SPAUG Newsletter May 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Notes from the Prez
by Jim Dinkey
SP1 for Vista is finally being (partly) acknowledged by Microsoft as being in the works. For those of you who have been using the criteria that the Vista product needs to at least have SP1 available on the install CD for you to consider it is even worth your time, your arguments may be eliminated in about 6 months. Actually, Microsoft has been toying with the idea of not ever releasing a SP1 for Vista under the assumption that the Windows Update procedure is good enough. Time will tell. I'm betting there will be a SP1 because not everyone has broadband and the download time is just too high over a modem by the 40% who do not have or can not obtain broadband.
Which brings up the subject of Slipstreaming. Slipstreaming is the act of creating a CD from an Install CD of a Microsoft Operating system (presently XP) that allows one to place ALL of the updates onto a special Install CD. When the install is complete, the finished computer contains all the service packs and also all of the updates of the slipstreamed Install CD. Thus, in the middle of the Clinic, we do not need to spend 40 minutes downloading and installing the patches - we have them already on the CD when we are installing a new copy of the operating system. One reboot gets them all!
SPAUG has replaced its 5-year-old laptop with a Vista laptop that we intend to work over to the SPAUG requirements of a computer that will boot to: Vista, XP, and several flavors of Linux. If there is enough interest, we will open the box and start in to install all of the software and back it up appropriately. Inform the members of the Planning Committee about when and where the team should assemble to implement the plan. Save or procure the software you would like to see on the SPAUG computer.
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General Meeting Notes
by Stan Hutchings
Administrivia
- The new club CD was introduced by Bill Worthington. The contributors each received a copy. Windows CD $20, Mac and Linux $10. The old CDs were not replicated so keep them!
FLASH! We released the Linux + Mac CD slightly before its time. One recipient performed a bit of extra quality control on the Linux & Mac CD and found that there were a couple of problems with that CD.
The result is that we have a special offer for you at the next SPAUG meeting on June 13. If you purchased one of the Linux and Mac CDs at the SPAUG meeting last week, we have a replacement CD for you at the June meeting. Bring the CD you purchased then and you can exchange it for a revised one.
There are two changes. First, the base directory will give Linux systems fits! There are problems with the CD regarding the directory and file naming problems. Second, SETI@Home for Mac users is now at a more current version.
With apologies to all you Linux users.
CrossTalk/Random Access
- Enter the phrase Windows live scanner in Google, pick "I feel lucky" and it will take you to Trend Micro computer checkup website. Many functions are performed, all of which are important. It will clean up your computer, but you still need an antivirus program. It will take a while to run, so be prepared to let it work. Run it whenever you worry you may be compromised, and perhaps monthly as insurance.
- Windows Add/Remove Programs doesn't seem to be adding new programs to the list.
Most programs are installed through the installer, and so show up in Add/Remove; however, some are not "registered", so don't show up. First try to remove the application from its own menu, or open the Uninstall executable in the application's installation directory.
- There is a problem reported with Quicktime - Remove it from your computer if you don't want it. Remove and reinstall it if you want it AFTER downloading the most recent version from Apple.
- AOL Favorites disappeared.
Best bet is to contact AOL support and find out if they can do anything. Alternatively, there may be an AOL User Forum that addresses the issue.
- WinXP updates didn't complete installation of update.
[NOTE: the following are best done in Safe Mode, after a disk backup]
First run Disk Cleanup (in My Computer, right-click the Disk, under the General tab, click Disk Cleanup, then Check Disk (in My Computer, right-click the Disk, click Properties, in the Tools tab, click Check Now; then then Defragment Now... ONE-TWO-THREE times. After everything is successfully accomplished, backup the disk again. Check the status of your Windows updates at the updated site.
- Patch Tuesday was 8 May; do the updates over the weekend 12-13 May unless problems with the updates were reported.
- Install Shield is giving problems.
Advice: google the terms in the error message, in quotes. Jim gave a demo of the process,
- For a slow startup problem, use Task Manager to see what's taking the CPU time. Watch the Performance, too, especially CPU usage. You can associate the CPU usage to processes; then inhibit the process from starting in MSCONFIG. Also check your memory usage; if you don't have enough RAM, the virtual RAM on your hard drive is much slower, and will cause significant slowdown.
- Recommendations for malware detector: Spyware Doctor takes a lot of system resources; don't run it when you need to get work done. If you use Trend Micro, just use the antivirus; the other options use excessive system resources. Hank Skawinski has removed Windows Defender from all his computers. If you want something that is resource-intensive to run periodically, schedule it to run when you'll be away from the computer (like 3 AM) and leave the computer on. Don't schedule more than one of them to run at the same time.
- If you're having trouble with AdAware, go to the Lavasoft site and download the Current Definitions (read the instruction if you have any question). That should solve the problems. The club CD has the newest AdAware as of 3 May, but be sure to update the definitions after installing it.
Presentation
Brynn Burtwistle of Smart Computing Magazine showed us what they offer. Here's her program, "During our presentation, we educated your members about the value our magazines provide via our editorial and Web site (www.smartcomputing.com). Our presentation stepped members through an issue of Smart Computing, conveyed the value of our Web site through a live demonstration, and introduced attendees to Smart Computing's sister publications - PC Today, Computer Power User, and the Reference Series. The brochure is available here as a PDF file.
We also asked members for ideas and feedback on ways we can improve our product. Our editors realize that user group members portray the key characteristics of a target reader of our magazine, and therefore any feedback we can get is invaluable to our staff. We will brought issues of Smart Computing and Web site guides for everyone, in addition to several door prizes. SPAUG members, to give credit for a magazine subscription to SPAUG, be sure to use 8592, which is the SPAUG code, and do subscriptions and renewals from the User Group area.
The whole magazine is online at www.smartcomputing.com, including archives back to 1992. You must be a subscriber to one of the magazine family (PC Today, First Glimpse, Reference Series and/or Computer Power User, CPU) to access this resource. But subscription to any one gives access to all the others. You can search archives by issue/article, by keyword, and by topic. Example was "adaware", found 49 references. You can have your own folders on their site, not on your own computer. You could email it to a friend or yourself, or print an article.
The Q&A board allows you to ask (post) questions or answer other users questions. You get an email when your question is answered. You can subscribe to a question you are interested in following.
User Group Program - a paid subscription gives SPAUG credit; at 5 credits, it's a free subscription that can be used as a door prize or award. Be sure to re-subscribe online from the user group area, or write instructions on the renewal form (see more instructions in the Activities - Special Deals for Members section.
The Tech Support Center has lots of help, including explanation of error messages (over 4000). There is a Solutions Database that is searchable; Basic Troubleshooting advice; Security and Privacy; Backups and Data Recovery; Preventive and Regular Maintenance; Networking and Communications; Installation instructions; Driver Education; Dictionary and Encyclopedia; and a Manufacturer Tech Support Index with lots of contact information. There is also free 800-368-8304 phone computer support (8-8 central time).
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Planning Meeting Notes
by Stan Hutchings
- The meeting was held at Bev Altman's house; attendees: Jim Dinkey, Bev Altman, John Buck, Stan Hutchings, Nat Landes. The attendees enjoyed the refreshments served.
- Status of SPAUG CD - Bill Worthington - There is an error in the Linux CD; Jim has made 20 replacement copies. The replacements will be available at the next general meeting.
- Review of finances - Nat - Bev gave Nat $270 cash for CD sales, plus other cash for a total $998
- Membership - Bev - we're still about the same number, 115 plus or minus. A few new members, and lots of renewals. We need some prizes for the drawing.
- Expenses, reimbursements, need for future funds - new Toshiba laptop with Windows Vista installed was bought - for about $1500, which includes a 3-year warranty and a free printer. Jim is considering having a Saturday session to introduce any interested members to the computer.
- Review future speakers and topic vs. attendance - the talk by Smart Computing was very good and well organized. The members seemed to enjoy it.
we need a demonstration of the club CD at each meeting, maybe Bill W. or someone familiar with some of the applications.
Interesting topics and speakers result in better attendance. We'll continue to try to schedule topics and speakers with good draw.
Some promising topics include: Larry Magid on ISPs, TV providers, cell phone companies; Bob Mitchell doing a how-to-create-a-video presentation; OpenOffice.org; Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) Users (if we have a significant number interested and can find an appropriate speaker); Database capabilities and applications; Linux, as an alternate or a full replacement for Windows; Spreadsheet capabilities; Blogs and Blogging; Wi-Fi availablility and use in the Silicon Valley; Really Simple Syndication (RSS); the advanced features of Outlook (Nat Landes has someone in mind).
The club membership will be regularly polled to suggest vivacious, lively, knowledgeable speakers they know of. Perhaps instructors from the local colleges, junior colleges, adult high school programs, etc. could be invited.
- Future speakers & potential pre-meeting dinner locations:
Link to Up-coming General meetings (NOTE: subject to change)
- PrintScreen - John Buck - no problems or issues reported
- WebSIG activities and schedules - next Tuesday 7:30 at Stan's. A discussion of using Audacity to record streaming programs from the Internet.
- Publicity - Richard Sweet & Gene Duncan - Gene is out of action due to a fall. We need a replacement Publicity Chairman, because Richard is anxious to turn over the responsibility to someone else and retire, and Gene will be out of action for a considerable time. Ginny Marley's name was suggested.
- Other individual reports and suggestions -
• Jim is out of town 21-31 May; he will get the Prez letter to J. Buck soon.
• we need to decide what to do with the old club laptop. It's probably worth about $200 or so on the open market. Maybe an auction, starting at $200 and accepting the best offer over $200.
- Other items that came before the Committee
• Nat says Reg Clean 2007 ($29.99) is a fabulous product.
- discussion of a new venue for SPAUG
• IEFS in Shoreline at Stierlin is available to SPAUG for about $100/month. Mt. View Wi-Fi may work, that needs to be investigated. It may have a smaller room that is big enough for us, otherwise we can use a corner of the 600-person auditorium.
• The Mt. View Senior Center may be available, but is more inconvenient. The will only commit for 90 days at a time.
• the PA library should be investigated. We'd like to pay $100/meeting or less. It would also be good if we can get CompuSIR into the same venue.
• other organizations, such as the Shriners, may have facilities available.
• Little House is a possibility, there is one big room, plus the cafeteria, and smaller rooms for CompuSIR.
• the PA Community Center on Newell near the Main Library is possible - air conditioning and internet access are questions.
• Cubberley may be possible, if they meet our criteria for AC and Internet.
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How do you print an email message?
A question posed by Howard Hushbeck
Hi Gang, I use Yahoo for email. There are a couple problems I have encountered and can't seem to find a solution…
Problem 1. When I print out an email, even though it is only a page in length, a second page is printed with some non essential stuff at the top-- a waste of a page. If the article is over a page long, only the first page prints and the article is cut off in the middle but the wasted page is printed with only some instructions at the top.
Problem 2. When an email article is printed, the right side is cut off and a couple words are lost in each sentence. How do I get rid of the left side of the page that is blank?? That would allow the article to be centered in the page instead of being offset to the right.
Any answers would be appreciated. Any references ???
This is a poor method, but, WHEN I REALLY NEED a printout, I re-mail ("Answer or Forward") the thing to myself and print from my SENT box. Somehow this works.
To avoid the wasted second page, I ask just for printing Page One. Also, rather than printing from FILE Menu, I click on the Printable View marker at upper right side of message. (It usually works!)
Ralph Otte
It sounds like you are using webmail with ATT/Yahoo? If so, is it the original ATT Yahoo! Mail, or the new beta one?
A brute force method is mark, copy, and paste the message into Word or other word processor, and print that.
Your printer driver may need to be set to wrap long sentences; or/and other options in your software.
A general method I find useful is googling the significant terms. Go to www.google.com and search on 'printing emails yahoo' See: email.about.com/od/yahoomailtips/Yahoo_Mail_Tips_Tricks_and_Secrets.htm
Also try Yahoo/SBC ATT Help at Welcome to AT&T Yahoo! Tutorials Learn how to get more out of your AT&T Yahoo! experience by exploring the tutorials below
Finally, I'll mention I'm also on ATT/Yahoo. However, I prefer to use POP3 email using the free Mozilla Thunderbird email client. I keep ATT/Yahoo webmail as a backup.
Bill Fleenor
To all people trying to print Email. Should I even mention this and have everyone say, " I know that." At the top of each email that is opened there is a yellow border, and on the far right side it says "printable View", which cleans up the whole page to print. No one that offered help mentioned this Did everyone already do this?
Bob Downs
N.B.—If these don't satisfy you, try a Google search for email cleaner program (in Email utilities, choose E-mail Cleaner). The SPAUG 2002 CD had an email cleaner in it, if you still have a copy (I told you not to discard those old Club CDs!). Personally, I favor Bill Fleenor's brute force approach. In MS Word or OpenOffice.Org, you can spell check, format the page size and margins, get rid of extraneous text and images, properly wrap lines, format font size/family/color, get rid of extra spaces, tabs and line breaks (with Find/Replace), etc. and generally get a decent print.
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