C C C C N E W S L E T T E R
CENTRAL COAST COMPUTER CLUB
Santa Maria, California
VOLUME XX: NUMBER 1 JANUARY, 2005
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month at the Knollwood
Village Clubhouse 4012 S. Bradley Dr., Santa Maria.
General meeting at 7:00 PM. Special Interest Groups sessions are at
5:45pm and 6:00pm. Guests are welcome.
Check out our web site: http//member.apcug.org/fourseas for the latest
program schedule information.
Membership is $15 for twelve months for individuals, $20 for families.
For this you receive: Monthly newsletters, EXTRA4C E-mail Messages,
Access to the clubs software library, Disk of the month (usually for $1),
Help-line support, Monthly presentations, Valuable door prizes, Question
and answer sessions.
NEXT MEETING: January 18, 2005 KNOLLWOOD VILLAGE 4012 S. BRADLEY
PRESENTATION: Ray Isenson discussing the TaxAct 2004 program
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| CONTENTS |
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(1) OFFICERS, HELPLINES, S.I.G.S
(2) PRESIDENT'S CORNER Spence Stimler
(3) EDITOR'S COMMENTS Dick Trissel
(4) WEB WANDERINGS
(5) SYSTEMS S.I.G. Dick Trissel
(6) SETTING UP OUTLOOK EXPRESS Dick Trissel
(7) SETTING UP YOUR NEW COMPUTER Kim Komando
(8) MOVING DATA TO THE NEW COMPUTER Kim Komando
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OFFICERS HELPLINES
President Juno
Spence Stimler 938-0217 Gilbert Smith 925-3743
SPENCE923@msn.com colgil1@juno.com
Vice President Windows 95/98/ME/XP & VoiceControl
Bill Corning 934-0775 Amy Malicki 925-5780
foster95@juno.com savvyforseniors@juno.com
Secretary Hardware and Windows XP
Dorothy Raupp Ray Isenson 937-6938
dort32Raupp@AOL.com risenson@juno.com
Treasurer AOL
Gerry Miller 934-1396 Frank Maciel 922-2318
2741 Banyan Way frm8198@aol.com
Santa Maria CA 93455
gandamiller@verizon.net
Disk Librarian Visual Basic and Genealogy
Sharon Allen 928-2209 Gerald Miller 934-1396
sallen4060@aol.com gandamiller@verizon.net
Publicity Help With Any Problem
Bill Corning 934-0775 Fred Adams 934-1128
foster95@juno.com fredeadams@verizon.net
Newsletter Editor
Dick Trissel 937-7572
rtrissel@juno.com
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (S.I.G.s)
Systems (5:45pm) Word & Windows (6:00pm)
Dick Trissel Amy Malicki
rtrissel@juno.com savvyforseniors@juno.com
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CCCC Page 2 January 2005
PRESIDENT'S CORNER by Spence Stimler
Another Christmas party has been wrapped up and from all indications, it
was successful. I think most attendees enjoyed themselves and the food was
delicious and in great quantity. Thank you all for making it an enjoyable
evening. Some 60+ people attended.
For those of us who like coffee and cookies at the monthly meetings, set
your minds at rest. We have two volunteers to prepare the goodies. Aldean
Voris and Charlie Currey have agreed to take on the task for next year. We
will still need volunteers to bring the cookies each month. For the month
of Jan, we have Dick Jones as a holdover from last year since we didn't
need more refreshments for the Nov meeting. We had an excess from Oct
which I took home and saved in the freezer. So we will be looking for
members for each month of 2005 to be responsible for the cookie purchases.
Remember that you do not have to pay for them. Just bring your purchase
receipt to the meeting along with the cookies and Gerry Miller, our Treas.,
will reimburse you.
To date, we have only 32 members signed up for 2005, compared to a total of
107 in 2004. Since our year begins on Jan. 1, everybody should already be
signed up. Scanning the list I note a number of people who are regular
attendees and I'm sure will be here in 2005. Please remember to sign up at
our Jan meeting. We need your input so that we can make up our door prize
list, which consists of paid-up members only. Also, it is necessary for
you to be at the meeting if your name is drawn to receive the prize.
Ray Isenson will present the program for Jan. with a sample entry using the
Tax Act program.
Finally, we need to give thanks to our outgoing secretary, Barbara Godwin.
She has been faithful and devoted. Somebody who not only attended all the
meetings, both regular and staff, managed the now defunct library, kept our
records, but managed to put in extra time to make our Christmas party a
success. I for one want to thank her for her dedicated service, as I'm
sure all the members do.
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CCCC Page 3 January 2005
EDITOR'S COMMENTS by Dick Trissel
One more reminder--It's dues time. Your CCCC membership dues are due by
the end of the January meeting. You can pay at the meeting or, if you
can't make the meeting, send a check to Treasurer Gerry Miller, 2741 Banyan
Way, Santa Maria CA 93455. PLEASE PAY ON TIME!!!
The Christmas party was a big success with over 60 people present and LOTS
of food. There must have been nearly 30 door prizes given away. I saw
people getting door prizes I had never seen before, and I think I know the
faces (if not always the names) of all of our members that regularly attend
meetings. I guess it's like what makes people attend church once a year
.
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CCCC Page 4 January 2005
WEB WANDERINGS
CONSUMER REPORTS
Consumer Reports has a great reputation for providing unbiased
reports on new and used cars. It also provides reports on a host
of other things--kitchen appliances, electronics, lawn and garden
equipment, home improvement, health and fitness, personal finance,
food, travel and just about everything else under the sun.
To access many of the reports, you have to pay $26 a year or $5
a month. But there are many articles available free. On the home
page, look under "Free Highlights."
http://www.consumerreports.org
PRETTY FLOWERS ALL IN A ROW
Are you tired of the same old pictures on your desktop? Today's site
has over 2,000 pictures of flowers that can be used as your desktop
background or screen saver.
You'll find varieties of roses, desert plants and other flowers. There
are pictures of garden creatures too--hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
and even cockroaches.
http://www.flowers.vg/
A PICTURE A DAY
It's interesting looking at the heavens at night, viewing the stars and
planets. Telescopes and high-powered binoculars are great for
getting a better view.
But what you see through a hobbyist's telescope pales in comparison
to what you can view through pictures.
The Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) presents a different celestial
picture each day. Included with the picture is an explanation, written
in easy-to-understand language.
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
ADDICTING QUIZ
If you've got some time to kill, try this site. Be careful, though,
because you may end up killing a lot more time than you intended.
The quiz consists of a bunch of pictures. You have to figure out
what the pictures represent. After you guess correctly, you are
rewarded with a quotation from someone famous. The quotations
are as entertaining as the quiz itself.
http://blog.outer-court.com/quiz/
HELP FOR CHRONIC PAIN
Most of us are blessed with good health. Unfortunately, some people
suffer from pain every day. I can't imagine what that must be like.
If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, there's an
organization that can help. It's called The National Pain Foundation.
Learn traditional and alternative methods to treat pain from arthritis,
fibromyalgia and other conditions.
http://www.painconnection.org/
FINANCIAL ADVICE
Unless you took a college class in investing, it can get pretty
darned confusing. What's the difference between a CD and a bond?
What's the safest thing to put your money in?
Today's site explains basic and advanced concepts in easy-to-understand
English. Be sure to check out the glossary.
http://www.investinginbonds.com/
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CCCC Page 5 January 2005
SYSTEMS S.I.G. by Dick Trissel
Obviously, because of the Christmas party in December, we didn't have a
Systems S.I.G. So, we'll expect to have a LOT of questions and comments to
make up for it in January.
One thing I plan to show is the step-by-step interactive guide presentation
provided by Juno for setting up Outlook Express for POP3/SMTP e-mail
handling. It is applicable for use with any ISP, not just Juno. And, as
usual, the file will be available to anyone by requesting it by e-mail.
It's a 54KB shockwave flash file (.swf), so it can easily be sent as an
attachment. A copy of the text is in the article SETTING UP OUTLOOK
EXPRESS in this newsletter.
Have you noticed that the icon for doing a save in most applications show a
3.5inch floppy disk symbol? But nowadays, most new computers don't have a
floppy drive. That must be confusing to a person new to computing. So,
what would be an appropriate symbol, maybe a compact disc? But, some new
computers don't have CD burners, either. Maybe a harddrive symbol would be
more appropriate.
Isn't it interesting that a computer manufacturer would put a computer on
the market with no built-in file save device? The three lowest priced Dell
desktops are like that. For extra money you can get a CD burner included.
And for extra money you can get an external floppy drive. Thirty years ago
this was expected, although some of those computers had a built-in tape
drive. Even 20 years ago most computers came with at least a floppy drive
(5.25inch). Soon after came the 3.5inch drives and the ZIP drive. Now,
our archive 3.5inch floppies are becoming useless, just like the 5.25inch
floppy. What's next to become obsolete, the compact disc? I guess this is
progress.
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CCCC Page 6 January 2005
SETTING UP OUTLOOK EXPRESS by Dick Trissel (from Juno)
Even if you aren't a Juno subscriber, read on--the information is for all.
With the advent of free Juno providing MegaMail capability, a feature of
Outlook Express (OE) can now be utilized. That feature is POP3/SMTP e-
mail handling. This capability is not restricted to just Juno users--many
other Internet Service Providers allow POP3/SMTP including Netzero. This
has always been available in the Juno/Netzero Platinum versions.
They used to say the term POP3 originated from "Plain Old Post office"--
maybe. SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transport Protocol. POP3 is for
receiving into your computer from a mail server. SMTP is for sending mail
from your computer to a mail server.
Structuring OE to do these tasks is a bit complicated. A guide provided by
Juno makes the job a little simpler. I think anyone with Web access can
get this help from Juno. The following URLs are used. You can start with
the first, or just go directly to the last URL for the interactive guide.
http://www.juno.com/support/
http://www.juno.com/support/guide/index.html
http://www.juno.com/support/guide/email.html
http://www.juno.com/support/email/walk-main.html
http://www.juno.com/support/email/walk03.html
Or, you can setup OE with the following steps. I'll use a Juno POP3/SMTP
as an example.
Start OE
Click on Tools
Click on Accounts
Click on Mail
Click on Add
Click on Mail
Put in a unique name
Click on Next
Put your e-mail address in the "already have..." window
Click on Next
Set the Server to POP3
In the Incoming mail type pop.juno.com (notice the period separators)
In the Outgoing mail type smtp.juno.com
Click on Next
Enter your account name and password
Check the box for Remember password
Click Next
Click Finish
Click on Properties
Click on Advanced
Check the box to leave a copy of message on server (that way you can delete
your mail whenever you want).
Click Apply
Click OK
Click Close
If you have more than one POP3 account, you can set them all up this way.
And you can choose which is the default.
One caution--if you use Juno Web mail and then want to do direct-dial or
POP3 at a later time, be sure to "Sign out" of the Web mail. Otherwise,
you will be blocked from direct-dial or POP3. Also, you can't have OE
accessing the e-mail and do direct-dial access--it's blocked.
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CCCC Page 7 January 2005
SETTING UP YOUR NEW COMPUTER by Kim Komando
Setting up your computer actually involves two things: securing it from
attacks, and transferring your information from the old computer. In this
article I'm going to address security, since that is the more pressing
issue. I'll deal with transferring your data in another article.
The Windows systems distributed with new computers should include Service
Pack 2. So they will be relatively well protected out of the box. However,
I would assume the worst and attack potential security problems head-on.
Here are the steps I would follow:
--Before going online, activate the Windows XP firewall. Click
Start>>Control Panel. Double-click Windows Firewall. On the
General tab, select On. Click OK. If you get a blue window in
Control Panel that says "Pick a Category," click Switch to
Classic View on the left side. Follow the above instructions.
With the firewall set up, you'll be protected from any immediate
threats. Viruses cannot attack you unless you open spam and let
an attacker in. Use your common sense.
--If anti-virus software came with the computer, use it. Most come
with a free trial period. Open the program so that it is running in
the background. While you will not be able to update it until you
sign on to the Internet, it's better than nothing.
--Double-check your file sharing. This can be a weakness. Click
Start>>Control Panel. Double-click Network Setup Wizard. If that is
not in Control Panel, click Start>>Help and Support. Put "Network Setup
Wizard" in the box and press Enter. Click Network Setup Wizard in the
left panel.
When the wizard opens, follow its steps. File sharing appears several
pages into the wizard. It is normally disabled by default. If it is
enabled, disable it.
--Set up your Internet service. Call your Internet service provider for
instructions. Have the ISP walk you through any settings.
--Go on the Internet and open Internet Explorer. Click Tools>>Windows
Update. Let Microsoft scan your computer. Install High Priority
Updates. Follow Microsoft's instructions exactly, including reboots
of the computer when necessary.
--Download a new firewall. A firewall should do two things: hide your
computer from intruders' probes and keep malicious programs on your
computer from contacting the Internet. I do not recommend the Windows
XP firewall because it does not do the latter.
There are free firewalls that do both jobs well. I have links to
ZoneAlarm and Outpost on my site. I use and recommend ZoneAlarm.
You can download either at: http://www.komando.com/bestshareware.asp
Once ZoneAlarm or Outpost is installed and running, disable the
Windows XP firewall. Two firewalls can conflict with one another.
Click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click Windows Firewall. Select
Off>>OK. Ignore any warnings.
--If anti-virus software came with the computer, these are generally
pay programs with a 90-day tryout period. If you plan to continue to
use this anti-virus program, YOU MUST BUY A SUBSCRIPTION. This is
critical. An out-of-date anti-virus program will not protect you.
Set up the program for automatic updates.
If you want a free anti-virus program, get either AVG or Avast! anti-virus
software. You'll find them at:
http://www.komando.com/bestshareware.asp
Once downloaded, update the program on the manufacturer's site. Set up
the program for automatic updates.
Afterwards, delete the tryout program. Click Start>>Control Panel.
Double-click Add or Remove Programs. Find the anti-virus program
in the list and click Remove or Change/Remove.
--Download an anti-spyware program. The programs that I recommend--
Spysweeper, Ad-aware and Spybot-Search & Destroy--are available at:
http://www.komando.com/bestshareware.asp
The anti-spyware program should be run weekly. Always update it
first, including the first time you run it. Like viruses, spyware
is an ever- evolving pest. You must keep the anti-spyware program's
database updated, so it can find the latest threats.
--Change to the Firefox browser. This is optional. I recommend Firefox
because it is more secure than Internet Explorer. If you know how to
use Internet Explorer, you'll have no trouble learning Firefox. You
can download it at: http://www.mozilla.org/
Copyright C 2004 WestStar TalkRadio Network. Reprinted with permission.
No further republication or redistribution is permitted without the written
consent of WestStar TalkRadio Network. Visit Kim Komando and sign up for
her free e-mail newsletters at: www.komando.com
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CCCC Page 8 January 2005
MOVING DATA TO THE NEW COMPUTER by Kim Komando
This transfer is easier today than it used to be, but it still is not the
snap it should be.
There are a number of programs made for this purpose. The best known is
AlohaBob PC Relocator ($30). AlohaBob picks up your data, settings and
individual programs and moves them to the new computer. A $70 version
gives you more control over what is moved.
Other programs in this class include Move Me ($35), Desktop DNA
Professional, ($39), and IntelliMover ($50). Following are the
links to all four, respectively:
http://www.eisenworld.com/ProductsHome.asp?Item=2
http://www.spearit.com/
http://www.miramar.com
http://www.detto.com
Windows XP also has a transfer utility. It won't move programs, but it
will handle your data and system settings.
The utility is called the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. To find
it, click Start>>All Programs>>Accessories>>System Tools. If you use
this wizard, and you're not on a network, you can use a null modem
serial cable. You should be able to find that at an electronics
store for less than $15.
I have used relocation programs successfully in the past. But members
of my staff have had bad experiences with them. They generally ended up
transferring their data via a CD or DVD.
Most people keep their personal files under my documents. In that case,
you can just burn the whole My Documents folder to a disc.
You may have other things, such as saved e-mail, that is not kept in
the My Documents folder. In some programs, such as Microsoft Outlook,
you can easily export your archived mail, contacts and other folders
to a file. You can then burn the file to a CD or DVD and move it to
the new computer. You also could e-mail it to yourself if it isn't
too big. To export files, click File>>Import and Export. Follow the
wizard.
Outlook Express is more difficult. You can export the Address Book
(File>>Export>>Address Book). You also can export your accumulated
messages, but only to Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Exchange. That's
not much help if you don't have those programs.
However, you can copy the mail folders. To find them, open Outlook
Express. Click Tools>>Options. Select the Maintenance tab. Click
Store Folder. A small box will pop up with the path to your mail
folders. Highlight the path and click Ctrl+C to copy it. In Windows
Explorer, use Ctrl+V to paste it into the Address Bar. That will
open the folder, which will have several files in it, ending in "dbx."
Copy the files. Burn them to a disc or e-mail them to yourself. Use
the same process to find the proper folder on the new computer. Paste
the files into that folder.
Your Favorites can also be exported from Internet Explorer. Click
File>>Import and Export. Follow the wizard.
You can use the same process to save your cookies. If you fail to
do that, you'll have to re-enter your passwords on those Web sites
that require it. Also, merchants won't be able to fill in credit card
fields for you automatically. That's not the end of the world; moving
the cookies is a minor convenience.
Bookmarks also can be moved in Firefox. Click Bookmarks>> Manage
Bookmarks. In the new window, click File>>Export. Save the file
and burn it to a disc. If you still have Internet Explorer on
your computer, use it to export cookies to a file. If not, copy
the cookies and paste them into the new computer. Find the cookies
at these locations in Windows Explorer:
Windows 98 and ME--C:\Windows\Cookies
Windows 2000 and XP--C:\Documents and Settings\[your name]\Cookies
Have patience with this task. It will take some time!
Copyright C 2004 WestStar TalkRadio Network. Reprinted with permission.
No further republication or redistribution is permitted without the written
consent of WestStar TalkRadio Network. Visit Kim Komando and sign up for
her free e-mail newsletters at: www.komando.com
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