The Rise and Fall of Online Empires

CenturyLinkQuote.com put together an infographic illustrating The Rise and Fall of Online Empires such as AOL, AltaVista, MySpace, Facebook, etc. ranging from 1991 to the present.

Click here for website & larger image

How to download eBooks to your Kindle

We've just created a new flyer for our Kindle users! Here's how to download MediaOnDemand eBooks from the library to your kindle wirelessly!

Download the PDF of the guide here

If you have any questions, you can always call us up, or attend one of our eReaders made Easy programs! The next one is Monday, April 30th from 7-8:30pm!

10 Google Search Tricks You Might Not Know About

1. Boolean Search Parameters

To really master the art of Google search, you can follow certain terms and tricks. For instance, rather than simply asking Google a question in the search box, include specific items such as type of file or title name.

2. Public Data

Google has an entire directory of public data, which you can also access to look up trends. Type keywords such as "population" or "unemployment," followed by a state or county.

3. Easter Eggs

Google's developers have a sense of humor -- just type in "do a barrel roll" or "let it snow" to see for yourself. There are a number of other hidden Easter eggs as well. If you use Google Chrome, the Easter eggs will work better.

4. Tracking a Package

If you have the tracking number for a FedEx, UPS or USPS package, type it into the search box and Google will provide you with quick updates on your package's status.

5. Calculator

Need a quick answer to a math problem? Enter the calculation into the search box.

6. Unit Conversions

Wondering how many milliliters are in one cup? Google has a built-in converter for different units of measurement, like height, weight and volume.

You can also do the same for currency conversions.

7. Sports Tracking

If you're on the go, but need a quick check on your favorite sports team, enter the team or league name into the search box.

8. Medication

Find brief summaries and descriptions for most generic and brand name prescription drugs in the U.S. by typing their names into the search box.

9. Flight Schedule

Whether you need to check the status on a U.S. flight or book a trip, there are a couple terms that can help you plan accordingly.

Enter the name of the airline and the flight number to check its status. To see schedules to or from specific locations, type in "flights from" or "flights to" along with the city or airport.

10. Sunrise and Sunset

Wondering when to catch a sunrise or sunset? If you type "sunrise" or "sunset" followed by the name of the city, Google's built-in feature counts down to the next occurrence.

Learn a new Language this Spring!

We've been updating our Programming books this Spring, drop on by and check out a book and learn a new programming language!!

PHP & MySQL: the missing manual
by Brett McLaughlin
[Click here to check in SWAN to see if it's onshelf]

Answers found here! If you can build websites with CSS and JavaScript this book takes you to the next level---creating dynamic, database-driven websites with PHP and MySQL. Learn how to build a database, manage your content, and interact with users through queries and web forms. With step-by-step tutorials, real-world examples, and jargon-free explanations, you'll soon discover the power of server-side programming.

Python Programming for the Absolute  Beginner
by Mike Dawson
[Click here to check in SWAN to see if it's onshelf]

If you are new to programming with Python and are looking for a solid introduction, this is the book for you. Developed by computer science instructors, books in the "for the absolute beginner" series teach the principles of programming through simple game creation. You will acquire the skills that you need for practical Python programming applications and will learn how these skills can be put to use in real-world scenarios. Throughout the chapters, you will find code samples that illustrate concepts presented. At the end of each chapter, you will find a complete game that demonstrates the key ideas in the chapter, a summary of the chapter, and a set of challenges that tests your newfound knowledge. By the time you finish this book, you'll be well versed in Python and be able to apply the basic programming principles you've learned to the next programming language you tackle.

Visual Basic in Easy Steps
by Mike McGrath
[Click here to check in SWAN to see if it's onshelf]

Provides information on using Visual Basic, covering such topics as setting properties, using controls, building an application, scripting, debugging, and creating a database.







Coming Soon in March/April

• C++, The Complete Reference (5th Edition) by Herbert Schildt
• Quick and Easy iPhone Programming by Bintu Harwani
• Beginning Programming with Java for Dummies by Barry Burd
• C++, A Beginners Guide by Herbert Schildt
• Head First C by David Griffiths
• Sam's Teach Yourself Objective-C in 24 Hours by Jesse Feiler

Cool Websites
Not sure which new language you'd like to learn, check out this cool website that lines up common syntax and groups languages! http://hyperpolyglot.org/

Now sure which language to start with? Check out this cool article (with an awesome graph) with the Top 10 Programming Languages!

Let us know -
   What programming language books do you want to see at the library?

10 Amazing Uses for Wolfram Alpha

You may have heard of Wolfram Alpha, which is a
computational knowledge engine.

Apple’s Siri uses Wolfram Alpha for 25% of its searches.

Comparisons

Enter two terms with a vs in between them and you’ll get a comparison.

For example, you could compare websites to see the differences in traffic

between them.

You can compare cities, books, foods and almost anything else
you can think of.

Nutrition Information

Enter a type of food and Wolfram Alpha will provide you with its

nutrition information. You don’t have to stop at one — enter multiple

types of food and Wolfram Alpha will compare them for you.

Complicated Math

Wolfram Alpha is ideal for the sort of math that Google’s calculator and

most other calculator websites will choke on. It even provides graphs.

Where Am I?

Ask where you are and Wolfram will use your IP address to track you down.

You can also enter an IP address into the box and Wolfram will track that IP

address down and tell you where it is.

Days Until Something

Want to know how many days are left until your birthday, favorite holiday

or any other date? Just ask for the days until a certain date.

Generate a Password

Wolfram Alpha can come up with a random password and estimate
how long it will take to crack. You can even tweak the rules used to
generate the password.

Am I Drunk?

Have you been drinking? Wolfram Alpha can estimate whether you
can legally drive home. Ask it if you’re drunk and you’ll get a form
asking for more information.

Provide the information and Wolfram will estimate whether you should drive

home, call a cab or wait. You can even consult the little graph to see when

you’ll be within the legal blood-alcohol limit.

How Common is Your Name?

Enter a name and you can see how common it is, complete with a graph

showing you how popular the name has been over time. Enter multiple

names and Wolfram will compare how common they are.

Body Mass Index

Type body mass index (BMI) and Wolfram will present you with another form.

After you provide your weight and height, Wolfram Alpha will calculate

your BMI and tell you whether you’re within the normal range.

Word Trivia

Want to find words that begin with a certain letter, end with a certain

combination of letters — or both? Just ask Wolfram Alpha in plain English.

This is just scratching the surface of what Wolfram Alpha can do.

Plug in anything you’re curious about and see what happens.

Click Here to Take a Tour