UNHCE Information Technology & Distance Education Blog: May 2006 Archives
May 23, 2006
When you select some text and then press the Del key, the text should immediately be removed from your document. If you see a message on the status bar asking if you are sure you want to make the deletion, this
is an artifact of the WordPerfect support built into Word. This tip explains how to get rid of this prompt so you can get on with deleting.
Read the full tip: http://wordtips.VitalNews.com/T0593
When editing a document, it is important to understand that there is a difference between deleting, clearing, and cutting text. This tip explains the differences, and in the process explains how you can accomplish each task in Word.
Read the full tip: http://wordtips.VitalNews.com/T0005
Footnotes are normally formatted using the same number of columns as what you use in the body of your document. If you want them in a differing number of columns, there are only a few things you can try out.
Read the full tip: http://wordtips.VitalNews.com/T1758
Got a problem where you can't view any of the graphics you insert in your document? The solution could be simple, or you could be seeing a symptom of a more complex problem. This tip explains some of the things you can check out.
Read the full tip: http://wordtips.VitalNews.com/T1759
Do you need to rotate a text box by ninety degrees? Unfortunately you cannot do this in Word, but you can change the apparent orientation of a text box by modifying its size. This tip explains the easiest way to make the change.
Read the full tip: http://wordtips.VitalNews.com/T0588
May 16, 2006
CIS has announced their training sessions through August of 2006. Sign up early for CIS classes. Not only are the most popular classes oversubscribed early; CIS cancels classes which are under-enrolled two weeks prior to the class date.
Vendor-based classes are being offered in the following subjects through August of 2006 :
* Access
* Adobe Acrobat
* Dreamweaver (3 levels)
* Excel (3 levels)
* PowerPoint
The following FREE Sessions offered by CIS:
* Computing at UNH: What's New with Windows XP June 22
* Scanning Demonstration for Faculty May 24 and June 28
They also offer free training in Blackboard for those who use it as a teaching tool.
They continue to add to their offerings, so check their site for updates.
To see current offerings and their descriptions, or sign up for a session, use their web site at: http://training.unh.edu
May 12, 2006
The ITDE offices has published a new ITDE User's guide. This guide was developed to address the specific needs of UNHCE staff.
This document provides answers to many "FAQs" regarding technical/computer-related procedures UNH Cooperative Extension staff encounter. It also contains links to other useful resources, such as posting in the ITDE Blog.
This guide was designed to be used as an orientation tool for new employees as well as a serve as a "how to" guide for current staff.
To access this new guide, go to: http://extension.unh.edu/Intranet/NewEmp/ITDEOrnt.pdf
May 1, 2006
Did you know that computer-usage over the past 20+ years has led to a dramatic increase in the number of Occupation-related injuries? According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, data from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) demonstrates that the computer keyboard is now the #1 "tool" which leads to injury!
Keep in mind whenever looking at statistics, that there may be confounding factors. For instance, more people work with keyboards than chain saws, so this should *not* be interpreted as "proving" that chain saws are safer than keyboards! Still, it is an alarming statistic, and warrants a "User beware" attitude. Preventing injury is easier and less-costly than mitigating damage, once it has occurred.
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) are insidious. They develop over time. Most users are unaware of injury until it hits stage 3, yet intervention at stage 2 or prior, is key to a full and speedy recovery. (See: Stages of Injury at: http://extension.unh.edu/blogs/itde/archives/001255.html ) For that reason, prevention is key.
Be sure to stretch and take breaks. This is particularly important for those who spend extended periods of time at their computers.
Click on the expanded form of this article for further information on:
- Breaks
- Stretches, and
- Ergonomic tips for setting up a healthy work environment.
You can "take a break" from the keyboard while still working. Make a phone call, do some filing, make a copy, get a drink from the water cooler. Taking a 5-minute break every two hours can pay off and avoid the development of RSI-related injuries. For further information on taking a break and altering your routine, see: http://extension.unh.edu/blogs/itde/archives/001354.html
Stretching can increase the effectiveness of your breaks. It allows your muscles to be used in different ways, to relax, and to recover from the intensity of a repetitive task. For stretching pointers, see: http://extension.unh.edu/blogs/itde/archives/001355.html and
Don't forget to apply these practices when using a laptop, or in your home office as well. Injury can occur anywhere.
For pointers on setting up your home office to minimize your risk of injury due to poor ergonomics, see other entries in this Blog, such as: http://extension.unh.edu/blogs/itde/archives/001112.html
Relaxing and stretching are part of necessary daily activities. They help to keep your muscles and body from over-stressing, thus lowering your risk of injury.
There is a free Video sample available at: http://www.easydesktopyoga.com/
This sample is a four-minute exercise sequence in Windows Media: The four-minute Office Warm Up video download starts with a stretching exercise for the arms and back. It also opens the lungs to allow for more invigorating oxygen absorption. The next exercise loosens up the wrists, elbows, and shoulders. The third exercise loosens the upper torso, back of the neck, and arms. The final invigorating exercise in the sequence loosens the arms and deepens the breath.
Try it for free. If you want the fuller version, it is available for download at the site, or at: http://extension.unh.edu/cgi-bin/mt/www.2CheckOut.com for $9.95.