C C C C N E W S L E T T E R
CENTRAL COAST COMPUTER CLUB
Santa Maria, California
VOLUME XX: NUMBER 6 JUNE, 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: June 21, 2005 KNOLLWOOD VILLAGE 4012 S. BRADLEY
PRESENTATION: The June presentation will be Lee Otsubo (The Digital Guy)
with a Digital Camera Workshop
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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) MALWARE Dick Trissel
(7) WINDOWS XP CRASH Dick Trissel
(8) DISK DEFRAGMENTER Kim Komando
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OFFICERS HELPLINES
President Juno
Spence Stimler 938-0217 Dick Trissel 937-7572
SPENCE923@msn.com rtrissel@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 June 2005
PRESIDENT'S CORNER by Spence Stimler
We had approximately 45 in attendance at our May meeting. If you weren't
present, you missed a very informative session. Dick Trissel was able to go
online in his Systems S.I.G. session. Then our program for the evening was
a question and answer format with Ray Isenson acting as moderator. It is
amazing how many people have experienced similar problems and in most cases
somebody had a solution to a perplexing problem.
I regret to report that our Secretary, Dorothy Raupp, has asked to be
relieved of her duties. Her personal obligations have prevented her from
attending regularly. So I would appreciate it if somebody would volunteer
to take over the secretary's position for the remainder of the year. I'm
sure somebody out there can easily fill the job. If you feel moved to
taking on the task, please contact me by phone or email.
The door prizes for the evening were won by:
1. Amy Malicki - Hoyle Games
2. Ed Sage - External CD Burner
3. Peter Stonehewer - Computer/TV Adapter.
Our June meeting will feature Lee Otsubo, The Digital Photo Guy. Elsewhere
in this Newsletter you will find a press release concerning his
presentation. If you are even just casually interested in digital
photography, this is a must session for you.
We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting.
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CCCC Page 3 June 2005
EDITOR'S COMMENTS by Dick Trissel
The presenter for the June meeting was kind enough to send us a brief
description of the presentation (Digital Camera Workshop), and of the
presenter (Lee Otsubo). Here is his introduction.
Digital Cameras for Newbies
In this workshop, Lee Otsubo, The Digital Photo Guy, provides digital camera
owners and potential buyers a practical introduction to digital camera
terminology and features.
Using humor and lively anecdotes, Lee reduces everything you need to know
about your digital camera down to 3 basic rules for:
1. Setting up your camera
2. Composing better photos
3. Sharing and displaying your photos.
Lee has combined the skills and experience he gained during his career as an
engineer, marketing executive and assistant professor to create the popular
"The Digital Photo Guy" Workshops and multimedia CD product series. He has
presented his Digital Camera Workshop series to computer and camera clubs
throughout Southern California, Arizona and Nevada, and consistently wins
rave reviews for his ability to entertain and explain how people can get the
most from their digital cameras.
Lee teaches digital camera photography in the Palomar College Community
Development Venture Program. He has been an invited guest speaker at
regional computer and camera club conferences, and has been interviewed on
radio talk shows about digital camera technology. To date, his company,
Digital Photo Guy, Inc. has published four multi-media learning CDs with
several more products and a book in progress. All of the CDs will be
available for purchase after the presentation at a special club discount.
Lee specializes in photographing professional bicycle races, but also enjoys
photographing flora and fauna, including an often-uncooperative housecat
named Alf, near his home in Escondido, California where he lives with his
wife, Mary.
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CCCC Page 4 June 2005
WEB WANDERINGS
AN INVALUABLE MEDICAL RESOURCE
The Merck manual is one of the most respected sources of medical
information. It’s also one of the best-selling medical texts around.
Now you can access the Merck Manual online for free. (The only thing better
than trustworthy health information is free trustworthy health information!)
You can search by disease or condition in a number of categories. Then pull
up the information you need to understand the condition and treatment.
There are also multimedia presentations. Access videos of medical
procedures, audio files and photographs. Additionally, animations will help
you understand specific concepts.
But that’s not all. You can view anatomical drawings and read about medical
tests. Then, once you’re done, learn how to pronounce all the difficult
medical terms!
www.merck.com/mmhe
THE OLD FARMER MEETS CYBERSPACE
Remember your grandparent's faded yellow copy of the Old Farmer's
Almanac? Grandpa would look up the best times to fish. Grandma would
study the best times to plant.
Well, it's now available online. Since 1792, the Almanac has recorded
and predicted planetary events that affect tides and weather. More
than that, it's an archive of food, gardening and outdoor advice.
Who needs a thermometer? Convert cricket chirps into temperatures
at Almanac.com.
http://www.almanac.com
FLY LIKE AN EAGLE
Imagine if you could fly. With bird technology, you can do the next
best thing.
Hitch a virtual ride on an eagle at the Animal Planet Web site.
A mini-cam the size of a thumb was attached to Tilly the Golden Eagle.
The result is a breathtaking "birds-eye-view" of the world.
Watch a wired Tilly romp in the sky, bank sharp turns and dodge an
aerial dogfight.
http://snipurl.com/eagle_eye
RADIO DAYS
Back in the days when families huddled around a crackling radio to listen
to shows, the only tube was inside the radio!
Bring back those simple times with Radiolovers. Pick from hundreds of
old radio shows organized under eight different genres. Shows include
The Avenger, Flash Gordon and Radio City Playhouse.
"Return with us to the golden age of radio" by eavesdropping
on Radiolovers.
http://www.radiolovers.com
IT'S NOT CHEATING, IT'S 1-UP
Do you like to play games on your computer?
If you've ever tried to get to that next level and cannot figure it
out, today's site may help. It's for serious computer gamers. The
Cheats 1-up site takes no prisoners in revealing tips and tricks to
whip your opponent. Get hot tips on new games, join message boards and
find other gamers to play.
http://cheats.1up.com
YOUR WINDOW ON THE WORLD
EarthCam is the cyber version of gazing out the school window during
a long class. View images from exotic locations worldwide as they are
regularly updated.
Along with mainstream categories like Beaches and Mountains, the site
includes Humorous and Weird/Unusual sites. For example, you can search
for Nessie in Scotland's Loch Ness.
Some of the sites display still photos, while others send live
video. Whatever it is you'd like to view, you'll get a front row
seat at EarthCam.
http://search.earthcam.com/search_cam.php?cat=SCE&sub=B
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CCCC Page 5 June 2005
SYSTEMS S.I.G. by Dick Trissel
The official Systems S.I.G. was devoted to demonstrating online the free
Juno and Netzero Internet Service Providers. Even if you have a broadband
Internet connection, there may be value in having a free dialup capability.
The questions, answers and comments we usually have in the Systems S.I.G.
were done in the presentation hour. Here are some of the items covered.
There was a question about why some computers appear to shutdown
automatically when the operation system is shut down, while others stop at
the "OK to turn off your computer" message. I thought it had to do with the
power switching of the power supply. However, I have two nearly identical
E-machines with the same power supplies, and one turns off automatically,
one does not. Maybe someday we'll find the answer.
It should be noted that your computer may not be completely powered off when
you choose to shutdown. The power may go into a standby mode (not the OS
standby). I recommend having the computer system powered by an UPS
(Uninterruptible Power Supply) followed by a power strip with an off/on
switch, and then switch the strip power off (or use the UPS power switch).
However, you should not have your printer in one of the UPS backed up
sockets, as it draws too much power in case of an outage. And, you should
remove power from the printer (after pressing the printer switch off) when
it is not needed--they draw power even when switched off at the printer.
A question about Web access brought up the discussion of the FireFox browser
not having Microsoft ActiveX that Internet Explorer has. Until FireFox
provides ActiveX plugins, some Web sites will have to be viewed with
Internet Explorer.
This led to a discussion of setting the Internet Explorer security. To do
that, go to IE Tools, Internet Options, Security, Custom Level and choose
the degree of security you want for each parameter. Keep the level as high
as possible for your type of browsing. If you set the security too high,
you will be informed that you are not allowed in a particular Web site.
There's a lot of "cut and try" here to get the maximum protection and still
get your Web pages.
One member wanted to have certain programs startup automatically at computer
startup. This is accomplished by making a shortcut to the program's
executable file and putting it in the Startup folder. The location of that
folder depends on the operating system you are using. Try doing a search on
the word startup. Ignore any references to individual application program
startups. Try putting the shortcut in each startup folder until you get
what you want. When you are successful, the MSCONFIG Startup area will have
your shortcut listed.
I was asked how to get Windows XP's Help and Support back. This loss
usually is a result of using a registry cleaner that has not had the
exclusions set properly. You should exclude any key (hive) with the word
help. Also, you should exclude the phrase LowDateTime.
The subject of an external hard drive came up again. Units that are self
contained cannot be used to replace a failed internal system drive.
However, Charles Barney said the Acronis True Image program will do backups
to a USB connected hard drive. This means a replacememt hard drive could be
used to restore from the USB external drive.
I use an external USB drive case with a replaceable drive. I have made
copies to the drive and used it to replace an internal drive.
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CCCC Page 6 June 2005
MALWARE by Dick Trissel
The following is an alphabetical list of computer "Malware" (MALicious
softWARE), and a brief description of each. For more detailed information,
go to anti-virus program Web sites (Symantec, McAffee,etc.), Google or
HowStuffWorks and search for "malware" or the specific type of malware.
ADWARE
Adware is the class of programs that is financially supported by placing
advertisements on your screen when you're connected to the Internet.
BROWSER HIJACKERS
Advertising software that modifies your browser settings (e.g., default home
page, search bars, toolbars), creates desktop shortcuts, and displays
intermittent advertising pop-ups.
DIALERS
Dialers are programs that set up your modem connection to connect to a 1-900
number.
KEY LOGGER
A keylogger is software that copies a computer user's keystrokes to a file,
which it may send to a hacker at a later time.
ROOTKIT
A rootkit is software inserted onto a computer system after an attacker has
gained control of the system. Rootkits often include functions to hide the
traces of the attack, or by deleting log entries, or cloaking the attacker's
processes.
SPYWARE
Spyware is a piece of software that collects and sends information (such as
browsing patterns in the more benign cases or credit card numbers in more
malignant cases) about users or, more precisely, the results of their
computer activity.
TOOLBARS
Toolbars plug into Internet Explorer and emulate the functionality and look
of legimate toolbars such as Google and Yahoo.
TROJAN
A trojan horse program is a harmful piece of software that is disguised as
legitimate software.
URL INJECTION
This software modifies the browser's behavior with respect to some or all
domains.
VIRUSES
Viruses have used many sorts of hosts. Targets are executable files that
are part of application programs, the boot sectors of floppy disks,
documents that can contain macro scripts, and embedded in e-mail as
attachments--executed when the attachment is opened.
WORMS
Computer worms are similar to viruses but are stand-alone software and thus
do not require host files (or other types of host code) to spread
themselves.
ZOMBIES
Zombies are computers that have been seized by criminals to attack Web sites
in extortion plots or send huge quantities of spam with the owner unaware of
the problem. Once on a computer, many can turn off firewalls and anti-virus
software. The zombie may be on someone else's machine that has picked up
your address and used it as the return address.
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CCCC Page 7 June 2005
WINDOWS XP CRASH by Dick Trissel
from an article by Dave Taylor in the LangaList newsletter
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Let me tell you about my experience with the Windows
XP Crash Update after the 12th of April, 2005.
First I installed Windows XP SP2 and installed all my drivers. Next I
installed McAfee anti-virus and firewall, plus updated them where I have a
DSL Net link. Then I went to Windows Automatic Update and updated all.
After Windows had finished downloading all the updates, I shut down to make
all the updates effective on my next restart.
Windows never started again in any mode - even safe mode. The only thing it
did was keep restarting the computer after showing a blue screen with some
login module problems.
I could not do anything but format the drive and redo the previous steps
again. I thought a virus had done this! Each time I got Windows to update,
it crashed with the same symptoms.
Over the last few days, I have learned that many of my friends have suffered
from the same problem after auto-updating Windows. Can you tell us what the
heck Microsoft is doing?
I have disabled my Windows Update until I find out which update # from
Microsoft causes this crash; then I will bypass it. Now what?
PROBLEM SOLUTION: Phew! This does not sound like a good experience!
As far as I can glean, this appears to be an issue with the Data Execution
Prevention (DEP) feature provided with Service Pack 2 for Windows XP. The
solution lies in editing the text file boot.ini on the main partition.
Boot.ini is a hidden file, though, so you need to go through a little work
to make it accessible. To un-hide this file, go to Start / Run and type cmd.
At the prompt type:
attrib -r -h -s boot.ini
Using a text reader, look for a switch named /noexecute and change the value
to AlwaysOff and save the file. Then try your install / update of Windows
again.
There's much more comprehensive information available at these two Microsoft
pages:
Knowledge Base article #875352
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875352
Security Backgrounder
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/prodtech/windowsxp/depcnfxp.mspx
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CCCC Page 8 June 2005
DISK DEFRAGMENTER
from Komando newsletter
Q. When I run Disk Defragmenter, it stalls every time at 52 or 53 percent of
completion. It worked faithfully many, many times in the past. I usually
disconnect from the Internet and shut down background stuff like ZoneAlarm
and AVG. This has only happened lately. I am running Windows 98SE.
A. Let me start by explaining what happens when you save files on your
computer’s hard drive. Windows does its best to use your hard drive space
efficiently. It tries to fill in small gaps left behind by deleted files. To
do it, Windows may split some files into pieces that will fit. This happens
again and again as you move, delete or save files.
Eventually, all those split files affect your computer's speed. Your
favorite game or shareware might be stored as dozens of fragments. Your
computer has to find them all just to start it up. Your waiting time will
eventually grow to test your patience.
To keep your computer up to speed, you should defragment the hard drive.
Windows includes a handy tool for the job. It's aptly named Disk
Defragmenter. Disk Defragmenter will sort those scattered fragments back
together. You can find it by clicking Start>>Programs>>Accessories>> System
Tools.
As you've noticed, Disk Defragmenter can run into problems. Here are the
common trouble spots:
The Defragmenter needs an error-free hard drive
Disk Defragmenter will stop if it discovers errors on your hard drive. This
could cause the Defragmenter to stop consistently at the same place. It
could also leave your hard drive only partially defragmented. Try checking
your hard drive for errors.
All versions of Windows include utilities to check the hard drive. In
Windows 98, click Start>>Programs>>Accessories>>System Tools>>ScanDisk.
Select the hard drive from the list. It's usually drive C. Select the
"Thorough test" option. It will check your hard drive for errors and
physical imperfections. Check "Automatically fix errors." Click Start.
In Windows XP, click Start>>My Computer. In Windows 2000, just double-click
the My Computer icon. In both systems, right-click the hard drive icon. It's
usually drive C. Select Properties from the pop-up menu. Select the Tools
tab. Under Error-checking, click the Check Now button. Select the two boxes.
Click Start and reboot.
The Defragmenter needs lots of space
A near-full hard drive is the bane of the Defragmenter. Windows requires at
least 15 percent of your hard drive free to complete defragmentation.
According to Microsoft, less space will result in an incomplete
defragmentation. If you don't have enough free space, that could cause Disk
Defragmenter to stop in the same place each time.
A nearly full hard drive is a likely culprit for older computers. Typical
Windows 98 or ME system hard drives are small by current standards. They
could be quickly overwhelmed with videos and music. And new software
packages tend to take more space than older versions.
Consider using Disk Cleanup to free some hard drive space. It's another
handy tool built into Windows. Click Start>>Programs>>Accessories>>System
Tools>>Disk Cleanup. Select the Disk Cleanup tab. You'll see a list of files
that Windows plans to delete for you. You can highlight a file from the list
for its brief explanation.
Beside each file is a checkbox. Windows will delete only files that are
marked. It also shows the total space you'll get back from those files.
After you choose which files to delete, click OK.
The Defragmenter must work alone--Disk Defragmenter does not play well with
others. In fact, it often won't play at all if something else runs. So it is
necessary that all other programs be shut down while Disk Defragmenter is
doing its thing. If necessary, you can run Defragmenter in Safe Mode. To do
that, reboot the computer and tap F8. That should get you into a menu of
startup options, including Safe Mode. If it doesn't, reboot and try again.
Once you get the menu, pick Safe Mode. It will look odd, because only a
minimum of drivers and other programs are started with Windows. You should
be able to run Disk Defragmenter in Safe Mode. Also, you may well need to
run ScanDisk and remove some stuff from your hard drive.
Copyright 2005 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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