March 29, 2007

Dear Sassy: In my Yahoo email account (from home, of course) I tried to add text to the end of a forwarded message. However, when I clicked Forward, a new window opens with the message "Note: forwarded message attached." I didn't want the message to be sent as an attachment. How can I make sure the text is in the body of an email versus an attachment?
~Linda was Left Hanging

Dear Linda: Sassy wonders if this problem has occurred in the past or if this is a new problem? Are you able to forward some emails, but not others? Hmm, Sassy doesn't normally answer a question with more questions but I am trying to understand more of the problem.

Sassy is guessing that the email file size is too big and possibly is a setting in your email account that emails over a certain size are automatically sent as attachments. You might try looking for that setting, although Sassy would have to test a yahoo account as I don't have one...

However, a quick work around would be to copy the email text and create a new message with this text. This way you can be certain that your text is in the body of the email versus an attachment.

March 28, 2007

Dear Sassy: When are we going to upgrade to Windows Vista? I've seen the advertisements on television and the new Vista looks pretty cool.
~Here Vista, Vista, Vista

Dear Vista: At this time the library does not have plans on upgrading to Windows Vista. In fact, Sassy doesn't think that LSUHSC has implemented Vista. I believe it is still in a test phase. If/when Vista is approved for release on our campus, the library will not really see a change. Most of our machines (as well as 80% of all machines in use today) are not Vista capable. Possibly WAY in the future newly purchased machines for the library will be equipped with Vista.

March 19, 2007

Dear Sassy: I had a patron in the computer lab experience problems when trying to reply/forward in their web mail. When she would click on "reply" a blank window would come up and then vanish. This also happened when she clicked on "forward." How do we reply/forward using the web mail in the computer lab?
~No Communications in the Lab

Dear Communications: The computer "thinks" that the new window to reply/forward is a popup window and kills it before it has a chance to open completely. This occurrence happens when browsing the Internet as well. In order to view the "popup" window we must out think the computer. Well, really we just need to override this feature - we must take back control! We do that by holding down the Ctrl key and then clicking on reply or forward. This will allow the window to open.

March 19, 2007

Dear Sassy: I need to print an Excel document I received in an e-mail. I have printed it and it all comes out on one page—which I cannot read. What do I need to do? Thanks!
~Printing not in Paradise

Dear Printing: This a great question where the answer can be applied to printing from all different mediums. First open up the document that you are trying to print. Go to File > Print Preview. This should give you an idea of what the document will look like before printing. Once you are in the Print Preview you should have some choices at the top of the window. Click on Setup. This will bring up the Page Setup menu. Carefully review the selections that are chosen on this page. Verify that the scaling of the page is correct. Or maybe you need to change the orientation of the page - portrait versus landscape. Once you have made your changes, click Ok. This will immediately activate your changes in the Print Preview screen. If your document looks good, go ahead and click Print. If you need to make some more changes, click back on Setup.

March 14, 2007

Dear Sassy: I just noticed that my clock on my computer has not updated for the Daylight Saving Time change. How do I get back on time?
~Running late because of DST

Dear Running: What a timely question! On our work computers we should have all the necessary updates that would adjust our clocks for DST. But you can double check just to be sure. Open up an Internet browser, click on Tools, Windows Update. And run the Custom updates. This will let you see what you are going to download/update prior to doing so.

If you have all the updates (except for IE7) we need to verify a setting on your computer. Click on Start > Settings > Control Panel > Date and Time. Once this window opens, click on the Time Zone tab and make sure the box is checked next to Automatically Adjust Clock for Daylight Saving Changes. Once you check this box, your clock should correct itself.

March 13, 2007

Dear Sassy: I am creating a PowerPoint presentation and would like to use screen captures of web pages. What would be the best way to accomplish this?
~Screen Captured via the Web

Dear Screen: Hmmm, Sassy had to test this one out first before responding. First, open up your Internet browser to the web page that you would like in your presentation. On your keyboard locate the F11 key and press it. This will maximize your viewing area for the web page. Next, press the ALT key and the Print Screen key at the same time. This will capture the active window. Open up your PowerPoint presentation and paste (Ctrl V) the screen capture into a blank slide. If you need to crop any of the image in your PowerPoint slide you can Right click on the image and click on Format Picture. To return your web page viewing area back to its normal state, press the F11 key again.

March 6, 2007

Dear Sassy: How do I get rid of the little window that pops up to remind me to clean up my desktop by running the "Desktop Wizard"? I don't use this function; I keep my desktop fairly clean.
~ Little Miss Merry Maid

Dear Merry: Sassy understands your frustration of being reminded to clear off "unused items on your desktop." If something is on Sassy's desktop, then it needs to stay there. Ok, right click on your Desktop. This will bring up a new window called Display Properties. Click on the Desktop tab at the top and then click on Customize Desktop. At the bottom of this new window will be a section labeled Desktop Cleanup. If you uncheck this option, the reminder window will go away. Happy cleaning!

March 6, 2007

Dear Sassy: I'm embarrased to ask this, but if I specify Norton anti-virus to run when "idle" does that mean my computer has to be connected to the Internet through my isp provider or, that my computer has to just be turned on? If it just has to be turned on, then how do I know Norton is running and when it is finished so I can turn off my computer? (Dial-up blocks telephone calls).
~ To be continued...

Dear Continued: Good follow up question! When the computer is "idle" it just means that it isn't running any programs, being idle doesn't have anything to do with Internet connectivity. For Norton to update its virus definitions, your computer must be connected to the Internet. Now, once your machine has the new definitions, you can disconnect from the Internet and run the Norton software to scan your machine.

From the past questions regarding Norton and your Internet use, it may benefit you more to complete all of your work on your machine and then manually update the Norton definitions, disconnect from the Internet and run the Norton scan software (in that order). When you manually run the software there should be a window showing the progress of the scan. This window will also be an indicator on when Norton is finished scanning so that you can shut down your machine.

March 5, 2007

Dear Sassy: I still have a few more questions regarding my anti-virus software. Can I specify when it runs? It seems to slow down my dial-up connection even slower. Can I check my email before it starts running, and then leave my computer on to do the Norton scan when I'm done working?
~Part deux on Anti-virus

Dear Deux: Keep the questions coming! Sassy wants to make sure that you have all the information you need to keep you and your machine happy. You can specify when the anti-virus software will run. Sassy does not have Norton installed, but you should be able to open up the program (Norton) to look to find where you can define options. With McAfee (like on our work machines) click Start > Programs > Network Associates > VirusScan Console. Once this opens you can specify when it will run as well as when the program will update.

For your home machine, instead of defining a time in which to update/run your software you may want to designate a time frame. In McAfee there are a few alternative choices you can make: At System Startup (where you can place a delay) or When Idle. If you select one of these options, this will guarantee that your machine will update on a regular basis (since your machine will be on) and hopefully not slow down your Internet connection too much.

March 5, 2007

Dear Sassy: How important is it to update my Norton Virus software annually on my home computer? It requires an annual fee of about $35.00. I have spybot search and destroy as well as automatic updates from various MS software products.
~ Frugal at home

Dear Frugal: If you get on the Internet at all on your home machine then you need an anti-virus software such as Norton or McAfee. The $35 annual investment for Norton is minimal compared to the damage viruses can inflict on your computer. Perhaps re-registering your software occurs on an annual basis but you need to update your software on a daily basis (or however frequently you get on your home computer). Sassy is sure that is what you meant, but did want to clarify.

March 2, 2007

Dear Sassy: Is it possible to alphabetize my list of favorites in Internet Explorer?
~ A to Z in IE

Dear A to Z: Why of course you can! Normally favorites are listed in chronological order. Meaning that the most recent favorite that you added is at the very bottom of the list. To alphabetize your favorites in Internet Explorer (and in Mozilla Firefox) click on your Favorites tab and Right click anywhere in the list. Select Sort by Name. This will place all of your folders at the top of the list with all your links below - all in alphabetical order.

This also brings up the point of naming your Favorites. When you click to add a website as one of your Favorites you can change the default name to something more descriptive. This is a good idea and will help you find what you are looking for faster.

February 23, 2007

Dear Sassy: I can't seem to send email from my laptop wirelessly. What is the problem?
~ Unplugged with no email

Dear Unplugged: This is a great question! It seems so obvious that we should be able to send email using Outlook on our laptops. However, there is a catch with Outlook (at our institution.) In order to send and receive emails on your laptop you MUST be connected via an Ethernet cable. You can login to the web version of Outlook and send/receive email on your laptop wirelessly. But if you use the regular version of Outlook you must be connected to the Internet via an Ethernet cable.

February 22, 2007

Dear Sassy: I need your continued help with Excel. Now, I want to know if I can force the text to wrap in select cells. When I hit the enter button at the desired spot, the text is deleted instead. What magic button will force the text to wrap?
~Often Clueless

Dear Clueless: You have come so far in mastering Excel, don't give up now! First you need to open up your Excel spreadsheet. Highlight the desired text by clicking on the cell or column that you want the text to wrap. Right click. Choose Format Cells. A new window will open and choose Alignment from the top tabs. In the middle of the box you will see Text Control. Place a checkmark next to Wrap text. And click Ok. Your text should be wrapped.

February 20, 2007

Dear Sassy: I am unable to log onto my laptop in the library. Can you tell me what is going on?
~ Logged out via Wireless

Dear Logged: This is a great question! This is a problem that several individuals have asked Sassy about. When you log onto your laptop, it remembers your LSUMC username/password. So, if you should change your password on your desktop, your laptop doesn’t know the new password. You must plug in the Ethernet cable for the laptop to recognize the new password and let you login. After you have logged in once with the new password you should be able to access the internet wirelessly.

These steps will work with our everyday patrons ~ people who have an LSUMC account. It will not work with visitor’s laptops since they do not have an LSUMC account.

Dear Sassy: What is a blog? Does the library have a blog? How would I access it?
~ Want to blog in the library

Dear Blog: A blog (weblog) is a web based publication that can be written in a journal format and is usually in reverse chronological order. You can find blogs on just about any subject ~ from dogs to science fiction to academia. In fact, Sassy has her own blog. You can find it at: http://sassysystems.blogspot.com/. It is a work in progress...

Sassy’s blog is searchable and has identifying labels after every post. You can also leave comments to each post.

You will need a blog feeder (reader) to stay current with reading of your blogs. You can subscribe as many blogs as you want and read them all at the same place (reader). This eliminates having to go to many different websites. Sassy uses http://www.bloglines.com/ to view all of her blogs. Please let me know and Sassy can help you create an account.

February 5, 2007

Dear Sassy: Are our computers able to convert Microsoft Works (.wps) files into a format readable by Microsoft Word? If not, can a converter be installed?
~ Would like to Convert

Dear Convert: Sassy is SO glad that you have requested a converter for our computers. Not everyone uses Microsoft Word, and sometimes Sassy forgets to include the Works users. Sassy has added a converter to the 3 networked machines out in the Reference area. You should be able to open the .wps document by going through Word.


Dear Sassy: I overheard someone talking about “defragging” their machine. What is defragging and should I be doing it?
~ Defragged in the Library

Dear Defragged: Ahh, to defrag or not to defrag – that is the question… Defragging is a good thing, but let me explain a little about the process. Disk defragmenter is a System Tool on your machine. This application rearranges the files that are stored on your hard drive so that they are lumped together instead of spread apart. This process can increase the speed of your machine. You can access it by clicking on Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter. Once you click on Disk Defragmenter you will have a colorful graph on display. By reading the legend you can determine just how defragmented your files are. If you click Analyze, your machine will perform a quick scan and tell you if your machine needs defragging or not. If your machine does need defragging, try to start the process when you will not need your computer – like at lunch. Defragging can be time consuming depending on the amount of files that need to be moved. Normally after the initial defrag the following defrags will be quicker. Defragging can be done on a monthly or bimonthly basis.

January 22, 2007

Dear Sassy: I know that my personal folders in my email do not count against my allotted email space. But what about items in the Sent folder and the Recycle Bin? Do these items count against me?
~ Lost in Syracuse

Dear Lost: Great job on remembering that personal folders DO NOT count against your allotted email space. Unfortunately, items in the Sent folder and the Recycle Bin do count against your space. Don’t forget that items in your Inbox and your Drafts count as well. So every now and then you need to clean out your email folders. If you can’t bear to delete it, put it in a personal folder.


Dear Sassy: I can’t seem to log into one of the machines in the computer lab. I am using the username/password that is on the screen: username “WKS23” and password “public” plus the domain is set to “LSUMC-MASTER.” What am I doing wrong?
~ Locked Out in the Computer Lab

Dear Locked Out: Sassy is SO glad that you are trying to keep all the machines up and running in the computer lab. Sometimes patrons log out of the computers. Not that they are required too, it just sometimes happens. If you have tried the correct username/password and domain combination on the machine and are unable to log in, please let a member of Systems know. Just like on your own machine, if 3 unsuccessful attempts have been made at logging on to the machine it locks down and requires resetting from Computer Services.

January 8, 2007

Dear Sassy: I tried to update and run the Spybot program that you installed on my PC but it keeps giving me an error message “Bad CheckSum.” How do I fix this problem?
~ Spybot with Errors

Dear Spybot: Sassy is SO glad that you are active in keeping spyware off of your computer by updating and running Spybot! Sassy tried to update Spybot and received the same error message that you did. Spybot has come out with a new version (1.4) that must be installed in order to keep up with the new spyware out there. Let Sassy know if you have Spybot so that I can update your program to 1.4.

For those of you that don’t have Spybot on your machine – we need to get this program on your computer. Spybot is a program that eliminates spyware on your machine. Spyware is a type of software that is installed on a computer (usually without the users consent) that tracks information about the user. All of this activity occurs in the background and can slow down the performance of your computer. Sometimes spyware is attached to a valid program that is installed on a computer. Sassy could go on and on about spyware, so if you would like to read more view the wikipedia entry on spyware.

Spyware is not something to be afraid of, we just need to remove it.


Dear Sassy: I’ve noticed less of the brown webpage timeouts recently. Has something changed?
~ Less timeouts in the Library

Dear Timeouts: Great question! We had been experiencing a lot of trouble with the internet before the holidays. Librarians couldn’t get to valid websites to perform research. During the holidays networking has made a few adjustments that should eliminate the brown screen webpage that indicated internet congestion. If you should get the internet congestion error, please let me know and I will inform networking.

December 18, 2006

Dear Sassy: Can you tell me where the USB ports are on the public computers? We have a lot of patrons trying to use their thumb drives but I don’t know where they should plug them in.
~ Searching for the USB

Dear Searching: This is an excellent question! Sassy can’t tell you the number of times I have seen people with their thumb drive in hand (no pun intended) looking a little puzzled trying to find the USB port.

The USB ports on the machines in the computer labs are a little tricky to find. And for that we must thank Dell for their creative placement of the USB port.

There are two USB port locations on the machines. The first is on the front. If you notice most of the machines are missing the gray Dell flap on the front of the machines – under this flap is where you will find 2 USB ports. This flap does have a hinge on the top and can angle up out of the way. The ports are set at an angle and really the best way to insert the thumb drive is to really get down there (yes on the floor) so that you can see what you are doing and insert the thumb drive.

The additional 4 USB ports on the machines are located on the back. You can find these ports close to the mouse and keyboard (green and purple) wires. These USB ports work better for some styles of thumb drives – especially odd sized ones and those on key rings.

Oh – and another tip regarding thumb drives… If a patron is having problems getting the computer to “recognize” their thumb drive – have them insert it into another port (front vs. back.)


Dear Sassy: I have some handouts that I would like to give out at my next class. They are in color but I don’t have a color printer … do we have any way of printing those in color?
~ I’m dreaming of color printouts

Dear Dreaming: This question is perfectly timed with the installation of the networked color printer at the Reference Desk! How did you time that SO well?! If you would like to be able to print to this color printer, just let Sassy know and I can get that set up for you. And just a reminder… as with all printing (especially color) we must be respectful in what we print. The color toner cartridges are VERY expensive, so we must only print in color when absolutely necessary.

December 4, 2006

Dear Sassy: During the “Geeks Bearing Gifts” class Michelle talked about making sure our computers were up to date on the anti virus software. How do we check that?
~ Anti Virus in the Cold Weather

Dear Anti Virus: This is a very good question, Sassy is SO glad that you are in tune with keeping your computer safe. First let me explain a little about the functions of the anti virus software. For our purposes there are two important aspects to remember regarding McAfee (our anti virus software.) One is that viruses are always popping up so new definitions are made to block those viruses.

So this makes it very important to Update your McAfee so that it has all the new definitions. And two, after your McAfee is updated, it is also very important to Run the software. Both of these steps go hand in hand, and Sassy can go on and on about their importance… so update and run

Most, if not all, of our machines update and then run on a daily basis. To check to see when your machine is scheduled Click on Start >> Programs >> Network Associates >> VirusScan Console. This will open up a new window where you should see AutoUpdate and Scan. You can change the schedule by double clicking on each feature. Let Sassy know if you run into any problems, I would be glad to assist.


Dear Sassy: I was attempting to perform a search in PubMed, and received the message below. What does this mean?

Bad Gateway!
The proxy server received an invalid response from an upstream server. If you think this is a server error, please contact the webmaster.
Error 502
~ Hating the Bad Gateway in Caddo

Dear Hating: Wow, it appears by your signature that you have a lot of frustration. Maybe you need to get a cheeseburger from Herby K’s? Never fear, this really isn’t as bad of an error message as it appears. Let me explain what it means. The 502 Bad Gateway error is an HTTP status code that means that one server received an invalid response from another server that it was accessing while attempting to load the web page.

Whew! And now the jargon free explanation is that there was a connection problem between the two servers. The best thing to do is to try to access PubMed again by clicking Refresh. If you are still experiencing problems accessing this page, you may want to contact the webmaster at the address listed on the error page and advise them of the error message you received. Most importantly this error message does NOT mean there is anything wrong with your machine or the internet connection.

November 13, 2006

Dear Sassy: It seems that every time I open my email I get a reminder to change my password. It is good to be reminded, however, it occurs daily counting down from 14 days. Help?! Is there someway to get out of all these reminders?
~ Remind me Less

Dear Remind: Sassy agrees that a good reminder can help get tasks done, however, a bad reminder can hinder productivity and can seem quite annoying. Sassy can change the amount of days that you are reminded to change your password. It will take less than 2 minutes to change. Just let me know and I will be glad to shorten your list of reminders.


Dear Sassy: I have heard other people using a “Print Screen” feature. Can you tell me more about it and how to do it?
~ Capture less on the Monitor

Dear Capture: Fabulous question! There are many joys to using Print Screen. The “Print Screen” feature takes a snapshot of your monitor screen. This is very useful when creating handouts for a class or developing a step-by-step instruction manual. Print Screen is very easy to use and master. First take a good look at your keyboard. Somewhere close to the top right should be a button that says “Print Screen” – it may be one of your function keys. To activate the Print Screen all you do is 1st have the window open that you want copied and 2nd press the Print Screen button. To view your screen capture open up a word document and Paste your capture. You should have a full view of your screen at this time.

But what if you are working in several windows and only want one single window copied? Ahh, Sassy just learned this handy dandy trick last week. Hold down the Alt key while pressing down the Print Screen button. This will only copy the active window.

As always, if you would like a member of the Systems Department to assist you with this or any other problem, please let us know.