NWA-PCUG Newsletter Articles 2008-

NWA- PCUG
The Northwest Arkansas Personal Computer
User Group

Newsletter Articles


2008

Jan thru Mar - 08

Apr thru Jun - 08

Jul thru Sep - 08

Oct thru Dec - 08











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October thru December - 2008

December - 2008
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Wes Eckles, Jr., President
    Recap of November meeting -- election of 2009 officers.
  • Going Green - by Jerry Grommes
    During our June program, there was quite a discussion about whether to leave your computer on verses shutting it off when not in use.
  • Using Vista's Hidden Disk Cleanup Options - by Vinny LaBash
    There are many things to like about the disk cleanup utility in Windows Vista. It’s built into the operating system, it works, and it’s free. It’s also a tool that removes many potential problems
  • iPhone for Boomers - by Sandy Berger
    According to the data from the International Communications Union, the world now has more than 2 billion cell phone or mobile phone subscribers.
  • The New, the Best, AND the Worst - by Pim Borman
    In June I took a brief vacation with son mike and cocker spaniel bonnie, touring scenic central West Virginia. We visited the stark rock outcropping known as Seneca rocks, admired the amazing 110-meter steerable radio telescope at the green bank national radio astronomy observatory, and found carnivorous plants in their natural habitat in the cranberry glades botanic area. Together we took over 400 pictures
  • Prepare for Hard Drive Recovery - by Bob Hudak
    When you lose control of your computer due to a virus or some sort of malware, or your O.S. becomes corrupted for one reason or another, be ready to fix the problem.
  • Saving Pictures Showing on Your Computer Screen - Tips and Hints by Dick Carricato
    These days we are bombarded with beautiful pictures on our computers, and when I see a great picture I’m not happy until I have it stored away in my own computer where I can use it when I want to.
  • Window Pains - Task Manager - by Bob Balogh
    Task Manager is a helpful application that is part of the Windows Operating System (2000, XP & Vista). You can open it with the three fingered salute – Ctrl/Alt/Delete, or more easily, my preferred way, by a right click on an open space on your Taskbar
  • A Continuing Security Problem - by Brian Lewis
    By now I suspect everyone reading this article is familiar with most malware: viruses, botnets, Trojans, etc. More and more users are also becoming aware of the need to have some means of protecting their computer. As a result, hackers are turning to a more effective method of controlling your computer – rootkits. Although these have been around more than ten years, like other malware, their numbers seem to be increasing.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Lost In Space(I)
      Lost In Space(II)
      A Repair Suite For Your Computer
      Do You Have Memory Problems With Your Passwords?
      The File Tools:
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
    • Capture Any Streaming Media with Applian
      I am frequently asked by callers to my radio show how they can record my show from the streaming broadcast on KLVI.com. I am also occasionally asked how to capture streaming media from a variety of sources, and how to convert the captured media to other formats for distribution. Now there is a single source solution.
    • New “AccuKidz” Website – Educational and Safe for Children
      I have written many columns about the threats on the internet, and many of those online threats have been directed at children. The popular social networking sites used by millions of children and adults have been abused by some, and become a source of online threats and other undesirable actions directed against our children. Now there is a free, kid-safe website.
    • Advanced System Care Free V3 – Improve PC Performance
      One of the most frequently asked questions on my weekly radio show (KLVI 560AM, Mondays, 6-7pm) has to do with improving the performance of a sluggish computer. One of the utilities I most recommended was the free version of IObit’s Advanced Windows Care – Personal Edition, version 2. Recently IObit released an upgraded and updated utility renamed Advanced System Care Free V3.
    • TrendMicro Internet Security Pro 2009
      As I have stated in this column numerous times over the past eight years, all PCs need security software. There are some pundits who call the risks overblown, and even some conspiracy believers who argue that the threats are created by the companies selling security software; these statements are incredulous, as the threats are very real and endemic.
  • November - 2008
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • Announcing Acronis True Image Home 2009 - by Gene Barlow
    Acronis just announced a significant new release of their top rated backup utility, Acronis True Image Home 2009. It is hard to understand how they could possibly improve on this excellent product, but they did it with dozens of important new features.
  • Cloud Computing - by Brian Lewis
    The future of Personal Computing? You may not have heard of it, but “Cloud Computing” is the latest buzz-word in computing circles. The question is, just what does it mean? The problem is that at this point, there is no really solid definition for this term.
  • Using CrossLoop to Troubleshoot and Control Remote Machimes - by Vinny LaBash
    Third party Windows applications are rarely examined in this column, but CrossLoop is too good a utility to ignore. Trying to walk someone through a computer problem over the telephone is often an exercise in frustration.
  • Face Time in the 21st Century - Lou's Views - by Lou Vitale
    Person to person communication was pretty simple last century. There was the letter, or as we call it today, “snail mail” and the telephone. Our address book contained the physical address of our friends and their phone numbers. It is amazing to me how much we actually got done.
  • Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft - by Margie Tucker
    I thought it might help us all to have one document with a checklist of symptoms and solutions for this horrific problem. Make certain that you're not a victim.
  • When to Turn Off Personal Computers - by U. S. Department of Energy
    If you're wondering when you should turn off your personal computer for energy savings, here are some general guidelines to help you make that decision.
  • Windows XP Expires - by Sandy Berger
    On June 30th, 2008, Microsoft started the death march for Windows XP. As of that date, Microsoft stopped shipments of Windows XP as a stand-alone shrink-wrapped product. So after supplies are exhausted, you won’t be able to go into a store and purchase Windows XP.
  • Simple File Management Enhancements - by Linda Gonse
    Besides the obvious - a stable system that performs fast, without vulnerabilities - I have thought of a few things I'd like to see integrated into the Windows 7 OS which may be released in 2009/2010.
  • Security and Deleting Files - by Bob Schwartz
    A common Misconception. You have just deleted a file from your hard drive. It’s gone, isn’t it? Sorry! It is still there.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Proper Credit
      Another Type Of Upgrade
      Share Your Artistry With The World
      Would You Believe Eyeball To Eyeball? (I can’t remember where I read this one.)
      Do You Love Games?
      Here Is Another Free Defragger, This One Has Rave Reviews!
      Everybody Talks About It, But Here is More Than Talk
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
    • Verbatim PhotoSave DVD – Backup Photos and Movies to DVD
      As I have stated in this column numerous times over the past eight years, all PCs need security software. There are some pundits who call the risks overblown, and even some conspiracy believers who argue that the threats are created by the companies selling security software; these statements are incredulous, as the threats are very real and endemic.
    • Texas Fights Identity Theft Online
      Do not let the title of this column fool you. While the information presented may be Texas centric, it applies equally to residents all across the country.
    • OpenOffice 3.0 – Comprehensive Free Office Suite
      Unlike almost all previous columns, I am not typing this using a Microsoft Office product. Despite not using a Microsoft Office product, I currently feel quite comfortable, and have not noted any learning curve necessary to use this new product.
    • VIPRE – A New Breed of Security Software
      I have been playing with a new breed of security software that is explicitly designed to maximize protection from malware while using minimal system resources.
  • October - 2008
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Wes Eckles, Jr., President
    2009 Officer Nomination
  • Your Next Computer Will Be Green - by Margie Tucker
    With Europe leading the way, the computer industry is decidedly becoming "green." The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (ROHS) directives went into effect earlier this year.
  • Product Review: Roxio Easy Media Creator Suite - by John Roy
    Roxio, a division and brand of Sonic Solutions, has been a leader in burning software for many years. I personally have used the product since it was distributed by Adaptec several years ago.
  • E-Mailing Photographs - by Richard Kennon
    First, we must understand that photograph (image) size in the camera and in the computer is measured in pixels. These are the basic dots of color that make the picture.
  • Uniblue Registry Booster 2 - by Terry Currier
    I’ve tested a number of programs on my secondary test computer over the years. I’ve also installed and uninstalled a number of programs.
  • Skype 4.0 - by Joe Nuvolini
    I've been a Skype subscriber for some time now. What is Skype, you say? Well, it's an online chat/phone/video service which has, as of the end of March, some 309 million registered users.
  • The New, the Best and the Worst - by Pim Borman
    Tales of Woe
    Sorry, Folks, but this month I can't think of any New and/or Best to report on, only Troubles, with a Capital 'T.'So let's get started.
    Spinrite 6...
  • Viewing the Bigger Picture - by Bonnie L. Snyder
    At the risk of being the bearer of bad news, I have to say that none of us is getting any younger.
  • I'm ASKED!... - by Bill Funk
    I just bought a Digital SLR; with the prices as low as they are, I couldn't resist. Since I want to take photos of my grandchildren, and the built-in flash isn't as powerful as I need, I bought a new flash.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      This Will Be Easy, I Thought!
      Help For People Who Can’t Attend Meetings
      iTurns, A Freebie That Could Be A Big Help
      Clean Off Your Discarded Drive With Confidence
      Excuse Me, But What Time Is It?
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
    • Personal Technology and the Hurricane Ike Evacuation
      I am typing this as an evacuee from Hurricane Ike, from the home of one of my daughters in Wylie, Texas, an eastern suburb of Dallas. By the time you read this, I should be home. As most readers already know, we listened to the 10pm news on Wednesday, September 10, and were told that no evacuation had been announced; at about 10:30pm, I received an automated call from the college that there would be no classes Thursday or Friday due to Ike.
    • Google's New Chrome Browser (Beta) - Not Yet Ready for Prime Time
      As I type this, the national media is playing up the fact that today is Google’s tenth anniversary. In that time it has become the predominate player in the search industry, with a market share of about two-thirds. By more than coincidence, Google also recently announced the public release of a beta version (pre-release) of its free new browser with the moniker “Chrome”. It is no secret that Google...
    • XP Antivirus 2008 SCAMS and SCUMWARE
      I recently received a frantic phone call from a former employee of KLVI. He had a popup appear on his screen that told him that his computer was infected with over 300 pieces of malware, and he needed to purchase and download a special antivirus and anti-spyware program to remove it. Believing the warning was authentic, as he had a major antivirus program installed and thought it was his program alerting him, he dutifully clicked on the link in the popup and downloaded a mischievous piece of scumware called XP Antivirus 2008. This malware is...
  • July thru September - 2008

    September - 2008
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Wes Eckles, Jr., President
    August meeting recap.
  • Moving to Vista Part 9 - by Neil Stahfest
    As I mentioned last month, Vista's Service Pack 3 is out. I didn't see any real changes in my computer after I installed it, most of modifications are supposed to deal with computer security. I have since encountered a problem with my printer.
  • Bookmarks Page - by Hank Pearson
    Wouldn't it be nice if you could view a searchable webpage of bookmarks for your favorite websites? You can, but why?
  • "Computune-up" - by Berry Phillips
    Do you want your computer to run faster and increase your productivity? Of course; if you have major problems, you will need to contact your manufacturer and/or professional technical support.
  • Make Your Wireless Network Safe - by Marjie Tucker
    Wireless networks are becoming more and more popular, but they do add some additional security risks.
  • Why I Like The Ubuntu Operating System - by Philip Vogel
    My interest in alternative operating systems started 20 years ago when I worked for the State of Maryland during a year of computer chaos. We had a good office system using WordPerfect but...
  • For Anybody Who Has Thought About Trying Linux - by Drew Kwashnak
    For anybody who has thought about trying Linux, it has become easier than ever before with Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Hardy Heron.
  • A "Stress-Free" PC - by Jim McKnight
    As you know, there is no such thing as a totally "Stress-Free" PC, but there are many things you can do to reduce the stress and worry of owning one.
  • iPod Replacement - by Sandy Berger
    Too many technology stories are sad tales of aggravation and obsolescence. So today I’m going to tell you a story about a digital device with a happy ending.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      How's Your Registry?
      If You Don't Understand, Try This
      This Should Help You Copy
      What's That Key?
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
    • My Favorite FREE PC Software - Part 4 - Office Suite
      In an ongoing effort to help out my loyal readers in these trying economic times, I am continuing to report on excellent quality software that can successfully compete with its commercial counterparts, but is available to the user at no charge.
    • My Favorite FREE PC Utilities - Part 5 - Malware Scanners
      On my weekly radio show (Mondays, 6-7pm, KLVI 560AM) I frequently receive calls from listeners who may have been infected by a virus, worm, Trojan, or other form of malware, despite having antivirus software installed.
    • Practical Application of Free Software
      For the past several weeks, I have written about some of the best free software available, and how it can save the user significant money if used instead of commercial software. I recently had the opportunity to put some of this free software to use, and successfully improved the performance of an older notebook computer.
    • Microsoft Releases Photosynth Panoramic Image Creator
      Many of us take a lot of digital photographs. Would it not be interesting if a collection of photos with some degree of commonality could be seamlessly “stitched” together creating a 3-D panoramic view of the subject?
  • August - 2008
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Wes Eckles, Jr., President
    July meeting recap.
  • Moving to Vista Part 8 - by Neil Stahfest
    Now, instead of calculating different time zones in your head, you can have a handy toolbar on your Vista computer that will tell the time for you.
  • Wireless Router Setup - by Bob Elgines
    How to change the setup or configuration of your Wireless Router and PC.
  • Scotty, I Need More Power - by Alan Mildwurm
    When my kids were young, I bought batteries by the bushel. All of their toys required some batteries. The phrase “batteries not included” raised almost as much terror as “some assembly required.”
  • Pinnacle PCTV HD Ultimate Stick Review - by Bill James
    Some computer products just have a ‘wow’ factor on first sight; the Pinnacle PCTV HD Stick is one of those devices. It is a TV tuner on a USB stick and not just any TV tuner but one that is capable of pulling down Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) content to your PC.
  • Hewie's Views and Reviews for May 2008 - by Hewie Poplock
    Then The Windows Update Service had 11 updates. The day after installing all of them, I had the notice that Service Pack 1 was ready to download and install. Once again I backed up the entire system. I then activated the update... It then shut down and rebooted to a black screen.
  • Get Ready for XP and Vista Service Packs 925 - by George Whitesell
    What are service packs? They are a compilation of all critical updates released since the initial release of an operating system or the last service pack. They often contain new features or enhancements as well. Here are some general guidelines for the installation of any service pack:
  • Buying a Mouse - More Important Than You Might Think - by Vinny La Bash
    Selecting a mouse is much simpler than choosing an automobile, but there are things you should know before laying out money for a device that if not properly designed, may result not only in poor computer performance, but may cause you injury.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Are You Interested In A Second Life?
      Just Paste In A Note
      Keep Track Of Everything With This One!
      Sib Icon Editor Goes Freeware
      Beep Beep What??
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
    • My Favorite FREE PC Utilities Part 1 - IrfanView
      What makes IrfanView such a popular program is its features and power. IrfanView can read and edit almost every known digital still image format, and if necessary convert images to any other formats.
    • My Favorite FREE PC Utilities Part 2 - Security Software
      I have worked with a lot of people, including some of my students, radio show listeners, and others, who want a quality antivirus and anti-spyware protection utility product that is freeware. While there are several utilities that comply with this requirement, the one that is the most popular by far is the free version of Grisofts AVG Anti Virus Free Edition, Version 8 (free.avg.com).
    • My Favorite FREE PC Utilities Part 3 - Utilities
      I am frequently asked by callers about how to resolve the aforementioned predicaments; one freeware utility that I often recommend is IObits Advanced WindowsCare Personal Edition, available for download from www.iobit.com.
    • System Mechanic 8 A PC Swiss Army Knife
      While I admittedly use several different utilities to maintain peak operating efficiency of my computers, if I had to choose only a single utility for computer maintenance, it would be Iolos System Mechanic (www.iolo.com).
    • More Free Utilities for Desktop Publishing and Photo Editing
      One of my personal favorite free programs is the open source desktop publishing program Scribus, available from www.scribus.net. This program is a direct competitor to Microsofts popular Publisher.
  • July - 2008
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Wes Eckles, Jr., President
    June meeting recap.
  • Moving to Vista Part 7 - by Neil Stahfest
    Does your computer go to sleep? By default, Windows Vista was designed to go to sleep after an hour of inactivity.
  • Hasta la Vista - by Lee Reynolds
    If you take a look at the new Vista Start Menu, one change from Windows XP you will see is that there is a link at the top of it which is your account name.
  • Backup Data and Program Files Separately - by Gene Barlow
    Your computer’s hard drive contains two general types of files. One type is computer programs that make your computer run, including your Windows operating system and your application programs. The other type is data files that you create in running your program files, including your spreadsheets, documents, email messages, digital photographs, etc. Both types of files are important to the proper running of your computer, but each type has different backup needs.
  • Internet Security: iFrame Attacks - by Brian Lewis
    I'm sure that most of you reading the title of this article are asking “What is an iFrame?”. Well, sit back, get comfortable and I'll tell you about the latest method hackers are using to steal information from you.
  • Power Supply Tips - by Dan Hanson
    We have all experienced the computer crashing seemingly for no reason.  When it does, we blame Windows or a hardware problem or maybe a power surge or undervoltage.  All are possible culprits but one often overlooked possibility is the power supply of the computer.
  • The Art of Keeping Cool - by Jerry Goldstein
    With the cold weather you may not be thinking of the need to cool down. No matter how cold it gets outside your personal computer still needs to be cooled. Computers generate a great deal of heat and need a means of dissipating it.
  • Careful What You Ask For - by Richard Kennon
    This last Christmas I asked Santa for a nineteen inch wide-screen, thin, flat display for my computer. Santa, being busy and not knowing a thing about computers, asked our son to make the purchase.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Biometric Lock Update
      For What It’s Worth!
      Interesting Business
      What a Show!
      No Announcements With Discounts This Month
      How About Some Suggestions For Defragging!
      Another Free Defragger
      Free Picture Resizer
      Analyze Everything In Your PC>BR>
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
  • April thru June - 2008

    June - 2008
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • Moving to Vista Part 6 - by Neil Stahfest
    As our computers have improved we tend to use higher screen resolutions to see more detail and, unfortunately, that can cause eye strain. The solution is not to reduce screen resolution but to increase the size of the text.
  • Hasta la Vista - by Lee Reynolds
    Configuring the Taskbar
    The Taskbar works very much like previous versions of Windows, particularly XP.
  • Botnet - The Evil Network - by Grant Fuller
    This one might even be too much for Webman. There is a community of evil geeks who own a number of computers that are used exclusively for delivering viruses.
  • The Switch to Digital TV - by Sandy Berger
    The switch to digital is on the way. On February 17, 2009, U. S. broadcast stations, who are currently broadcasting in both analog and digital, will turn off their analog signals and will transmit only in digital. What’s this mean to you?
  • How to Forward Email - by Vinny La Bash
    Let’s examine a typical email scenario. After opening your email, you find a message that you simply must share with all your friends.
  • The Computer Corner - Spring Clean Your Computer - by Joe Shipley
    While you’re cleaning everything else around your home and office at this time of year, don’t forget to clean your computer.
  • The New, the Best, and the Worst January 2008 - by Pim Borman
    Finding the needle in a haystack is the proverbial example of an impossible task. Wrongly so.
  • The New, the Best, and the Worst February 2008 - by Pim Borman
    In February of 2002 I wrote here:
    "It has been said that Windows XP is less buggy than its Windows 95, 98, and Me predecessors;
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Friends Helping Friends!
      Eat Or Be Eaten
      Free Tutoring For The Uninformed
      Free Screensaver
      Free USB Protection
      Like Jigsaw Puzzles? Try This One!
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
  • May - 2008
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Wes Eckles, Jr., President
    April meeting recap.
  • Moving to Vista Part 5 - by Neil Stahfest
    As most PC users know, after you've used your computer for a while the data on your hard drive starts to get fragmented. This affects your computer's performance and causes programs to run more slowly.
  • Email Responsibilities - by Bob Schwartz
    E-mail is a very valuable method of almost instant communication. However, many people operate under an illusion that it is private. It is not.
  • It's Not Just Entertainment Anymore - by Gene Komaromi
    In the past, we've commonly thought of computer games, especially those played on game machine platforms, as pure entertainment. Times have changed
  • Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 with GPS - by Joseph Kluepfel
    Install this on your laptop and you have the luxury of setting up your trip at home and then use it in the car. A laptop screen is four times bigger than a navigator installed in a car or fifteen to twenty times bigger than a portable GPS.
  • New Technology Terms - by Sandy Berger
    Words, words, words….In the fast-moving world of technology, new words and phrases are constantly introduced.
  • Benefits of Using a Computer Sandbox - by Gene Barlow
    A computer Sandbox is newer technology that is not very well known, but, it can be quite useful in many situations.
  • 64 Bit Computing--Pros and Cons - by Brian K. Lewis
    My earlier conclusions were that most users should wait the arrival of Microsoft’s next operating system before leaping into 64 bit computing. So Vista’s 64 bit version (Vista x64) has now been here for about a year, should you be considering a change from your 32 bit processor to a 64 bit processor?
  • All Computers Wait at the Same Speed - by Vinny La Bash
    I first heard that phrase about ten years ago at a geek conference in Seattle. A decade ago is earlier than the Stone Age in computer years.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Enjoyed The Show
      How About An Add-on Toolbar!
      Need Some Tweaking?
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
  • April - 2008
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Wes Eckles, Jr., President
    March meeting recap.
  • Moving to Vista Part 4 - by Neil Stahfest
    Windows Vista is a resource hog. A year ago, when I reviewed Vista for TAPCUG, my advice was to not upgrade an existing computer and buy Vista, wait and get it with a new computer.
  • Evaluating Your Anti-Spyware Program - by Vinny La Bash
    Spyware started out as a stealth program surreptitiously installed on your system to track your web surfing habits. The developers of spyware didn’t want to damage your computer. They wanted only to sell you something.
  • Look Ma No Hands - by Bruce Jacobs
    This article was not typed. I dictated it using the speech recognition feature in Windows Vista Ultimate. The intent of the software is to allow the user to speak words into the computer and for the computer to recognize those words...
  • Recording Audio - by Bart Koslow
    Nowadays it is no problem to record video from a TV broadcast, VCR or other source using a Digital Video Recorder. When I began to look into recording music broadcasts off the air, I found that there were external Audio recorders, but they were expensive...
  • New Gadgets for 2008 - by Sandy Berger
    While prices of technology gadgets continue to drop, it seems that ink for that inexpensive ink jet printer often costs more than the printer itself.
  • What's a Good Computer to Buy? - by Doug Fairchild
    As a person who is active with a computer user’s group and who has had formal training in Windows 2000 and Windows XP, I’m often asked “what computer should I get?”
  • Saitek Optical Mouse - by Jan Fagerholm
    What’s in the Box: Mouse, User Manual with photo cutting template. The Review: A mouse review? Hey, don’t laugh – it’s a perfectly good mouse that, as it happens, you can customize to make it a personalized desktop accessory. The photo part is the novelty, but first let’s see the mouse.
  • So You Have a New Digital Camera - by Robert M. Mayo
    When I bought my first digital camera, I felt lost. I had never worked from menus before, and they seemed so overly complicated.
  • Let's Clean "Start-up" - by Bob Elgines
    Does your computer boot-up or run slow? Maybe there are too many programs running in the back ground. Let us do the following check first.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Great Shows!
      Are You Ready To Tax Your Brain?
      Here’s Another Freebie!
      Comfort Should Be The Golden Rule!
      Wow! What a Clock!
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
  • January thru March - 2008

    March - 2008
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Wes Eckles, Jr., President
    February meeting recap.
  • Moving to Vista - Part 3 - by Neil Stahfest
    Your PC's desktop is the largest, most user defined area on your PC's screen. It contains all your own shortcuts, folder icons and your personal desktop picture. The desktop is really just a personal file folder on drive C.
  • Old to New Computer Files Transfer: Careful! - by Charles W. Evans
    One of the biggest chores of getting a new computer is moving all of your stuff from one to the other.
  • Windows Live Hotmail - by Lynn Page
    I have had a Hotmail account for many years and use it regularly. The latest Windows Live Hotmail is easier to use and includes many impressive features.
  • The New, The Best, and The Worst - Nov 2007 - Collected by Pim Borman
      Disruptive Open Source Programs.
      Thermal Color Printing
  • Converting to a Portable Office - by Brian K. Lewis
    Many times over the fifteen years that I have been writing for the Monitor I found myself approaching the deadline while I was on the road.
  • Need a Sticky Note? Put It On Your Computer - by Linda Gonse
    Sticky note programs for your pc, as you might imagine, are a utility that takes the place of paper Post-It notes that we all stick to our monitors!
  • Free Video Dub - by DVDVideoSoft Software
    The following statement has been received from DVDVideoSoft: "Free Video Dub is available for immediate free download at http://www.dvdvideosoft .com/products/dvd/Free-Video-Dub.htm. The program contains no spyware or adware. It's clearly free. No activation or registration is required. Just download and use it."
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Looking Back
      Tax Tips
      Goodbye FedEx, Good Riddance
      They Claim To Simplify Launching
      Another Free PDF Maker
      This Product Offers Canned Replies
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
  • February - 2008
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Wes Eckles, Jr., President
    January meeting recap.
  • Moving to Vista - Part 2 - by Neil Stahfest
    One of the most irritating things about Windows Vista is the repetitious messages that appear whenever you attempt to install a new program.
  • A Laptop for the Holidays - by Vinny La Bash
    In June of 2005, monthly laptop sales exceeded desktop sales for the first time. Since then, the popularity of laptops has continued to gain.
  • Free Help for Creating Greeting Cards - by Sandy Berger
    A recent trip to the greeting card store left me in sticker shock. While the text with the price of the card was smaller (or is it just my aging eyes?), the price tag was definitely larger than last time I looked.
  • Weird Windows Behavior - by Sandy Berger
    Have you ever been completely dismayed by your computer? Does it seem to do unusual things that you can’t trace back to any of your actions? Well, you are not alone.
  • Connected or Discombobulated? - by Judy Lococo
    Everywhere you look today, someone is always talking about “connectivity” and how our new, improved world demands it. The more I see of this phenomenon, the less I think we are connected.
  • Tweak Your PC to Keep It Running Fast, Feeling Good, and Looking Young! - by Lou Torraca
    Last week, I was explaining to a friend that I am a quick launch toolbar afficionado {:-) What the heck is that he asked.
  • 10 Commandments for Online Shopping - by Robert Spotswood
    Just as flies are attracted to a fresh pile of manure, so are criminals attracted to large amounts of money. With online shopping sales at an estimated $132 billion in 2006, the number of online crooks trying to steal from you has grown, too.
  • The Deals Column - by Bob Click, The Dealsguy
      Fedex problem.
      Problem Resolved.
      No Operating system? What’s a Hypervisor?
      A Firefox Add-on.
      Help For Your Video File Conversion.
      Help For Your Web Site.
      Easier Way To Remove USB Devices.
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
  • January - 2008
  • Internet Help
    Many technical help and price comparison links.
  • President's Corner - by Wes Eckles, Jr., President
    NWA-PCUG assets and a problem.
  • ru Experienced? - by Lee Reynolds
    Question: do you know everything you need or want to know about Windows XP?
  • Using a Restore Point - by Larry Bothe
    Recently, while in a big hurry to get a lot of work done before leaving on vacation, my computer started up with a blank screen. No mouse, no images, no text, no error message, no nothing...
  • New Computer? Protect Your Kids While Online - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director
    Almost all new PCs sold for the holidays had some version of Microsoft Vista installed as the operating system. While there have been some operational debates about Vista, there is one integral feature (except in the Business version) that may be very useful if the new computer is to be used in a family with children.
  • Make Vista Work Better - by Vinny LaBash
    In this article we'll show how to make Vista work better for you, and that's all we can reasonably ask of any operating system.
  • The New, the Best, and the Worst - by Pim Borman
      Mobile Supercomputers.
      Super Jigsaws.
      Amazon.
      Burj Dubai Babel Babble.
      Google.
  • Google Search Bar and Your Telephone Number - by Sandy Berger
    If you know someone’s telephone number, how hard would it be to find that person? Well, with Internet resources, it couldn’t be easier.
  • How to Use Google Street Views to See Streets, Places, Routes, and Faces - by Linda Gonse
    Beyond the curiosity of the new panoramic on-the-road reality shots, Google’s detailed Street Views give you a feel for really being where you want to go.
  • Buying a New Computer? Read This First - by Sandy Berger
    Windows Vista is finally ready for prime time. Over the last several months, the drivers for many devices like printers and scanners have been updated ane most software has also been updated to be Vista compatible. However...
  • Moving on to Vista - Part 1 - by Neil Stahfest
    I tested a pre-release version of Windows Vista last year. I thought that the eye candy was nice but there really wasn't a lot about the program to make it worth upgrading. Since then I've heard stories about problems with Vista that made me even more reluctant. But, things happen. I "needed" a new laptop to demonstrate programs for the Flight Simulator S.I.G. , so I'll share some of my experiences and impressions with you.
  • 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.
      Download Flashpaste Professional using this link .
      An Interesting Freeware!
  • More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
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