Ask the research guy

Q: For graduation my mom got me a new laptop, what should I do with my old one?

A: Used laptops can't go in the regular recycling bin. So where do they go to be recycled? Well, that depends on how much effort you want to put into it. This ecogeek video ecogeek.org/content/view/1009/ will show you how to disassemble your old laptop and sell the bits and pieces, not a bad idea in this economy. For a whole laundry list of options, including converting your laptop into a digital frame or a home server, look at the lifehacker piece titled "Give an old laptop new life with cheap (or free) projects." Located here: lifehacker.com/359389/give-an-old-laptop-new-life-with-cheap-or-free-projects. To find a reputable recycling center, look at the National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER) electronicsrecycling.org. According to the Internet Scout Report "visitors can click on the "Ecycling Basics" tab on the left side of the page to be taken to links to three websites that allow you to search by zip code or an interactive map of the U.S. Once visitors have found some recyclers in their area, the next task is to make sure the recycler is reputable. NCER offers the tools to do that as well, in the "Ecycling Basics" section titled "How To Choose an Electronics Recycler". In the "Resources" tab on the left side of the page, there are many links to resources that include Advocacy Group Reports, Electronics Disposal Studies, Environmentally Sound Management Guidelines, and International documents. Visitors interested in keeping up with the news from NCER, can sign up for their newsletter in the Google groups box, which is located below the menu on the left side of the page."

Q: I know I'll have clicker classes next semester. Do I have to return the clicker I picked up at the library this semester or can I just keep the one I have?

A: Even if you have a clicker class next semester you do still have to return your clicker from this semester. You can drop off your clicker at the Plaza Welcome Desk located right at the entrance to the library or at the 3rd floor check-out desk.

Q: My grandma, who has been leery of purchasing anything over the Internet for years, finally caved in to her grandkid's constant pestering to pull herself into the 21st century. Just a few weeks ago she discovered the convenience of online shopping. Much to our family's dismay, her identity was stolen and now her credit is all messed up and she no longer trusts anything me or my siblings tell her. How can I regain my grandma's trust and fix her security issues?

A: As an old proverb states "You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother." I suggest you become an expert on internet security solving both of your problems, securing grandma's computer and restoring you to your rightful position as best grandchild ever. To help understand Internet security issues, check out the Federal Trade Commission's OnGuard website, onguardonline.gov/default.aspx. According to the Internet Scout Report, "the OnGuard website "provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information." The three main sections on the homepage include "Topics", "Games", and "Videos". Visitors should start with the "Topics" area, which includes interactive features on proper computer disposal, cross-border scams, email scams, and identity theft. Within this section (and all of the other sections), visitors will find a quick quiz that will allow them to learn about a number of topical issues. Moving on, the "Games" area features hands-on activities that include "Invasion of the Wireless Hackers", "Invest Quest", and "Phishing Scams". Finally, users shouldn't miss out on the "Tools" area. Here they can find helpful software and applications related to online security and also sign up to subscribe to receive cyber security tips."

Submit questions for this column to asktheresearchguy@uwgb.edu. Questions will be answered by a librarian either through this column or directly to you. Specific research questions should continue to be sent to refdesk@uwgb.edu.