Soluto: Anti-Frustration Software for the Average User

A common question that we are asked at the Technology Center is "My computer is running slowly; how can I speed it up?" While this is an open-ended question that could be answered in a variety of ways, there are usually some common culprits that lead to a "slow" computer. 

One of the biggest problems is the large numbers of startup programs that are set to run as soon as you log into Windows. Having multiple programs running after booting not only slows down the boot-up times of your computer, but also can affect the overall speed of your computer once it is up and running.

This is where Soluto comes into play. Soluto claims to be "anti-frustration" software that will help speed up your boot times, and your computer overall, by eliminating or delaying programs from starting up immediately after you log into Windows. It sounds a little complicated, but honestly, this software is a joy to use. 

After you download and install the software you will immediately notice that it has a clean and clear interface. It is easy for the average user to understand what is slowing down their computer and how to disable or delay start-up times for those programs. Soluto then references a database of users that have contributed feedback on the programs that you have running at start up, and whether or not they have disabled, delayed, or allowed the program to run at boot. You are then able to set your own preferences for each program to your liking. Soluto will also give you an estimated time of how long it should take your computer to fully log into Windows, and how much faster it will be after your changes are made. 

If you still have questions, take a look at the video below from Soluto, explaining their product: 



If you are interested in speeding up your PC, give Soluto a try today.

One-Third of Americans Use Library Computers

The Associated Press has reported that one third of Americans 14 and older (about 77 million people) use public library computers to look for jobs, connect with friends, do their homework and improve their lives, according to a new study released March 25. The study, conducted by the University of Washington and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, found that library use by the general public is widespread and that one in four Americans use public library computers while traveling.

The researchers were intrigued to find that people across all age and ethnic groups used library computers, said Michael Crandall, one of the principal authors of the study and chairman of the Master of Science in Information Management at the University of Washington Information School.

Some of the findings were surprising, Crandall said. "In the health area, over 80% of the users said they made a change in their diet after using library computers," he reported. The most unexpected finding is that two out of three people who use library computers said they are using the computers to help friends or family, such as scanning job databases or looking up information for others. "In terms of library services, we're deeply undercounting," he said, referring to the others benefiting from library computer searches conducted on their behalf.

Troy Public Library patrons were among the 45,000 able to participate in the on-line survey last May through the library's website.

Second Round of Broadband Stimulus Grants Announced

The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) have announced the second round of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants and loans -- totaling $4.8 billion -- to expand broadband access in the United States. The investment, it is hoped, will help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, and create jobs.

NTIA will allocate approximately $2.35 billion in this round for infrastructure projects, and another $150 million for Public Computer Center projects, which will expand access to broadband service at public libraries, community colleges, and other public institutions. RUS will allocate $2.2 billion in this round for broadband infrastructure projects.

This is the second funding round for the broadband programs. The awardees for the first round of broadband stimulus grants were announced in December. Among the winners were three libraries.

The two agencies also announced a series of public workshops to review the application process and answer questions from prospective applicants. One of the workshops will be held in Detroit. Interested parties can register for the workshops at www.broadbandusa.gov.

Grant applications will be accepted from February 16, to March 15, and all awards will be announced by September 30.

New Troy Library Computer System Coming September 30

As many of you might know, the Troy Library is in the process of changing to a new Integrated Library System (ILS). I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the status of this change.

An ILS is the software that knits together all the processes necessary to manage a modern and busy library. There are several modules -- for acquisitions, cataloging, serials, patron services, circulation and administration -- that make up the modern ILS.

In February, the Library chose the Polaris system as our next ILS. Moving to Polaris means we are leaving an older, UNIX-based ILS that is cumbersome, "cranky," and no longer cost effective. During these tough economic times it may not seem to make sense we would be investing in a significant software purchase, but not only is Polaris a much more efficient and standardized Windows-based environment, it is actually significantly more cost effective over the next five years. So the Library will gain functionality, improve efficiencies, and save money all at the same time. And our patrons will see it directly in better service, better response times, and a friendlier interface to our Public Access Catalog.

While it is no small task to accomplish this new system, the conversion offers an opportunity to reassess our internal processes, developed years ago for what is now an outdated system. To date we have installed new virtualized server hardware, developed new profiles for our array of internal processes, cleaned up a lot of bad data (orphaned records, errors, non-compliant records, etc.), developed new data code models for managing our collections, developed more automated ordering systems, modified our patron support processes, and begun the preparation for our staff for a September 30 launch date.

We are truly excited about this opportunity to improve our patron experience at the Troy Library while improving internal processes that are invisible to our patrons, but extremely important to that experience. All these changes are welcomed, timely, and another sign of the desire of the entire Library staff to better serve the Troy community.

I will continue to post updates as move forward. Please feel free to post questions in the comments section and I will be happy to respond to them.

Library Use Has Skyrocketed with Recession

According to the Today Show, libraries are in more demand than ever. Sixty-eight percent of people in the United States have a library cards. That is the highest number in two decades. Not only do the libraries have computer and Internet resources for job seekers, but they also offer entertainment for the whole family.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

How Do You Use Computers in Libraries?

The Troy Library is participating in a nationwide Internet survey to find out how people use the computers and Internet connections in public libraries. The U.S. IMPACT web survey is being conducted by the University of Washington Information School with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Until now, there has been no nationwide research about how library computing services fit into peoples’ lives. How many use computers for entertainment? How many to find jobs? Stay connected with family and friends? Find health information? In addition, how many people have taken computer classes offered by a public library? Have they been valuable?

The goal of the study is to collect data about the ways computers in public libraries help people across the United States. This information will be used to improve these services and to inform policy makers about how best to fund and support them. In these hard economic times, this information will be invaluable.

You can access the survey by going to our website and clicking on the purple and white “Take Our Survey” icon in the middle of the page. The survey is completely anonymous and takes 10 to 15 minutes to fill out. It closes May 18.

For more information, visit the IMPACT website.

10 Most Anticipated Ultraportables and Netbooks of 2009

Thinking of buying an ultraportable laptop or a netbook soon? Check out this Top 10 list of upcoming portables from Ian Paul of PC World before you open your wallet.

[via MSN techs & gadgets]

Leaving Computers On = $2.8 Billion a Year

Do you leave your computer on all the time? According to the PC Energy Report US 2009, we waste an estimated $2.8 billion a year by leaving our computers idling overnight. Shutting down your computer at night will not only save you money, it will help save the environment. If all the world’s 1 billion PC’s were powered down for just one night, it would save enough energy to light up New York City’s Empire State Building – inside and out – for more than 30 years.

Keep in mind that regular restarts will keep your computer running optimally.

IBM Computer to Play Humans on Jeopardy!

IBM has announced that it is in the final stages of completing a computer program to compete against humans on the television quiz show Jeopardy!, according to The New York Times.

While IBM had previously created a computer -- Deep Blue – which beat then world chess champion Garry Kasparov in a 1997 match, creating an artificial intelligence program to take on humans in the quiz show is much more difficult.

Chess is a game of limits, with pieces that have clearly defined powers. Jeopardy!, however, requires a program which can weigh an almost infinite range of relationships and to make subtle comparisons and interpretations. The software must interact with humans on their own terms. It must be able to deal with analogies, puns, double entendres and relationships like size and location, all at lightning speed.

The creators of the system — which the company refers to as Watson, after the IBM founder, Thomas J. Watson Sr. — said they were not yet confident their system would be able to compete successfully on the show, on which human champions typically provide correct responses 85% of the time.

Despite more than four decades of experimentation in artificial intelligence, scientists have made only modest progress until now toward building machines that can understand language and interact with humans. The development of Watson, capable to compete with humans, could be a step forward for artificial intelligence.

Learn more from this video:

Why Your Next Computer Should Be a Mac... Or a PC

Thinking about buying a new computer?

Here are eight reasons why your next computer should be a Mac.

And, eight reasons why your next computer should be a PC.

[via Yahoo Tech]

The End of the College Computer Lab

The University of Virginia has decided to shut down its student computer labs and put the money to more productive uses, since 3,114 of 3,117 incoming students own their own computer.

Of those student-owned computers, 3,058 are laptops, with about 26% being Apples.

Compared to just a decade ago, the numbers are amazing. In 1997, 74% of incoming students owned computers, but only 16% were laptops, and 6.6% Apples.

The University is now trying to figure out how to provide things like community printers and specialized college software.

[via arstechnica]

Improve Your Computer Skills with Troy Library Internet Classes

There are still plenty of seats in Internet classes taught by the Technology Department staff at the Library. You might want to register for one of these:

Navigating the Internet
Do you need to pick up your pace on the Information Highway? This class will show you what the Internet is and how to use it effectively to make your information searches more successful. This is a two-part class; plan to attend both parts.
Tuesday, March 24 and 31, 10:00 am, or Tuesday, April 21 and 28, 6:30 pm

What is Web 2.0?
Whether you want to share your thoughts on a blog, organize a family event using a wiki, read news as it happens on an RSS feed, or swap information with family and friends on social sites, this workshop is for you. You will be introduced to all the latest Web 2.0 technology -- to keep you on the cutting edge.
Wednesday, March 11, 1:00 pm, or Thursday, April 30, 10:00 am

Blogging for Beginners
Do you want to publish a blog? Learn the basics: setting up a blog, changing colors and designs, posting and commenting, uploading images and web links.
Monday, March 23, 6:30 pm, or Wednesday, April 8, 1:00 pm

Library Resources on the Internet
Learn how to access all the Library’s resources at home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Read book reviews, check your account, and place holds on items; download audio books and movies right to your computer or portable device; and search magazines and references on any topic under the sun, all from the Library’s web site.
Wednesday, March 25, 1:00 pm, or Thursday, April 16, 10:00 am

Register here.

For more information, call the Technology desk at 248.524.3542 or email us at techroom@troymi.gov.

Notebok Computers Outsell Desktops for the First Time Ever

Information continues to become increasingly mobile. This from Cnet:

“Global notebook shipments exceeded desktops on a quarterly basis for the first time ever…

Notebook PC shipments rose almost 40 percent in the third quarter of 2008 over the same period in 2007, hitting 38.6 million units, said iSuppli, a market research firm….

Desktop PC shipments… fell by 1.3 percent in the third quarter over the previous year to 38.5 million units...