My answer: No - not for at least two years!
Review our recent experiences with XP:
1. XP worked (somewhat) in simple situations when it was released.
2. It wasn't until a year later that SP1 came out to fix the multitude of problems - almost made it usable.
3. A year after that, SP2 came out and that seemed to fix a lot of things that really should have been fixed with the initial release.
4. And then came the patches - bundles of them. Put on a version of early Windows XP from Dell and you will have to load 53 distinct patches representing about 120 MB of downloading. The whole process, including installing, takes about an hour at broadband speeds. Pity the dialup people.
5. And now Microsoft has formalized the unscrewing of XP in a second-Tuesday ritual of a month's worth of patches released on Dump Day when Microsoft dumps all of their patches onto the public. Think all the little old ladies in tennis shoes living in rural America spend their time updating to avoid their computers being converted into zombies? (now well over a million of 'em and growing)
6. Even today the errors extant on XP still abound - many of them just plain laziness:
a. RUN MSCONFIG and then try to spread out the information presented such that you can see ALL of the information presented. Since Microsoft hasn't deigned to fix this flaw for years, the outlook is not good.
b. Some displays showing the location of an error message cannot be discerned because the width of the window is insufficient to allow one to see the end of the directory string.
What bothers me is that as long as Microsoft has failed for five years to update errors such as the above, what makes one think that Microsoft will produce a new product with these flaws corrected?
Until Microsoft fixes the present products, I will be looking at the new Vista product with a very skeptical eye. If this type of error
hasn't been fixed by now, how can Microsoft field a new offering that is not coded in the current spaghetti code? Stay with XP.
The club got a nice thank you note from the paralyzed veterans. The club members and matching donation from SPAUG was used to get them a subscription to Netflix, and they are very appreciative. Our donation was actually made to the Elks Lodge, which then donated it to the Veterans Administration hospital in Menlo Park.
CrossTalk/Random Access
Jim Dinkey demonstrated the Hawking Hi-Gain Antenna for use with a wireless connection, and suggested that if one were having trouble with range for their wireless connection, that such an antenna could solve the problem. There may even be newer models that have better efficiency, and handle all protocols in one antenna.
When updating Spybot S&D, first check for updates (the SafeNetworking #2 site has been found most reliable). Then click Immunize. Let the process go, then when it's finished, click Immunizeagain. This completes the immunization. Clicking just once is insufficient.
In Ad-Aware SE, ignore the list and quarantines; you want it to read 0.
While you are updating Windows, also take the time to update Office. That's another button on the site. Jim demonstrated the process. The Office update is not automatic; you should manually run it periodically.
Kevin advised SPAUG members to sign up in advance for the special Digital Imaging program at Microcenter 20 May. It should be of major interest to those doing digital photography and editing. May is digital imaging month at Microcenter, and DISIG is participating in an educational day.
Gary gave his annual presentation on the Consumer Electronics Show, and had plenty of news and advice regarding HDTV, displays, and home theater. For more information, Gary has kindly made the slides available online, so go to his website at www.digdia.com and click the New: HDTV Decisions - Consumers Guide to choosing an HDTV set link, then click the Free Handouts button, or buy the slides. (The PDF document is easier to read if you zoom to 125 or 150%.)
The most important thing to remember is 1080X1920 is "Full" HDTV, and 720X1280 is "Standard"; p (progressive) is preferred to i (interlaced). Go for 1080p if your budget can swing it.
Presentation - Alan Hutchings of Alan Hutchings Install
To supplement Gary's presentation, Alan described his services that will assist you in choosing, buying and installing a new home theater system.
He provides free consultation (650-325-4119 or 650-646-8090), during which he will discuss your wants, needs and budget, and recommend a complete system to fit your criteria. Use Gary's free handout [see above] as a guide for your consultation, and get the products Gary thinks are best. Alan's list of distributors is extensive, and includes all the companies mentioned by Gary. Then Alan will submit a formal bid to you for the equipment and installation, and will manage the process from beginning to end.
He has the tools to mount displays properly, and to adjust the parameters to those recommended for viewing (rather than those used in display rooms to impress you). If you want, you can add audio-visual equipment to give you surround sound, connect your VCR, Digital Camcorders, CD and DVD players, computer, etc. You can install in-wall, in-ceiling, or wall-mounted speakers that blend into your room for the total immersion experience. He'll make all those wires disappear into the walls, floor or ceiling, so the "sexy" look of a flat panel is not marred by dozens of wires. If you want, you can pipe the music, sound, and picture to other rooms (want to watch the big game in your hot tub or kitchen? Listen to your CDs in the patio? No problem!).
Visit Alan's photo gallery at ahinstall.com for examples of what he can do for you, and find out more at Palo Alto-located Alan Hutchings Installation Home Page. There is also more information in the Special Deals for Members section, including other services like LAN wiring, lighting control, security, etc. [N.B. - disclaimer: Alan Hutchings is the son of Webmaster Stan Hutchings. Alan has gained lots of experience installing home theater equipment for his dad, who would be glad to show you his system.]
The meeting was held at Bev Altman's house; attendees: Jim Dinkey, John Sleeman, Bev Altman, John Buck, Stan Hutchings, Nat Landes, Richard Sweet, Maurice Green. The attendees enjoyed the refreshments served.
Review of finances - Nat says we have about $10,000 in the bank.
Membership - Bev reports 122 members, 3 new members. $289 was given to Nat from last meeting.
Review of topic vs. attendance - Gary's talk was well attended, he's a good draw.
Interesting topics result in better attendance. We'll continue to schedule speakers with good draw.
Mail - John Sleeman didn't have anything. Nat has renewed our Post Office Box for a year.
PrintScreen - John Buck says the next newsletter is coming right along. No problems. We reviewed the policy of sending every guest speaker the newsletter before and after their presentation. This reminds them that they're on, and gives feedback when they see the report. Caboodle should get 10 copies of the newsletter, and Red Calub at Micro Center has offered to make them available to customers. We should print about 20 extra for those two areas.
Setup/Cleanup support - Joan is doing a great job with refreshments. The club will reimburse her about $100 per year. She also has arranged for a replacement when she's been absent. Thanks, Joan! We all appreciate the refreshments and your gracious hospitality.
WebSIG activities and schedules - next Tuesday 7:30 at Stan's. We'll discuss the AOC, and other topics.
DISIG - Maury announced a big show at Micro Center 20 May, a digital imaging extravaganza, with many presentations and door prizes. SPAUG members should sign up in advance.
Publicity - Richard Sweet reports he's being more successful in getting our meeting announcements published. He's still got some more to do, but it's getting fairly routine. The San Jose Mercury remains a challenge.
Status of SPAUG CD - Ron Nicholas is in Australia, but another 25 copies of the CD have been burned and labeled, thanks to a volunteer.
Clinic activities and changes - the Saturday Clinic will be offered by pre-arranged appointment only.
Other individual reports and suggestions -
John Sleeman did a good job filling in for Bev at the last meeting, thanks John!
Other items that came before the Committee -
The Veterans Administration final donation was about $1300, which included $500 matching funds from SPAUG. Receipts for donations have been sent to donors for their tax accounting. The club donated to the Elks Lodge, which in turn donated to the VA.
