Presentation for a workshop held on Nov 13/09 at Darien Library in Darien CT.

1. More MoreMore 2.0 Craigslist, Skype, Pandora and Alice.com

2. So much internet, so little time There are hundreds, millions, maybe billions of web 2.0 sites out there. This is a short introduction to a few that you might find fun or useful. This handout gives you a beginning, but don’t be afraid to jump in. Come to the Power Library any time to try them out. The helpdesk staff is happy to give you pointers.

3. General Tips When you try out a new web 2.0 site, immediately write down: the web address your username your password Write everything exactly as you typed it (case sensitive, spaces, punctuation). www.alice.com Username: hmartyn@darienlibrary.org Password: testtest1

4. Craigslist Online classifieds.

5. Craigslist (craigslist.com) Online worldwide classified ads. Has a section for Fairfield County. Post ads without revealing personal information. Reply to ads. Housing Sale (goods) Services Jobs Community Personals Discussion forum Gigs Resume What it is: What you can buy/sell/do:

9. This is what the classifieds look like. Click on any heading to see ads in that category.

10. Craigslist A Note About Content: All sections of craigslist are not created equal. Certain sections are more prone to scams, for example the housing area. Certain sections are more prone to indiscreet behavior and language, for example the personals and discussion areas. Craigslist has Adults Only areas (personals). These areas tend to have explicit language and images. You may also come across explicit content in the gigs and services sections.

12. a price,

13. an accurate location and

15. Craigslist Ads are easy, free and viewed by many people. Make sure to post accurate and clear information. Craigslist will assign you an anonymous email address that will forward any messages to your personal email. Photos and accurate locations will increase the chance your ad will be read. Posting an Ad:

16. To post an Ad, click post.

17. Every category has a set of options for posting. These are the options in Lost & Found.

19. I put my real email, clicked “anonymize,” which will hide my real email from the responders. Think about this box. Do you want your ad to appear on other websites?

20. Some posts are better with pictures. Click browse and select a picture from your files. When it is uploaded, you will see a green circle.

21. This is what the ad will look like.

22. Craigslist Use your judgment, both about your personal safety and about avoiding scams. Post personal info in an ad: (full name, email address, home address, telephone number, financial info etc.) Reply to an ad by giving your personal info (within reason.) Do: Don’t:

23. Craigslist You can delete an ad you have placed. If you delete an ad, you may not be able to put it back up for a few days. Try craigslist for buying, selling or giving things away. Be aware of risks. Advanced Tips: Conclusion:

24. Alice.com Shopping by mail

25. Alice.com (alice.com) A shopping & coupon website. Designed to get you great deals on dry goods products like: Toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper. Granola bars & cereal. Office supplies. Ships to your home by mail. Create shopping lists. Browse deals. Get reminders when it’s time to reorder. Save time. Social networking: Chat Share photos Review products Make friends Free shipping! What is it? What can you do?

32. Alice.com You can start shopping. You can prepare lists and budgets. You can set up a profile for social networking. Once your account is set up:

33. This is main page of your account.

34. Do you really want constant emails from Alice.com? -Click on the Settings tab. -Deselect both boxes to prevent emails.

35. Referring friends can earn you discounts on your orders.

36. To start shopping, click “My Products” Then click on a “duck”

37. You can also delete the “duck” if it’s a product you never use, or don’t want to buy from alice.com

39. Get more information by clicking on the photo.

44. The “Advanced Planning” tab organizes your reminders. Soon, you will be able to set Alice to automatically ship you items at certain intervals.

45. You can also choose products by room, using the “Shop by Room” tab.

46. Or shop for products by other categories.

47. Click the checkout icon when you’re ready to buy.

50. Alice.com Setting up a profile lets you use the social powers of alice.com It’s under the Neighborhood tab. Add friends, chat with Alice.com users Share photos. Track deals. Alice’s social networking features are less developed than facebook or twitter. Expect improvements and upgrades. Social Networking

51. Social Networking on Alice. Set up a profile, chat with other users, share photos etc.

52. How to find friends: click the Profiles tab under Neighborhood and then search.

53. Alice.com Warnings! To shop on Alice.com shipping is always free but there must be a minimum of 6 items in your cart. Note coupon expiry dates and order accordingly. Conclusions: Alice is a fun and convenient way to shop. Look for even more advanced social networking features in the future.

54. Pandora Customized radio online.

55. Pandora An online personalized radio station generator. Uses analysis of music to choose songs and artists like those you select as favorites. Over time, it learns your taste and makes accurate suggestions of new music. Free with some advertizing. Paid subscriptions with no advertizing. Create up to 100 personalized stations. Connect with friends Try pre-created stations. Bookmark songs Get apps for your smartphone to use Pandora on-the-go. What is Pandora? What can it do?

58. Zip: Use a US zip code (Pandora is not available outside the US)

59. Gender: This is pure marketing use.You do not want recommendations and tips (spam), de-select that box.

62. Songs just played Current song. Rate the current song “Like” or “Don’t Like” to improve the system’s knowledge of your taste.

64. Play/Pause

66. I created a new station, but the old Johnny Cash station is still there next time I’m in the mood. By selecting “Menu” below the current song, you can ask the station to lay off a song that’s overplayed, see why a song was selected for you, or bookmark a song.

68. Add friends

73. This screen is asking if you want to send generic emails to your friends who are not already Pandora members.

75. Clicking the “About This Music” icon gives you more information about the current song and artist.

77. Pandora Pandora One (Subscription Pandora) No advertizing. Has higher audio quality. Unlimited listening (free service is limited to 40hrs/month). Download a player instead of using it in a browser window (still need internet connectivity) Customized look (skins). Play for 5hrs without timeout. $36/year.

78. Pandora Really fun way to listen to music on your computer. Not as many privacy concerns as some web 2.0 sites. Easy to use, no downloading necessary. Conclusions:

79. Skype Video and voice chat online.

80. Skype (skype.com) What is it and what do you need? Voice and video calling over the internet. You need a mike (for voice) and a webcam (for video.) You’ll need to download a program. What can you do? Talk to skype-using friends and family around the world for free. Free video calling between skype users. For a fee, you can use Skype to call landline phones and cell-phones.

81. Skype Most new laptops have built-in mike and webcam. Most desktop computers and monitors don’t have built-in webcam and mike. If your computer doesn’t have one, you can buy them at any electronics store. Most webcams have a built-in mike. They usually cost between $40-$150. Microphone and Webcam

82. Skype Go to skype.com Choose the “download” tab. Click “download now” If it does not start immediately, check for a popup blocker. (click on it, choose “download file…” A window should appear. Click “run” A windows warning may appear. Click “run” Follow the installer instructions. Installing the Program:

86. Note! If you have a popup blocker, you may see this yellow bar. Click on it and choose “download file…”

89. Click “Continue installing Skype.”Just like signing up for an email account.

90. Write all this info down, so you don’t forget your Skype Name or password. Special offers = junk emails. Here’s where you agree to the terms.

96. Skype PRIVACY: How to Skype is full of 1) Spammers and 2)Strangers who want to make friends. Go to the Skype menu. Choose “privacy” Choose “Only allow people in my contact list to contact me.” PRIVACY: It’s ok to meet friends online, but always safeguard your personal information.

97. The “Directory” tab lets you search for friends or phone numbers, or import your email contacts.

98. Skype You can pay-as-you-go or pay monthly to use Skype to call landline phones and cell phones. You can use a membership to lower your long-distance call rates, even calling landline or cell phones from your computer. You can get favorable long distance rates calling from your cell phone to landline or cell phones (this is a pay-as-you-go service). Paid Memberships and Skype Credits

99. The “Shop” tab allows you to upgrade to a paid membership, or buy credits.

100. If you have a membership, or credits, you will be able to call landline or cell phones using the “Call Phones” tab.

101. Skype Conclusions: Skype is useful and can be fun and cost effective. Once the program is installed on your computer, it is easy to use. You may need to ask friends and family to join.

102. Final Thoughts

103. Web 2.0 sites can be confusing and that can be frustrating. Don’t be shy: Ask for help, anytime, at the Power Library helpdesk.