Extension Inbox from 2014

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.