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APRIL 2008 PAGE 1
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
MEETINGS
FRIDAY, 11 APRIL, 7:30 PM File Formats by Bodo Schwarz
Organising Files by Duncan Charig SATURDAY, 26 APRIL, 1:00 PM Take
the Teacher Home by Bill McCully.
Bill is main force behind the production of the Take the Teacher
Home learning series. The Beginners Computer Course and the
Internet & E-mail Computer Course CD sets will be available for
members to purchase.
REGULAR FEATURES
ROUND AND ABOUT ICE WELCOME It gives us great pleasure to
welcome John Churchill, Gordon Coulter, Marian Jordan, Judith
Poulton, Patrician Simpson, Norman and Lesley Trethewey, Stanley
Walker and Thompson Wynn as members of the Illawarra Computer
Enthusiasts and we hope that their association with ICE will be a
long and happy one.
SICK LIST Peter Bannister, Alan Slater and Moya Visman had to
undergo surgical procedures.
Alan Bern was seen sporting an arm in plaster at the last
meeting.
We wish you all a speedy and full recovery.
SPONSORS We would like to express our gratitude to Wollongong
Office & Drawing Equipment, who has agreed to sponsor ICE for
another year.
PAGE SPONSORS Norm Gadsby and George Hood have agreed to
continue with their page sponsorship. Many thanks to George and
Norm.
SUNDAY LUNCHEON A Luncheon is planned for Sunday, 29 June, at
German Club, Northcliffe Drive (next to Prime TV). Time: 12:30 for
1:00 pm RSVP: Friday, 13 June Costs: $5:00 (members & partners)
payable by Saturday, 28 June Menu items: Members and their guest
may select pork/chicken Schnitzel, cured pork loin
(Continued on page 9)
See page 13
BLOGGING FOR BEGINNERS 4
CREATING E-MAIL FOLDERS IN YAHOO! AND GMAIL 6
CUTE PARTITION MANAGER 10
FILE ASSOCIATIONS 8
GERMS 11
LETTERS 10
LONDON TIMES OBITUARY OF THE LATE MR. COMMON SENSE 12
NEW LEGISLATION M5 & M7 RE SPEEDING FINES 5
ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES EXPAND AS MOUSE DOES THE TALKING 11
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 3, 8
SET A LANGUAGE TO A STYLE IN WORD 5
THE RIGHT SIZE 12
ELWYNS VIEW 2
HINTS & TIPS 4, 5, 10, 13, 14
QUOTABLE QUOTES 9
ONE LINERS 5, 6, 8, 11, 13
STOP ME IF ... 6
CARTOON 11
Illawarra Computer Enthusiasts Newsletter Information, Computer
Literacy, Education.
Affiliated with the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs
Association (ASCCA) April 2008 Illawarra PC Users Group $2.00
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PATRONS Sharon Bird MP, Member for Cunningham Noreen Hay MP,
Member for Wollongong
ELWYNS VIEW GREY-POWER AND COMPUTERS
By Elwyn Jordan, ICE
S he was in her early 30s. She was obviously just about to give
me a web-site address, but hesitated, and asked, Do you have access
to the Internet? I could see the thought-process; something along
the lines of, I wonder if this poor old bloke knows anything about
computers or the Internet? I told her I did. I thought of
explaining how I bought my first computer over 20 years ago, and
for around 10 years ran a part-time business selling and repairing
computers, but kept my answer to a simple, Yes. But it was the sort
of attitude that used to prevail, and was the subject of many
jokes, that to use a computer (or to program a VCR etc), you had to
get a 10-year-old kid. Old people and technology just didnt
mix!
Now, I dont think that was ever really true! I suppose it is
true that when it comes to absorbing knowledge, kids do have a
sponge-like mind they soak it up quickly. That is if they bother to
try. Sometimes the sponge seems like its encased in liquid-proof
plastic! But the point I want to make is that, far from shunning
computer technology, older people have been eager to take it
up.
Of course when the personal computer was first invented, back
about 30 years ago, it wasnt the elderly who rushed out and bought
them. It was mostly the young nerdy types. People who looked a bit
like a cross between
Harry Potter and Ugly Betty. Actually, and Im digressing here,
but have you noticed they are somewhat alike? Give Harry Potter the
same hair-do and some braces and see? I reckon if you went back
into Bettys family history youd find one of her ancestors went to
Hogs Breath University (or whatever its called yeah I know Hogs
Breath is a restaurant). Its like Kevin Rudd and that character in
South Park. Id never really thought of the similarities until it
was pointed out in a newspaper article I read. Now when I see Kevin
Rudd being interviewed on TV I half expect to see one of his
offsiders come rushing up saying, Theyve killed Kenny! Theyve
killed Kenny! But back to what I was saying. Yes, nerdy people
buying computers in the early days. They and rich people; because
those first computers cost as much as a small car and had the
processing power of a pocket-calculator.
But it changed, of course. Computers got much better, and they
got much cheaper. And older people got interested in computers too.
Because there were then so many things you could do with them. And
the advent of the Internet enhanced this even more. Now, apart from
all the other great things you could do with them, the computer
became a great way of keeping in touch with family. Older people
typically have family who live in other parts of
(Continued on page 3)
EDITORIAL TEAM AND CONTRIBUTORS Editor, Production, Advertising:
Bodo Schwarz [email protected] Assistant Editor, Research: Robert
Castles [email protected] Distribution: Robert Parsons
[email protected] Contributors: Robert Davidson, Elwyn
Jordan, Bruce Massey, Michael McKeen, Heather McKern, Peggy
Stransky.
MAY NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTION DEADLINE 15 APRIL 2008.
Vol. 26, No. 3, April 2008
Official Journal of The Illawarra PC User Group Inc.
ABN: 81 127 508 207
4284 8754 - [email protected] - www.illawarrapcug.org.au
Correspondence to: Illawarra Computer Enthusiasts, 9 Ursula Road,
Bulli, NSW 2516
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APRIL 2008 PAGE 3
This page is sponsored by Penny Ferguson
the country, or even overseas. Now, with email and other forms
of on-line communication, they found a great way to keep in touch.
And as a grandparent myself, I can certainly identify with the
desire to keep in touch with the growing families of our off-spring
(although mine actually live relatively close-by).
Also, its often in retirement when people take up a hobby or
interest; and the Internet is a great way of enhancing the
experience of any hobby. Whatever it is youre into, theres lots of
information on the Internet to keep you interested and help you
learn! And it can help in very practical ways too.
A friend of mine, who is retired, is a member of the Ulysses
Motorcycle group. (Thats a group for older riders). In his part of
the country (he lives in Newcastle), the local group go for a
weekly ride. Now, when you ride a motorbike, weather is a big
concern. Riding in the rain isnt much fun. My mate has long taken
the approach that if it isnt raining at home then hell go. But that
doesnt mean it wont rain half an hour later, of course. And often
it would. But he was finding that on days when rain would come,
there was a certain group of riders who wouldnt show up for the
start. Somehow they knew the rain was coming! It took a while but
finally he figured out what they were doing. He explains, These
techno-savvy wooses are looking up the radar on the Internet and
seeing if rain is coming. If theres rain about they stay home! And
stay dry! I do the same thing myself! Weather forecasts on the
radio are one thing, but looking at a radar image of what is
actually happening at the time is a much more accurate way of
determining whether you should venture outdoors or not.
So, older folk are avid computer users. And avid Internet users;
In fact, according to a survey conducted in Britain recently, older
people use the Internet more than younger people! They found that
the average pensioner spends 42 hours a week on-line, compared with
38 hours on-line for 18 to 24 year-olds. And locally, Telstra has
reported that 60% of Australian seniors who own computers regularly
use the Internet. I suppose the 18 to 24 year-olds are too busy
playing games on their Playstation, or using their mobile-phones to
play music and SMS everyone they know etc.
And what do they use the Internet for? Well, as Ive already
mentioned, its a great way of staying in touch with family, and
pursuing an
ELWYNS VIEW (Continued from page 2)
interest or hobby. It can also be used for information on
health-related matters which probably affect us older folk more
than those healthy young uns. Have you ever looked up health
information on the net? I know I have. To quote statistics again, I
read where 73% of women and 55% of men will have used the Internet
to access information on health issues. And youd have to assume
that a good percentage of those would be older people. The result
of this, by the way, is that 40% of doctors say they lose the
equivalent of one day a week trying to talk people out of incorrect
self-diagnosis theyve got from checking out problems on-line!
Although many doctors are also recommending the Internet to their
patients for more information.
Actually I was talking to a health professional recently. She
was a woman in her early 30s. She was about to give me an Internet
address, but hesitated and . Yes, the woman I mentioned at the
beginning of this. I should have quoted her the statistics and told
her that us oldies use the Internet more the young uns do!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS THE DREADED RED X Q: All I can ever see
is that little red X. It's in my e-mail, in my Web browser, it's
everywhere. Why can't I see any pictures? Please help me! A:
Several people have problems with the dreaded "red X," so you are
definitely not alone when you ask this question. All of us here in
the office get multiple e-mails about this subject every day, so
even though we've run a tip on this before, here's a little more
explanation that will hopefully help you determine the exact cause
of your red X problem!
One of the main areas where people see the red X is in their
e-mail. If you use Outlook Express and are having trouble seeing
pictures in your e-mail, open it up and go to Tools, Options and
choose the Security tab. Make sure the "Block images and other
external content in HTML e-mail" box is unchecked. Now, if you are
sending an e-mail and people have been complaining to you about the
pictures not showing up, try this: open up OE and go to Tools,
Options, Send tab. Under the Mail Sending Format section, make sure
HTML is selected and then click on the HTML Settings button. From
there, make sure the "Send pictures with messages" box is checked.
That
(Continued on page 4)
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should solve all of your e-mail issues. If you're having trouble
seeing images in
Internet Explorer, go to Tools, Internet Options and click on
the Advanced tab. Look for the Multimedia section and make sure the
box that says "Show Pictures" is checked. For Firefox, go to Tools,
Options and click on the Web Features icon. Make sure the "Load
Images" box is checked as well.
Another cause may be that your browser security settings are set
too high, which prevents you from accessing the Web site that
handles the images. In IE, go to Tools, Internet Options, Security
tab and click on the Default Level button. Make sure your settings
are set somewhere around the medium level.
Another cause could be your antivirus or firewall settings. Look
for a setting that says "Disable Web Bugs" and make sure it is
turned off. That should allow all the images to pass through so
that you can see them.
There are also a couple other simple reasons why your images may
be blocked. One is that you're looking at a Web site that is busy,
temporarily shut down or offline. A Web host could also be working
on certain things on the site, causing the images to be down. If
everything else we've discussed above is set correctly and you're
still not seeing the images, this might be your problem. All you
can really do is just try the site again later. Also, when you're
trying to view images on a Web site or in your e-mail, make sure
you are actually connected to the Internet, because they will not
show up if you're not online.
If you've been having trouble with the red X, hopefully one of
these solutions will help you in fixing this awful predicament!
Source: Computer tips, WorldStart, 10 March 2008
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (Continued from page 3)
BLOGGING FOR BEGINNERS
T he word 'blog' is derived from the two words, 'web' and 'log'.
In fact, by writing a blog as you travel, you're really mirroring
the logs kept, for example, by sea captains over the centuries, but
swapping quill and parchment for the convenience of modern
communications technology. Receipt of your words/log is also
instantaneous family and friends at home or around the globe can
see you swimming in the waterhole within minutes of the image being
taken.
You begin by setting up your own page on the Internet, which you
can then use in many different ways to discuss books or political
issues, for example, with anyone who reads your blog free to make
their own contribution. Blogging is particularly popular among
travellers. It frees you of the thought, "I can't wait to tell the
family about this when I get back". By e-mailing photos or creating
word pictures on your blog, you can send news of your adventures as
you're having them besides ensuring you won't forget the details
that made your experience unique, because they are all archived in
your blog.
An easy way to get started is to visit Telstra's BigBlog at
www.bigblog.com.au. If you're already a BigPond Member, you can
then create your blog with the click of your mouse and start
loading up your words and images which those at home (or wherever
they may be) can receive within minutes. And if you're not near a
computer, you can e-mail photos straight from your mobile phone to
your blog.
If you're planning to be on the move for an extended period,
Telstra's Next G TM network for both your mobile phone and BigPond
Wireless Broadband reaches most of the Australian population and
delivers Australia's greatest mobile Internet experience. And it's
handy for much more than blogging you can also log on to manage
your banking, pay bills and book accommodation on the Internet at
any time, from anywhere. The net is also a fantastic way to find
out more about the people and places you plan to encounter on your
journey and to report on your blog. Source: YOUR LIFE, Summer
2007/08
Message format Microsoft Outlook can read e-mail in a range of
different formats including
pictures, stationery and other objects. E-mails which use
stationery are formatted as HTML, that is, special encoded text
which is most commonly used on the Internet to create web pages. Be
aware, however, that not all people have an e-mail program which
can read HTML e-mails. Plain text e-mail, on the other hand, can be
read by all e-mail programs.
CLEAR THE MRU LIST Set the number of entries to zero in the
Tools > Options > General tab and
the list will be removed.
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APRIL 2008 PAGE 5
This page is sponsored by Robert Parsons
SET A LANGUAGE TO A STYLE IN WORD
When you enter non-English text into your Word document, chances
are Word will not recognise it and interpret it as misspelled. Mary
Ann Richardson brings a certain je ne sais quoi to the issue.
I f your work requires typing blocks of non-English text within
your English-language Word documents, then you know how annoying it
can be when Word continues to proofread the non-English text using
its English dictionary. Word automatically proofreads your document
for the language version installed on your system. So, if you
purchased your copy of Word in the United States, it will mark all
the text as English (U.S.) and will proof the non-English text
against the English (U.S.) dictionary. When you add a block of
foreign phrases, Word's spelling and grammar checker will flag them
as incorrect rather than proof them against the appropriate foreign
language dictionary. You could set up Automatic Language Detection;
however, this method is not foolproof for smaller blocks of
text.
To let Word know which dictionary to use to proof the text, you
should mark it for proofing in its own language by assigning a
language style. Follow these steps: 1. Type the foreign language
text. 2. Select the text. 3. Go to Tools, Language, Set Language.
4. Scroll to and select the language from the
Mark Selected Text As list. 5. Click OK. 6. Go to View, Task
Pane. 7. Click the Getting Started arrow and select
Styles And Formatting from the list. 8. With the text still
selected, click New Style. 9. Enter a name for the style (such as
French)
in the Name box. 10. Click OK. Now when you want Word to proof
your text in French, highlight the text and select French from the
drop-down Style box in the Formatting toolbar. This new style will
be available to the current document only. If you want it to be
available to the template the document is based on, click the Add
To Template check box in the New Style dialogue box after step 9
and before clicking OK. Source: TechRepublic, 6 February 2008
NEW LEGISLATION M5 & M7 RE SPEEDING FINES
M 5 and the M7 are now equipped with Point to Point Speed
Devices. On entering the M7 the Etag beeps and a camera takes a
photo of your car recording the exact time. On exiting the Etag
system beeps again another camera at that point takes a photo of
the car and the time. Then the computer calculates the time it has
taken you to travel between the two points and calculates your
speed. If you completed the clocked journey too fast you are issued
with a speeding ticket.
At the present the speed limit is 100K.P.H. with a tolerance of
102 maximum. Over that and you are issued with a fine
automatically. What a shock some drivers are going to have when
they use this roadway for a week and get a weeks tickets BOTH WAYS.
Of course your license will also be recalled for 3 months. Now with
the new legislation, fighting a Speed Camera fine is almost
impossible. You must prove the device is faulty and if you are not
a technician working on them, you have no chance of beating the
fine.
The Pacific Highway has a set and these are recognised by large
steel frames over the lanes with a speed camera and some distance
up the road is another large metal frame with a speed camera.
These new point to point systems are being put onto any
expressway and highway where vehicles are not able to exit between
those points.
NOTE: School zone cameras are not speed tolerant. Anything over,
even 41, is a fine.
Tammy Umasaran Corporate & Admin Support Ministry of
Transport Phone: 02 9891 8941 Fax: 02 9891 8999 Submitted by Robert
Davidson, ICE
CHARTS CAREFUL SELECTION If you need to create a chart but
do not want to use all the data in your worksheet, you can
select non contiguous ranges by holding down Ctrl as you select the
appropriate data before creating your chart as usual.
A single coffee tree produces only about half a kilogram of
coffee beans per year.
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D o you receive countless e-mails on a daily basis? Are some of
those e-mails interesting, important or just something you would
like to come back to later? If so, wouldn't you like to categorise
them, without having to mark them as Old, Keep As New, Unmark,
Unread, etc.? Or, what if you accidentally deleted some of them?
Or, even worse, lose them. I mean, who has time to deal with all of
that?!
Well, now you can make new folders to manage and organise all of
your e-mails. That way, you wont have to flood your Inbox and all
your other folders with uncategorised e-mail. Cool, huh?!
For instance, I made a folder called "WorldStart" for all of
their articles and updates. I put all of the articles and
newsletters I receive from WorldStart in that folder. That way, I
dont have to go searching for them in all of my other e-mail
folders. I can go right to that folder and find everything I need.
Its all in one place! So, if that sounds like something you'd like
to do as well, keep reading. Below you will find instructions on
how to do that in Yahoo! and Gmail. Okay, let's get started! Yahoo!
Log in to your Yahoo! e-mail account and click on the Mail tab.
Next (Fig. 1), in your Inbox, click the Move tab and a list will
appear for you. From there, go to the New Folder option and click
on it.
A new box (Fig. 2) will come up where you can enter in a name
for the new folder you're creating. Click the OK button when you're
done.
The new folder (Fig. 3) will show up on the left hand side in
the Mail Inbox window, under My Folders.
CREATING E-MAIL FOLDERS IN YAHOO! AND GMAIL By Tweety Dimes
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 1
Gmail (Fig. 4) Now, before we move on, I want to make it clear
that Gmail doesnt use folders. Instead, they use what are called
labels.
First, log in to your Gmail e-mail account and click on Labels.
Next, select the New Label option under the Apply Label: Title
section. You can then type in the name you would like to use for
your new label. Then click OK. Thats it! Now, you can use your new
folders and/or labels for all of your e-mails. It's a much
faster and much easier way to keep your e-mails organised and in
place. Give it a try today! Source: WorldStart Computer Tip, 24
January 2008
Fig. 4
My weight is perfect for my heights, which varies depending on
what shoes I wear!
STOP ME IF ...
Where do footballers dance? At a football
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APRIL 2008 PAGE 7
This page is sponsored by George Hood
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PAGE 8 APRIL 2008
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FILE ASSOCIATIONS
A file association is an association between a file and a
program. Let's look at an example. Let's say you have some Word
documents
floating around your hard drive. Now let's say you double-click
one. Since it's associated with MS Word, Word automatically runs
and opens the Word Document you just doubled clicked.
This applies to just about every type of file out there, not
just Word documents.
Also, you may find you need to set up an association from time
to time. If you've ever clicked a file and got a screen asking you
what program to open it with, you've run into this problem.
Now, you may actually have a program on your hard drive that can
open the file (notepad is good for system files), but chances are
that in order to open the file in question, you'll need new
software of some sort.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Quick Launch Bar Q Would you be able to
tell me how to
remove items from the Quick launch bar? A To remove an icon from
the Quick launch
bar, you
1. Right-click the icon you wish to remove.
2. Click on Properties in the resulting drop down menu.
3. Click on Delete. If you want to completely remove the Quick
launch bar 1. Right-click an empty area on the
taskbar and click Properties. 2. On the Taskbar tab, under
Taskbar
appearance, un-check the Show Quick Launch check box .
3. Click OK.
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APRIL 2008 PAGE 9
This page is sponsored by Norm Gadsby
of your time.
Until about 2 years ago 80% of members made the first contact
with ICE at the computer fairs and it will hurt the club in the
long run with the lack of this public exposure.
On a personal note, helpers, wearing their name badge, dont have
to pay the entry fee. This will change of course if the ICE stall
is left unmanned. Also we are likely to loose the club sponsorship
and page sponsorship in ICICLES by Computer Fairs Australia. So how
about it? To quote an old clich: Its not what your club can do for
you, its what you can do for your club.
SENIORS WEEK As you will see on the ad appearing on page 13, we
are planning a Seniors Week activity on Wednesday, 9 April, in the
large hall of the Unanderra Community Centre. In order to make this
a success we need the following things to happen: 1. Please print
20 flyers that will be e-mailed to
you in due course and carry out a letter box drop in your
neighbourhood and ask local businesses to display a flyer in their
shops.
2. We need helpers to set up the large hall for the event and to
assist during the activity. The set up commences at 12 noon and the
hall will be open to the public from 2 to 4:30 pm.
3. The specific jobs that need to done during the activity are:
Catering Reception Selling raffle ticket Assist at the sales and
education tables. Help visitors when using the computers.
QUICKIE RAFFLE The results of the raffles were: February Day
meeting Gerald Dowd Internet keyboard donated
by George Hood Gladys Pickering SiPix printer by
Cablelink Richard Burnett 1 GB Flash Drive Noel Manuel Copy
paper
(Continued on page 10)
(Kasseler), beef rolls (Rouladen) or vegetarian. Exceptions:
This does not include desserts and beverages from the kitchen or
bar.
EDUACTION 1. Enrolments
On enrolment all payments and documentations must be completed.
Due to the long lead up time for some courses a waiting list can be
created for Expressions of Interest to be recorded. These
Expressions of Interest must be confirmed or withdrawn by the
nominated enrolment deadline.
2. New Courses All fees quoted in clued a manual unless
otherwise specified. An Introduction to Mail Merge of 1 hours
duration is offered for $9.50 Create Individual Envelopes and
Labels of 2 hours duration with a cost of $11.00
3. Photoshop Elements The committee is contemplation of
purchasing Photoshop Elements for the computers in the computer
lab, provided that theres sufficient expressions of interest of
members willing to do the course.
4. Office 2007 In the near future Office 2007 will be installed
on the Vista partition of the computer lab computers and Philby Mk
3.
Once installed, trainers can practice on the lab computers on
Mondays, Wednesdays and/or Saturdays if the lab isnt used for
classes. Contact the secretary for bookings.
COMPUTER FAIRS Bodo Schwarz has tendered his conditional
resignation, meaning that two names of helpers must be available
one week before a nominated fair (with the exception of the
regulars), as the Marketing Co-ordinator due to the lack of support
at the Computer Fairs in Unanderra by the membership. If the
required names are not forthcoming, the stall at the respective
computer fair will not be manned.
What brought this about is that Jan and Sid Wilkinson werent
able to help at the last Unanderra fair and despite asking for
help, nobody volunteered to assist. If it hadnt been for Fred
James, who offered to stay for the duration, the stall would not
have been manned.
In the almost 10 years (August) Bodo Schwarz acted as the
Marketing Co-ordinator he missed one fairs. All you, the members,
are asked to contribute occasionally 1 or 2 hours
ROUND AND ABOUT ICE (Continued from page 1) QUOTABLE QUOTE
"Ask her to wait a moment - I am almost done." Carl Friedrich
Gauss, when informed that his wife is dying Submitted by Lynnette
Armour, ICE
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PAGE 10 APRIL 2008
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CUTE PARTITION MANAGER Current version is: 0.9.8 (Freeware)
Partition Manager is an advanced hard disk partition management
utility. Using Partition Manager, you can easily add, edit, delete
and manage the partitions in your computer. Most of the hard disks
have plenty of space and can store plenty of data and easily
accommodate more than one operating system. In order to efficiently
store large amount of data or install multiple operating systems,
you need to partition your hard disk with a partition management
utility like Partition Manager.
Partition Manager is very easy to use. It lets you preview the
changes before you save them. It lets you edit the boot flag,
partition type and other advanced parameters. It gives you total
control of your system during the partition process. For example,
it lets you edit all existing partitions. It even lets you install
all the operating systems from scratch. It supports all versions of
Windows (9x, ME, NT, 2K, XP, Vista), DOS, Linux, etc.
File Name: cpm.exe, File Size: 226KB (approx), File Type:
Self-Extracting Installer.
Website: http://www.cutepm.com/
March Night meeting Wolfgang Kolodzey Personal Organiser
donated by Michael Hickman Robert Parsons 1 GB Flash Drive June
McEwan Copy paper LUCKY DOOR DRAW February Day meeting Noel Manuel,
June McEwan & Don Rose
McAfee VirusScan Plus March Night meeting Eugene Keenan McAfee
VirusScan Plus BADGE DRAW February Day meeting Gordon Coulter,
Gerald Dowd & Don Rose
Integard family online protection program
March Night meeting Arline Kime Integard family online
protection program
W e still have two vacancies, either as a committee member or
volunteer: Marketing Officer, who is able to promote products to
members and the general public that ICE may have to sell from time
to time, eg. ICE CD, ICICLE Yearbook, Take the Teacher Home,
etc.
Berkeley Markets Co-ordinator, who is able to co-ordinate the
clubs activities and arrange for the assistance of members at the
markets.
ROUND AND ABOUT ICE (Continued from page 9)
LETTERS Subject: ICE TRIVIA
I was listening to the last bit of the ABC Friday night program
re computers (10.30pm-11pm) and they usually have someone there
discussing the latest and taking calls - I think he was some sort
of 'trouble-shooter'. He commented that a lot of the problems
encountered were THE PEBCAK FACTOR - when he was asked what this
was (as it didn't sound very nice) he said: "Problem Encountered
Between Chair and Keyboard!" Cheers Peggy
CTRL + Z Need to undo a wrongly typed keystroke?
Drag-and-Dropped a program to the wrong place? In most programs,
Control + Z is the Undo command.
Passwords When using your computer, the Internet or installing
software, you
may need to remember many different passwords. Its important to
not only keep track of all passwords and PIN's, but keep them
secure. The best way to do this is to use a mixture of words and
numbers you will remember, such as your phone number and street
name, but no-one else is able to work out. If this doesnt work,
write down the passwords but remember to keep them separate from
the computer and ensure they are not identified with your PC.
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APRIL 2008 PAGE 11
This page is sponsored by Fred and Lorna James
GERMS "A microbiologist at the University of Arizona counted
bacteria on workplace surfaces for a study sponsored by The Clorox
Co., makers of Clorox bleach. Office toilet seats had 49 germs per
square inch, he found. But desktops had almost 21,000 germs per
square inch. Desks, phones, computer keyboards and mice are key
germ transfer points because people touch them so often..."
CNN.com
All power corrupts, but we need the electricity.
ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES EXPAND AS MOUSE DOES THE TALKING By Anthony
Keane
T welve years ago I signed up some newfangled invention that
they, said was going to change the world. Twelve weeks ago I used
that invention - the Internet - to get great deals for a family
holiday in Tasmania, and organised the entire trip online. I didnt
have to speak to one airline, travel agent, car hire firm or hotel.
It was my computer's mouse that did the talking.
It's amazing to think that in 1986 most major Australian
companies were yet to have a presence on the Internet. Today anyone
with half a business is online, and some are making big money. Many
customers are saving big money, at the expense of technophobes.
Younger Australians have embraced the Internet. Older
Australians seem to be split into two camps. There are the grey
nomads with their wireless laptops sending Images of their exploits
to jealous family and friends back home. Then there are those who
liken the complexity of a home computer to the propulsion system of
a space shuttle. It's never too late for this second group to
become computer literate. The Internet can be easily accessed at
public libraries, there are countless of books on the subject, and
affordable courses at adult education providers such as WEA.
Computers seem to be getting cheaper, faster and smarter by the
minute.
As Microsoft founder Bill Gates once famously said: "If General
Motors had kept up with technology like the computer industry has,
we would all be driving $25 cars that got 1000 miles per
gallon".
Someone, claiming to be from General Motors, issued an
entertaining reply that said if GM had developed technology like
Microsoft,
cars would have the following characteristics:
FOR no reason whatsoever, your car would crash twice a day.
EVERY time they repainted the lines on the road, you would have
to buy a new car.
THE airbag system would say "Are you sure?" before going
off.
OCCASIONALLY for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you
out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the
door handle, turned the key and grabbed the radio antenna.
YOU would press the "start', button to shut off the engine.
Yes, computers can be a pain. Yes, the Internet can be
confusing. But it can also open up a whole new world of benefits -
and savings - that are available to everyone.
Short history of the Worldwide Web
The Internet's origins were in the military and science fields
in the 1960s, when U.S. boffins built a tool to allow computers to
talk to each other over phone lines.
The ARPANET was born to share data between "nodes". In 1971
there were only four nodes.
As it grew, computer geeks and scientists started sharing mail,
news and gossip. Leading to the Internet we now know.
In the 1990s businesses began moving online in a big way. Today
more than 1.1 billion people regularly use the Internet.
Source: The South Australian Advertiser, February 2008 Submitted
by Michael McKeen, ICE, South Australia
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PAGE 12 APRIL 2008
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LONDON TIMES OBITUARY OF THE LATE MR. COMMON SENSE
THE RIGHT SIZE
W hat's the right size for a picture, you ask? Well, that
depends on the photo; most monitors display pictures at 72 dpi
(dots per inch). So, if you want the picture to be five inches, 127
millimetres in metric speak, wide (that's probably about the
biggest you would want for an e-mail message), the picture would be
360 pixels wide (5 inches x 72 dpi = 360 pixels).
Pixel is short for "picture element" and it is the smallest unit
of visual information used to build an image. If you have ever
zoomed in on an image, pixels are those little squares you may see;
the more pixels in an image, the better the resolution.
So, how do you get your pictures to be the right size? Well, you
use your imaging software, of course! Most scanners and digital
cameras come with some sort of imaging software that will allow you
to resize an image.
To do so, open the picture in your imaging software and resize
the image to your desired resolution. You can usually do this via
an Image or Edit menu. Your menu style and commands may vary
depending on your software.
Usually, you'll get a screen that allows you to input the image
size in pixels. If there's a checkbox that allows you to constrain
proportions, make sure that is checked as well
(that ensures that when you change the height or width, the
picture remains proportional).
That should do it! Since you've changed the picture size, you
may want to save it under a different name. Use the Save As command
under the File menu of your imaging software to do that.
This little tip comes in handy when you want to place a picture
on your desktop or if you send it by e-mail. Now your friends won't
have to wait forever to download a 10 MB picture file that is way
too big when it could have been 10K and just the right size.
Source: WorldStart Computer Tips, 22 January 2008
T oday we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common
Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure
how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in
bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated
such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
why the early bird gets the worm; Life isnt always fair; and maybe
it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't
spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not
children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned
but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a
6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a
classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after
lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student,
only
worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for
doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining
their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get
parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Elastoplast to a
student; but could not inform parents when a student became
pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments
became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals
received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a
beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your
own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to (Continued on page
13)
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APRIL 2008 PAGE 13
This page is sponsored by Lorraine and Lynnette
Disclaimer: The Illawarra PC Users Group Inc. disclaim all
responsibility for any losses or damage which may be attributed to
the use or misuse of any material published in this Newsletter. The
ILLAWARRA COMPUTER ENTHUSIASTS NEWSLETTER ICICLES is published by
the Illawarra PC Users Group Inc., 9 Ursula Road, Bulli, NSW
2516
live, after a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of
coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly
awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and
Trust; his wife, Discretion; along with his daughter and son,
Responsibility and Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I
Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I'm A
Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was
gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. Submitted by Heather
McKern
LONDON TIMES OBITUARY (Continued from page 12)
Every hour the body replaces one billion cells.
The Illawarra Computer EnthusiastsIllawarra Computer Enthusiasts
present
OPENING THE WORLD TO SENIORS THROUGH COMPUTERS Whats it
about?
A n interactive one-off session giving seniors the opportunity
to explore the world of computing, in order to both stimulate their
imaginations and increase their knowledge of the subject and
demystify computers is offered as part of the 2008 NSW Seniors Week
program.
Seniors can familiarise themselves with computers with hands-on
sessions and demonstrations by fellows seniors.
Afternoon tea will be available.
Date: Wednesday, 9 April 2008 Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm Venue:
Unanderra Community Centre (Small Hall),
cnr Princes Highway & Factory Road
Enquiries: 4284 8754
Accessing The New Hardware Wizard You can view which device
drivers are
currently installed with the Device Manager and using the 'Scan
for hardware changes' option under the Action menu to start the
Hardware Update Wizard.
Changing features Outlook automatically customises menus and
toolbars for you based
on how often you use the commands. When you first start Outlook,
only the most basic commands appear. Then, as you work, Outlook
adjusts the menus and toolbars so that only the commands and
toolbar buttons you use most often appear on your screen.
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PAGE 14 APRIL 2008
Meetings are held every second Friday, 7:30 pm, and fourth
Saturday, 1:00 pm (February to November), of the month at the
Unanderra Community Hall (Rear Hall), corner of Factory Road &
Princes Highway, Unanderra.
If undeliverable return to: Illawarra Computer Enthusiasts 9
Ursula Road, Bulli, NSW 2516
thirroul Licence No. 2TA4622. A Travelworld Franchise
Office owned and operated by Keith and Ann-Maree Scott.
See Ann-Maree and Keith for all your travel arrangements
Shop 9B Thirroul Plaza
Thirroul, NSW 2515 4267 4011 4267 4125
[email protected]
This page is sponsored by Bodo Schwarz
Sunday, 6 April 2008 Sunday, 20 April 2008
BERKELEY SPORTS STADIUM Kanahooka Road, Berkeley
[email protected]
Press down on the mouse wheel (if you have one) and move the
mouse up or down to scroll through a web
page. It's an easy little trick that won't wear out the wheel or
your finger!
Sunday, 13 April 2008 ILLAWARRA CREDIT UNION HOCKEY STADIUM
Waples Road, Unanderra Sunday, 27 April 2008
WOLLONGONG UNIVERSITY HALL Northfield Avenue, Keiraville
www.computerfairs.com.au
Your key to the Internet
1300 HOTKEY (1300 468 539) for both Accounts and Technical
Help
[email protected] Box 350, Petrie Qld 4502 (Accounts)
www.hotkey.net.au/
A Printer Cartridge Recycling Station is now located in the
foyer of the small hall of the Unanderra Community Centre for your
convenience with the compliments of
South Coast Ink & Toner Supplies. for their support We
thank