You are here

Extension Inbox

October 3, 2014 - Filed Under: Community, Technology

If you have ever searched the Internet to find the perfect restaurant or hotel, you are not alone.

Nearly 90 percent of Americans search online to find out what others are saying before they decide to fork out their hard-earned cash, but only 6 percent of us actually take the time to write an online review. Writing a review can be tedious, but well-written reviews can make a huge difference in your local community and its economy. Often, out-of-town visitors look to those online reviews to determine where to dine and shop while they are in the area.

August 22, 2014 - Filed Under: Community, Technology

Football players across the state are ready to start the 2014 season as practices and scrimmages give way to game days, and faithful followers can get ready for all the action through a variety of websites and apps.

Use a clear glass ornament and a digital photo to create a simple and personal Christmas present that will impress family and friends. (Photo by MSU Ag Communications/Kevin Hudson)
August 1, 2014 - Filed Under: Community, Technology

This time of year, it’s our faces -- not winter snow drifts -- that are glistening in the sunlight, but it’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas. By planning now, you can avoid sweating about gift ideas during the holidays.

If you are even remotely interested in creating personalized presents for family and friends, now is the time to get started. You can finish your list early, check it twice and save a few bucks with some easy-to-create gifts.

July 18, 2014 - Filed Under: Community, Technology

Students headed off to college this fall should check with the departments that offer their majors for computer specifications.

Many universities have strict requirements about the operating system they will support and the hardware required to run programs used in the major. Hardware refers to factors such as hard drive capacity, computer memory and the video graphics card.

July 11, 2014 - Filed Under: Community, Technology

The lazy days of summer are winding down, and shiny new school supplies are greeting us on our weekly grocery runs. When the school bell rings this year, students will need to pack more than just their lunches and new school supplies. They also will need to pack technology.

July 26, 2013 - Filed Under: Technology, Children and Parenting

School-age children are filling up backpacks with pencils and crayons as they prepare for the first day of school, which will be followed closely by homework assignments to complete on home computers. Increased computer usage brings the need for parental supervision and vigilance.

July 3, 2013 - Filed Under: Technology

Technology hurts. Whether you’re banging your head on the desk in frustration or watching money disappear with the purchase of the new, must-have gadget, technology can hurt both physically and mentally.

Like many of you, I spend a great deal of quality time with my mouse and keyboard. During a recent workday, my wrist and forearm began to hurt so badly I had to stop altogether. Most of us know this type of pain as the beginning of carpal tunnel syndrome.

June 20, 2013 - Filed Under: Technology

Summer is in full swing, and the boys of summer are keeping us entertained in ballparks across this great nation. As college baseball winds up in Omaha and Major League Baseball heads toward the All-Star break, fans are turning to technology to enhance their baseball experience.

June 6, 2013 - Filed Under: Technology

Much like personal computers and 2-year-old children, Android smartphones can throw their own versions of temper tantrums. Mine recently slowed to a crawl and became increasingly unresponsive.

Before I decided to send it off to that great e-waste landfill, I made one last attempt to revive its broken spirit. To begin with, I turned it off, waited a few moments, and then turned it back on. While an obvious first step, most of us forget that our phones run constantly.

May 23, 2013 - Filed Under: Technology

Memorial Day is when many Americans take a step back to remember those who died in service to our country. Technology can bring us closer to those brave souls who died on the shores of Normandy or those laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, even if time and distance separate us.

Don’t let lengthy to-do lists or holiday activities such as family picnics and long weekend getaways cause you to forget the reason we observe Memorial Day.

May 9, 2013 - Filed Under: Technology

One of the best things about life today is the way technology allows people to stay connected across long distances.

Recently, a friend was unable to travel to a grandfather’s funeral. Along with other friends and family, we huddled around an iPhone and watched the funeral live using an app called FaceTime. We did it up right with flowers, food and stories galore. It was a unique way to bring family together to celebrate the life of a loved one.

April 25, 2013 - Filed Under: Technology

Recent national tragedies have reminded us once again how important it is to stay in touch with loved ones and emergency response officials for breaking news. Being technology-ready before disaster strikes is critical to saving lives, connecting friends and family, and assisting first responders.

April 11, 2013 - Filed Under: Technology

Alternative arrangements are needed before a death or other circumstances interfere with access to online accounts.

Typically, one person in the household takes responsibility for paying the bills online or managing the online banking account. However, if something happens to that person, the whole family’s finances can be in jeopardy.

March 28, 2013 - Filed Under: Technology

With spring just around the corner, many of us are contemplating when it will be warm enough to go fishing. But be aware that a dangerous form of bait lurks on the Internet waiting to hook you. This type of fishing is known as phishing, and the Internal Revenue Service reports that fraudulent phishing attacks are at an all-time high this year.

March 14, 2013 - Filed Under: Technology, Lawn and Garden

Daffodils are giving their last burst of color while the Bradford pear trees are blooming, signaling we have survived another winter. This time of year makes me do crazy things like host a tea party in my backyard for 15 preschool friends and their families, which means I have a lot of landscape work to do.

February 28, 2013 - Filed Under: Technology

Backing up computer data is not only a smart move; it can save the files, time and money in the long run.

I cannot count the number of times computer users have said to me, “I know I saved it, but I can’t find it anywhere on my computer. It just vanished.” While there is a small chance that your computer is evil and out to get you, the more likely scenario is that you saved the file incorrectly.

February 14, 2013 - Filed Under: Technology

Mississippi is going "app" when it comes to attracting tourists to our state's historical and cultural treasures.

Many Mississippians are choosing to stay close to home and explore, while others from outside the state are choosing to visit for our natural resources and literary heritage, as well as to discover the birthplace of America’s music. It is easy in the hustle and bustle to forget the hidden gems just up the road from us.

January 31, 2013 - Filed Under: Technology

Obsessive-compulsives are not the only ones who should note that the second Monday in February is National Clean Out Your Computer Day. Cleaning a computer is a great way to speed up the computer, find files more quickly and prevent pesky viruses and spyware from taking control of the hard drive.

January 18, 2013 - Filed Under: Technology

Technology has integrated itself so far into our daily lives that it is even making its way down the aisles at weddings. The concept may be a little difficult to embrace, but there are some aspects that may appeal even to traditionalists like me.

If family members insist on inviting the black sheep or other unwanted guests, couples can invite them to Skype into the wedding ceremony. Skype also can solve transportation challenges. I’ve heard of a bridesmaid who couldn’t make it to the wedding so Skype enabled a groomsman to carry her down the aisle on an iPad.

December 20, 2012 - Filed Under: Technology

Many children are on the move this Christmas season as they go over the river and through the woods to distant relatives’ houses. Travel can be very distressing for little ones who worry Santa might not be able to find them on Christmas morning. Fortunately, Santa has gone mobile with numerous Smartphone apps to help children and their parents stay in contact with the jolly old elf while on the move.

Pages

Extension Inbox Archive