NWA-PCUG Newsletter Articles 2007-

NWA- PCUG
The Northwest Arkansas Personal Computer
User Group

Newsletter Articles


2007

Jan thru Mar - 07

Apr thru Jun - 07

Jul thru Sep - 07

Oct thru Dec - 07











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October thru December - 2007

December - 2007
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Bill Moeller, President
    Recap of November 17th meeting.
  • A Personal Document Format (PDF) Printer for Home Use - by John Clark, WebMaster
    In 1993 Adobe came out with the PDF format and it quickly became the tool for business and academic research.
  • Free Software! Part 1 of 2 - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director
    Computers and internet access can be very expensive. Commercial software for our computers can also be very expensive, but fortunately there are alternatives that can save us a lot of money.
  • The QWERTY Keyboard & MS Office 2007 - by Bob Schneider
    Back in the mid 1800’s, when the first practical typewriter was built, inventor C.L. Sholes arranged the keys in the QWERTY layout for a practical reason. He had to separate the most common letters to prevent the hammers from jamming. So many people knew that layout that although it was no longer necessary, it was maintained with the advent of electric typewriters.
  • Using Imaging Software for Backing Up - by Brian Lewis
    There are many hard drive backup programs on the market that tell you that they can make an "image" of your hard drive. This allows you to restore your programs and data in case of a hard drive crash.
  • Backing Up Your Hard Drive - by Gene Barlow
    Your computer hard drive is very important: Your hard drive is the heart of your computer system. Yes, your hard drive will fail on you someday: Your hard drive is a mechanical device that spins constantly and is certain to wear out.
  • Additional Backup Approaches Comparison - by Gene Barlow
    Last month I highlighted four of the most common backup approaches used today and compared them to show you why the Perfect Backup Approach is the best way to do backups. This month, I will add two additional backup approaches and try to explain where they fit in the comparison.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      I’m Excited About My New Toys
      And A Good Time Was Had By All!
      Help For Cut & Paste - "Flashpaste Professional" by Softvoile
      An Interesting Freeware! - "DVDVideoSoft" Limited
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
  • November - 2007
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Bill Moeller, President
    Recap of October 20th meeting.
  • Vista and the Reliability & Performance Monitor - by Vinny LaBash
    Anyone who has spent time trying to understand the Windows XP Performance Monitor is going to love Vista’s Reliability & Performance Monitor. No more will you have to figure out what the various performance procedures are really measuring.
  • What is Net Neutrality? - by Bruce Jacobs
    So what is Net Neutrality? In simplest terms it is a movement which has as a goal creating legislation or federal regulations which will regulate some plans of some ISPs.
  • Configuring Outlook Express - by Dick Maybach
    You can greatly improve your e-mail experience by properly configuring Outlook Express, which is the default Windows e-mail client. Outlook, which is included with MS Office, is a completely different program...
  • Update to Vista? Maybe! - by Jim Sanders
    The old adage never buy version one of any piece of software, is beginning to look like it should be applied to Windows Vista as well.
  • Why Update Your Computer? - by Kathy Jacobs
    For Christmas this year, we gave my father a piece of software that requires Windows XP SP2. Imagine my surprise when he emailed back that he didn't have SP2.
  • How to Answer the Question - by Mike Kerwin
    OK, I'm not being mysterious but addressing an issue that most Geeks encounter often. I suspect that most of you have been asked The Question many times by friends, relatives, and acquaintances.
  • The AntiSpyware Revolution Starts Here - by Lou Torraca
    CounterSpy V2 was completely rebuilt with a revolutionary new design. More powerful and effective than ever, CounterSpy's award-winning spyware detection and removal is now merged with our all-new VIPRE™ antimalware technology to create the industry's first hybrid antispyware engine.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Thanks
      Check This Out!
      A New APCUG Event In The East
      Be Aware
      Why Not Try File Encryption?
      Freeware Is Always Nice
      Keep Those Freebies Coming
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
  • October - 2007
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Bill Moeller, President
    Recap of September 15th meeting.
  • Building a PC for Vista - by Dan Hanson
    The Great Lakes Geek needed to build a new PC for the Computers Assisting People (CAP Inc.) Resource Center. It will be used for CAP operations but also so that the volunteers and others can become familiar with Windows Vista and learn about it the CAP way - hands on.
  • The New, the Best, and the Worst - by Pim Borman
    Digital Camera Lessons
    My first digital camera was a 3.1 megapixel Olympus C-730 Ultra Zoom. To my disappointment the pictures turned out on the fuzzy side. I blamed the optics, until it was pointed out to me that a hand-held camera is too unsteady at that zoom level.
    Lesson #1: It takes a tripod for best results at elevated zoom levels.
    Lesson #2: Higher ISO specifications are meaningless unless the CCD chip has a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
    Lesson #3: Get as many pixels as you can afford.
    Lesson #4: First find out all you can about a new camera from an independent source.
    Lesson #5: Image stabilization may not work as well as promised, especially at high zoom levels when it is most needed.
    Lesson #6 : Digital cameras come with a minimum of built-in memory.
    Lesson #7: An optical or miniature LCD viewfinder is essential for accurately framing pictures under bright conditions.
  • A Router Can Help to Protect Your Computer - by Sandy Berger
    A few years ago, you had probably not heard the term “router”, unless you used one in your wood-working class in high school. Today, you hear much more about the word “router” when it is used in conjunction with computers and the Internet.
  • This and That - by Elizabeth Wright
    How much time are you spending upgrading, both hardware and software? New operating systems, programs that won't run on older systems, changes in the internet, memory hog programs and graphic cards? If you are keeping up with the trend toward power, then all of these things probably apply to your computer life. But are they worth it?
  • Hard Drives and Partitions - by Gene Barlow
    Lots has happened in hard drives in the past 8-10 years that I have been giving presentations on partitioning and backing them up. Ten years ago, the largest hard drives were only a few hundred MB. We had not yet seen the 300GB hard drives that are common today. Also, the price of hard drives was much higher then than it is today. So, conserving hard drive space was a bigger issue then.
  • Barlows Newsletter -- Announcing... - by Gene Barlow
    Acronis True Image 11 Home
    Acronis just announced a significant new release of their top rated backup utility, Acronis True Image 11 Home.
  • Net Neutrality - by Linda Gonse
    What is ‘Net Neutrality? Briefly, "Net Neutrality" (short for Network Neutrality) is the guiding principle that preserves the free and open Internet.
  • Checkmate - by Berry Phillips
    Man-vs-machine has been a theme that has intrigued the public for many years. The Turk was a chess playing automaton that was a sensation in Europe in the 1770s.
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Feedback
      Lets Look At The Pluses!
      Emergency ID And Medical Information
      Be Aware
      Hope My Wife Doesn’t Use This Remote Control Stuff On Me!
      A Freebie For Managing Your Downloads
  • July thru Sepember - 2007

    September - 2007
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Bill Moeller, President
    Recap of August 18th meeting - Our August meeting reminded me once again that this group’s most valuable resource is its members.
  • What is PCI Express? - by Brian K. Lewis
    These are the slots in the motherboard of your computer used for connecting peripheral devices directly to computer bus.
  • Exploring Windows - Part 1 - by Jim Sanders
    Everyone using Windows XP uses Windows Explorer all the time.
  • Exploring Windows - Part 2 - by Jim Sanders
    There are several ways to bring up Windows explorer.
  • The Inside Security Recovery Toolkit (INSERT) - by Dick Maybach
    A particularly powerful recovery tool is INSERT, a version of Linux designed to correct problems in Windows, Linux, and the latest Macintosh PCs. INSERT is a “live CD”, which means it does not use the hard disk at all, but runs directly from the CD-ROM drive; as a result, it can run even on a PC with an inoperable hard disk. (NWA-PCUG Editor's note: This is similar to the "live CD", "The Ultimate Windows Bootable CD", presented in November, 2005)
  • Dumb Things to Avoid While Using Your Computer - by Vinny La Bash
    To paraphrase a recent TV commercial, we all do dumb things, but doing them with your computer doesn't have to be one of them.
  • YouTube Revolutionizes the Internet - by Linda Gonse
    Just when I thought creative ideas were running out for ways to use the Internet, along comes YouTube, www.youtube.com. Its content includes movie and TV clips, music videos, and amateur works — such as video-blogging.
  • Blurbs from Bass - by Steve Bass
    Wonderful: Microsoft's free Virtual PC I've been using it for three weeks. It's perhaps the best way to play with new utilities, for instance, try out a different anti-virus program, or just fiddle with Windows.
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Help For Road Warriors
      What’s Going On?
      Was I On TV? Maybe!
      Consumers Get Financial Help In 2009
      Help From My Readers
      Scrub That Registry Well!
      Organize All Of Your Feeds
  • August - 2007
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Bill Moeller, President
    Recap of July 21st meeting - An Update on Digital Photography.
  • The Top 25 Web Hoaxes and Pranks - by Steve Bass
    These online spoofs and shams have made the rounds on Web sites and through e-mail. Perhaps you even believed one or two of them yourself.
  • Internet Services - Emails and the Web - by Hilton Kaufman
    The Internet is a network of networks used to transmit messages, which might be web pages. Somehow things arrive at where they are supposed to go.
  • Windows Vista Power Management - by Vinny La Bash
    When you’re running on battery power only, you want to have your laptop running as efficiently as possible. In Vista, you can optimize settings to conserve energy, go for flat out performance or achieve some kind of sensible balance between the two.
  • Can't Play Online Videos - Here's What to do - by Sandy Berger
    You can not play a video on your computer even though others can play it on their computers? So here’s the scoop.
  • Professor Franklin's Instant Photo Artist 2.0 - by Tom Ekvall
    Can someone create a photo art masterpiece from a snapshot within a matter of minutes without going through a lot of training and reading manuals?
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      E-mail Address Change.
      Help For The Sight Impaired.
      What About The Centralizing Of Medical Records?
      Keep Track of Your Ink.
      Another Data Recovery, But Its Free!
      PDF Anyone?
  • July - 2007
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Bill Moeller, President
    Remember the good old days when the only things around the house that broke were mechanical, and a good supply of chewing gum and bailing wire was all that was required to fix them?
  • Recovering Files from a Hard Drive - by Vinny La Bash
    Have you deleted a file that you need and you don't know how to get it back?
  • Finding Ghosts In Your Computer - by Mike Morris
    You think I am kidding? The Microsoft Knowledgebase article on this subject refers to “…”ghosted” devices…” and “Phantom devices….”
  • The New, the Best, and the Worst May 2007 - by Pim Borman
    If you only use Google the way I do, using keywords to search the Web, you're like the polar bear walking on top of an iceberg, ignorant of all that's underneath.
  • Thoughts on Upgrading PC Hardware and Software - by Dick Maybach
    I can think of three valid reasons for upgrading a PC: (1) to try something new, (2) to improve performance, and (3) to solve a problem.
  • Backup Approaches Compared - by Gene Barlow
    For the past few years, I have recommended the Perfect Backup Approach as the best way to backup your computer’s hard drive.
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Lightning Fast Trades
      Microsoft Plays Catch-Up
      Another Use For Wi-Fi
      Reminder
      This Add-On For Microsoft Windows Might Help
      File Recovery Product, Might Help In Some Circumstances
      I Am Not A Fan Of Screensavers, But Here Is An Announcement
        Dolphin Aqua Life 3D Screensaver
        Shark Water World 3D Screensaver
        Mountain Lake Waterfall Screensaver
  • Apr thru June - 2007

    June - 2007
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Bill Moeller, President
    from Arizona, learning laptops and wireless.
  • Q&A Meeting Recap - by David Hinds
    Subjects discussed: E-mail being blocked, XP crashes, and error messages relating to corrupted or missing XP system files.
  • Irfanview 4.0 - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG
    Freeware Image Editor and Media Player.
  • Diskeeper 2007 Pro - by Verne Perry
    Despite my initial skepticism about an "on the fly" defragger, my experience with Diskeeper was very positive.
  • Get Organized Now!! - by Sandy Berger
    The time-honored “to-do list” has gone high tech with Gubb, an online list-maker which is simple, effective, and free.
  • Buying a HDTV - by Pim Borman
    As long as there is adequate signal strength digital TV presents a sharp picture, free of snow and distortions. When there is poor reception an analog TV might still present a recognizable picture, but the digital TV won't show any picture at all.
  • Live CDROMs - by Dick Maybach
    A live CD-ROM contains an operating system and applications and can be run without using the hard disk at all.
  • Internet Addressing - by Hilton Kaufman
    Each individual or computer on the Internet has an individual and unique address in the system. Part of this address might reflect how messages to and from this address are routed, but it is possible to buy or rent what is known as a domain name.
  • Info, Info Everywhere - by Vinny La Bash
    Many people think that the internet is the greatest thing since sliced whatchamacallit or the worst abomination that’s ever been inflicted upon the human race. As usual the truth lies somewhere in-between.
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
    • “Yahoo! - The Internet Powerhouse"
      Back in the earliest days of the internet, in January, 1994, two Stanford graduate students created one of the first canonical websites "Jerry's Guide to the World Wide Web" which was among the first searchable guides of websites. In April, 1994, Jerry Yang and David Filo renamed their website Yahoo!. By the end of 1994, Yahoo! had received over one million hits. Now, it is the most visited website on the net, with over 412 million unique users, and over 3.4 billion page views a day (October, 2005 data).
    • "Google - Much More Than a Search Engine"
      Google continues to offer helpful and useful services to the computer user in addition to its enormously popular search engine. One of Google’s newest offerings is “iGoogle”..
    • "Free Online Driving and Mapping Directions"
      Many of us like to use maps when we travel. Maps can be used to display driving directions and points of interest. Fortunately there are several excellent and free mapping utilities available on the internet, such as those provided by Microsoft’s “Live” service, Google, Yahoo!, and AOL’s Mapquest.
    • "Find LOCAL Bargains Online
      Let’s face it; we all like bargains, and like to save a buck or two. Rhetorically, what if there were websites where local companies advertised high value coupons for merchandise and restaurants that we would likely patronize anyway? Do you mind saving some money?
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Interesting News
      Now for the Deals
      Chop Up Your PDF File Without An Ax
      Manipulate Your Files and More
      Translate Everything For FREE
      A Bonanza Of Freebies From Microsoft
  • May - 2007
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Bill Moeller, President
    Peculiarities with metadata using Vista
  • Vista Vexes - by Jan Fagerholm
    Vista has many new features, and not just the interface (GUI). Microsoft’s new restrictions on kernel access creates problems for many applications. While this was done to reduce security vulnerabilities, it produces incompatibilities in many common applications.
  • Vista Vexes - by Jan Fagerholm
    Applications compatibility is still slow coming in Vista. Since Vista came out, Microsoft has released one update aimed at improving applications compatibility(KB929427).
  • Vista Vexes - by Jan Fagerholm
    I’ve been transitioning to Vista cautiously with a dual boot system with both Vista and Windows XP for several months now. This has not been as painless as I might have expected because of the changes that Microsoft made in NTFS and the System Restore feature.
  • Internet Connections - by Hilton Kaufman
    The method of connection into the Internet varies somewhat among users. At various points, telephone lines, coaxial cables, UHF relays, satellite shots, and a few other methods might be utilized to make the actual connections.
  • Countdown to Digital Deadline - by Jim Sanders
    Television, as most of us know it, has barely two years of life left in it. Congress has set a deadline of February 17, 2009 for analog broadcasts to end.
  • Things, Thinglets, & Thingassos - by S. Jack Lewischuk
    If builders built houses the way programmers build computer programs, the first woodpecker to come along would destroy civilization! For good security, you should have a different password for each website you enter. But how can you remember so many passwords?
  • Moving to Vista - What Not to Do - by Sandy Berger
    After months of testing I can say that it is a stable program and is more secure than any previous version of Windows. It also has a great new look and some wonderful new features. Just remember that there are always gotchas with a new operating system. Here are a few of the “don’ts” when moving to Vista.
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
    • “TUT” – The Ultimate Troubleshooter
      “The Ultimate Troubleshooter”, commonly known in industry circles by its acronym, “TUT”. TUT is a compilation of solutions learned based on over 20 years experience trouble shooting computers.
    • Tune Up your Computer with TuneUp Utilities 2007
      There are many utilities that perform one of a few of the required performance enhancement tasks, but there are only a few utilities that perform all of these tasks well. One such utility is TuneUp Utilities 2007
    • Google Docs and Spreadsheets (Beta)
      Most of us know Google as one of the premier search engines. Many of us know that Google also offers additional services such as its mapping and driving directions (maps.google.com), and its global imaging (earth.google.com). What many may not be aware of is that Google is now beginning to offer a suite of office products
    • Free PC Security Software from Grisoft
      Many of you may be aware already of an excellent but free antivirus program from the Czech Republic commonly referred to with the initials “AVG”. What you may not be aware of is that Grisoft, the publisher of the very popular AVG Anti-Virus Free, also publishes free companion software to round out the offering.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      A Great Trade Show
      Feedback!
      A Little Fun In The Sun
      Remote Desktop Monitoring is Here, But Think of it as a Spy!
      A Bonanza of Goodies
  • SideBar - Ping Me Again - by Bob and Joy Schwabach, from 4th week April 2007, Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Printed with permission.
    We've been getting a lot of little flash drives to look at in the past year or so, and every time we see a new one it costs less and does more. The trend is clear.

  • April - 2007
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Bill Moeller, President
    Officer Nominees Required - Are YOU Ready?
  • Access Google from Your Cell Phone - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director
    Often we may need to “google” information while we are away from our computers. Sometimes we may need to know the weather anywhere, or where to find a pizza locally...
  • Acronis Software Support of Windows Vista - by Gene Barlow
    On February 7, 2007, Acronis, Inc. announced that it will “fully support Microsoft’s latest operating system, Vista, with its products for desktop operating systems”.
  • Thinking About Disaster - by Dick Maybach
    Here, we're discussing real life disasters and while it’s not pleasant to contemplate woes, and you certainly don’t want to become obsessed, some constructive worrying today could save you or your family much trouble later.
  • Adobe Photoshop Elements 5 - by Nancy Dennis
    Adobe Photoshop Elements 5 is a photo editing and organizing program that also includes easy to use features to backup your photos, and really have fun with creative ways to show off your photos to family and friends.
  • Windows XP Upgrade to Vista - by Vinny La Bash
    Previous versions of Windows always accepted an installation disk as proof of a legitimate copy of Windows. Not so with Vista, but there is a solution.
  • Upgrading to an LCD Monitor - by Herb Goldstein
    Here are some of the things needed to know in upgrading to an LCD monitor. It's been a learning experience.
  • The Garage - by Berry Phillips
    IT was born in a garage, located in Menio Park, San Mateo County, California and was a maternity ward for the birthing in March 1975 of the Homebrew Computer Club.
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Medications
      Problem With Your Flash Card?
      You Tell Me What This Does!
      Super DVD Creator Now Available
  • SideBar - Little Stuff is Becoming a Big Deal - by Bob and Joy Schwabach, from 4th week March 2007, Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Printed with permission.
    We've been getting a lot of little flash drives to look at in the past year or so, and every time we see a new one it costs less and does more. The trend is clear..

  • January thru March - 2007

    March - 2007
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Bill Moeller, President
    Compare with others and share.
  • Changes on the Horizon in the Home Computer Environment - by John Clark, Webmaster
    It is possible that Vista, ISO files, and video editing will not be on your agenda for this year, but you can bet sooner of later they all will.
  • Shopping for Free & Open Source Software - by Bill Wayson
    Leave your credit card at home, for the goods at the Mall of FOSS are priced most attractively: free.
  • Free & Shareware Utilities From Camtech - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director
    Most of us like bargains and possibly free software. Go to Camtech!
  • Take Windows XP to the Next Level - by Dave Gerber
    If you don't want to shell out the cash for a copy of Windows Vista, Windows Vista Transformation Pack (VTP) is an easy and free way to emulate Vista's look and feel.
  • IRS Again Offers Free Online Tax Filing - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director
    Take the free-way! The free service is available to most taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $52,000 or less.
  • The Internet - What is it? - by Hilton Kaufman
    This is the first of a short series of articles explaining what the Internet is, which is a bit tricky to define and explain.
  • Review of Spinit Again - by Rod Rakes
    Spin It Again by Acoustica is a software program that will make it easy to convert your collection of cassettes, 33’s ,45’s and even 78’s to MP3/WMA/WAV files or directly to CDs.
  • The Big Red X - by Vinny La Bash
    I guess we've all had a few red Xs. Now you can learn how to fix them.
  • More On The Web - The following articles are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
    • Useful Free Utilities Plus Spyware Protection - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director.
      Detailed examples of the Spybot malware protection program.
    • Beware of Software Knockoffs and Scumware - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director.
      Beware of like-sounding addresses - Ex. safer-networking and safernetworking (notice the missing hyphen). The former is correct for the Spybot program but the missing hyphen one is a scumware program that'll get you into trouble.
    • Changing World: A Review of Vista - by David Steward, APCUG Advisor to Region 8 (that includes us).
      A very comprehensive review of the new Vista operating system, including many details.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      An Attempt To Change Urologists.
      Interesting Items.
      Reminders.
      Manage Your Clipboard History. One Version Is FREE And A Nice Discount On The Other.
      Here Is Help To Sort Your MP3 Files.
      The Bundle Is Back!
      Free Software That is Interesting.
  • SideBar - Taking a Broad Look at the Vista - by Bob and Joy Schwabach, from 1st week February 2007, Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Printed with permission.
    If you want to try it out before buying the new Windows Vista operating system, you can go to a Microsoft test site: http://www.windowsvistatestdrive.com.

  • February - 2007
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Bill Moeller, President
    The end of an era? Not quite.
  • New Security Products Shown at APCUG - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director
    It always amazes me how quickly technology changes, and how those changes are rapidly introduced to us consumers.
  • “Convergence” and Other New Technologies - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director
    I recently had the pleasure to attend some events in Las Vegas that were affiliated with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Several themes were evident at the events I participated in. One such theme was “convergence”.
  • Inner Circles - by Berry Phillips
    The birth of a new year brings changes in membership and planning activities within the "Inner Circles" that often operate almost like occult groups in their private inner sanctums. They are elected or appointed to serve others and work without compensation.
  • The Windows XP Services Manager - by Dick Maybach
    Windows, like any multi-tasking operating system, is complex, with dozens of processes running, even when your PC appears to be idle.
  • Skype - the Most Popular Internet Calling Service - by Sandy Berger
    If you have an Internet-connected computer and you are still paying the telephone company for long distance calls, it may be time for you to try free calling over the Internet.
  • Tour the World with World Wind - by Rob Rice
    Lots of folks are familiar with Google Earth the free downloadable virtual globe program. Yet, I am finding that many have never heard of NASA’S World Wind.
  • How Does Windows Handle USB Devices? - by Dave Gerber
    One subject that often comes up is how Windows handles USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices and what you can do when USB devices don't work as you expect.
  • More On The Web - The following article is NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
  • Protect Your Kids Online With “Safe Chat” - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director.
    Local and national news accounts have been rampant with reports of pedophiles targeting children online.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      It was with sadness that I read the final issue of Blue Chip News... This is not the first user group to shut down recently for the same reason.
      Be Aware!
      A New Dictionary For Your Pocket PC.
      A New CD/DVD Label Maker.
      Remote Administration And Monitoring Software.
      Protect Your Images With Your Own Watermark.
  • SideBar - Talk Gets Even Cheaper - by Bob and Joy Schwabach, from 4th week of January 2007, Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Printed with permission.
    We were browsing a travel Web site the other day and got a lot of help from Yoono, a scrolling toolbar that fits onto Firefox.

  • January - 2007
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Bill Moeller, President
    The coming year - "TANSTAAFL!"
  • Accessories for that New Christmas Computer - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director
    New computers are generally very vulnerable to a variety of attacks from hackers, crackers, viruses, spyware, and other virtual threats. I would strongly suggest that the new computer be accompanied by any one of the many readily available security suites.
  • New Year's Resolutions for Safe Computing - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director
    Most of us have resolved to lose weight, stop smoking, or perform some other beneficial act. One resolution that we all should make is to practice safe computing.
  • Free Up Megabytes of Disk Space - by Vinny LaBash
    These folders could be the culprits that are chewing up valuable storage area.
  • Should You Upgrade to Vista? - by Brian Lewis
    “maybe”. I'll give you some of the pros and cons related to my experience. In deciding, you need to determine if your hardware is adequate to run Vista.
  • Buying an HDTV? - by Bob Elgines
    There are three things necessary for true High Definition (HD) Television (TV): an HDTV, HD receiver (or tuner) and HD programming. All TV stations will be capable of HD by 2007.
  • Laptop Desk - by Gabe Goldberg
    It's the rare simple device that hitches a ride on multiple trends simultaneously. It's an elegantly simple laptop stand.
  • NeatRecipts Scanalizer - by Mike Wayte
    The SCANALIZER by NEATRECEIPTS is a hardware/software package that allows you to organize the paper products in your life.
  • More On The Web - The following articles are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
    • Net Lingo - What Are Your Kids Saying Online? - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director.
      Imagine that as a good parent, you are monitoring your minor children’s use of the internet, trying to protect them from online predators.
    • "My Space" - Safety for Teens and Parents - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director.
      MySpace has become an enormously popular social networking service on the internet with a purported 80 million registered users. Tens of millions of teens and pre-teens are registered users, as are millions of adults. While the majority of MySpace users are good people, there are many miscreants who use MySpace for nefarious purposes, including many pedophiles who are continuously trolling the service for potential victims.
    • Daily Strength - Help For Your Life Challenges - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director.
      There are many strengths of the internet. Among the most recent strength becoming popular is social networking, epitomized by such websites as MySpace and Facebook.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Treating ourselves to another cruise
      Deal Reminder - Medistick deal & Dave Whittle’s discount on the Lenova Laptops
      Another Tool For Restoring Your MS Office Files
      Help For Your PIM
      How About A FREE Plugin For PhotoShop!
  • SideBar - Whose Life Is This, Anyway? - by Bob and Joy Schwabach, from 4th week of November 2006, Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Printed with permission.
    Have you ever wanted to consult a Grand Canyon guru, someone who knew where to stay and what trails to take? Who hasn't? So you go to LifeTips.com...

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