Archive for the 'Tips' category

Easy AntiSpyware

October 1st, 2008

If your Windows computer is running slowly, part of the problem could be malware (spyware and parasiteware) clogging up your system.  You could install Spybot and Ad-Aware and run them once a week, OR you could simplify your life by installing McAfee’s new AntiSpyware program.

Unlike Spybot and Ad-Aware, McAfee’s AntiSpyware runs continuously in the background, deletes malware automatically, and updates itself automatically, so your computer is faster and more secure without any extra work from you.

To get AntiSpyware for yourself, just install the McAfee VirusScan 8.5 upgrade now available on the Smith software download page:  http://www.smith.edu/smithsoftware

Technology Orientation for New Students

September 2nd, 2008

If you missed the Tech Talks for new students, you can download the handout here:
Technology Orientation Handout [PDF]

Firefox 3 & Cisco Clean Access

August 22nd, 2008

If you have Firefox 3 installed on your computer, you are likely to see a “Page Load Error: Secure Connection Failed” the first time you try to connect to the network via Cisco Clean Access in your residence house. If you have Firefox 3, you may want to print these instructions before you arrive on campus: (Read more…)

Mobile Devices at Smith

August 18th, 2008

Are you planning on bringing a mobile device (such as an iPhone or iPod Touch) to Smith with you this fall? There are a few things you should know! (Read more…)

Windows Users: Preparing for Cisco Clean Access

August 11th, 2008

If you will be living on campus this fall, the following information will help you get your Windows computer up and running as soon as possible after you arrive: (Read more…)

Solving Office 2007 Compatibility Problems

August 8th, 2008

Right now the Smith campus is in a state of transition. Many students, faculty, and staff are already using Office 2007 for Windows and Office 2008 for Mac. In addition, all computers in the campus computer centers and classrooms will be upgraded to Office 2007 for Windows and Office 2008 for Mac by the start of the fall semester. However, some students, faculty, and staff are still using other versions of Office. (Read more…)

Mac Users: Make your PowerPoint Presentations PC-Compatible

April 29th, 2008

Check out this recent post at Smith College Mac User: Make your PowerPoint Presentations PC-Compatible

Backup! Backup! Backup!

March 10th, 2008

As a follow-up to last week’s post on extending the life of your laptop

You probably can’t count the number of times you’ve been told to “Backup your data!” This phrase also probably doesn’t mean much to you unless you’ve ever lost some important data (and whether it was a term paper, your iTunes music library, or all your photos from spring break, it’s all data). (Read more…)

Extend your laptop’s life

March 6th, 2008

What can you do to keep your laptop healthy? Aside from regularly running antivirus and spyware removal software, there are a number of steps you can take to extend your laptop’s life. (Read more…)

Subscribe to TechNotes

October 25th, 2007

Did you know you can subscribe to your favorite blogs and websites using RSS?

What’s RSS, you ask? RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication; it’s a “web feed” format used to publish frequently updated content (like blog entries, news headlines, or podcasts). The feed is syndicated (published), and readers can subscribe (or bookmark). You can tell that a website has an RSS feed if there is a feed indicator in the address bar of your web browser or if the site advertises a feed (like the links at the bottom of the TechNotes homepage). (Read more…)