January 7, 2008

Dear Sassy: On my home computer I have Norton anti-virus program that I run. Do I also need to run SpyBot as well?
~I Just Wanna be Safe

Dear Safe: With all the different programs and technical catch phrases it is hard to know really what we need on our computers. Spybot helps to eliminate spyware. Spyware's purpose is to transmit our information to others without our knowledge. Not a good thing! The anti-virus software (Norton, McAfee) is just that - it eliminates viruses from our computers. Spybot is free and is a valuable addition to the anti-virus program that you already use. Sassy's recommendation is to use both Spybot and an anti-virus program just to be safe.

January 3, 2008

Dear Sassy: The e-announcements has a message that offers to install 2007 word office suite of software. Is this something reference librarians should take advantage of? Will our computers run this upgraded software?
~To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade

Dear Upgrade: Sassy had to do a little research to see if our machines could handle the 2007 MS Office package and Sassy is sad to report that most of our machines do not meet the minimum requirements for 2007. Sassy does have a converter package that would be good to have installed on your computer. This converter will allow you to open 2007 files using your current Office package. A few of the librarians have received .docx (2007) files and have needed the converter to open the files. Let Sassy know if you would like the converter placed on your computer. Incidentally, all the computers in the labs and in the reference area have the 2007 converter installed.