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I have been using a dual monitor setup in my office for a long time.  I cant imagine working without it.  I have the ability to put webpages on one screen and email on the other.  Pull up reference material and Microsoft Office Word on the other.  Keep in touch with friends while watching a video.  All of these are possible with dual monitors.  This article explains how you can set up a dual monitor system. 

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/organization/twomonitors.aspx

If you need help or more information, please contact me.

Epson Delivers an Innovative and Cost-Effective Solution to
Make Any Projector Interactive
 
Innovative Module Brings Interactivity to Existing Projectors for Use on Virtually Any Surface
 
DENVER (ISTE, Booth 1846) – June 28, 2010 – Epson America today announced its first solution for bringing interactivity to any projector– the IU-01 interactive module. This innovative, cost-effective classroom tool connects directly to a Windows or Mac computer via USB and provides an easy solution for integrating interactive capabilities with any new or existing projector while eliminating the need to purchase and install dedicated interactive whiteboards (IWB).
To maximize classroom space, the IU-01 can be used on any existing whiteboard, wall or other smooth, light-colored, hard surface. It provides up to 96-inches diagonal (WXGA) and 102-inches diagonal (XGA) of useable interactive area, and delivers educators with virtually unlimited classroom flexibility. The module comes with two interactive pens, wall mount hardware for easy installation, and TeamBoard Draw annotation software to create, capture and share lessons.
“Interactivity is a must-have in today’s 21st century classroom; however, interactive whiteboard costs can be prohibitive.” said Sara Kim, associate product manager, Epson Projection, Epson America. “With the IU-01, school administrators can easily and affordably turn any new or existing projector into an interactive projector, helping to equip more classrooms with interactivity than would otherwise be possible with the same school funds.”
More about the IU-01 Interactive Module
This new interactive module offers many great features to make it easy to use in any classroom, including:
-       Big & Flexible Interactive Area: Allows teachers to select the size to match the available space, providing an active area up to 96-inches diagonal (WXGA) and 102-inches diagonal (XGA)
-       Practical: Maximizes the value of classroom real estate by projecting on pre-installed standard whiteboards or plain walls
-       Affordable: Works with existing or new projectors, eliminating the need for a dedicated interactive whiteboard
-       Easy Installation: Mounts to a wall in a few simple steps and includes both single and double stud wall plates to accommodate building requirements
-       Interactive Tools: Includes TeamBoard Draw annotation software to create, capture, and share lessons, two interactive pens with rechargeable batteries and charger, and optional RM Easiteach curriculum software
In addition, Epson offers the Brighter Futures® program, a unique sales and support initiative that is available specifically for schools. Designed to help educators select and implement the best products for their classrooms while making the most of their budgets, Brighter Futures offers special pricing, extended Epson limited warranty coverage for three years, dedicated education account managers, and toll-free technical support for Epson products.
Availability and Support
The Epson IU-01 Interactive Module will be available in October 2010 for $599* through national resellers, pro audio/visual dealers, mail order, and distribution. The module comes with a two-year limited warranty (three years for Brighter Futures customers) that includes two elite technical support services – two-year Epson PrivateLine® phone support where owners can directly access an expedited support telephone line by using a phone card that is included with the product, and a two-year Road Service product replacement program that includes product exchange in two business days. For additional information, visit www.epson.com.
About Epson America, Inc.
Epson America, Inc. is a leading provider of an extensive range of printers, 3LCD projectors, scanners and point-of-service printers that are renowned for their high quality, functionality, innovation and energy efficiency. Epson America is a U.S. affiliate of Seiko Epson Corporation, which employs more than 70,000 people in 106 countries around the world. Seiko Epson is committed to its ongoing contributions to the global environment and for the second year in a row has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, an indicator for leading companies in economic, environmental and social criteria. To learn more about Epson America, please visit: www.Epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EpsonAmerica), Twitter (http://twitter.com/EpsonAmerica) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/EpsonTV).

Repost from HP’s Technology at Work newsletter.  Subscribe here: http://www.hp.com/united-states/subscribe/gateway/

Thanks to loyal HP customers, HP is celebrating 25 years of continuous innovation and reliable, professional quality printing. The typical office has evolved a lot since 1984, and so has the HP product line. The chart below reveals the productivity, budget and environmental benefits that customers recognize today.

1984: The original HP LaserJet 2009: A comparable HP Black & White LaserJet 2009: A comparable HP Color LaserJet Original HP LaserJet HP LaserJet P2055dn HP Color LaserJet CP2025dn

Innovation Milestones:

1987: HP establishes its own hardware recycling program.

1988: Duplex printing is introduced on the HP LaserJet IID.

1991: HP initiates a recycling program for its HP LaserJet print cartridges.

1991: HP invents the network printer category with the LJ IIISi.

1992: HP launches a Design for Environment (DfE) program addressing environmental performance at the design stage of product development. DfE’s three priorities are: energy efficiency, design for recyclability; and materials innovation.

1994: HP introduces the HP OfficeJet personal printer-fax-copier, a space-saving product designed specifically for professional home-office users.

1994: The company introduces the HP Color LaserJet printer. With an average cost per page of less than 10 cents, it offers businesses a cost-effective alternative to print shops.

1996: HP introduces the HP LaserJet 5Si printer. The “mopier,” short for “multiple-original printing,” belongs to a new category of network printer that eliminates the need for photocopying multiple sets of a document. This early all-in-one printer product was developed to eliminate the department copy machine.

1997: HP’s recycling program expands to include HP inkjet print cartridges in addition to LaserJet cartridges.

1997: HP Web JetAdmin introduced.

1999: HP recycles its 30 millionth LaserJet print cartridge.

2007: HP acquires Tabblo Inc., making printing from the web easier and more convenient, and to reduce paper use.

2007: In July, HP achieves its goal of recycling one billion pounds of electronics. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the inception of HP recycling programs, which now operate in more than 40 countries, regions and territories.

Another nice article from Microsoft. You will find it here with photos: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/morefun/outdoorpics.mspx

Press Release:

EPSON WINS SEVEN PRESTIGIOUS 2009 INTERNATIONAL
FORUM (iF) DESIGN AWARDS
 
The International Forum Design Awards Recognize
Excellence in Design and Functionality
 
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Feb. 24, 2009 – Epson® has been recognized with seven prestigious International Forum (iF) Design Awards for the Epson Artisan™ 800 and Artisan 700 premium all-in-ones, Epson WorkForce® 600 and WorkForce 40 small and home office all-in-one and single function printers, Epson Stylus® Pro GS6000 wide format solvent printer, Epson PowerLite® 400W short-throw multimedia projector, and the Epson TM-S1000 high-accuracy check and coupon scanner.
A total of 2,808 products submitted from 39 different countries were submitted for the 2009 awards judging in Hannover, Germany. Epson’s continued investment in product design and innovation is reinforced through the receipt of the 2009 iF Design Award for a wide range of products.
The International Forum Design evaluates products against a number of criteria including design quality, workmanship, innovation, environmental compatibility, ergonomics, choice of material, universal design appeal, and functionality. As an independent institution, iF has been rewarding design in industry as well as providing a window to the latest design developments and trends for more than 50 years.
             “It is an honor to receive this prestigious nod from a reputable international organization like iF,” said Claudine Wolas-Shiva, senior marketing manager, Consumer Ink Jets, Epson America. “Epson strives to bring innovative features and stylish products to the market across the globe and the recognition is appreciated.” 
            For more information on the Epson products, visit www.Epson.com.
About Epson America Inc.
Epson offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the consumer, photographic, business and graphic arts markets. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) printers and transaction terminals for the retail market. Founded in 1975, Epson America Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif.

I need to thank Mike Smith of the Mike Tech Show for pointing me to this great resource.  I also have to thank Carey Holzman for creating this document.

If you are looking for a great step by step directions for troubleshooting a peer to peer network, this is the place for you.  Check out: http://fixnetworkproblems.com/

I found these two articles from Microsoft about donating or recycling your old computers.  As some of you know, I am the director of a Computer Refurbishing Program and believe that we should all recycle as much as possible.

This first article is about what should be removed from your computer before donating/recycling it.

http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/personal/oldpc.mspx

If you would like instructions on how to wipe your harddrive, check out my podcast on this subject: http://sohotechpodcast.com/2008/05/18/stps-monday-night-tech-service-packs-dban-recorded-5122008/

If you still have questions or would like assistance cleaning your computer, please contact me deanjensen@mysmbc.com.

The second article contains tips for donating a computer. 

http://www.microsoft.com/Education/TenTips.mspx

The best part of the article is the link to TechSoup.  They have a great recycler search engine.  You can get to it directly here: http://www.techsoup.org/recycle/donate.

As always, if you have questions or comments please leave them via the comment link below.

As Posted on www.totallycooltech.com

I don’t know what it is about this device, but I feel I have to get one. It’s a completely programmable PC-Based device that gives exactly what you want. It plays MP3’s, Shows photos from popular photo sites like Flickr, provides access to your rss feeds, gives you the latest weather via its wifi based interface. It’s linux based and very hackable. I expect to see the functionality of this device skyrocket over the next year. I’m holding out for version two with hopes for a battery pack. Log on to: http://www.chumby.com/ and take one for a test drive with their virtual Chumby.   List price: $179.95

By: Dean Jensen

Flexible keyboards have been around for a while, but they keep appearing in magazine reviews and on gadget sites. This site is no exception. The Bendi Board is flexible, membrane keyboard. The advantage is the ability to “roll” this out anywhere. If you are in an area where there is a chance of getting wet, this is a great alternative to the traditional keyboard. Sealed under the soft flexible membrane is a fully functional keyboard. For more information: http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20060922/bendi-light-up-keyboard/ List Price: about $50.00

By: Dean Jensen

For those with mobile offices, or those who just like to save on space, this is a scanner for you. The Visioneer RoadWarrior Scanner is a compact, light-weight solution for those on the go. Weighing in at just 10.6 ounces, this is the perfect addition to anyone that needs to deal with documents on the road. It’s a sheet feed scanner with a 600 dpi resolution. Great for documents, faxes, receipts, and anything else you need digitized while on the go. Find more information at: http://orders.visioneer.com/item.jsp?item=90-0527-000&category=MOBILE  List price: $199.99