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Volume 9, Issue 2 - February 2005
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COMPUTER
CLASSES HIGHLIGHTS OF JANUARY MEETING |
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Next
General Membership Meeting February 7, 2005
Pinckney Hall 7:00pm
Walt
Gnann of ISLC: Free Anti-Spyware Utilities that actually work. Pre-Meeting at 6:30pm
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Click Classes This Month
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PRESIDENT'S
MESSAGE
Read on to see how my picture to the left can help some lucky member(s) win free computer classes!
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Welcome to our new and returning members! It's great to have you aboard! One of the first things new members should do is to take our free Computer Club Orientation Class. It is a great way to become familiar with our club and facilities as well as beginning and intermediate course offerings. For those of you not familiar at all with personal computers, the next step is to take Mousing Around, which will help you learn mouse coordination and an introduction to what it can do for you. There are certain things that will perennially benefit computer users. One of those is a good foundation in the right-click button of the mouse plus the use of context menus. I use the right-click at least as much as the left-click when working with files and editing documents such as the one I'm typing at this moment. And the right-click context menu is universally used in nearly all programs from basic to advanced. So keep your eyes open for Cut, Copy, and Paste, a presentation and/or class about right-click context menus due soon. Computer Upgrade News
Many of us are upgrading or replacing our older computers with newer technology.
I’ve assisted several members with setting up their Dell or
Hewlett-Packard systems and I’ve helped with some custom-built systems
also. In each case, a
substantial performance gain has been apparent.
In the Dell camp, the
Dimension
3000 and Dimension
4700 are proving to be quite popular.
These mid-priced systems are quite flexible, capable of accepting
memory and video upgrades to transform them into visual media
mini-powerhouses if the owner desires.
The most common configuration has been to order the computers with
integrated video and 512 megabytes of Random Access Memory (RAM).
Some of that RAM is allocated to the integrated video and
typically, a hard drive and CD-RW or DVD/RW upgrade is included with these
packages. Adding a video card
with dedicated high-speed RAM is a great way of improving video
performance. Many cards are
available at reasonable prices pre-installed.
Be forewarned that if you want the fastest video card for gaming,
prices can easily exceed $300. Some
go for over $600, more than for an entire budget computer. Going for more system
RAM is a good idea for those working with web pages, video, and other
editing operations. From a
subjective viewpoint, one gigabyte (1 GB or 1024 MB) of RAM really lets things move.
That’s what I have in my homebuilt Windows XP Professional system
powered by an Athlon XP 2800+ processor.
Because of the large reserve of physical RAM, more applications can
be run simultaneously and they open and close faster.
And the hard drive doesn’t work as hard. The
64-bit question This year, we will
see Microsoft release Windows XP 64-bit Edition for 64-bit processors.
64-bit computing doubles the data information pathways while vastly
increasing the amount of addressable memory.
This will initially be of most value to research institutions and
to businesses handling huge databases.
But it will eventually be the future for the home computer.
64 bit-applications will begin to arrive in earnest in late 2006
and will share the market with 32 bit applications from 2007 onward to the
end of the decade. By then,
the majority of computer users will likely be in the 64-bit camp. Which brings us to a
question; Should I buy a 64 bit
processor today? As of this writing,
Intel has still not released a 64-bit capable processor for the home PC
market. They are due in mid
2005 when Intel is expected to have 64-bit compatible chipsets and motherboards
ready for production. Intel’s 32-bit
Pentium 4 line is adequate for home users for the next few years.
The same is true with AMD’s Sempron and soon to be gone Athlon
XP. However, the newest AMD
processor, the Athlon
64, runs current 32-bit Windows XP versions as well as Windows XP 64-bit Edition.
As a bonus, the Athlon 64 frequently outperforms the Pentium 4 in the 32-bit environment.
With a somewhat lower price, AMD’s
Athlon 64 is becoming the processor of choice among gaming enthusiasts and media
professionals. Thirty-two bit
processing will be around for several more years.
Therefore, when buying low to mid-priced systems (including the
base-model Dell
Dimension 8400), buy what you’re comfortable with.
If it’s Dell, go for it.
If it’s eMachines you
like, buy it. Whether Intel
or AMD, your choice will be fine
for several more years. The exception is at the high-end, where the Pentium 4 Extreme Edition is found. The original P4EE was actually an Intel Xeon processor recruited from Intel's professional workstation line to compete against the more efficient AMD Athlon 64. The newer P4EE processors are great 32-bit performers, and can be overclocked to 4 GHz and beyond. But at nearly $1000 each just for the processor, they are just not feasible for most consumers. For me, the best high-end choice is the AMD Athlon 64, from the 3500+ on up. I find these processors to be better bargains and
performers, especially at the top end where they are less expensive than the Intel competition. Pre-built systems are available from companies such as Alienware
(rated number one in after-the-sale support), Monsterbox
PC, and Hewlett-Packard.
For system builders, NewEgg is
a great source of components combined with superb service.
The Contest
Last month, I started a contest to find out just how many are reading the newsletter. Well, the prize is going to be at least two Computer Class Certificates signed by Robin Seaver, our Educational Committee chairperson.
Take a good look at my picture at the top of this column. What I want you to do is identify where the image was made. That means you need to look past my light brown or gray locks and examine the background. Each month, we will un-crop the image so you can see more of the background.
The first person who correctly identifies my location, which must include the name of the building structure in the background, will win the prize. We will likely allow multiple winners.
Note:
Members of the
This month’s hints should make it very easy to nail the general area.
Southeastern U.S. coast.
Ray Charles sang it best.
Yes, that’s Spanish moss above my scalp. Must be some nice trees nearby.
Bonus Hint: Certified and rather "Saint"-ly Historic Site.
Somebody please let me know where I was!
Allyn Perdue SCHHCC President
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MAC SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP
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The Mac group will
meet this month on February 28, 2005 in the Computer Room.
The topic will be
“You, your Mac and the IRS.” Any
Mac user who is a member of the computer club is welcome to join us.
For more information about the Mac Special Interest Group, call Lynn Conley at (3906.
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GENEALOGY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP
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The Genealogy group will next meet March 2, 2005 in the Computer Room. Robin Seaver will give a presentation on the use of My Publisher.com.
For more information about the Genealogy Group, contact Gail Boggs at 7932 or kaila5@davtv.com.
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MUSIC SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP
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The Music SIG will resume Tuesday March 8th at 4:00pm. We will discuss Online Music Services - including Windows Media Player free radio, online music libraries such as Rhapsody, pay per download sites, new and used CD's, and peer2peer service.
Diane Hutchings will continue to be available for music help.
Watch the monitor schedule for music help or e-mail at dianeh@alum.bu.edu for assistance. | ||
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The Digital Imaging SIG is open to members of the Computer Club OR Photography Club. Our next meeting will be Thursday, February 17 in the Computer Room from 4-5:30 when Corky Burt will discuss Histograms, and Paul Bradican will talk about using selection tools in your digital imaging software. Sign up will be available for Don Nelson's classes on a first come basis.
For more information about the Digital Imaging SIG, contact Vicki Levy at (6580 or Robin Seaver at searobin@islc.net. | ||
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Do you have computer related questions or
problems? If so, the Koffeeless Klatch is the place for you.
We meet Friday mornings from 9:00 to
10:00 in the Computer Room. The meetings are
informal. Feel free to come late or leave early. We know you
are busy. Each week, we do a short presentation on topic of general
interest and then handle questions and answers. | ||
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February 7
Walt Gnann of ISLC will give a presentation about their number one Home PC service problem, adware and spyware, and the free utilities that really work.
Come at 6:30 for Hugh Dinwiddie and Dan McGuire demonstrating video webcams and how they can be used with Instant Messaging for keeping in closer touch with families and friends. | ||
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NOTES FROM THE EDUCATION CHAIR | |
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First sales for March classes will be Monday, February 7 from 1-3pm in the Computer Room and 6-6:30pm in Pinckney Hall before the monthly meeting. Beginning February 8, any remaining classes may be purchased from the Class Sales Black Box in the Computer Room during open hours. Please do NOT remove class registration slips from the Black Box. These slips are numbered, and if we notice a registration slip is missing, it will NOT be honored.
When signing up for classes through the Class Sales Black Box please pay by CHECK only. If you find a tab for the class you are interested in, but no slips, the class is filled. At the discretion of the instructor, there may be a wait-list for a class; you may add your contact information to that list. If you have questions, please ask the Computer Room monitor.
If you are new to the Computer Club, be sure to sign up for one of the FREE Club Orientations. The PC Security Workshops and all SIG (Special Interest Group) meetings are also FREE to club members. If you are not sure where to start, you might want to attend a Koffeeless Klatch SIG which meets most Friday mornings in the Computer Room from 9-10am. Check the weekly e-mail announcement for dates and scheduled topics. This is also the meeting to attend for general computer Q&A.
We look forward to seeing you in class. In the meantime, if you have comments, questions or suggestions for the Education committee, please contact Robin Seaver (searobin@islc.net) or Diane Hutchings (dianeh@alum.bu.edu). | ||
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MEMBERSHIP |
Membership needs to know if any member changes your email at any time during the year. Contact George Weyhrich (weyhrich@hargray.com).
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Memberships Registrations for 2005 are now welcome from all current members, as well as new members. Memberships are $20 for one and $35 for two persons from one household. Please have all renewals in for 2005 ASAP. Registration forms can be found on line, as well as on the bulletin board in the Computer Room. Please put the lower portion of the form, along with your check in the green box in the Computer Room or in the lower mailbox at 7 Tuten Court.
We look forward to seeing you wearing your new 2005 name tags!
Membership chair George Weyhrich – 705-5696 – Weyhrich@hargray.com
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PASSWORDS Submitted by Phillip Shuppel, Computer Club Past President
Passwords are easy to guess for hackers using sophisticated tools. Ed Bradley of 60 minutes had a hacker guess his password in 5 seconds (Kilimanjaro). Do you know that you should never use a word that can be found in the dictionary, in any language? What should you do? How about using one of my easy to remember passwords, like:
#5IMLN ILI,A 4KA6G 4KIE IHBM2 ILD2 4TLOD
You say, “Come-on, I can’t remember what I had for breakfast, let alone that gobbledygook!” Well it is simpler than it appears.
If you can remember a phrase or some small saying, you have it made. Take a look now at what makes sense.
#5IMLN - # 5 Is My Lucky Number ILI,A - I Like Ice-cream, Always 4KA6G - 4 Kids And 6 Grandchildren 4KIE - 4 Kids Is Enough IHBM2 - I Have Been Mooned 2 ILD2 - I Love Dogs 2 4TLOD - 4 The Love Of Dogs
You can take a yellow Post-it and write “4 kids
and 6 grandchildren” and stick it on the front of your computer screen and
no one will ever suspect that that is your password reminder.
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Hardware/Software: Browser Wars are Back (Part 2) Submitted by Robin Seaver, Education Chair | ||
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In the October issue we mentioned Mozilla’s Firefox web browser has replaced the out of date Netscape browsers on all computer room PCs. Why Firefox? It has a clean, simple interface. It’s fast rendering pages, blocks pop-ups, and has a search box with direct links to Google, Yahoo, and several other search engines. It is cross-platform, meaning it works with different operating systems including Macs. Perhaps most important to Windows users, since it is used by less than 10% of PC users, it is not a security target like Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser – at least not yet. To try out Firefox, visit the Computer Room during open hours. To read more about Firefox on the Mozilla site or to download the program go to mozilla.org/products/firefox/. Or signup for the "Downloading and Using Firefox" class Hugh Dinwiddie will be teaching February 2.
For “Gizmo” Richards’s tutorial click on Migrating to Firefox: the Pros, Cons and Installation.
Recommended Internet Site: Martha's Web
Spend some time at Martha's Web (http://www.marthas-web.com/), and she will quickly become a trusted friend. Let her teach you about Using Outlook Express, PC Maintenance, Windows Security, newsletters by e-mail, even creating Web pages. The first 3 members who tell Robin (searobin@islc.net) the year Martha was born will receive a certificate for a free computer class.
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The Case For Owning a Macintosh By
John Walters of the Mac
SIG of SCHHCC | ||
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For years there has been an
“electronic curtain,” if you will, between PC and Macintosh users with
zealots on both sides. In the last couple of years the two computer
platforms have come closer together, and for some PC users there now may
be compelling reasons to consider owning a Macintosh. Before
considering those reasons, let us look first at the history of the two
machines. PC’s were developed with an architecture that was open for
anyone to develop peripherals or software. This led to an abundance of
hardware and software items at lower prices; it also led to a host of
inter-operability problems, i.e., problems where hardware and software
components would not work together. The Macintosh was developed with a
closed architecture that led to far fewer peripheral and software options
at higher prices; however, inter-operability problems were significantly
minimized. Over the years, Microsoft has
worked diligently to achieve greater inter-operability between peripheral
and software components though incremental changes to the original
operating system. At the same time, Apple has incorporated many of the PC
hardware standards, so that the price of comparable platforms is a lot
closer than it once was. More importantly, Apple has made a major change
to its system by upgrading to the Power PC G-series processors and
layering its MAC OS X user interface on top of the UNIX operating system. So
why is there now a case for buying a Macintosh? First,
the Power PC G5 processor and the MAC OS X operating system contained in
the latest Macintosh machines provide a full 64-bit architecture that
gives the Mac a performance edge over the PC. While additional performance
may only provide a marginal gain, the security features provided by this
system are truly significant. Macintosh computers are fundamentally
impervious to virus attacks; the user does not have to obtain and maintain
virus detection programs and wonder whether the latest virus will affect
the system. This is true because the processor contains a much more robust
software protection system, making it virtually impossible for a virus to
implant and run code in the computer. Additionally, MAC OS X contains a
built-in firewall to thwart any sort of intrusion from the internet (it
also monitors disk fragmentation and automatically de-fragments data that
is used repeatedly). Second,
the underlying UNIX kernel operating system in MAC OS X is extremely
reliable and stable, reducing system crashes almost to zero. Particular
applications still can crash, but it is almost always possible to
force-quit the application without taking the system down. Third,
inter-operability has reached higher levels in Macintosh, since all models
support USB and Firewire devices. The user seldom needs to install and
maintain a slew of device drivers, since such drivers are typically
included in MAC OS X as it is distributed. Because internal data
representations are common between PC’s and Macintoshes, a number of key
software suites such as Microsoft Office, Photoshop Elements, and Turbo
Tax run on both PC’s and Macintosh, so that the user can move
information between the two platforms seamlessly. Fourth,
MAC OS X comes with iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, and Quicktime applications
that integrate the computer well with music, camera, and movie equipment.
The user can combine still photographs and movie clips together with music
to burn DVD’s that can be used with PC’s or TV sets. MAC OS X also
contains an internet browser (Safari) and e-mail handler (Mail) that both
outperform their Microsoft equivalents and at the same time are impervious
to virus attacks. AppleWorks is also packaged in MAC OS X at no extra cost
to provide word processing, database, spread-sheet, presentation, and
paint applications. These
features may provide a good reason for one to consider having a Macintosh.
The Macintosh may still look to be a bit more expensive than a PC, but one
should consider that cost and maintenance time for software to detect and
prevent virus attacks is not required. It is still the case that there are
many more applications available for the PC than for the Mac; so a
prospective user should be sure that applications available on the Mac
will meet his needs. Finally,
while the Macintosh user interface is somewhat different from the PC and
will take a little getting used to, the Computer Club’s MAC Special
Interest Group has a number of people who would be happy to work with new
users to help them get the most from their computers. Note:
As of this writing, Apple has just announced a mini-MAC computer to
replace a PC processor for $499. If one has a PC with a monitor, keyboard,
mouse, etc., the mini-MAC can replace the PC and permit the user to retain
the existing peripherals.
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Why Dial-Up? By
Allyn Perdue, SCHHCC President and heavy broadband user. | ||
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Why
Dial-Up? That’s what
I’d like to know. Davidson
Cable features recently improved high-speed service for about $35 per
month after installation for unlimited personal access.
And Hargray has vastly improved their service to Test
results I have just tested
Davidson’s data speeds at my home on Hargray DSL has greatly upped the ante. Latest download speeds as tested from the Cypress Hollow area are over 800 kbps and uploads tested even faster. The tests were conducted using Broadband Reports’ recommended testing links available here. So
why should anyone be on dial-up? Well, there are reasons that make sense to stay with dial-up. If a computer user primarily only wants email and uses a service such as Juno that by default checks for email and immediately disconnects for less than $10 per month, then dial-up may indeed be preferable. Another valid example is a user who has a prepaid account for unlimited monthly use with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as PeoplePC and has two years to go. With PeoplePC pushing for subscribers in the Low-Country, I expect a local access number to be available soon. Meanwhile, there are now unlimited long-distance packages available from Hargray Communications. And for users who are definitely going to stay under 50 hours per month, then an ISLC account might be for them. But there are situations where dial-up makes little sense. One example follows: An AOL or Earthlink user
who dials
Practical
benefits of broadband service It’s quicker! No waiting around or tying up the phone for that major download. Pictures from the kids load faster; everything is faster! Security and maintenance is safer and easier. Antivirus updates and Windows and Office security updates are faster and less likely to fail during a dial-up transfer. Same with updating firewalls and antivirus software. So I strongly encourage you to go with a broadband Internet connection if possible. As for me, I could not service computers or keep my home systems current and secure without high-speed broadband service.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE January MEETING
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Pre Meeting
Program: At
6:35 PM, a question and answer session was conducted by Bob Rasmussen,
with an assist from Allyn Perdue. Questions
were submitted by e-mail before the meeting and additional questions were
taken from the attending members. President: Allyn PerdueAllyn called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Allyn thanked the volunteers for the great job that they did for the Holiday Party. A round of applause was given to them. The minutes from the November meeting were approved as published in KeyStrokes. Technical:
Bob Rasmussen All PCs in the computer room now have a user ID named “clubuser#” where # is the Club number on the front of the display. For example, log on to PC Club2 with the user ID “Clubuser2”. The password is the same on all PCs, and can be obtained by members from the monitor on duty. The reason for this change is to facilitate future transition to a server system where, for example, all of the graphics for an application will be available to all of the PCs without taking up disk space on each PC. Another user ID available on each PC is “Guest”. It has no password. It is to be used by people such as sales prospects who want to check their mail. After installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2 we have noticed a requirement for more RAM storage to retain good performance. Club2 and Club3 (back of room) will be upgraded before classes start next week, and their performance should be greatly improved. We have also changed system procedures so that antivirus scans and system upgrades will not occur in the background during usage by club members. Education: Robin Seaver Today
was a very busy day selling January and February class sales.
Thanks to all those who helped.
It is really appreciated. Any
classes that are still available can be purchased using the Class Sales
black box in the computer room. Instructions are inside for you to read
and the monitors will be able to help you. January classes are almost sold
out, but there are several February classes still available.
In
addition to the classes, we have 4 Special Interest Group meetings.
Meeting dates are posted on the board in the computer room.
The Mac SIG usually meets the first Monday of the Month at 7PM;
however the February meeting will be February 28.
If you are not getting the Weekly Announcements from the club, make
sure that membership has your correct email address. The announcements
list the SIGs and. The other SIGs are: genealogy,
digital editing and my favorite the Koffeeless Klatch.
They all are meeting in the computer room and you don’t need to
register, just show up. If you
haven’t taken the Computer Club orientation, it is highly recommended.
It is free of charge and it given each month. Membership:
George Weyhrich As
of January 6, we have 979 members, and 25 new members since January 6.
We have 350 members that have not renewed for 2005. The form for
renewing your club membership is available on the website and in the
Computer Room. Fill out the
form, include a check, and put it in the green box in the Computer Room,
or in George’s mailbox at There
are 160 members attending the meeting, and 0 guests. Monitors: Richard LaFeverThe monitors should get the new password from Richard or Richie Sherson. The 2004 open hours usage was 1, 898 hours. This is a record amount of time. 4 monitors had more than 100 hours each. A big thanks to all our monitors. Programs: Margery SimmsFebruary’s program will be by Walt Gnann of ISLC. He will discuss Spyware and Viruses. The March program has not been finalized. Members may send Margery an email with recommendations for future presentations. Presentations can be done by outside sources or the members themselves. Valerie Matthews of ScanSoft gave an excellent presentation discussing the Paperport program for organizing your files and paper work and also PDF, a digital imaging product. Q & A’s followed the presentation. The February meeting
will be held on Monday, February 7, at 7 PM. Please use the following email address to reach the Computer Club President, Allyn Perdue: suncitycc@mindspring.com. Our website is www.suncitycc.org . The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM. Submitted by: Elsie Doherty, Secretary
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