One of my favorite blogs or news feeds to follow is Lifehacker.  They seem to have tips on everything and anything.  Just this morning they posted on "Why You Should Never Skip Flossing".  Lifehacker describes themselves as the place to go to get "Tips, tricks, and downloads for getting things done."  This weekend staying true to form Lifehacker provided us with the "Top 10 Good Tech Habits Everyone Should Have."  For those of you reading this from my 203 class, just beginning  your online academic career, I suggest you take a look at the list.  From passwords to backups, the habits discussed will only make your life easier in the long run.

SJSU Libr 203 students you can reach me on Bb IM.  The times I have blocked off are times I am available to answer questions and assist you.  I may be online and available at other times, as well, but these are the times that I am guarenteed to be available to you.  If you would like to set-up an appointment feel free to drop me an email or a calendar request.

"ENTER YOUR PASSWORD" photo by marc falardeau | Creative Commons LicenseIt seems every website, app or online tool requires you to login in and remember yet another username and password.  The following links include tips, tricks and tools for making your accounts as secure as possible.

Articles

• From Lifehacker:  Geek to Live: Choose (and remember) great passwords 
• From Microsoft: Create Strong Passwords
• From the Geek Professor: Password Tips and Tricks

Tools (a starter list)

• Lastpass.com - A free online tool that helps users generate and remember passwords.  For a small monthly fee, $1, users can use the mobile apps available on a variety of platforms. 
• KeePass - A free, open source software solution for Macs and PCs.  It also has unofficial options for mobile devices.
• 1Password - A paid software solution for Macs, iOS devices, PCs, and Android devices.

On a personal note:  I am a Lastpass.com user.  I love the convienence of having the passwords with me at all times and the price can't be beat.  For passwords I have to enter often, I use some of the tips mentioned in the articles above.  The tip I have found the most useful is having a baseword/phrase that is easy to remember and then adding numbers or characters to it to make it unique and more secure for each website.

What tricks do you use to remember your passwords and keep your accounts safe?

This is my first time using Prezi.  I would love to know what you think of my creation.  Also, if you have experience using Prezi and would like to share some tips and tricks, please share them in the comments.

"(35/365) Reading" photo by michitux | Creative Commons LicenseI love eBooks!  If I could read all books on my iPad or Kindle I would.  I love being able to carry a "library" in my purse--you never know when you might have time to read. Mostly I purchase eBooks from Amazon.com, which allows me a variety of reading options on my Kindle or Kindle apps on a variety of devices.  I also have purchased eBooks using Google Books.  There are some disadvantages to this eBook habit I've had for the last two years.  Because I am buying more eBooks then print books I am unable to pass them on to friends or resell them, in the case of textbooks.  Prior to my eBook addiction I would purchase books and after reading them I would give them away to libraries or friends.  Now I'm finding myself buying more books and I'm sharing less of them.  While eBooks are cheaper for me personally then buying a hardcover book, I find that I am buying more books because eBooks are more challenging to borrow from the library or friends.  As a patron, I was tickled when Overdrive announced it would have Kindle books available for libraries.  I've found myself buying less eBooks, but waiting a lot longer for an eBook than a print book of the same title.  Even with the long waits I appreciate that eBooks are available through the library and I read them whenever I can.

As a MLIS (Master's in Library and Information Science) student, I understand that libraries' ability to lend eBooks is complicated, confusing and imperfect.  I've read multiple blog posts and journal articles trying to explain it.  The article I read most recently, "The Wrong War Over eBooks: Publishers vs. Libraries" from Forbes has helped me understand that challenges eBooks present to publishers and libraries.  The author presents an interesting solution along with the advantages and disadvantages to each party.  The author believes that both publishers and libraries would benefit from a cost per circ model.  Meaning each time a book is checked out the library pays an agreed upon fee.  It is an interesting premise, but if it is mutually beneficial why hasn't it been explored or tried.  I look forward to reading the second article in this two part series.  I encourage you to take a look at the Forbes article and draw your own conclusions.