June - 2011
- Internet Help
Many technical help and price comparison links.
- President's Corner - by Wesley Eckles, Jr
In past "Tips" I have discussed how to protect your computer and your personal
information from malware attacks. I have reviewed anti-malware utilities that you can install on your computer to provide protection from attacks. The bad guys have found a way to bypass these anti-malware protections. They have just gone to where millions of computer users go - FACEBOOK. This social network provides a ready made distribution
method for spreading scams. These scams are hard to identify as fakes. Following are some examples.
- Discovering Windows 7 - Part 13 - by Neil Stahfest
Do your desktop icons look large and consume a lot of your computer’s desktop real estate? The chances are that if they were smaller they would be less obtrusive. Of course the downside of having smaller icons is that you get more space to have more icons which can make your desktop look more complicated (sort of like making space on a real life desk to add more piles of stuff). Anyway, try reducing the size of your icons, it’s easy.
- PC Cooling - Keep it Cool! - by Phil Sorrentino
Just like your car, your computer has to be cooled because it generates a lot of heat. Some of the computer’s components produce large amounts of heat during operation, and this heat must be removed in order to keep these components within their safe operating temperatures. PC Cooling, then, is the process of removing the heat from the computer’s components.
- Oracle and the Future of OpenOffice.org - by Geof Goodrum
Oracle Corporation, a technology company best known for its flagship commercial relational database management software, is alienating the Open Source community it once embraced. In 2008, Sun Microsystems acquired MySQL AB, the company that developed and provided commercial support for the highly popular relational database management system (RDBMS) software, MySQL, which is available in both Open Source and commercial license versions.
- Microsoft Program Stores all Types of Data - by John Weigle
OneNote has been compared to a three-ring binder as a place to store all types of information in a searchable form. But it’s far more useful than just a binder full of paper, as Scott showed in the demonstration.
- Your Computer's Health, Part 4: Comprehensive Computer Maintenance - by Greg Skalka
People need computers. Computers need maintenance. Unless you want to gamble with your email, continued access to the Internet, your finances and the other things we have come to depend on from our personal computers, you should consider some preventative maintenance.
- Geez - Gmail - by Abby Stokes
When I'm asked what free web-based e-mail I recommend it is NOT Gmail I know, I know, your kids and grand kids are all over you to use Gmail instead of AOL. I agree that AOL is inconsistent and not as compatible with many handheld devices, but Gmail's design is not particularly "user-friendly" (a misnomer when referring to anything computer).
- E-mail Hacked? An Ounce of Prevention - by Lee Seidman
Recently, some unsuspecting e-mail users may have experienced dismaying and shocking notifications suggesting that his or her e-mail has been hacked and used to send spam (or worse), even if the e-mail system is web-based rather than downloaded directly to one’s computer via a local application like Microsoft Mail, Outlook, Outlook Express, MacMail, Entourage, Thunderbird, etc. (and hence, susceptible to operating system-level vulnerabilities). The primary suspect is the password used to access the account.
- An App - What it is and What it Does - by Sandy Berger
An app can be found on the iPhone and the iPad as well as many other smart phones and tablet PCs. In fact, Apple's introduction of the idea of apps in 2008 is what made smart phones and tablet PCs so popular. Up until that time, we were all used to full-blown programs like those that run on a computer. Most of these programs contain millions of lines of code, have numerous functions, and have menus that open up to reveal a multitude of choices.
- Are You Secure? - by Constance Brown
Security is one of the most common concerns with today’s computer based communications and transactions. How can I secure my personal computer? Should I do banking online or is it safer to write checks and mail them? Is it safe to purchase products online? How much can people learn about me through online access? These questions are some of the most common I hear expressed by my students. Let’s look at some of these concerns.
- A Happier, Longer Life? Volunteer! - by Sr. Dorothy Robinson
Although there may be some situations where volunteering would not necessarily get you a longer, happier life (any veteran could fill you in on that), there are now studies showing that people who volunteer at least two hours a week do in fact receive health benefits from volunteering.
More On The Web - The following articles, by Ira Wilsker, Radio host, columnist,and college professor, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
- Speed Up Your PC by Cleaning Your Startup
We all love that new PC, especially how quickly it boots, loads programs, and runs applications. Inevitably, we start to install new programs, and notice that the row of icons on the toolbar adjacent to the clock starts to get longer, while the computer performance is degraded. Gradually our boot time increases, applications seem to slow down even more, and we get lockups, the "Not Responding" statement from the software, the infamous "Blue Screen of Death", and other irritations that may make us feel like chunking the computer out the window.
- Hundreds of Free Online "Talks" From TED
Sometimes we all need a little intellectual stimulation. I recently learned of a non-profit international organization that has posted nearly a thousand “talks” presented by hundreds of the top thinkers in the world. The talks are not all from eggheads and nerds, but from a diverse list of people prominent in the fields of technology, entertainment, and design, hence the acronym for the organization compiling these talks, “TED”.
- Easy and Fast Way to Update or Install Free Software
A regular reader of this column suggested that I write about a free service that can automatically install and update the most popular freeware programs available. She recommended Ninite, but I was also familiar with a competitive service from AllMyApps. While both have comprehensive listings of free software, AllMyApps also includes links to some commercial software applications, so I would have to give the edge to Ninite when it comes to the mass installation of free software.
- More Free Utilities from Google
Sometime ago, I wrote about several free utilities available from Google. Google has continued to update and enhance its offerings in its attempt to maintain its dominant position on the internet by offering dozens of free utilities for PCs, MACs, and Linux computers. The comprehensive listing of Google offerings is online at www.google.com/intl/en/options.
- May - 2011
- Internet Help
Many technical help and price comparison links.
- President's Corner - by Wesley Eckles, Jr
If you browse the WEB your computer will be filled with small files called tracking cookies. What do they do? Tracking cookies are files deposited onto your PC's hard drive as you browse the Internet.
- Gates, computers, and cars
For all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way computers have enhanced our lives, read on. At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated
- Your Computer's Health – The “Oh Oh” Moment, Part 2 - by Art Grisham
Oops. Darn, What The....? You know the feeling. Yesterday everything was fine. Today you are wondering what happened overnight. What can you do if your computer seems to have suddenly gotten sick?
- Word Templates Can Simplify Your Life - by Nancy DeMarte
Templates have been a feature of Microsoft Word since the early versions. These pre-formatted documents are offered as time-savers to users who need a quick business letter, resume, agenda, or other document.
- Windows Lab - by Randy N. Ridge
Déjà vu All Over Again. Yes, I'm writing the same article again. Why you ask? It's because we don't seem to learn from our past mistakes. I'm writing with six computers around me infected with various forms of Viruses, Trojans, and Malware. If your computer is running really slow, or suddenly you can't connect to the Internet, or you get popups saying you have viruses which can be removed if you send money, then you need to read this article.
- Windows 7 Bible - by Wayne O. Evans
Quick Review. This is a well-written in-depth discussion of Windows 7 features. The information is well presented for both novice and experienced Windows 7 readers. The book is loaded with illustrations and tips that help explain the details of Windows 7. The size of the book (over 1200 pages) makes it awkward to carry around.
- What a Nasty Virus Can Do To Your Computer - by Merle Nicholson
Quick Review. I recently was asked to remove a virus from a friend/client’s notebook. For all intents and purposes, it rendered the computer completely in-operative. The virus was in a virus category of “Rogue antivirus software.” There are many of them out there for the unwary to catch, and this one, called “ThinkPoint,” even has the Windows flag on it to further fool you into thinking it is legitimate.
- Tor, Anonymity On-line - by Dick Maybach
Tor protects your privacy when you are on-line in two ways: (1) it prevents other users of the network you use to reach the Internet (for example a public Wi-Fi hotspot) from seeing the data you exchange and with whom you communicate and (2) it hides your identity from those with whom you communicate.
- This And That - by Elizabeth B. Wright
Last Fall my husband and I were part of a tour group which visited several countries. The most amazing part of the trip was how many of our fellow passengers had brought laptop computers and Kindle book readers. Since nearly all of us had digital cameras, we used our computers to download the images after each day’s adventure.
- This and That or Things That May Interest You - by Lynn Page
Check Boxes. I use the Control key to make multiple selections in Windows Explorer but you can also use check boxes. With Windows 7 in Windows Explorer, click Organize and select Folder and search options in the drop down menu. Select the View tab and in the Advanced Settings window scroll down, check the box for Use check boxes to
select items and click OK.
More On The Web - The following articles, by Ira Wilsker, Radio host, columnist,and college professor, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
- Find Travel Bargains Online
Sometimes it seems like you cannot watch more than a few minutes of TV without seeing some form of commercial for travel bargains. William Shatner, now known as the "Priceline Negotiator", insults people trying to book hotels, intimidating them to "go lower!". The Travelocity Gnome suffers international abuse while attempting to resolve problems at hotels and resorts.
- Get a Free Education Online
It is no secret to my regular readers that I have been teaching college for well over the past three decades. Traditionally, both K-12 and higher education consisted of face-to-face classes in a classroom, possibly supplemented by some form of laboratory experience. Several years ago online coursework started to become the rage with almost all traditional colleges and universities now offering some online classes,
- First Aid Information and Manuals Online
With the spate of recent tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, along with the approach of hurricane season, now would be a great time to download and review some basic first aid information. First aid is not just for the aforementioned events of nature, but is also for the day to day risks and injuries that we are all likely to suffer or witness.
- Secure Your Wireless Network - OR ELSE!
Many times in this column I have warned readers about the risks of having an unsecured wireless or "Wi-Fi" network. Similar warning have been written here about the risks of using Wi-Fi in hotels, airports, restaurants, and other quasi-public places where miscreants can intercept your wireless signal and gain access to what is on your computer.
- April - 2011
- Internet Help
Many technical help and price comparison links.
- President's Corner - by Wesley Eckles, Jr
Recap of meeting and income tax time.
- New Handheld Computer That Also Phones(SmartPhone) - by Merle Nicholson
OK – this is an article about an Android phone by a guy who is three times older than the demographic that normally buys these things. So I’m going to say “Facebook” here and now, the first and last time because I’d don’t have a Facebook account; I haven’t “friended” anyone, so I certainly don’t care where they are. And I haven’t gone hunting for dates for 47 years. Just so you know who I am.
- The Running of the Nerds - by Lou Torraca
No, I wasn’t in Spain at the Running of the Bulls...I was in Las Vegas to attend the annual Consumer Electronics Show and yes, I was one of the thundering herd going from press event to press event, starting on Tuesday, January 4.
- Windows Lab - The Start Menu for Windows 7 - by Barney Babin
Every iteration of Microsoft’s Operating System since XP has had a Start Menu that functions basically the same; but Windows 7 has many distinctly different features that make it stand apart from the others. For example, when you open the Start Menu, your curser is automatically positioned in the “Search Programs and files” area (Fig. 1),
- This & That or Things of Interest - by Lynn Page
To have Outlook leave or delete messages on the server in the Tools drop down menu, choose E-mail Accounts in Outlook 2003 or Account Settings in Outlook 2007. Select View or Change existing e-mail accounts and choose on the email account to change.
- You've Got Them. Why Not Use Them? - by Vinny LaBash
People configure their desktops in different ways for an all encompassing assortment of reasons. Most use the Windows defaults which are quite reasonable, but operate from a false assumption that “factory specifications” are enough.
- Your Computer's Health, Part 1 - by Art Gresham
At the start of this new year the UCHUG Drive Light is going to present a series of articles on the general topic of Your Computer's Health. You say you are doing most of those things recommended to keep your body healthy: annual physical, dental checkups, good diet, bathe regularly, stay physically active.
- Will Google Take Over the World? - by Sandy Berger
My predictions for the year 2011 is that this year Google will get one giant step closer to taking over the world! Well, perhaps, that is a little too strong a statement,
- Tips for Ensuring Your Privacy on the Internet - by Dick Maybach
When posting information to the Internet, keep three things in mind:
1. you can’t restrict where it will go;
2. you can’t restrict who will see it; and
3. it will stay there forever.
If you want to keep something private, don’t post it.
- The Seventh Son of Windows The Windows 7 Control Panel - by Lee Reynolds
The overall look of Control Panel in Windows 7 hasn't changed that much from Vista, but there are a number of under-the-hood differences.
More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, Radio host, columnist,and college professor, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
- Free Online Recipe Search
A perennial question around my house is "what's for dinner?" We did not go grocery shopping today, but we do have a freezer full of food. I selected some lean round steaks from the freezer, and dutifully thawed them. Steak can be cooked in many ways, broiled, brazed, grilled, and in many other ways.
- Free Comic Books Online
When I was a kid growing up in the 50's, I enjoyed buying and reading comic books. While most of them were a dime, some were expensive at a quarter. My dad acquiesced and when I with him to the drug store to buy funny comic books that he approved, such as Little Lulu. My mom gave in if I wanted to buy any of the classic comic books, which were literature transformed into a comic book format.
- Browser Wars Intensify With Release of IE9, Firefox 4 - Part 1
I have made it no secret that Microsoft's Internet Explorer has not been my favorite browser. While it is integrated at the system level with all recent versions of Windows (except in Europe), Internet Explorer (IE) has had a reputation for being slow, bloated, insecure, and lacking many of the enhanced and improved features of its feisty competitors, such as Firefox, Google's Chrome, Apple's Safari (Windows version), and Opera.
- Browser Wars Intensify With Release of IE9, Firefox 4 - Part 2
Last week I wrote about the newly released Internet Explorer 9 from Microsoft, and how it has increased speed and security over the older versions of Internet Explorer. Despite the fact that it is included with virtually all builds of Windows sold in the United States and most (but not all) other countries, and many users are unaware or unwilling to download and use an alternative browser, it has seen a significant decrease in market share.
January thru March - 2011
- March - 2011
- Internet Help
Many technical help and price comparison links.
- President's Corner - by Wesley Eckles, Jr
Recap of meeting with outstanding panel answering questions.
- Incredible, Spectacular, Amazing - and of course, Innovative - by Lou Torracae
By the time u read this, I should be in Las Vegas for the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) where oohs and aahs are regularly heard as thousands of new electronic goodies are unveiled. So, to tweak your curiosity about all this, I have listed a handful of new products that have been chosen as Innovation Award winners I will hopefully see in person while I’m at the show.
- Discovering Windows 7 - Part 12 - by Neil Stahfest
The Black Friday sales were too tempting this year and I decided it was time to treat
myself to a new laptop computer. When selecting a new computer you need to
determine what your requirements are. I wanted something powerful enough to run
my current software plus what I would probably need a year or two from now.
- Santa Brought Your Parents a Laptop! Oh No! - by Gregory West
Don’t read any further, unless you need to “Teach your parents well...”
I have always enjoyed seeing people get computers for the first time. Although it is hard to detect the look in their eyes: horror or excitement.
- Should You Try Linux? - by Dick Maybach
?It’s fast. Every time I use Windows I can feel myself growing older as it creeps through booting up, shutting down, and starting a new program. My wife had an old laptop with XP that had become unusably slow under XP. She replaced the operating system with Linux, and it’s now back to its original speed.
- Software Review: UbuntuOne - by Drew Kwashnak?
Computers are great, aren’t they? What else can help you lose so many files, pictures and home videos so easily? When you have more than one computer, then you have double the chance of losing anything (plus your sanity)! That’s where the Internet comes to help. The folks who bring you the Ubuntu Linux distribution have made a great product that helps organize and keep your files where you can find them. They call it …
- New Cameras Worth Checking Out - Part II - by Jerry Schneir
I could devote one whole article just on Panasonic’s new cameras, but I will not. There are several that are of great interest because of how much their earlier versions impacted photography. I will mainly deal with the FZ100, FZ40, FX700, and LX5. and the GH2, The GH2 is a 4/3 size sensor camera that resembles an SLR except that it does not have mirror box, has an EVF (Electronic View Finder) and uses interchangeable lenses.
- Upgrade Your Computer or OS, Don't Forget These - by Phil Sorrentino
With the release of Windows 7, many of us will be upgrading our computers or at least its Operating System. If you’re thinking of upgrading to Windows 7 on your current hardware, first consult with the Windows 7 upgrade advisor at http://bit.ly/d02lWz. The upgrade advisor will provide a good review of your hardware and software and point out areas where you might have a problem.
More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, Radio host, columnist,and college professor, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
- Search for Your Ancestors and Make A Family Tree
Over the years I have dabbled in genealogy trying to create a family tree. While I have always been curious about my ancestors, my interest was piqued in pre-internet days when I encountered a gentleman in Germany with the same unusual last name as I have.
- Possible Personal Security Issue with Digital Photos
Many of us take a lot of digital photographs. One of the many advantages of digital photography is the ease at which they can be emailed to others, and posted to social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace.
- LibreOffice - Another Free Office Suite
Dominant over its competitors, Microsoft Office has near universal acceptance in business and industry, as well as educational and home use. It is a Microsoft product, and has the panache' of Microsoft, but is among the most expensive of the office suites.
- Download Easeus Todo Backup Home Free
Easeus Todo backup home is a free system backup and free file backup tool that is a very handy program to have on your computer. In the event your files, folders and other valuable data is damaged by a computer virus, hard disk failure, or lost because of human error, this backup and recovery software will enable you to recover your files and folders with ease.
- February - 2011
- Internet Help
Many technical help and price comparison links.
- President's Corner - by Wesley Eckles, Jr
Recap of January program: "Put new life in that old computer" by Tom Black. If you did not attend the January meeting, you missed a great presentation. Tom made a live demonstration of the Linix UBUNTU operating system using his 7 year old
laptop with only 1.5 gigabytes of memory. The speed and response of the old computer
was surprising. Discussion of the UBUNTU lasted until 3 p.m.
- eBAY - The Pluses and the Problems - by Ian Gemmell
We have Club members who are very active users of eBay, and who do so with very few problems. Some even say they are addicted. We need to understand that people in this category succeed because they understand both the techniques necessary for buying and selling and also the pitfalls which have to be avoided.
- eBAY - Buying and Selling Part 1 - by Gini Pedersen
What is eBay?
eBay is the largest and most popular auction site on the Internet. Their main service is to match up buyers with sellers anywhere in the world. Although the buyer doesn't pay anything to eBay to bid or win an auction, the seller does pay one or more fees. Fees vary, depending on what is being offered and the features included in the listing.
- eBAY - Buying and Selling Part 2 - by Gini Pedersen
Guideline #1: Be cautious about bidding on a high-priced item from a seller with a rating in the mid or low 90% range. Also check the number next to the seller's User ID since this indicates the number of feedbacks that the percentage amount relates to.
- eBAY - Buying and Selling Part 3 - by Gini Pedersen
Paying for Your eBay Item
When the bidding period closes, the highest bidder is the "winner." eBay automatically emails both the buyer and the seller notifying them of the successful end of the auction and setting the process in motion for payment, delivery, and feedback to occur.
- eBAY - Buying and Selling Part 4 - by Gini Pedersen
Selling an Item on eBay
Every successful seller first becomes a buyer so they can better understand the importance of pictures, descriptions, feedback, shipping and handling policies, payment options, and more.
- eBAY - Buying and Selling Part 5 - by Gini Pedersen
Help on eBay
1. To see a summary of Help topics on eBay, click the Site Map link in the upper right portion of the screen.
2. To search the Help system, click the Help button in the upper right portion of the screen and type in keywords related to your search request.
- Discovering Windows 7 - Part 10 - by Neil Stahfest
You’ve had your computer for a while and you’re happy (or at least content) with the way it works. You insert a music CD and the Windows Media Player automatically plays your music. You go to your Pictures library and you see your photographs with Windows the Photo Gallery (or a similar program). Then, one day, something changes. Some other program is playing your music or displaying your pictures and you don’t like it.
- AskDacs - by Jim Scheef
AskDACS is a Question and Answer session before the main presentation at the monthly General Meeting. We solicit questions from the floor and then answers from other audience members. My role as moderator is to try to guide the discussion to a likely solution to the problem.
- Harvest Abundant Membership/Custome/rEmploee/Alumni Discounts - by Gabe Goldberg
If you're reading this article, you enjoy discounts and not paying list price. Or you're simply cheap -- not that there's anything wrong with that -- who can argue with buying $25 restaurant gift certificates for $3 or less? And, of course, watch Slickdeals for restaurant.com magic codes!.
- This and That or Things of Interest - by Lynn Page
Outlook
To have Outlook leave or delete messages on the server in the Tools drop down menu, choose E-mail Accounts in Outlook 2003 or Account Settings in Outlook 2007. Select View or Change existing e-mail accounts and choose on the email account to change. Click the Change button or Change icon.
- Tips and Tricks - by Bob Goodman
Disable Laptop Touchpad with TouchpadPal
You have probably experienced your cursor jumping to another location in a document while typing on your laptop because your hand accidentally touched the touchpad. In order to put an end to this problem use TouchpadPal.
- Tips and Tricks - by Constance Brown
It seems there is no limit to discovering capabilities hidden in the software we use daily. Did you ever need a way to navigate your computer but had no way to use a mouse? A few months ago I wanted to copy some picture files onto a computer that had only one USB port and the mouse was plugged into it!
- Is This Thing On?: Book Review - by Beth Pickering
I finally read one of those books for Dummies (the one for Seniors). Actually I only read parts of it. I definitely have trouble with the title. I know it says a manual for the rest of us - and it definitely reads like a manual - but self talk is important and I’m not a dummy. It was part of my due diligence for reviewing Abby Stokes’ new beginners’ book, “Is This Thing On?”
More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, Radio host, columnist,and college professor, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
- Improve Internet Speed by Changing DNS
Most of us are blissfully ignorant about the inner workings of the internet. We are quite happy when we turn on our computers and access the internet to surf the web or read our email. There are several utilities that can optimize the computer's and browser's settings to maximize their performance, and I have discussed these in past columns.
- Malware, Viruses, Trojans Defined
In the past week, I was called upon four more times to clean malware off of infected computers. One user had a major name brand antivirus program installed, running, and updated and could not understand how the malware had penetrated his antivirus software and contaminated his computer. He had purchased the antivirus software last fall from a big box electronics store based on the recommendations of a salesperson. He had been told that this particular brand of security software was the best as it was their top seller, and that antivirus software was all that he really needed.
- Free "Cheat Sheets" for Software and Hardware
Recently, I was asked to teach an eight hour non-credit class on Excel to the employees of a local company. I know by experience that handouts are a popular adjunct for any class, so I had to find some useful handouts for this Excel class; so called “cheat sheets” are as good as any other handout, so I proceeded to print a set of Excel cheat sheets for Excel versions 2003, 2007, and 2010.
- Affiliates Again Offer Free Online Filing
It is again that time of year that we are receiving those dreaded W-2 and 1099 forms. This year due to a local holiday in Washington, DC, we actually have until April 18 to file, rather than the traditional April 15 that we have all come to approach with trepidation. The Sunday newspaper sale books, big box stores, and online retailers are rife with deals on tax preparation software, including big discounts, rebates, gift cards, package deals where the tax software is bundled with other software;
- January - 2011
- Internet Help
Many technical help and price comparison links.
- President's Corner - by Wesley Eckles, Jr
Windows 7 Tips.
- Home & Business Lawyer - by Wesley Eckles, Jr
I have used Broderbund's "Home & Business Lawyer" for years. One year of updates are free. It is a fill in-a-blank worksheet. You are asked to give information or select an option. You can
select to get an legal explanation on items that require a selection. The program works this way:
- Discovering Windows 7 - Part 8 - by Neil Stahfest
A “Guest Account” is a built-in Windows user account that allows limited use of your computer. It’s handy to have if visitors (i.e. grandchildren) want to use your computer.
- Discovering Windows 7 - Part 9 - by Neil Stahfest
Computers are designed to store and manipulate lots of information in a way that we can easily find and use it. To do this efficiently requires a little effort on the part of the user. When we transfer pictures from our digital cameras they often bare names like HPIM0468.JPG.
- Movie Making at Home For Fun (Not Really For Profit) - by Phil Sorrentino
Movie making has become possible for anyone who has a digital camera, a reasonably capable computer, and lots and lots of time, with an emphasis on the time.
- Solid State Devices - by Vinny LaBash
Measuring the effect of SSD technology is more than the numbers game we play with conventional Winchester disk drives. What you experience with SSD drives centers on how certain tasks feel. Loading applications, boot up, shut down, and changing levels in your first person 3D shooter game are prime examples.
- A Brief History of Data Storage & A Brief Explanation of the Binary System (Part 1 0f 2) - by Ron Hirsch
Ever since man first walked the earth, he has started keeping records, and storing information. Early man did so by creating crude pictures on the walls of caves, and
much of these still exist today.
- It's Crystal Ball Time Again - by Elizabeth B. Wright
Is it any wonder no real work gets done any more? Since the advent of the personal computer, the workforce in the world has been in a constant learning mode. Early in the game there were many competing programs to buy. Some had a steep learning curve, others were fairly easy to conquer.
- Public Transport Solution - by Wil Wakely
Communications with cell phones, email, faxes and Internet are great, especially with the latest technologies, but another equally important activity in our daily life is transportation: physically getting from place to place.
- Un-trapping Old Music - by Diane Fahlbusch
Technology has made audio a new experience, and provides a plethora of choices. Hours of music can now fit comfortably in your pocket, as well as the players. Music files can be transferred with the click of a few buttons. But what good is it all if your music is still trapped in vinyl and tape?
More On The Web - The following articles by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Director, are NOT in the hardcopy newsletter.
- Microsoft Rolls Out "SkyDrive" Online Office Apps and Storage
It is obvious that there is some heavy competition between Microsoft and Google in the online document market. About a year ago I wrote about the services offered by Google Docs (docs.google.com), which includes free online document creation and editing, along with online storage and collaboration. Microsoft has also been providing a somewhat similar service, originally with its Office Live Workspace (beta),
- More Portable Utilities for Your Flash Drive
I continue to make extensive use of the 8GB flash drive that I carry on my keychain along with my car keys. Just yesterday I was called to a relative's house to rescue a family computer that had been devastated by malware, such that the computer was nearly useless. Using the utilities on my flash drive, I was able to remove some stubborn malware, clean the hard drive, remove useless items from the startup, defragment the hard drive, and return the computer to good health.
- Free Comprehensive Security Suite from Agnitum
Once again, another security software vendor has released a free PC security program, joining an already crowded field of competitors, but this one is different. While most of the free security offerings are single purpose programs, such as antivirus only, antispyware only, or firewall only, this one is one of the few that offers an integrated and somewhat complete security suite for free.
- Free Weather on Your Desktop
Regardless of the time of the year, we are always subject to the whims of the weather. Here in southeast Texas, we have a saying, "If you don't like the weather, just wait a few hours and it will change".
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