Librarian Phil's Tech Tips
August 15th
How To Improve Your Computer Experience

It is no secret that I love computers and spend a lot of time using them, because of this I always buy a nice mouse and keyboard before I upgrade anything else.  The mouse and keyboard are the parts of the computer you touch the most, and while getting better ones will not increase the computer's performance, it will increase your happiness.  It is very easy to get a mouse and keyboard combo for about $20, which works perfectly fine, but for just a couple dollars more you can have a much more enjoyable experience.
 
Getting a better mouse will not only feel better in your hand, but more expensive mice have better sensors which will make movements feel smoother and may even make it easier for you to click on small items.  At work I use a Logitec ergonomic mouse (I use an older model they no longer make) which makes it much more comfortable to use over my 8 hour days.  At home I prefer a lighter mouse for gaming, so I use a Steel Series Rival.  Neither are prohibitively expensive and make the multiple hour sessions of using them much nicer.
 
For keyboards, I personally prefer mechanical ones.  Mechanical keyboards remind me of the old Apple II computers I grew up using at school, leading to a nostalgic, clicky, and fun experience.  At work I like to use a low profile keyboard, because it causes less fatigue after hours of typing and is much quieter than a mechanical keyboard leading to happier coworkers.
 
In conclusion many of us spend hours at our computers and having something comfortable is always worth the extra money in my opinion.  While your tastes are surely different from my own I recommend going to Microcenter, or a similar store that has floor models to try, and treat yourself to something more comfortable, fun, etc.
 
Help Keep Track Of Your Kids

If you haven't heard of Air Tags yet they are an Apple Product that allows you to track where it is.  Most people attach it to their keys, or any other item they may lose.  To utilize these to track your children Sketchers has made a shoe that has a hidden compartment that fits an Air Tag, so you can track where they are; provided they keep their shoes on.  If you are an Android user there are alternatives like Chipolo that are about the same size and should fit in the shoe.
 
 
Until Next Time,
Librarian Phil Schneider
pschneider@gailborden.info
847-608-5226
Gail Borden Public Library District

Main Library - 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 - 847-742-2411
Rakow Branch - 2751 W. Bowes Rd., Elgin, IL 60124 - 847-531-7271
South Elgin Branch - 127 S. Mclean Blvd., South Elgin, IL 60177 - 847-931-2090
http://www.gailborden.info/
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