Slide Presentation Design - There is an Exception to Every Rule

When I teach slide presentation design - the main thrust is for designers who use bullets to create messages.  To that extent, I recommend use of no more than 2-3 fonts, font color and the use of the 6x6 rule.  The 6x6 rule is no more than 6-7 words on a line and no more than 6 lines per slide. 

When attending the Symposium of the Future of Textbooks last week, I was reminded of exceptions to the rules I just stated. Cable Green did an amazing presentation (as he always does) on open education.  His slides punctuated his presentations.  Of course, his slides are available for re-use and re-mixing with the Creative Commons license.  The link to the slide presentation he did last Thursday evening is at http://www.affordablelearninggeorgia.org/documents/Cable_EveningPlenaryKeynote.pdf

On Friday, David Wiley, was the opening plenary speaker.  He spoke on affordable education. 
His slides are also available for re-use and re-mixing with the Creative Commons license.  The link for his slides is at http://www.affordablelearninggeorgia.org/documents/Wiley-ALG-UGA.pdf

I suggest that you take a few moments to review the slides from the links above.  Notice, that they were used to supplement presentations.  Both presentations were outstanding.  If you have an opportunity to hear with of the presenters - do just that. 

How to Use Hog Wild Questions - Interesting Concept

I was reviewing abstracts for a conference and ran across a concept developed by Ben Johnson - How to Use Hog Wild Questions.  Johnson suggests that the instructor could use Bloom's taxonomy and develop question while constructing a lesson.  It makes sense.  As I look forward to tweaking courses for next semester and developing a new one - I plan to use the concept. 

My idea is to "flip a lesson" into an interactive eBook chapter.  SoftChalk v9 and iBooks Author both provide ways to create an interactive ebook.  I will work on developing questions for the chapters using Johnson's approach.

You can read more about Johnson's concept on his blog at http://www.edutopia.org/blog/hog-wild-questions-classroom-ben-johnson

Office 365 Video - New Feature

I discovered a new Office 365 app this afternoon - Office 365 Video.  I am using Office 365 with the University's sharepoint server.  It is a developing Office feature and we are sure to hear more. The YouTube video below explains how the app will work.  More information is available from the Office blog at http://blogs.office.com/2014/11/18/introducing-office-365-video/

Draw MD - A Free App with Lots of Possibilities - Find it in MERLOT

I spent time finishing triages for contributions to MERLOT (http://www.merlot.org)  this week.  I discovered some amazing apps.  Draw MD is one - http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=906206

Actually Draw MD is many apps.  It has anatomical images that the user can modify to teach others. While it was designed to assist physicians to teach patients, it has possibilities for all health science educators and students. The user can draw on the image, add text, and use "stamps."  The video from YouTube shown below provides an example using a urology image.  The final image can be saved or emailed.  Instructors might want to create images to use in slide presentations for lectures.  Students might create images to share what they understand about disorders. 

Diabetes Website - Guiding Principles for the Care of People With or at Risk for Diabetes

An amazing group of organizations banded together to create Guiding Principles for the Care of People With or at Risk for Diabetes, which assist providers to deliver diabetes care.  The website is at http://ndep.nih.gov/hcp-businesses-and-schools/guiding-principles/ 
It is sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services, the NIH, and the CDC.

The ten principles are:

1. Identify undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes
2. Manage prediabetes
3. Provide self-management education and support
4. Provide individualized nutrition therapy
5. Encourage regular physical activity
6. Control blood sugar
7. Reduce cardiovascular disease risk
8. Detect and monitor microvascular complications
9. Consider special populations
10. Provide patient-centered care

iPharmacy Pill Reminder App for iOS and Android Devices

There is a pill reminder app, iPharmacy, available for iOS and Android devices.

The information about the iOS app is at http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=906065
The information about the Android app is at http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=674849

View the video below to learn more.

Outbreak App from CDC

The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) created an app, Outbreak, which is a free download for the iPad.  The app is an epidemiology game with different levels, where the user attempts to find the source of an outbreak.  It has fantastic potential as a teaching tool for use in high school, and higher education.  An pre-professional in healthcare could benefit from its use.

Learn more about the app from the YouTube video below.

Draw MD App

I discovered an amazing app in MERLOT today called Draw MD.  The app is free and includes anatomical drawings that the user can annotate with drawing and text tools.  The drawings can be saved, printed, or emailed for further use.  You can learn more about the app at http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=906206 

The YouTube video below provides information about the urology drawing and associated tools.  

Microsoft Office 2015 for the Mac

I read this morning that Microsoft Office is scheduled for release at the end of 2015.  However, Outlook is available now. 

If you have a subscription to Office 365 and you have updated your operating system, you can take advantage of the update now.

You can read more about it from the MacWorld article at http://www.macworld.com/article/2848035/first-look-microsoft-outlook-2015-promises-few-new-features-but-better-performance.html

MERLOT Fall 2014 Newsletter

The Fall 2014 newsletter for MERLOT was released yesterday. It is available at http://grapevine.merlot.org/index.html

The topics are:

• Emerging Technologies for Online Learning 2015 Conference
• Peer Reviewer Extraordinaire 2014-15
• MERLOT and Quality Matters
• MERLOT at the Illinois Art Education Association Conference
• MERLOT and OER Cancer India

Of special interest are the conference for next year, how MERLOT is integrating Quality Matters, and the MERLOT Open Education Resources (OER) for Cancer project.

Apple Pay - Update

Apple Pay is now available for those who have the latest iPhones and iPads.  You need to do the latest system update to access the feature.  Once the update is installed, click on Settings to enter credit card information.  Entering the credit card info is extremely easy - just click the camera icon in the credit card set-up window and hold the camera over the card.  The information is automatically recognized.  If for some reason, it isn't, you can enter the info manually.  Once you are done, the app validates the card information and you probably will receive verification from that credit card company. It took me only a couple of minutes to set up my Apple Pay credit card accounts.

Apple Pay is more secure than using your credit card because it uses NFC (near field communication).  Every time you pay, it generates a unique code that cannot be used again.  That is in contrast to using your credit card where you have that little extra 3 or 4 digit code in addition to the credit card number. 

I found a quick useful article, Apple Pay Do's and Don'ts at http://www.forbes.com/sites/paularosenblum/2014/10/21/apple-pay-dos-and-donts-a-practical-guide/

Another good article about it from CNET, Everything You want to Know About Apple Pay is at http://www.cnet.com/news/everything-you-want-to-know-about-apple-pay/

Nursing Informatics Textbook Error - Chapter 6

There is an error with the first Applications and Competencies exercise for chapter 6.  It refers learners to the textbook website for chapter 7.  It should refer to http://dlthede.net/informatics/Chap06WordProcessing/chap6.html for the multitasking.rtf file.

EndNote Lessons Learned

I have used EndNote citation software for MANY years but I am still learning :-)  A student in one of my classes had problems with EndNote writing out the names of the author within the citation.  In researching the problem - I found that if the author had published a number of resources and the author's name is entered differently in the EndNote, EndNote believes the author is different, so it attempts to help out by writing out the name.  The work around is to copy and paste the author's name into each resource so that it always appears identically.

When attempting to empty the EndNote trash - the trash would not empty.  We figured out that it was because the citations were being used in the Word document.  After deleting the errors in Word, the trash emptied because it was not in use. 

The third problem - was that the student's EndNote library got locked for some reason.  The research on correcting that problem was to restart the computer.  As challenging as issues such as the three I just discussed - it is rewarding to learn new tricks.

Dr. Morris Collen - Pioneer in Healthcare Informatics - Passed Away at 100 years

I received notification today that Dr. Morris Collen, a pioneer in healthcare informatics died at the age of 100 in September of this year.  His story is a remarkable one - demonstrating his vision about how computers can facilitate healthcare delivery.  Read more at
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/05/us/morris-collen-computerized-medicine-pioneer-dies-at-100.html?_r=2

The story is truly inspirational. 

OneDrive for Business Sync Problems Finally Solved!

As mentioned in an earlier blog, the OneDrive for Business was corrupted during a Windows update on September 10th.  Last weekend, I was able to get the cloud version working.  The problem was that it was not syncing with the desktop folder.  Sometimes, it takes time to critically think through technical problems.  I could see that there were 212 files syncing - but a little further investigation showed that the sync folder was not available.  I renamed the desktop folder with the word _old and then told OneDrive to sync.  It created a new desktop folder that now communicates with the cloud OneDrive.  Took almost 3 weeks to correct the corruption, but that is okay. 

iPhone 6 Update IOS 8.0.2

Am loving the new iPhone 6.  Did not get the Plus - as it was too large for my needs.  There was a software update for the iPhone this week - IOS 8.0.2.  There was no noticeable difference after the install.  Of course, my last iPhone was several years old - but am enjoying the fingerprint recognition feature. I also like the feature which suggests words for messaging - as I realize it is there - I can write messages more quickly and accurately.

 Some complain about the new Tips app, but it provides a nice just-in-time learning feature.  Some of the apps had to be updated to use the new IOS, but that was automatic. 

Educause Conference and Google Glass

I had the opportunity to attend the Educause meeting in Orlando this week and try Google Glass.  I can see the opportunity that the feature brings to education and nursing.  I would need to have it mounted on my glasses frame or wear contact lenses.  The Google rep helped me to use the features (he could see what I could see).  I simply swiped down on the side of the frames to change screens.  The voice command was not good because of the very loud background noise. As you can see from the picture below that the frames were slightly tilted - would need some adjustment.  You can adjust the camera on the frame, though.  There are exciting possibilities for use of Google Glass in higher education. 

New EndNote X7.2 Sharing Feature

EndNote reference manager recently announced that version X7.2 now allows users to share their entire libraries with up to 15 others who also have X7.2 and cloud access.  That is a great new feature.  There is no longer a file size limitation.  Shared users have the ability to read/write.  All the references and associated PDF files can be shared.  This feature provides great opportunities for collaborative work. View the video below to find out more information on the feature.

OneDrive for Business Glitch - Found the problem

When I opened OneDrive for Business on the Mac a few days ago, Ii noticed that it did not have the latest files.  As a matter of fact, the most recent file update was September 10.  Since my textbook and other important files are backed up, I had to figure out the problem.  I must have my files backed up and synced.

What happened is that during a Windows update at 9:32 PM on September 10, a corruption disconnected the cloud OneDrive for Business with my computer.  A fantastic tech support person, Sam, and I investigated the problem for about an hour.  About 2 minutes after we hung up the phone, we both figured out the solution simultaneously.  I checked the Microsoft Store and it showed that I had OneDrive for Business installed.  I found the app, logged in, and it worked!

Apple iOS 8.0 Update - Great News!

The Apple operating system update is available for the iPad as of today.  A summary of the features is available from the Apple website at http://www.apple.com/ios/whats-new/

The upgrade took an hour to download on my iPad today and then about 30+ minutes to install.  It is clearly a huge change.  I was asked to upgrade iCloud - but will wait until the updates are available for the Mac and iPhone.  I do have the ability to share my Apple resources with my husband. 

Remember, that when you do any upgrade the Bluetooth is turned on.  Turn it off for security and to save battery life.

I am looking forward to using some of the new features.  For example, with Messages, I can add a voice mail and share my location.  I figured out how to do a voice mail - tap and hold the microphone icon and then slide your finger up to the up arrow to send.  I did have not figured out location.  More to explore and looking forward to the adventure.

Microsoft Surface Wins Another Presentation Test

I used the Microsoft Surface tablet all day yesterday and today when teaching.  Yesterday morning I could not get the projector to see the tablet.  In the afternoon - in another classroom there was no problem.  Had no problem today either.  I used it because the software in the classrooms where I was teaching is out of date.  The Surface has my thumbs up on performance.  It is winning my confidence day by day.  This evening I am using my Apple Bluetooth keyboard, external monitor, and external number keyboard to enter data.  It is fantastic to see two windows at the same time.  Cannot believe that I waited so long to get an external monitor - so inexpensive and was on sale, too.

8-Steps for Successful APA Formatting

The APA Manual can be intimidating for many.  Just so many nuances!  I have "sticky-notes" on on pages in my APA Manual to make it easy for students to write papers that use APA style. The information is summarized below.

1. Page 15, Section 1.10 - differentiates the differences between plagiarism and self-plagiarism.
2. Page 23, Section 2.01 - provides essential information on the title page, abstract, and introduction of the paper.
3. Page 41 - provide examples of a written paper.
4. Page 62 - discusses the 5 heading (Remember to use the word processing paragraph heading style to format correctly).
5. Page 125 - Chapter 5 - this chapter is especially important for students reporting research results as it clarifies how to format figures and tables (Remember to use the word processing table formatting tools to obtain the output).  You can skip this chapter if you are not using figures and tables. 
6. Page 170, Section 6.+ - discussion quotes, paraphrasing, and permissions.
7. Page 189 discusses the journal article doi and the importance of using the journal homepage URL when there is no doi.
8. Page 198, Section 7.01 - provides examples for how to cite references within the text of the document and the associated references in the reference list.

Using an External Monitor with the Microsoft Surface Tablet

It is challenging to write a new edition of the Informatics and Nursing textbook while also teaching full-time.  To complicate things, I attempted to switch to Windows 8 using two tablets over the last 4 months. The Dell Venue Pro Enterprise was a disaster.  However, the Microsoft Surface tablet is perfect.  The only problem with the Surface is the very small window for "serious" writing.  Now that I am almost finished with the book, I splurged and purchased a 24" external monitor last week. 

There were a few adjustment problems.  First, I wanted the high definition (HD) component that uses an HDMI cable.  I did not realize that the tablet uses the mini-port, like the MacBook Pro.  I found a mini-port to HDMI cable at Radio Shack, but the input shaft was a little short, so sometimes it would connect and other times not.  I could see when searching the Internet that the connection cable I needed cost ranged from $4.99 to $39.99.  Not wanting to purchase something that did not work and not having the easy access to other stores that are in Macon and Atlanta, I decided to use the 9-pin to mini-port cable I had for the Mac.  I don't have HD, but it provides an interim solution until I find the right cable. 

I was able to change the Device > Project settings on the tablet to Extend the view.  So now I have two windows, one on the tablet and the other on the monitor.  It allows me to view two different documents at the same time, which is exactly what I need when editing a chapter. 

Excel Survey App

At Georgia College, all faculty, staff, and students have a OneDrive (used to be called SkyDrive) account with 25GB of storage.  It is similar to the free OneDrive account, except the business account has additional security features agreed upon with a University of Georgia System contract.

When reviewing the OneDrive for Business features this past weekend, I discovered the ability to create a survey using Excel Survey - from the listing of new file types.  Initially, I was really excited about the alternative for Google Forms, which does not provide a secure environment.  However, once I explored Excel Survey, I was immediately disappointed!  I cannot believe that Microsoft engineers released the app!!!  I know that they have the ability, because the forms feature was a part of Frontpage web design software many years ago.

• Unlike Google forms, the designed has only one opportunity to design, edit, and obtain a link to share the survey. 
• The designer can give the survey a title and subtitle, but the number of characters and lines is limited.

The survey does provide different answer types.  When data is entered, like Google Forms, it shows up in a spreadsheet.  The two bullet points above are the weaknesses of the survey tool.  SurveyMonkey and Google Forms are better free alternatives.

Giving a Presentation with an iPad

TCGeeks has a very good article on how to give a presentation with the iPad at http://www.tcgeeks.com/how-give-presentation-your-ipad/

I should have taken my iPad or other computer to the most recent conference where I was giving a presentation.  The problem was that I brought the Microsoft Surface tablet instead.  The problem was not the tablet - rather the fact that I have not received the 9-pin adapter necessary to connect the tablet with an overhead projector.  I had all of my slides in the cloud and on flash drives, but at this particular conference, presenters had to use their own computer.

Bottom line is to plan and test the ability to give a slide presentation before you leave on a 2-hour flight to another city.  Lesson learned. 

Microsoft OneDrive for Business - Very Nice Additonal Cloud Storage App!

Believe I have figured out OneDrive for Business!  I have used OneDrive for many, many years (used to be called SkyDrive).  However, I was confused between the two apps. All of our University faculty, and staff have OneDrive for Business now.  I had go to my unify account and open my faculty email to see the OneDrive for Business app.  I played with the app - found it easy to drag files into it, make new files, and to create folders.  Since it is secure storage, I will be able to mirror my computer with it. 

Afterwards, I downloaded the OneDrive for Business to my iPad and Microsoft Surface tablet. 

I still have my old OneDrive account and Dropbox.  At work, we are transitioning to moving all university files over to OneDrive for Business.  Dropbox will be only for personal files.

Microsoft Surface

Well I gave up on the Dell Venue Pro.  Apparently the model that I attempted to use was the problem.  I exchanged it for a Microsoft Surface at the end of last week.  Life is good!  The small screen is good for portability, but it is small. 

I finally learned how to use the pen today!  I "knew" it had to have some added value.  In OneNote, I can write just as I would with paper and pen.  I can also "erase"  using the end of the pen - as well as have the written info converted to text.  I am concerned that it might be easy to lose the pen when only attached at the magnetic point on the side of the tablet.  I'll have to be careful.

Like the Dell, the battery life is fairly short.  It almost lasted the 4 hour meeting this afternoon.  Of course, I have everything "turned on" that uses battery life. 

I am using it as my only computer on the Sloan-C/MERLOT Emerging Technologies in Teaching Conference here in Dallas.  The tablet fits easy in my purse.  The next step is to finish building it and to transfer files from the old laptop.

Dell Venue Woes

The model of Dell Venue Pro I attempted to use for 2 months is flawed.  Notice - I said the MODEL, not all of the product lines.  I worked with Dell Support, DellCares, and University IT support for 2 months.  Dell sent a replacement 2 weeks ago  - many of the same problems persisted - sleep/turn off/would not wake up, touch screen suddenly stop working (corrected by undocking and redocking), USB intermittently not working, etc.  I returned it today to IT :-(  The problems were so significant that I did not take it to the ANIA meeting last week.

IT gave me a Microsoft Surface as a replacement. I finally have a product to replace my OLD Dell 630 laptop.  Have lots of work ahead of me to rebuild this tablet.  I will plan to take this tablet to the MERLOT meeting next week. 

I have so many things to report from the ANIA meeting last week!  It was a fantastic meeting.  Loved the ANIA app for the iPhone.  Like many others, the "goody bag" was not used.  We are more and more digital.

Dell Venue Update

As it turned out, the first Dell Venue tablet I received at the beginning of February was defective.  Dell replaced the tablet and I picked it up on Tuesday.  So far it is working.  It is similar to the iPad, but a has all of the power, software capabilities, and storage of a desktop.  I still do not like the attached keyboard, but hopefully will get an upgrade.  When all of the files from the older model laptop are moved to the Dell Venue, I will turn the laptop back into IT.

I did pick up a rubber tipped stylus to use with it from Best Buy this week.  The screen size is so small, that they stylus helps when making selections.

While it was frustrating to attempt to get the first Dell Venue to work for 4 works, I have to commend DellCares on Twitter.  They constantly reached out to me to resolve the problems.  DellCares was an amazing experience.  Kudos to those who were so supportive as well as the University IT support person - Matt!!

I wanted the new tablet to use as I am finishing up the first round of edits for the 5th edition Informatics and Nursing textbook.  I wanted the ability to take high resolution screenshots.  The replacement came just in time. 

iPad Working with a Smart TV

I wanted to watch some YouTube videos on television this morning.  Our television happens to be a Smart TV, which means it can connect to the Internet.  I selected the YouTube app on the television, and got a pop-up menu indicating that I could use a mobile app remotely to control the television.  That was PERFECT, since it would make data entry simpler.

I got my iPad and followed the information on the television screen to pair it with the iPad.  It was very similar to pairing the iPad with a Bluetooth keyboard or pairing it with another computer.  I was prompted to verify my gmail address, and entered a couple codes to screens and it worked!  The result was amazing.  I wanted to watch some travel videos about Brussels, Bruge, and Amsterdam.  The large high definition television pictures were amazing.

If you have a smart TV and a mobile app and you have not yet paired the devices, try it and enjoy!!

Growth in the Use of Mobile Devices - Pew Research

I monitor Pew Research and Harris Interactive resources to keep up with changes in the use of technology.  Pew Research has a site on the use of mobile devices at http://www.pewinternet.org/data-trend/mobile/device-ownership/

The data is current as of January 2014.  It shows that 90% of adults in America have a cell phone and 58% of those use a smartphone.  The growth in cell phones was higher than desktop or laptop computers.  The number of tablets and ereaders is steadily climbing.  The website has an innovative interactive chart worth reviewing.

Writing for Publication - Considerations Before Sending a Paper to a Journal Editor

Linda shared the article, My Professor Said to Submit my Paper (We Hope They Also Told You This), online at http://ajnoffthecharts.com/2013/02/22/my-professor-said-to-submit-my-paper-they-should-have-also-told-you-this/.  It has outstanding points!  When writing for publication, it should be the initial goal and should address the audience, writing style, and author guidelines of the journal.

I have used journal article simulations in the classes I teach for about 10 years.  Because the papers were written using journal author guidelines and the journal reading audience, several students have had their papers published.  In fact, one student I taught had a paper published a couple of years ago, while she was in the graduate program and one published last month in the Journal of Trauma Nursing a few months after she graduated.

The most recent issue of Nurse Author & Editor Newsletter had a similar article, Let's Talk About Getting Students to Write. You can read the article at http://www.nurseauthoreditor.com/article.asp?id=241 
The newsletter is free but requires you to create a log-in and password.  I highly recommend signing up the the newsletter for all students and faculty who are considering writing for publication in a journal.

Microsoft Word Navigation Pane - a Powerful Overlooked Feature

The Dell Venue II Pro is still not working correctly.  In the meantime, I have returned to using the Dell 630 laptop because I like using Word 2013 Navigation Pane when I am updating the chapters for the 5th edition of the Informatics and Nursing textbook.  The Navigation View appears when you use the Find menu (CTRL + F).  I always use the paragraph style headings.  In the Navigation Pane, I can move entire sections of a chapter around with the Navigation Pane independent of highlighting text within the document. 

To learn more about this powerful feature, go take a few minutes to complete a short tutorial at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/use-the-navigation-pane-to-search-and-move-around-in-your-document-RZ101829243.aspx

Free Microsoft Office Online - New Feature as of February 19, 2014

On February 19, Microsoft Office unveiled an equivalent to Google Drive.  You can read more at http://blogs.office.com/2014/02/19/introducing-office-online/ 

When I went to Office.com, the website recognized that I had two accounts associated with the same email address - the account that I have had for many years and the university account.  The great news about that is that many of the files from my Windows laptop are on one of the two accounts.  I accessed the Office account that I have had for many years using the MacBook Pro laptop.  I noted that I had the basic 7 GB storage space (started with 25 GB at one time), but if I synced my Mac, I would receive an additional 7 GB of storage.

I need to use the online Office resources to experience the limitations.  However, it is fantastic for users to have access to an alternative to Google Drive.  

Dell Venue Tablet - Another Update

I have used the Dell Venue tablet for one week.  I am "taming" it :-).  Tech support said it did not work "out of the box" as it came with outdated drivers.  IT admin indicated that the product might have been pushed out a little too early. 

Anyway, the "cardboard" feel keyboard works best only if resting on a solid surface, such as a table.  Fortunately, since I am testing the product, I have an opportunity to get an upgraded keyboard.

The other quirks apparently related to Microsoft Windows 8.1 and not Dell.  Examples, include that sometimes the tablet will not respond to the attached keyboard - but only to the on-screen keyboard.  The tablet will turn itself off suddenly without notice.

I had written earlier that I was not crazy about Windows 8.  I have changed my  mind - and like it.   It is different. 

Cloud Computing App Changing its Name: SkyDrive's New Name Will be OneDrive

It is challenging to write an update to an informatics book that discusses the latest trends in technology.  For example, I found out today that SkyDrive's name is changing to OneDrive.  The change is the result of a trademark dispute with British Sky Broadcasting. You can read more about the dispute at http://www.pcworld.com/article/2045634/microsoft-to-rename-skydrive-after-losing-trademark-suit.html

This is at the same time that Georgia College is rolling out Office 365 and SkyDrive to faculty, staff, and students.  I worry that the name change will be confusing to some.

You can view the promotion video for OneDrive below.Enjoy!

Dell Venue Update

Am writing from a really old Dell laptop.  Have had the "blue screen of death" for weeks until the new Dell Venue arrived.  The jury is still out on the new Dell tablet.  The "cardboard" flimsy keyboard is difficult.  More later.  

Passwords: Good and Bad

Recently there was a flood of articles about bad passwords, for example, 123456 and password. We are always encouraged to create a strong password.  It may sound daunting, but it is really easy. 

Do not think of a password as only one word.   Instead, think of it as a phrase.  When you write the phrase, substitute characters, such as numbers or symbols for some of the letters.  Use capitalization for some of the letters.  What if you used a password for the phrase "how about time."  There are several ways you might adopt the phrase, including

• H0WAb0utT1me
• h0wab0utym

There is a good article by Microsoft online at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/tips-for-creating-a-strong-password

Problem Fix: Allow PDFs to Display with Safari

I noticed that Safari on the Mac (the main browser I use on the Mac) always blocked opening PDF files.  I read an article by Ted Landau at http://www.macworld.com/article/2088743/bugs-and-fixes-stop-adobe-reader-from-blocking-pdfs-in-safari.htmlr  this morning with the easy fix.  The problem is in the Safari Preferences.  Go to Preferences > Security > and click on Adobe Reader in the left side of the window.  Click always "allow" or your preferences for the setting from the menu on the right. 

Read more and get some screen shots in the article noted above.  Hope this fix helps you.

Ransomware

IT News has a great article at http://www.itnews.com/malware/73087/how-rescue-your-pc-ransomware?source=ITNEWSNLE_nlt_itndaily_2014-01-13  about how to protect your PC from ransomware.  Ransomware encrypts the computer files and demands that the owner pay to get the files unencrypted.  Cryptolocker is the culprit of the "real" ransomware.  The software displays a request for ransom; however, the developers take your money and run. Eric Geier wrote the article.  It is work reading.  He recommends that we read an article that he previously wrote on removing malware - at http://www.pcworld.com/article/243818/how_to_remove_malware_from_your_windows_pc.html?page=0

The article classifies ransomware into three main types: scareware, lock-screen viruses, and the "real thing."
Scareware is the simplest software.  A pop-up message provides a fake message that you have a virus and demands that you pay to have the virus removed.  Lock-screen viruses have a pop-up window that prevents you from using your computer.  According to Geier, it displays a Department of Justice or FBI logo stating that  you have broken the law.  Cryptolocker malware is nasty.  Make sure that you have a virus protector, such as Malwarebytes. working. 

The bottom line is to keep your antivirus and anti-malware software up-to-date.  Configure the software to run a system scan periodically.  If you do get ransomware, contact a computer guru to guide you in the removal process.

iPad Woes and Fixes

Over the holidays, I must have let the battery drain on the iPad.  When I attempted to turn it on, it wouldn't! :-( 

I did everything I knew except to stand on my head (not sure that I could do that anymore anyway). I could not restore it because I had Find My iPad on.  I read that at times the buttons might not respond.  Anyway, to make a long story short - I took it to Joel.  He plugged it into a power sources and clicked the on/off and start buttons at the same time.  The iPad woke up!!

I knew that it had a full charge because I could see then when it was connected to the Mac.  I had attempted to do exactly what Joel did, but not when it was plugged into the outlet - only the Mac.  Perhaps this fix will help someone else.

Yahoo Malware Attack & Skype Twitter Hack

The new year just started and the cyber criminals are diligently working.  This week the Yahoo! advertisement server was hit with malware.  Visitors at Yahoo.com were vulnerable. Users in Great Britain, Romania, and France were affected the most.  Java was exploited to carry out the attack.You can read more at http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/05/tech/yahoo-malware-attack/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 

Innocent visits to reputable sites, such as Yahoo! can have bad outcomes.  The most important way to thwart the problems is to maintain up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software running on your computers. There are versions of antivirus and anti-malware software available for free.  Two examples are AVG and Malwarebytes.

This is the second cyber crime (I am certain that there were more) in the last few days.  On New Years Day, cyber criminals hacked the Skype Twitter account to bash Microsoft.  The Syrian Electronic Army took credit for the hack.  You can read more at http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/1/5264540/skype-twitter-facebook-blog-accounts-hacked