| FCS Technology Times |
| Technology Tips, Tricks, and Tidbits |
The following are two links to videos I have created on how to convert a file to PDF format using Primo PDF. The first is the newer version found in some of our labs, the second is the older version found on many of the HP workstations throughout the district. I have also added a link to the text document found in the video for future reference.
Hi All,
Diane Zoellmer has created some video tutorials for the new blog system. If you have a question about how to do something, odds are, it’s right here. I also will be posting various videos as well.
Enjoy…
The following video tutorial will show you how to add a .pdf file to your blog post as an attachment in the new system.
Photo Gadget Picture Resizer is a free program you can use to reduce the file size of a picture without harming the quality. This program is currently on all workstations in the district. You can view the video tutorial by clicking the link or download the program for home use by clicking that link.
The program is very user friendly, but two tips to keep in mind:
1. Make sure the box that reads “Overwrite Original Picture” is NOT checked so you can keep the original file as is.
2. Make sure the box that reads “Keep Aspect Ratio” IS checked so it looks the same as the original.
Those are default settings and should be set already, but this is just a “Heads-Up”
Well, if you were expecting food, you came to the wrong post…but if you are hungry to hear about the best online photo editing tool, you’ve come to the right place!
Picnik.com is a new website that allows you to edit any picture you care to upload. It is VERY user friendly, so much so, that I’m not even going to give you a “How-To” handout, the site does it for me. The best thing? You don’t have to download any software and it easily interfaces with picasa web albums, myspace (There is even a plug-in for that), facebook, flikr and many other sites. It’s well worth the test drive.
One caution though, if you are using dial up, it can be painfully slow since it’s all done on line. However, if you have a broadband connection, you will be amazed!
Are you having a ton of spam comments being posted to your blog? I have installed a new plug-in that I hope will help combat this issue. In order for it to work, you need complete the three step process below:
Step One: Get a Wordpress.com API Key
You will have to register for a username at Wordpress.com to get an API Key. (Click Here to access the site.)
Click the “Sign Up Now” button.
Fill out the “User Name, Password, Confirm, and E-Mail” boxes. (Use your school e-mail addresss)
Check the “I Agree” box.
Select the choice that says “Just a User Name Please”.
An Email with your API Key will be sent to your Groupwise account.
Step Two: Enable the Akismet Plugin
Log in to your blog.
Click the plugins link on the menu bar.
Click the link that says “Activate” to the right of the Akismet box.
Step Three: Enter your API Key
Open the e-mail from Wordpress.com.
Copy your API key by highlighting the whole thing and choosing [Ctrl]+[C].
Click the “Plugins” link on the menu bar, then select the “Askimet Configuration” tab.
Paste the API key in the box provided by clicking [Ctrl]+[V].
Click the “Update Options” button.
You are all set to start to combat “Comment Spam”.
Read the Combating “Comment Spam” Part II to learn how to use this plug-in
Now that you have Askimet installed here are a few pointers about using it:
You will notice that when you click the “Comment” menu item, you now have three choices:
Items it thinks are spam will automatically be sent to the Askimet Spam folder, you do need to check that once in awhile to make sure items that aren’t spam didn’t get sent there. If that’s the case, you can click the box that says “Not Spam” it will then remove it from the spam folder. This process also helps it “Learn” what is and isn’t spam.
This isn’t a foolproof method, but hopefully will help keep spammed comments off your blog.
If you would like to download Audacity at home, this link will bring you to the Audacity Download page. Audacity for Windows. Remember, if you want to export your file as an mp3, you will also need the Lame mp3 encoder, you can get that Here
After the Lame mp3 encoder is downloaded, you will want to copy and paste the lame_enc.dll file into your Audacity folder. The first time you use audacity and want to export as an mp3, it will ask you to browse to the location. You can then browse to your Audacity folder and click on the lame-enc.dll file. You only need to do this the first time, after that it will know where to go.
If you have questions, please e-mail or post a comment.
Media Fire is a great new site if you have files that are too big to e-mail, or if you just need some space to share files. You can use this site to upload files for sharing, or for personal use. Best part? It’s Free! You can create an account if you want, but it’s not necessary. Here is an example of how you could share a file. I have created a .wmv version of “Did You Know?” an interesting video by Karl Fisch – The Fisch Bowl
Click here to see how it works: Did You Know?
