Happy Birthday Firefox!

Where were you on November 9, 2004? If you were surfing the Internet, you most likely were using Microsoft Internet Explorer 6. On that day, Mozilla released its new web browser, called Firefox.

In the past five years Firefox has introduced many people to the concept of tabbed browsing, web browser extensions, and opensource software. Firefox's usage has increased steadily, now accounting for approximately 25% of web browser market share.

To help celebrate, here are some links that discuss Firefox:

After Five Years on the Net, Firefox Preps for Next Round (via Webmonkey)

Images: Firefox Through the Ages (via ZDNet)

Happy Birthday: A Look Back at Five Years of Firefox (via Lifehacker)

So break out the birthday cake, and if you haven't tried Firefox, download it here.

How to Be Polite on Facebook

Reader's Digest published an article in its August issue entitled How to Be Polite on Facebook, the popular Internet social networking website. The article covers topics such as how to politely ignore a friend request and how to delete a regrettable post.

If you are interested in learning more about Facebook, the Troy Public Library is offering Web 2.0: Finding Friends on Facebook on December 1, at 6:30 pm in the Library training room. You can register for the class beginning on November 11 here, or by calling 248.524.3542.

Fun Friday: Halloween Edition

According to CareerBuilder’s Halloween survey conducted among more than 4,000 workers, nearly one-in-five (18%) workers describe their workplace as scary.

Some workers think their workplace is scary because their bosses bear a strong resemblance to famous Halloween characters. When asked which popular characters best reflect their boss’s behavior, workers said the following:

Glenda the Good Witch, liked and respected by all - 20%

The Wolf Man, fine one minute, howling the next - 11%

The Invisible Man, never around - 10%

Casper the Friendly Ghost, eager to help, but often misunderstood - 9%

Dracula, constantly sucking the life right out of you - 6%

Wicked Witch of the West, conniving and sending out minions to do his/her dirty work - 5%

The Mummy, slow-moving and has an ancient thought process - 4%

Grim Reaper, constantly delivers bad news and inspires fear among workers - 3%

Frankenstein, green with envy - 1%

In addition to spooky bosses, when asked what the scariest part of their job was, workers reported the following fear-inducing activities:

Workload - 18%

Performance reviews - 9%

Tight deadlines - 9%

Hours worked - 8%

Their boss or supervisor - 7%

Sitting through meetings - 6%

Hm. I wonder how the Technology Department staff would describe me as a boss. I have my suspicions....

In any case, how about your workplace? Let us know.

And have a Happy Halloween.

Is Your Wi-Fi Connection Safe?

On October 29, the Today Show did a segment on the safety and security of using a wireless connection. The video features several scenarios where unsuspecting people were accessing the Internet using a wireless connection. A computer expert easily "hacked" into their computers, viewing their personal data. The video ends with suggestions for ensuring your security when going wireless. Watch it below.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

See the Moons and Planets at the Troy Public Library

Interested in the moons and the planets?

Drop by the Troy Public Library after dark (about 6:30 pm) on Wednesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 29, and let members of the Ford Amateur Astronomy Club help put your head in the clouds.

Club members will set up telescopes to give you a great view of Earth's moon - now in its first quarter. Viewers should be able to see mountains and craters on the lunar surface. You should also be able to see the giant planet Jupiter -- 465 million miles away -- and a few of its moons.

The telescopes will be on the sidewalk on the east side of the Library, at the north end of the handicapped parking area, right in front of the current construction. There will be minimal interference with pedestrian traffic.

If you have an interest in seeing what else is out there, here's your chance. The early weather forecasts are clear and mild for both evenings -- perfect nights for sky gazing.

Be An Informed Voter this November

The League of Women Voters Troy Area has posted its Voter Guides for the November 3 election in Troy.

The Guide provides non-partisan information about candidates for the offices of Troy City Council and Troy School Board. Each candidate is given an opportunity to provide biographical information and to answer a number of questions on issues important to the office being sought. Responses are included as submitted and have not been edited, except for space.

If you live in a Michigan community other than Troy, check out the League's Voter Guide for your area.

Windows 7 is Here!

Windows 7, Microsoft's latest operating system, is now available. Reviews, such as those from PCMag.com and CNET have been positive, with some saying "Microsoft has an OS in Windows 7 that is simply better than anything Apple offers". Is Windows 7 a great product? Is it for you?

Below are some sites that discuss Windows 7 features and how to upgrade.

• Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows
  Paul Thurrott is a major source for Windows information. Not only does he maintain the SuperSite for Windows, he is the co-host of the Windows Weekly podcast and also writes books about Windows. His site features a 12-part review of Windows 7, extensive articles about specific Windows 7 features, and detailed articles about how to upgrade.

• Lifehacker
  Perennial Tech Desk favorite Lifehacker has collected all of their Windows 7 articles into one post. Of particular interest is their article about Windows 7 underhyped features.

• PCMag.com
  Another excellect source of Windows 7 information, pcmag.com seems to have unveiled their new website design along with the launch of Windows 7. In addition to reviews and hands-on tests, editor Lance Ulanoff describes his upgrade experience.

• Microsoft
  This is obviously an excellent source of Windows 7 information. Not only can you buy Windows 7 here, you can also download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to see if your computer can run Windows 7.
  

If you want to know more, the Troy Public Library now has books about Windows 7. Many of them are on the shelves. But, if you see a title you want and its availability is On-Order or Out, you can place a request and we'll call or email you when you the item is here.

What do you think about Windows 7? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Learn About Polaris, The Library's New Catalog

Interested in learning how to better use Polaris, the Troy Public Library's new catalog?

The Library is now offering one-hour classes to teach you the basics, including how to: find items you want; request titles to be held; renew material; save your reading list; manage your account; use the children's catalog; and access MeLCat, the statewide library system.

The classes are free, open to the public, and held in the Library Training Room. Click on the date for which you want to register, and enter your name, phone, and email address. We'll send you a confirmation:

6:30 pm, Tuesday, October 27
10 am, Wednesday, October 28
3 pm, Thursday, October 29
6:30 pm, Monday, November 2
10 am, Wednesday, November 4
1 pm, Thursday, November 5

Questions? Email Phillip Kwik at kwikp@troymi.gov, or phone 248.619.7577.