When sending the URL of a web site in an e-mail message, it's good Netiquette to add the http:// prefix to the URL. This will guarantee that most everyone who receives your message will be able to simply click on the blue hyperlinked URL, which will open the web site in the user's browser.

If you don't add the http:// prefix, many of those who receive your message will have to "cut & paste" the URL into their web browser, instead of simply clicking on the embedded link.

Here's what it looks like to a Netscape Communicator user:

Have you ever printed a web page and then needed to go back to the online version of the page, but find the URL didn't show up on the printout? To save yourself this problem in the future, all you need to do is set a few preferences in Netscape:

1. Open Netscape Communicator 4.x
2. On the Netscape Menu Bar click File
   
3. In the Netscape File menu, click on Page Setup
   
4. This will open a Page Setup window. If there isn't a checkmark next to Document title and Document location (URL) click once in the box next to each.
While you're here in Page Setup, you may as well add checkmarks next to other settings, like Last Page First, items in the footer of a printout, etc.


5. When you're done setting these preferences, click the OK button.

The next time you print out a web page, you'll be able to go back to the live version of the document (unless of course it's gone 404.)

Since many library staff members are taking advantage of the Microsoft Office classes sponsored by Winnefox Library System, finding out more about the Windows Microsoft Office Shortcut Bar would be a Good Thing.

The Office Shortcut Bar gives a single-click shortcut to programs and software you use most often. For example, just click on the icon for Microsoft Word, and the program will start up.

You can drag the Office Shortcut Bar to any location on the desktop by clicking on the blank area below the tiny Windows logo on the Shortcut Bar, and holding down the mouse button until the Bar is where you want it (docked to one edge of your screen or floating on the desktop). If you drag it to the side of your PC's desktop, you can turn it into a vertical bar like this:

Or you can click on the tiny Windows logo to bring up the menu and choose Auto Hide on the Office Shortcut Bar menu.

You can customize the Office Shortcut Bar by clicking on the tiny Windows logo , then clicking Customize on the menu.

For example, click the Button tab to add buttons for programs you use often, and remove buttons for programs you never use at all:

You can also add your own toolbars and buttons -- to add frequently used files and programs as toolbar buttons, drag them onto the Office Shortcut Bar from Windows Explorer or My Computer.

Are you already way too familiar with the GPFH? Here's an article from Today's Librarian that offers good tips to help GPFH's find happiness at your library.

is Peach Melba Trifle from Carol Cate, (departing) director of Poy Sippi Public Library.

This issue of The Ides was written on June 15, 2001
Copyright 2001, Winnefox Library System

The Ides is written by Joy Schwarz.
Please direct any questions, comments or recipes to schwarz@winnefox.org

URL: http://www.winnefox.org/ides/archive.html