C C C C N E W S L E T T E R
CENTRAL COAST COMPUTER CLUB
Santa Maria, California
VOLUME XVIII: NUMBER 7 JULY, 2003
NEXT MEETING: JULY 15, 2003 6:00PM KNOLLWOOD VILLAGE 4012 S. BRADLEY
PRESENTATION: A MEMBER OF THE FBI ON COMPUTER SECURITY.
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| CONTENTS |
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(1) Officers, Helplines, S.I.G.s
(2) President's Corner Charles Barney
(3) Possible New S.I.G. Ray Isenson
(4) Novice S.I.G. Amy Makicki
(5) Editor's Comments Dick Trissel
(6) Web Wanderings Gil Smith
(7) Systems S.I.G. Dick Trissel
(8) E-Mail Readers Dick Trissel
(9) System Config Utility (MSCONFIG) Dick Trissel
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OFFICERS HELPLINES
President Juno
Charles Barney 937-1240 Gilbert Smith 925-3743
cbarney@lightspeed.net Gs5081@aol.com
Vice President Windows 95/98/ME/XP & VoiceControl
Richard Holmes 938-0622 Amy Malicki 925-5780
holmesr1@juno.com amymal@juno.com
Secretary and Book Librarian Hardware & Windows XP
Barbara Godwin 934-9885 Ray Isenson 937-6938
yung.bag@verizon.net risenson@juno.com
Treasurer AOL
Gerry Miller 934-1396 Frank Maciel 922-2318
2741 Banyan Way frm8198@aol.com
Santa Maria CA 93455
Gmiller@pronet.net
Disk Librarian Visual Basic
Sharon Allen 928-2209 Gerald Miller 934-1396
sallen4060@aol.com Gmiller@pronet.net
Publicity Help With Any Problem
Bill Corning 934-0775 Fred Adams 934-1128
foster95@juno.com wd64acj@netzero.net
Newsletter Editor
Dick Trissel 937-7572
rtrissel@juno.com
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (S.I.G.s)
Novice (6:00pm) Systems (5:45pm)
Amy Malicki Dick Trissel
amymal@juno.com rtrissel@juno.com
CCCC Membership is $15 for twelve months ($20 family). For this you
receive:
Monthly newsletter
EXTRA4C E-mail Messages
Access to the clubs software library
Disk of the month (usually for $1)
Helpline support
Monthly presentation
Valuable door prizes
Question and answer sessions
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CCCC Page 2 July 2003
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
by Charles Barney
Well, summertime is here and many of you typically go away on trips and
vacations this time of year. That didn't prevent about 65 of you from
showing up for our meeting on June 20th though. Also, joining us were new
members Nell Casey and Charles Dorsten. Welcome to the 4Cs folks! We hope
that you will feel comfortable in our PC user group, learn a lot and have
some fun in the process.
Our guest speaker was Steve Melancon, owner and operator of Premier Printer
Repair. Steve brought along an ink jet and a laser jet printer for
demonstration of some practical tips for home users to follow in order to
get the most out of their own machines. Many common problems, from poor
quality printing to paper misfeeds, can apparently be solved by cleaning
the various printer components that get impacted with the build-up of ink
and paper dust. Caution, however, is strongly advised when working with
these fragile devices. On the question of refilling ink jet cartridges,
Steve was decidedly mum; being an authorized Hewlett Packard serviceman,
company loyalty prevented him from advocating such a practice.
The door prize winners were in the decided majority over the no-shows at
the conclusion of the evening. Those taking home the goodies were Barbara
Godwin - Marine Aquarium Screen Saver, Marshall Wiley - Hemera 100,000
Image Photo Clip Art, Phil Grycel - Ream of HP Printer Paper, Millie Smith
- Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition, and Bill Corning - Blockbuster
Video $5 Gift Card. The only ones absent when called were Cliff Newbold and
Robert Walton (probably on summer vacation!).
For the July 15th meeting we have rescheduled a member of the FBI to
speak on the topic of computer security. He was originally slated to talk
at the June meeting, but was called away to duty at the last minute. There
remains the possibility of this occurring again, but I believe the odds are
in our favor this time. There will, of course, be the usual SIGs,
refreshments, socializing, prizes, etc. This alone should be reason enough
to attend! I'll see you all Tuesday evening. - Charles
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CCCC Page 3 July 2003
POSSIBLE NEW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (S.I.G.)
by Ray Isenson
At the June meeting a number of members indicated an interest in having a
"Hardware" SIG. No attempt was made at that time to determine what, rather
specifically, those members had in mind. To further pursue the matter
there will be a planning meeting in the library at 6:00PM on
15 July. Those members with an interest in forming a new SIG please join
there with Ray Isenson.
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CCCC Page 4 July 2003
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (S.I.G.) FOR NOVICES
By Amy L. Malicki
This six o'clock session meets in the main clubroom this month, so we will
be able to use the overhead projector. This session is intended to provide
answers to new user questions and/or problems.
This month we will search for files by name, symbols and dates, using the
Programs "Find/Search" and "Microsoft Explorer" - the "Windows File
Manager".
An Agenda will be available, which can be used for making notes. However,
since we try to solve individual problems as well - we don't always
complete the Agenda. A Glossary of basic computer terms will be available
for those who need one.
Future sessions will cover Editing a document, and how to work with several
programs and files "Open" simultaneously.
Bring your questions, and I will try to answer them -- even if you are not
a novice, but want to learn more about the computer, and what it can do for
you.
=========================================================================
AMY'S BOOK: "Computer SAVVY for Seniors" or
"What to do AFTER you turn the computer on"
$7.50
Available at COMSTAR COMPUTERS - 2530 S. Broadway near the Mobile Station.
=========================================================================
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CCCC Page 5 July 2003
EDITOR'S COMMENTS
by Dick Trissel
We had a very interesting presentation at the June meeting by Steve
Melancon of Premier Printer Repair--an authorized HP printer repair
service. I could hardly wait to get home and service my two HP printers
the way he showed us. He even gave us a neat little Phillips head
screwdriver to remove the two screws in the back of the printer so we could
then unsnap the case from the frame.
The only problem was that my printers didn't have two screws holding the
cases on anywhere on them. There were two screws in the bottom that had
nothing to do with the case--and they weren't Phillips head screws. At two
different meetings, eight of us total could not figure out how to get the
printer case off.
I should mention, I have been repairing, servicing, and maintaining
printers (my own and those of friends) for 20 years. Even to the point of
disassembling the heads on the old dot matrix printers and repairing the
pins and jewel.
Anyway, it was possible to inspect the areas of concern by just lifting the
cover (which centers the head) and moving the head around. From the
demonstration I expected to see a great gob of ink in the head cleaning
area. What I saw in both of my printers and one other HP printer was a U
shaped sponge in a small well. I assume it was there to adsorb the ink so
it wouldn't "slosh around" if you tipped the printer.
During the demonstration he pulled out what he professed was a gob of ink.
I believe it was the sponge. If the sponge is so filled it needs removal
it should be replaced with another sponge. I have no idea where a person
would get a new sponge that would fit the U shaped well. I guess I really
do know--you call Premier Printer Repair.
He also cautioned about putting oil on the head guide bar. He said to wipe
it with a water damp cloth. I've been lightly lubricating head guides for
years with light oil with no resulting stickiness. I guess I'm just lucky.
In response to a question, he said Epson cartridges were not successfully
refillable because of a plastic membrane that gets punctured on
installation. One club member said the Epson refill kits provide a
replacement membrane and does allow refilling successfully.
I'll be interested to hear what experiences other HP printer owners have
servicing their printers per the instructions.
It is a neat little screwdriver.
_________________________________________________________________________
JULY COOKIES
Thanks in advance to the July "Cookies" volunteers:
Ray Isenson, Don Calhoun and Spence Stimler
_________________________________________________________________________
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CCCC Page 6 July 2003
WEB WANDERINGS
By Gil Smith
INFLUENZA
Find out the current rate of flu sufferers in your area. Look at where the
flu is most prominent in the country. See if you have flu symptoms. Find
out what predominant flu symptoms are and their treatment.
http://www.flustar.com
SPACE
Welcome to Space.com the perfect site for all you space nuts out there. Do
you want to date space news and odd stories, well you'll find them at this
site. Spaceflight - get up to date news on worldwide space launches, and
view mission archives as well. Spaceviews - View image galleries, get
wallpaper and screen savers, and use the universal viewer. A space site
that is beautifully put together.
http://www.space.com
I SHOULD BE WORKING
I Should Be Working is a site dedicated to slackers, goof offs,
procrastinators, loafers, long lunchers, and web addicted employees, states
their front page. They also state, we strive to be the best online
starting point for web surfing slackishness. Curious? Well their
statement of intent got my attention. So I checked it out and it is a fun
place to hang out. Their feature sections include: Office Survival,
Loafing Tools, Mail Room, Cartoons, Panic Button, and the ever popular
Football Pool. So go slacking, check out this site!
http://www.ishouldbeworking.com
THE LEMONADE GAME
How much lemonade can you sell in a day? Well this is a game that is
highly addictive and once you figure out your secret recipe for success, a
productive one. Ready to re-visit childhood and have a lemonade stand?
Then visit this site. Read the intro, click okay and set up your
preferences, buy supplies, and then get ready to sell. You can choose to
fast forward the day so it goes faster too.
http://www.lemonadegame.com
ARSEIAM
Do you like strange visual effects and different types of graphics?
They're neat and imaginative and make you think. This site is full of
them, and I mean full of them. Better yet, they are interactive, so you
can play with them and control the contour and speed. For those of you who
are web masters, you can get the source code so you can add these wild
graphics to your page, shifting contours and all. With over 30 graphics to
look and play with you will be here a while, so Enjoy!
http://www.arseiam.com
HOISTMAN
Like power tools and woodworking? Then you'll love this site. You can
find plans for a toy chest, a drill press table, cross cut sled and much,
much more. Or you can visit the woodshop, and see some interesting wood
working projects. The finished pictures are very neat. I particularly
enjoyed the picture of Walnut and Birdseye table, and the puzzle box. Get
some coffee in the morning and check out the 'What's to do Today' section.
A spiffy site for all to enjoy today.
http://www.hoistman.com
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CCCC Page 7 July 2003
SYSTEMS S.I.G.
by Dick Trissel
Well, we're back in the Poolroom. I don't know how many we had in
attendance, but it was a full room and then some. However, I think we had
more fun than when we were in the main room.
The first thing was a demonstration of the "Rube Goldberg" type Honda
Accord ad. It is a 4Mb two minute ShockwaveFlash movie--no computer
graphics. If you want to see it again, go to:
http://paradiselost.com/index.php?module=htmlpages&func=display&pid=2
You may be prompted to download the ShockwaveFlash player--do it. You will
need it also for the next thing we demonstrated.
That was an animated graphics (with sound) of four "DOO-WOP" horses. You
can see them at:
http://svt.se/hogafflahage/hogafflaHage_site/Kor/hestekor.swf
Or write to me and I'll either send it as an attachment, or put it on disk
for you (it's 143Kb). If you have small (or large) children in your
family, I think they'll get a kick out of it.
If you are using Internet Explorer, you can copy these files on to a
separate folder (or floppy for the horses) if you can recognize the file
names. They are "honda-ad-300k.swf" for the Honda ad, and "hestekor.swf"
for the horses.
We discussed the need to do multiple defrag operations in XP to get a
complete defrag. This deficiency can be overcome with third party programs
(like Norton). What didn't get said was to be sure to set the defrag
options for the Windows9x/ME defrag program (use the ME defrag). If you
don't uncheck the first two options, the defrag will be painfully slow.
The warning was put out to be aware of the high-speed CD devices causing CD
discs to "explode". This can be either because of an unbalance from paper
labels or tiny fractures in the CD sometimes caused by the force required
to remove CDs from some jewel cases. Label CDs with CD marking pens, or
mark them in a safe area (in the clear hub area, or where there is no data
behind the markings). Use CD jackets instead of cases.
We briefly discussed startup/system floppies. This is too big a topic for
this article--maybe a full article someday.
This led to a discussion on "restoring/reinstalling" the operating system.
Again, a full-blown article is needed to cover this topic.
One person narrated a scenario where she lost power to her Toshiba laptop,
resulting in the battery dying, resulting in a subsequent permanent loss of
some operations of her computer. Other laptop users agreed this shouldn't
have happened (the loss of operations, that is).
Then we went on to "connections", "connectoids", and ISP connection
passwords. There were no positive resolutions other than check the
settings in the browser (Internet Explore, etc.), check the settings in the
Dialup Networking connectiods, and check with the Internet Service
Provider.
One person found out you can't do a "Create CD" file copy to a "Direct CD"
formatted disc. Formatted discs are for "packet Writing" only (Windows
drag and drop, copy, etc.)
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CCCC Page 8 July 2003
E-MAIL READERS
by Dick Trissel
The intent of this article is to discuss the three main types of e-mail
services. It is not intended to instruct you on how to use your e-mail
application. That's for another article.
You have e-mail sending and receiving capability because a provider
(usually an Internet Service Provider-ISP) has an e-mail server. An e-mail
server is just a large computer dedicated to receiving and sending e-mail.
It is managed by the ISP's central computer. The central computer
validates your account, etc.
There are three basic types of e-mail services--direct dial, POP3, and
webmail. I'll use my e-mail accounts as examples.
The easiest to use is the direct dial type like Juno provides in its
versions 4 and 5 (the version 6 I tried didn't). The connection to the e-
mail server is NOT over the Internet, but just from your modem to the e-
mail server's modem.
All composing, reading and managing of e-mail is done on your computer
offline (not connected). The modem connection is only long enough to do
the file transfers. Very handy if you don't have a dedicated Internet line
and only one phone line (and a spouse that doesn't want the phone tied up).
E-mail reading and composing can be done either on the Juno program pages,
or in files in folders on your computer.
The POP3/SMTP e-mail IS an Internet service. They used to say POP stands
for "Plain Old Post office". It also used to mean "Point Of Presence".
SMTP stands for "Simple Mail Transfer Protocol". POP3/SMTP e-mail requires
you have an e-mail program on your computer that can be structured for that
particular e-mail server. For example, my Outlook Express account settings
for my free Netzero service uses;
Incoming mail (POP3):
pop.netzero.net
Outgoing mail (SMTP):
smtp.netzero.net
All of the composing and reading is done on the home computer, usually
offline. The e-mail is not usually left on the ISP's server. I don't
think Netzero allows that option.
The most difficult to manage is Webmail, which is also an Internet service
where all the sending and receiving is done at the ISP's server using their
e-mail program. My free Hotmail and Netscape accounts are of this type. I
have to deliberately delete my e-mail (even after reading it) or it will
exceed the allowed storage quota.
Know that all services have a limit or quota on the size and number of e-
mail that can be sent, received and stored. He behooves you to find out
what those limits are for your e-mail service. I can't tell you how to
find out. You can try reading all the service agreements, and writing to
the service for the information.
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CCCC Page 9 July 2003
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION UTILITY (MSCONFIG)
by Dick Trissel
A much overlooked but very important utility for solving Windows startup
problems is the C:\Windows\System\Msconfig.exe program that comes with
Windows 98/SE. It isn't in Windows 95, but can be copied there and will
usually work. Msconfig is not only good for troubleshooting startup
problems, but when used properly can improve the performance of your
computer.
There are several ways to start Msconfig:
1. Start / Run and type msconfig and click OK.
2. In Windows Explorer go to
C:\Windows\System and
double-click msconfig.exe.
3. Start / Programs /
Accessories / System Tools /
System Information
Then click Tools, and select
and click System Configuration
Utility.
Obviously, the first way is the easiest.
The following text was copied from the System Configuration Utility window
Help option. The section on Advanced Troubleshooting Settings should not
be used unless you really know what you are doing.
---------------------------------
STARTING SYSTEM CONFIGURATION UTILITY
To start System Configuration Utility type:
Start / Run / msconfig / OK
System Configuration Utility (C:\System\Msconfig.exe) automates the routine
troubleshooting steps that Microsoft Technical Support engineers use when
diagnosing issues with the Windows 98 configuration. This tool permits you
to modify the system configuration through a process of elimination with
check boxes, reducing the risk of typing errors previously associated with
Notepad and System Configuration Editor.
System Configuration Utility also can create a backup copy of your system
files before you begin a troubleshooting session. Create backup copies of
your system files to ensure that the modifications made during your
troubleshooting session can be reversed.
Important
Back up your current system configuration files with Msconfig before the
troubleshooting session begins to ensure that changes made during this
session are reversible. To do so, click the General tab, click Create
Backup, and then click OK.
This will create:
C:\autoexec.pss
C:\config.pss
C:\Windows\System\system.pss
C:\Windows\System\win.pss
For more information on using System Configuration Utility, click Help in
the System Configuration Utility window.
What's Next?
CREATE A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT FOR TROUBLESHOOTING.
Click Diagnostic startup - interactively load device drivers and software.
Click OK, and then click Yes to restart your computer.
The Windows 98 Startup Menu will appear in MS-DOS format when your machine
restarts. Select Step-by-step confirmation from the menu options, and
process all but the Config.sys and Autoexec.bat files.
If this option causes your computer to stop responding, restart the
computer, select Step-by-step confirmation again, and process all but the
Autoexec.bat file.
Some computers will not start properly without processing the Config.sys
file. After Windows 98 starts, determine whether the symptoms are still
present.
Note
Selecting Diagnostic startup will temporarily change your monitor's Color
palette setting to 16 colors and your Desktop area setting to 640 by 480
pixels. If the OK button in System Configuration Utility is no longer
visible, click the File menu and then click Close to save any changes you
make.
What's next?
THE PROBLEM WAS REPRODUCED, OR THE PROBLEM WAS NOT REPRODUCED.
INVESTIGATING OTHER POTENTIAL ISSUES
If the problem is still present after the diagnostic startup has been
performed, investigate the following options.
There may be a problem with your protected-mode device driver
configuration. For more information about troubleshooting your hardware
configuration, click Related Topics.
A file is missing, corrupt, or has been replaced. Refer to the System File
Checker tool to investigate this option. For more information about System
File Checker, click Related Topics.
Your registry may be corrupt. Refer to the Registry Scan and Backup Utility
to investigate this option. For more information on the Registry Scan and
Backup Utility, click Related Topics.
Your computer may be infected with a virus. Search the Web using virus as a
keyword for information on virus-scanning software.
An upgrade from a previous version of Windows was unsuccessful.
IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS USING SYSTEM FILE TABS
The Config.sys, Autoexec.bat, System.ini, and Win.ini tabs intelligently
identify settings and minimize the risks inherent in editing configuration
files. These tabs use the following conventions:
Unavailable check boxes indicate lines temporarily removed by System
Configuration Utility. Settings used when the file's Selective startup
option is disabled are identified with a Windows logo. Previously removed
lines are listed without a check box. Lines edited from within the tool
are identified by a yellow pencil.
Note
The System.ini and Win.ini tabs follow these conventions and also identify
sections with a yellow folder. Entire sections can be temporarily removed
by clearing the check box for the section.
WORKING WITH ADVANCED TROUBLESHOOTING OPTIONS
The Advanced Troubleshooting Settings dialog box provides further options
to narrow the scope of configuration issues with Windows 98. These options
will invoke many of the diagnostic switches for Windows 98 (equivalent to
WIN.COM /D: ).
The options provided include the ability to:
Disable 32-bit disk access.
Force the display to VGA.
Limit the memory used by Windows 98.
Enable the Startup Menu.
Disable ScanDisk after bad shutdowns.
Notes
To open the Advanced Troubleshooting Settings dialog box, click the General
tab, and then click Advanced.
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