind" will be had by doing so. Would you like a free, quick program that makes a backup of your computer's drivers? Try  Double Driver.I've recently used it to reinstall drivers after reformatting a PC. It works very well! DriverMax is another free, easy-to-use application that backs up drivers. It's easy to learn, fast, and reliable.

When these chores have been completed, download the handout I received this week at a virtual conference. You'll be amazed at what all can be done with Google Apps! Dr. Howie DiBlasi did a superb job drafting this handout. We spent three uninterrupted hours reviewing this document and trying the various features Dr. H. prepared for us.  The time flew! Thanks, Doc!

This Just In,,,

Not long ago I had the privilege to collaborate with a staff member from West Virginia University. She was responsible for observing students in the Teacher Education program. To travel to each school location for purposes of observation would have been unproductive and inefficient. Surely there must be a solution to this dilemma.

There was. Using a web cam, laptop, and Internet connection, Oovoo was employed, This web service is similar to Skype and Go ToMeeting. Parties can use these programs to see and hear each other in real time. Additionally, the ability to chat is built in to these programs. Oovoo will record the interactive sessions for later recall, but a fee mist be paid to enable that feature.

Enter justin.tv. This program does the same as Oovoo and Skype. The big difference is that justin.tv records interactive sessions for later retrieval at no charge. I've seen justin.tv in action. It's every bit as good as the competition. The fact that it records and saves sessions for later retrieval adds value for pre-service teachers in that the videos can be saved and incorporated into a digital portfolio of their experiences.

Are there uses for the  classroom by teachers in the field? Absolutely! A few are bulleted below.

Record lessons for later playback:

• Homebound students
• Students at home with illnesses
• Students on vacation
• PLCs and PLNs
• Administrators to evaluate personnel
• Simulated "public speaking" experiences for students
• Schoolwide announcements, news, etc.

I'm sure that as new ideas for ways to use justin.tv come to mind, you'll come to appreciate the power of Web 2.0 applications. Give justin.tv a try. It's free, easy, and powerful.

Build Fences

"Don't build fences" is sage advice. When it comes to computer desktops, icons can quickly take over "screen real estate". Sometimes a point of diminishing returns occurs when there are so many icons on a desktop that considerable time is spent locating what you're seeking.

When the desktop becomes over-populated with icons and shortcuts, the very idea of placing items on the desktop for rapid retrieval becomes contradictory. Ever tried to herd cats? That's what I've experienced...at least until I discovered a nifty little application called Fences.

There are several ways to organize or "corral" all of those meandering icons. Fences is easily configured to produce a variety of layouts. Six fences reside along the bottom of my screen. They can be renamed, resized, and rearranged according to your preferences. Just "drag-n-drop! Aside from organizing and "de-cluttering" the desktop, Fences adds a degree of  "Windows 7" likeness to your computer.

Fences is free, small, and easy to learn. Give it a try. You won't be disappointed!

Viruses, Facebook, yadayadayada

Mother: "Well, doctor, I took my child to you for immunizations when he was 6 months old.  So why has he caught a virus now, at age 12?"

Doctor: "Mrs. Jones, your child has to have regular immunizations to remain immunized against certain viruses. Think of it as preventative maintenance, just as you would with maintenance required of your car."

The parallel? Let's say that you've installed malware, spyware, and antivirus programs on your computer.  Think you're safe now? Think again.  All of these need updated regularly...as often as possible.  I update Anti-Malware, SUPERAntispyware, ThreatFire, and Norton Antivirus weekly.  That's not all.  I have these programs perform full system scans as well, and just as often.

This week I examined more than ten (10) computers.  EVERY SINGLE ONE was infected. One of them had over 1,200 infections. It was so damaged by all of the intrusions that the operating system had to be reinstalled.

I also backup my files regularly. I also backup my files regularly. I also backup my files regularly. I also backup my files regularly. I also backup my files regularly. I also backup my files regularly. I also backup my files regularly. I also backup my files regularly. I also backup my files regularly. I also backup my files regularly.

On another (related) note, some of my Facebook friends have (unknowingly) sent messages to me; the product of a virus.  Little did I know (said tongue-in-cheek) that they were spying on me with a web camera!  NOT!

If you've received a similar Facebook message, don't even open it. Make friends with the DELETE key and trash that bad boy!!  Read from the page at the following link for clarification:

http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100413131613AAFlCoP

Stay healthy!

Backup your files regularly. Backup your files regularly. Backup your files regularly. Backup your files regularly. Backup your files regularly. Backup your files regularly. Backup your files regularly. Backup your files regularly. Backup your files regularly. Backup your files regularly. Backup your files regularly.

Sound of Music!

Aside from technology, music is something that I'm very passionate about.  Just ask anyone who knows me.  They'll affirm that! In the past month or so I've been working on composing a song. The lyrics and poetic/musical structure came easily. Setting it all to music is taking a little longer.

This phase of the composition process is being made easier with the aid of two free music/notation/composition programs.

The first is called Crescendo Music Notation Editor.  It's actually suite of applications that happens to include the ability to digitally compose musical scores.

The second application is called MuseScore. It's equally as impressive, considering the price!

If you (or your students) want to experience some real-world, higher-level activities, then try composing your own song, or taking musical dictation using these two FREE powerful tools.  I believe you'll be impressed.

Stardock's "Fences" - Organize Desktop Clutter

I guess that as the years go on, I become more and more fascinated with application development, particularly with regard to Web 2.0. Web applications surface, evolve, and are in abundance, leaving many hard drives lean, clean, and mean.

Occasionally I come across a user with a computer desktop that is so crowded with shortcuts and files that it's difficult to locate anything! In my efforts to simplify and become more "minimalist", I've found a wonderful application that organizes such crowded desktops (Yes - I had one, too) so that they are neat, tidy, and organized.

Now if only such a thing existed for my physical desktop, then life would really be orderly!  The application I'm speaking about works with Windows XP and up.  Too bad.  I also still have a box running one of Microsoft's older but still stable systems - Windows 2000 Professional.

The application is called "Fences", is free, and can be downloaded from Stardock. Check it out.  If you're one whose desktop is nearly overrun with icons to the point of distraction, this might be just what the doctor ordered!

http://www.stardock.com/products/fences/

Create Your Own Online Petition

I came across a website that offers much in the way of learning about current events. It's at http://www.change.org

At this site, one can create,view, and sign current petitions that will be sent to representatives at all levels of government.

This site has a lot of potential for the instructional integration of higher-order thinking skills (interpretation, cause & effect, rationalization, and debate to name a few).

Those studying history, sociology, psychology, and politics could glean much from Change.org. We've heard occasional stories of students who've created petitions for causes about which they are passionate. This site adds leverage to those who are thinking of drafting a petition.

Who knows? Maybe the representatives will read and listen; perhaps even invite students to speak at a house meeting when legislators are in session.

What better way to seamlessly integrate collaboration, technology and writing across the curriculum; for a practical, real-world reason, using 21st Century technology?

Video Converter Software

Ahh...the beauty of collaboration and of sharing! The following are some video converter applications; the result of a recent collaboration between techies in WV:

Name/ Website/ Comments

1. Any Video Converter http://www.any-video-converter.com/products/for_video_free
2. Real Player http://tinyurl.com/yhzteft
3. DVDSanta http://www.downloadatoz.com/dvdsanta/download.html
4. Prism http://www.nchsoftware.com/prism/index.html Look for the free version.
5. Easy Converter http://sourceforge.net/projects/mp4cam2avi/files
6. Zamzar http://zamzar.com/ No download and installation required. Upload files and receive a link via email from Zamzar to download your converted file.

Kindle Reader for PCs

Did you know that Kindle has created a "Reader" for PCs?

Pretty cool stuff! By installing the Kindle Reader for PCs, your books can be downloaded and read from your laptop, desktop, or netbook as well as on the Kindle. If you bookmark a page on the PC, Whispersync will save that same location on your Kindle and any other PCs on which Kindle Reader is installed.

Yes - it allows for multiple installations!

Aside from convenience and greater accessibility to your books, I can envision the books being projected for classroom instructional use.

Give the Kindle Reader a try. You won't be disappointed!

Stick It To The (Virtual) Wall!

Ever been to an inservice, seminar, professional development session, yada-yada-yada where you sit with folks at a table, make a bullet list of summaries on a GIANT piece of paper, then stick it on a wall for all to see?

How about this variation: The wall is bare and your table has a deck of Post-It notes. Each of you write something on a Post-It note, then stick it on a "Parking Lot" (typically on a wall for all to see)?

You get the idea...

Here's a virtual alternative:
http://wallwisher.com/wall/cpitrolo

Check it out, leave a note. Give it a try at your next session. I'll bet some of you might even use it an a virtual wall for posting "exit passes" at the conclusion of a lesson (hint)!

Why Buy?

I just downloaded and tried the most recent release of OpenOffice (Version 3.2.0). Great balls of fire! This version is FAST! It loads so much faster than its predecessor.

I sometimes wonder: With productivity suites such as OpenOffice, Google Apps, and ZOHO, why is it even necessary for cash-strapped customers to buy software of this genre?

As a side-note: I read recently that in 2009 alone, 25 million malware strains were released. I can't say this often enough: Back up your data (documents, presentations,pictures, etc.)!

An antivirus program alone isn't enough to protect you. Neither is the same used in conjunction with a firewall. Seriously consider adding two more layers of protection

1. Antimalware from Malwarebytes.org
2. SUPERAntispyware

Update your antivirus program, update Windows, and update these latter two free applications regularly and conduct full system scans.

Synch Your Calendars...and More!

Google and Outlook calendars can be synched with relative ease using many applications, some free and others for a nominal cost.

The GoogleCalendarSynch application (free) does so very simply and eloquently. The application can be downloaded from here.

Another application (14 day trial) is called iCal4OL. It does the same as the above, but also synchronizes your contacts. Read about iCal4OL here.

I've used both, and while the former is free, the latter is much more powerful. Give them a try and decide for yourself which best fits your needs.

Happy computing!

FireShot - Screen Capture Simplified

A recently released Add-On for the Firefox web browser makes capturing, editing, and annotating web pages a snap!

FireShot is the name of the Add-On. Once downloaded and installed, it places an unobtrusive icon in the upper right corner of the browser. When you happen upon a website/page that you'd like to capture and save, simply click on the icon. The image can be saved in either .jpeg or .bmp (bit map) format.

FireShot then allows you to manipulate the image in a numbers of ways, the most useful of which I've found to be cropping and adding annotations. It gets even better...

The image can then be uploaded and stored along with other screen captures and placed in an album. The album can then be viewed as a slide show. How cool is that?

Images and albums are stored online and may be shared. Not only that, but they can be made public or kept private.

Take a look at the end-result of a sample I've created (in under 30 seconds). It's located at http://easycaptures.com/9562647720. This is the perfect answer to creating tutorials. I'm, sure you'll think of other ways this Add-On can be used. It's simple, easy, and elegant in what it does.

Give FireShot a try!

Google Apps (Forms/Spreadsheets)

I've had purpose recently to create a spreadsheet and chose to forego software in lieu of a Google spreadsheet. The task itself was mundane, but what I discovered as I wrapped up the project and decided to "explore" was like a breath of fresh air!

What I discovered was that forms could be generated from Google spreadsheets. The respondents can choose from check boxes, multiple choice, drop-down menus, brief text-entry, or longer text-entry. The respondents' data is then imported into the spreadsheet.

The data can then be analyzed and represented graphically in the form of bar or pie graphs. Can you see where I'm going with this? Surveys, polls, assessments...the applications are endless.

I then thought of a way to create a form for administrator classroom walkthroughs using these capabilities. In this day and age of shrinking budgets, my end-product has the potential to save a significant amount of taxpayer's money! Amazing! Free! I'll be sure to pass along a portion of my bonus (he said tongue-in-cheek) to the fine folks at Google for the savings realized by this discovery and application.

Triple Whammy!!!

I'm receiving calls again from folks whose PCs have been infected with malware so intrusive that it prevents them from accomplishing anything at all. Symptoms include slow computer operation, a proliferation of pop-up windows, and a program that launches itself and scans for infections.

It may well be that the "self-installed antimalware scanner" program is the source of the problem! How did it get there? Let me count the ways...

I suggest you read this PDF document to learn what malware is and the many ways it can be installed on your computer. Additionally, read Protect Yourself from Fake Anti-Virus Software.

I've said it before: It's gotten to the point where folks have to be proactive to head off these threats. Below is my "regimen" for being proactive. I perform these steps at least once a week.

As for the details of how to perform individual steps, that's another story for another day, OR you can take the initiative and learn how to perform them.

1. Backup your documents, songs, PowerPoint, and other files BEFORE the day of reckoning arrives.
   
2. Disable System Restore
   
3. Download, install, and update Malwarebytes Antimalware (free edition) from http://www.malwarebytes.org (NOT .com).
   
4. Download, install, and update SUPERAntiSpyware (free edition) from http://downloads.superantispyware.com/downloads/SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
   
5. UPDATE your antivirus program.
   
6. If you don't have an antivirus program, say 100 "Hail Marys" for penance, then download, install, update, and run AVG Antivirus.
   
7. Delete all files that you are able to from the C:\Windows\Temp folder.
   
8. Empty your web browser's cache, offline files, and cookies.
   
9. Download and run SmartDefrag from http://www.iobit.com/iobitsmartdefrag.html?Str=download
   
10. Disconnect from the Internet (make sure that wireless is off and that no Ethernet cable is attached).
    
11. Reboot your computer to "Safe Mode".
    
12. Conduct full scans using AntiMalware, SUPERAntiSpyware, and your antivirus program.
    
13. Allow those programs to remove the threats.
    
14. Run SmartDefrag ("Deep Optimize")
    
15. Restart your computer.
    

It sounds like a lot to do, but considering the alternative.... Tips:

1. Remove any discovered infections 2 or 3 at a time. Don't allow the applications above discover and allow to accumulate more than a few at a time. Don't try to eliminate them all in one fell swoop.
   
2. Once finished with all of the above, run "Windows Update" as often as needed to install ALL of the critical updates.
   
3. Update Antimalware, SUPERSpyware, and your antivirus program regularly. I do this at least once a week.
   
4. Scan for infections any external drives (flash drives, external hard drives, SD cards, etc.)
   
5. Eat plenty of vegetables to reduce your risk of becoming infected. Momma was right after all, and she knows best! ;-)