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Outside the Stacks: A Citrus Libraries Blog

Technology

What Should My Password Be

What Should My Password Be?

We’ve all been there: you’re signing up for another account on another website, and you’re asked to create a password. Easy, you think, and you type in “password.” The website rejects this: it’s not strong enough! Never fear, though—you have a backup password for situations like these. You type in...

Game On An Intro to Mobile Games

Game On: An Intro to Mobile Games

Most of us could agree that smartphones are more of a necessity than a luxury these days, but all work and no play would make anyone a dull boy! Among the seemingly infinite number of life-improving, useful apps is a vast selection of mobile games—games designed to be played on...

Golfing Gadgets

Golfing Gadgets

I think we can all admit that one of Citrus County’s favorite past times is a good round of Sunday golf. However, golf probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the wide world of gadgetry. But for those of you looking to level up...

Combating Misinformation Online

Combating Misinformation Online

As we journey further into 2024, important events loom on the horizon - tax season, elections, and more. With each topical event comes misinformation campaigns. Misinformation is the deliberate act of providing misleading or inaccurate information. Social media platforms are fraught with misinformation, but these errors are not limited to...

Cell Phone Savvy Seniors

Finding the right cell phone can be difficult, even for those that grew up with them. You have to take into consideration not only the make and model of the phone, but it’s miscellaneous features, extras, and perks awarded to you by a plan provider. The possibilities are endless, and...

Libby – the Free Library App

Libby – the Free Library App

There are not many things in our world that are truly free any longer. We often encounter fine print disclaimers, alluring promises with subliminal stipulations and catches that will frustrate any consumer, however, what if I told you that among the many free services and programs that your Citrus County...

Take Back Dinner Time. Article Written by: Colette Griffith Instruction & Research Librarian, Central Ridge Branch

Take Back Dinner Time

For those on the go, or those that just want more time to themselves, the thought of planning and cooking dinner can quickly become overwhelming. The concern of keeping dinner interesting and healthy can quickly make eating out seem like the best option for you or your family. It’d definitely...

Understanding Antivirus Software

Understanding Antivirus Software

When buying a computer, it’s easy to get caught up in thinking about memory space, screen size, accessories, and other needed software. One important piece of the puzzle that’s often forgotten about is your antivirus software. While most new computers will come with some protection and a free trial of...

Language Learning Apps

Language Learning Apps

Konnichiwa, hola, and bonjour! Learning a new language is a constructive way to keep your brain sharp and expand your horizons, and smartphone apps have made it easier and more accessible than ever.

Digitally Preparing for Natural Disasters

Digitally Preparing for Natural Disasters

Hurricane season (June 1st – November 30th) is right around the corner. As we prepare for potential high winds, heavy rain, storm surge and flooding, let’s take a look at how technology can help keep us informed and up-to-date in the case of an emergency.

How “Smart” is Your TV?

What You Need to Know + Some Helpful Hints

Looking for something to watch? With Smart TV’s and streaming services, options are no longer limited to cable or the local video store. Let’s start by talking about what makes a TV “smart.” Smart TV’s are able to connect to...

iPhone Vs Android

iPhone Vs Android

Since 2008, there have been two main types of smartphones to choose from: The Apple iPhone that uses the iOS operating system, and smartphones manufactured by other major companies that use the Android operating system. The debate over which is better, iPhone or Android, can get rather heated.

Browser Basics

Browser Basics

If you’ve ever done a search on the internet, you’ve used something called a browser. Depending on how many types of devices you own, you may be familiar with several different browsers. Some of the most popular include Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. These browsers can do a...

Social Media for Books: Goodreads and Beyond

Social Media for Books: Goodreads and Beyond

Social Media for Books

One of the best things about finishing a book is talking about it with our friends, family, or book club. Whether it be to gush over favorite lines or to hear someone else’s perspective on a plot point, the input of others can shape our reading experience....

envelope on an orange background with a round red 1 notification at the corner

Oh No! I Can’t Get in to My Email!

It can be frustrating when you use an unfamiliar computer or smart device to sign in to your email account. However, sometimes you need to. Maybe you need to print something out and you don’t have a printer in your home. An employer or agency has sent you documentation to...

Grey clouds behind a yellow sign with a hurricane symbol and the words "hurricane season"

Prepare Digitally for a Natural Disaster

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a hurricane is a type of storm called a tropical cyclone, which forms over tropical or subtropical waters. Tropical cyclones that have a maximum sustained surface wind of less than 39 miles per hour are called tropical depressions. Once those sustained...

Smartphone with unknown caller on screen, understanding robocalls

Robocalls

Spam or robocalls as they are often known are automated telephone calls that deliver a recorded message are on the rise. The FCC states that they receive over 200,000 complaints a year specific to unwanted phone calls and that approximately 2.4 billion robocalls are made each month. These calls are...

A smartphone showing apps that can make a smart home

What Makes a Smart Home So Smart?

From Smartphones to Smart Televisions to now Smart Homes all of our devices seem to be getting “smarter.”  But at the same time most of us are left behind scratching our heads about what all that actually means. When someone says that they have a “smart home” they are basically saying...