Where was that file? (Searching the F Drive)

Do you know how to find a file on the F Drive if you can't remember or don't know where it's saved?  Try this:

• Windows logo key + F OR go to Start button-->Search-->For Files or Folders to open the search screen.

• 
  
  Change the drive to search to the F drive.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Put all or part of the file name in the search box.  Best to try only one keyword, as it will only add results if you add keywords.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Click Search Now:
  
  
  

 

• You might want to sort by Modified date to see the most recently modified if it was something that's been updated recently.  This particularly helps when there are a lot of files with similar names that may be older versions of the one you want.

Still can't find your file?  You can try searching by words contained within the file by putting search terms in the second field where it says "Containing text" (instead of the first field).  Keep in mind that this may take quite a while to search the whole F drive within each file:

A final tip:  You can use search options in your search (below the search fields - use the check box to expand).   For example, you can limit your search to only Word documents or another file type.  This is particularly helpful when you have to search for a word that's fairly common in file names. 

This is a good reason to name your files appropriately. 

More info about finding your files here:  http://wvls.lib.wi.us/Directories/computer_tips/windows.html

Using the Mesa Library catalog

Have you given up on being able to do a search in the Mesa Library catalog from our library?  Try using Firefox instead of Internet Explorer; it seems to work.  It's the icon in the Quick Launch bar that looks like this:

I thought it was an issue of our blocking the port they're using, but it doesn't make sense to me why this would work.  Maybe Dan will see this and comment. . . ?  :-) 

"Find Articles, Do Research" brochures

Michelle and I updated the gray brochure that explains remote access to databases .  I think I got rid of the old ones, but as you come across them, please flip it over and see what the revision date is.  If it's "Rev 12/09," that's the current one.  Not all databases are listed, just the major ones.  If you find that you are regularly recommending a database that isn't listed, please let me know and I'll probably add it. 
Thanks!

GED prep in Spanish @ MCC

Added this to the bottom of the Adult Ed page under Adult Ed & English Classes in the East Valley: 

Mesa Community College Spanish GED program/GED en Español
Raquel Leyva, Department Chair 480 - 461-6106 raquel.leyva@mcmail.maricopa.edu
145 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201(Downtown campus)
Fee Based
Open to legal residents

More info:  http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/dept2/spanishged/

Windows shortcuts

I feel like I'm forever trying to locate 'My Computer.'  Finally figured out that there's a shortcut for that:

Windows logo Key+E will open 'My Computer'.

Here are other keyboard shortcuts, many of which you'll already know, but you may be surprised at how quick and easy it is to do things that you sometimes flounder around to do.  (Windows logo+M, anyone?  A personal fave of mine - it minimizes all your open windows, so you can see the desktop quickly.)

Try Keyboard shortcuts for Windows  or List of the keyboard shortcuts that are available in Windows XP (We'll be getting XP soon.)

Adult Ed webpage updates

• Added the January through May GED testing dates to the Adult Ed page. 

Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday, March 20, 2010, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 17, 2010, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 22, 2010, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Also added info about Winter Break and Spring Break 2010 dates, which only affects Talk Time and English Tutoring Small Groups:

Winter break December 18 through January 3. (Groups will resume starting January 4.)

Spring break 2010 March 13 through March 28.  (Groups will resume starting March 29.)

Finding a person by address or phone

Just a reminder of a variety of ways to find someone by their address:

ReferenceUSA (link on Information Databases page, among others) Search by address or phone.  This one is not always the best at reverse lookups, in my experience.

Superpages' reverse lookup Search by address or phone.

Cole Directory (print version behind reference desk) Search by address or phone.

Maricopa County Assessor for finding the owner of a property/house.  Doesn't list phone number.

There are some more directories on the Internet Resources/Phonebooks page.  While you're at it, check out the cool site Gethuman, suggested by Joe Schallan.  Who knew? 

Unfortunately, you won't find people in any phone directory if they're unlisted. . . .
Please comment if you have any other places you use regularly that work for you.

Google Toolbar at the desk

Thanks to Paul for installing the Google Toolbar at the adult desk.  It will be on the youth computers soon as well.  You can do a search from the toolbar instead of going to the Google site and then doing your search.  (See pic at right for where to look if you haven't noticed it.)

Marriage Licenses

Per Ted/Lynne, added links to info about marriage licenses in Maricopa County to the Internet Resources/Chandler page:  http://chandlerlibrary.org/internet/chandler.htm

FYI, when the City Clerk's office stops processing marriage licenses Jan 1, 2010, the nearest place will be the Southest Court Complex in Mesa (although it sounds like Chandler Municipal Court may start offering this service soon - will update info then):

Southeast Court Complex
222 E. Javelina, Mesa, Arizona 85210
Hours: 8am - 5pm / Mon. - Fri.
Passport Services: 8 am - 4 pm / Mon. - Fri.
602.506.3360