Spammers and Greeting Cards

A recent article in USA Today talked about the new ways that Spammers are using to slip through the most up-to-date email blocks.

Spammers are now using PDF email attachments and electronic greeting cards to get their messages and viruses through. If you have received a greeting card through your email which says "from a family member," you have been attacked. Legitimate greeting cards always give a specific name and email from which the card has been sent. If you have any doubts as to the authenticity of an electronic greeting card, just delete it. Better to be safe than sorry.

Spammers have had to change their methods of attack on email because spam filters have gotten stronger and better. Besides PDF files, spammers are also beginning to use excel and zip files to transmit viruses and annoying junk mail. Remember, if in doubt, delete before opening.

Click here for the entire USA Today article on August 16, 2007.

When Are My Books Due?

Lost your date due receipt and can't remember when your books are due back? Not to worry, just go to the Library's website, navigate to the online catalog page and log on to Your Account Information. You will be prompted to enter you name and library barcode number (the 14-digit number on the back of your card). Once logged on you will be able to review the items you have checked out and see when they are due back. You can also renew books that are due to expire and place items on hold that are not currently on the shelf. If you have any problems you can always contact the information desk at 594-5003.

More Plugs

More and more of our Library users are bringing their own laptops into the Library. We provide wireless access to the Internet from almost every place in the building. Find a comfy chair and put your feet up on a stool and surf away. But then we noticed, and you asked, that you needed a plug. Wireless is great, but most people do not want to run their computers on the batteries. So we have added electrical outlets all along the east side of the Main Library where the windows and the periodicals are. And we rewired the carrels in the back too. So come and plug in!

MyLibraryDV

WHAT IS MYLIBRARYDV?

MyLibraryDV is a unique video-on-demand service created by Recorded Books and available to New Canaan Library registered card-holders. Patrons can access hundred of hours of DVD-quality programming such as cooking, travel, health programs, classic movies as well as local content.

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP TO VIEW MYLIBRARYDV?

• Navigate to the Library's website.
• Click on the MyLibraryDV logo.
• Install the download manager (this is a one-time requirement that takes 2 to 4 minutes).
• Choose your program from the menu.
• Follow the instructions to log on. The download manager remembers you even when you close the connection. You will not have to repeat this step as long as you do not sign out.

WHAT SOFTWARE IS REQUIRED?

• A broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, etc).
• The most recent version of your browser (Firefox and Internet Explorer provide optimal results).
• Microsoft Windows XP with SP2 or Windows 2000 with SP4.
• Flashplayer 9 and Windows Media Player 9 or higher with the most recent security update.
• 1 gigabyte of available hard-drive space.
• 1 GHz processor or greater

MyLibraryDV's software will automatically detect and alert you to any necessary upgrades and will aid in their installation.

CAN I USE A MAC WITH THIS SERVICE?

MyLibraryDV will run on a Mac as long as Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Media Player 9 are installed although most Macs currently do not have the ability to install this software.