I opened AIM to see if I could catch my sister online. AOL soon came up with a pop-up wanting to install a security update. Sure, security is good, so I told it to go ahead.
Then the terms and conditions came up. It wouldn't let me copy and paste it, so I'm going to take the time to transcribe most of it here because I find it very presumptuous and aggresive in assuming I want all my settings changed to what they want:
You will be given a choice whether to install the AIM Toolbar, QQ Games, and AIM Tunes and whether to change your home page in Internet Explorer to AOL.com and your default search engine to AOL Search. DON'T MESS WITH MY BROWSER SETTINGS!!!
AIM will start automatically when you start Windows. You can change this behaviour ... DON'T MESS WITH MY START-UP SETTINGS!!!
A desktop shortcut, system tray icon, Start Menu folder, and Quick Launch shortcut for AIM will be added to your computer to provide you quick access to AIM's features and services. DON'T MESS WITH MY NICE CLEAN DESKTOP AND SYSTEM TRAY!!!
I'm going to agree, only because I want a secure system, but then I'll have to spend my valuable time undoing all the garbage they throw on my PC. Fooey on you AOL.
Showing posts with label IM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IM. Show all posts
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Week 2, Exercise 2: IM
I've had an AOL IM screen name since the late 90's (askcalif) For awhile I was using it a lot to chat with friends and relatives. I also had an ICQ number, but only used it for a couple of months. The last couple of years I didn't bother even opening up chat in the evenings when I turned on my home computer to check email. I just got a new computer and haven't bothered to install the AIM software and may not for quite awhile.
In considering this change in usage I'm wondering what factors are different between then and now. One major one is long-distance phone costs. I used to use AIM instead of calling out-of-town friends and family. Then in 2001 or 2002 I got a wireless phone service that includes long distance and no roaming, etc. Since the calls are already paid for I prefer hearing voices than typing conversations.
Regarding IM for library service, if it is being used by our patrons then resources should be devoted to it. Cost-benefits should be periodically analysed. In addition there may be network security implications of running IM chats. Most of the IT security trade journals caution businesses about the risks of IM. Viruses and trojans have been spread through IM.
Our library will soon be installing a web filtering software product, mainly to filter out malicious sites. Most institutions using the software block AIM, Yahoo Chat, Meebo, etc. Some of our IT people want to turn on the blocking of chat services. For non-public service areas it may be appropriate (should the HR staff be IM'ing their friends during work hours?) but we have to be careful not to inhibit the reference desks from providing service.
In considering this change in usage I'm wondering what factors are different between then and now. One major one is long-distance phone costs. I used to use AIM instead of calling out-of-town friends and family. Then in 2001 or 2002 I got a wireless phone service that includes long distance and no roaming, etc. Since the calls are already paid for I prefer hearing voices than typing conversations.
Regarding IM for library service, if it is being used by our patrons then resources should be devoted to it. Cost-benefits should be periodically analysed. In addition there may be network security implications of running IM chats. Most of the IT security trade journals caution businesses about the risks of IM. Viruses and trojans have been spread through IM.
Our library will soon be installing a web filtering software product, mainly to filter out malicious sites. Most institutions using the software block AIM, Yahoo Chat, Meebo, etc. Some of our IT people want to turn on the blocking of chat services. For non-public service areas it may be appropriate (should the HR staff be IM'ing their friends during work hours?) but we have to be careful not to inhibit the reference desks from providing service.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Week 2, Exercise 1: IM
IM examples:
Princeton University Library: Chat page explains hours the service is available. It includes the familiar icons for the chat services in addition to the names. They include a FAQ and an email option. The email option is a form. To cut down on spam they have an image on the form that has to be viewed by the person and the text within the image typed into the form. The chat service is linked on the library's main page (though small in size) but does not appear on other pages, including the catalog, and most notably not on the "Contact the library" page.
Santa Clara University Library: Only available during open hours but hours are not listed, just a link to when the library is open. Other options are prominently displayed on the page, including 24/7 service and telephone service. A link to Ask a Librarian appears on the banner of every page. (did I miss that in Princeton's site?)
St. Charles Public Library: The page explains when the service is available. There is also an button saying someone is currently available live. Other options are prominently displayed. The "I'm online" button appears on the mail library page but not the catalog. Links to online chat are on other pages.
Princeton University Library: Chat page explains hours the service is available. It includes the familiar icons for the chat services in addition to the names. They include a FAQ and an email option. The email option is a form. To cut down on spam they have an image on the form that has to be viewed by the person and the text within the image typed into the form. The chat service is linked on the library's main page (though small in size) but does not appear on other pages, including the catalog, and most notably not on the "Contact the library" page.
Santa Clara University Library: Only available during open hours but hours are not listed, just a link to when the library is open. Other options are prominently displayed on the page, including 24/7 service and telephone service. A link to Ask a Librarian appears on the banner of every page. (did I miss that in Princeton's site?)
St. Charles Public Library: The page explains when the service is available. There is also an button saying someone is currently available live. Other options are prominently displayed. The "I'm online" button appears on the mail library page but not the catalog. Links to online chat are on other pages.
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