eHow To Do It EASY

Here is a website that shows you HOW TO in many areas.

GREAT HOW TO DO THINGS WEBSITE

I find this site http://www.ehow.com/guide_5-computers.html very useful in the latest computer tips in PLAIN ENGLISH.

If you like video tutorials this site has them too:
http://www.ehow.com/videos.html – scroll down where it says: More Featured Videos and use the slide bar on the right to see tons of topics.

let me know how you find this site???

Tim Hortons Documentary

Tim Hortons is NOT a Canadian OWNED company and if someone ever had to drink one of their coffees black they would NEVER go back. And if you get a chance, just watch the A&E documentary on Tim Horton to see how the family got devastated and ended up on welfare after the sale of the Tim Hortons franchise.

Windows 7 Upgrade or Stay With VISTA?

A recent report in the Globe and Mail warns: Stay with VISTA unless…

“Unfortunately, upgrading an existing PC from XP to 7 is not easy.

After upgrading, users will have to reinstall all their programs and find their files in the folder where Windows 7 tucks them away.

However, if you bought a Vista-based computer after June 25, you should be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 7 from the manufacturer, and I suggest taking advantage of it.” SEE GLOBE AND MAIL REPORT

Google Calendar on Cell Phones

If you use Google’s live calendar (if you don’t you are missing out big time), you can now connect to that calendar via your cell phone.

Set it up in minutes

Here’s how: (I use it and it only took a few minutes to set up)

Just go to http://www.google.com/calendar in your phone’s web browser to access Calendar
(Google Apps users can go to http://calendar.google.com/a/your_domain/m, replacing ‘your_domain’ with your actual domain name).

For the full scoop CLICK HERE.

NEW: YouTube – How to Use It

YouTube has made a major change in that you can now have your own channel and watch what you pick without all the other junk.

Getting ready for when TV goes online and away from the old way of viewing a show via TV set. Imagine the landfill sites with old TVs?

Book Review – Windows Vista

Review: by Gregory West
gregorywest(at)bell.net
Member of the Computer Operators 
of Marysville & Port Huron (COMP)
www.bwcomp.org

a must have how-to manual

Windows Vista
The Missing Manual

David Pogue
Published by O’Reilly Media Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-0-596-52827-0
Pages: 827
USA: $34.99 / CDA: $45.99
missingmanuals.com

This book is designed for basic users to advanced users and everyone in between. If you want to learn everything about Vista, the easy-to-follow way, this book is the one. This book gets high marks for the very extensive, and easy to use, 23 page index. Finding what you need to know in a hurry is fast and easy.

The layout of the book has a nice a blueish tinge to the sidebars and screenshots that make reading and scanning a pleasant journey. Throughout the 8 Parts of this book you go from learning all about the desktop, software, and how to work and surf online, securely. Backing up and troubleshooting your computer is set in an easy step-by-step guideline that explains the entire process, both the how and the why. These 8 parts take you on a journey, from learning about the Desktop to “The Vista Network”, especially since more homes are getting into networking computers and peripherals.

For first time users, this book utilizes sidebars that are named: “Up To Speed”. This aids the beginners in becoming more familiar with the operating system while moving along with the “advanced-beginner”. Here is where the information is explained in easy-to-learn language. Advanced users will find boxes named: “Power Users’ Clinic”. This is where anyone can get quick tips to make their computer experience run smooth. It is also a great spot for the newbies to peek in on to see what is available at a higher level.

To set up your own “Media Center” at home is made easy in chapter 16. It starts out by giving you the “gear” list of things you need to begin. In here you will learn how to hook up your TV and record shows, fine tune music selections and work with with both photo and video software.

Once you are well into the book you can learn how to set up your own Virtual Private Network (VPN) which many home users are now doing. You will love this section.

If you ever need to reformat your computer, this book, in its’ “Appendix A” section: “Installing Windows Vista” gives you an simplified instructions, with photos, on how to perform this function. This is a section, not only for newbies before they call the service tech, but a great refresher for everyone at any level.

Simply put: Pogue does it again with Windows Vista, The Missing Manual. I highly recommend this book for all users as a learning tool, as a quick reference guide, and something to use before you call a service technician or a computer tutor. Take yourself to the next level and get a copy of this book.

Problems Playing Some Video?

NO MORE PROBLEMS on your Mac or PC while wanting to view a video…

best video player on the planet and it's FREE

Join the over 52 million other people who have downloaded the FREE video player called: VLC

When I was trying to play one of my hundreds of videos on my Windows machine I came across several that Windows Media Player and Quicktime would not play.

Enter: VLC Player…Yes, it played every type of video format I found, without any problems whatsoever.

Say goodbye to Windows Media Player and Hello to VLC Player.

Click here to check this video player out for yourself.

Mac How-To Videos FREE

New to a Mac? Want to learn more about your Mac?

Mac Tutorial Videos FREE

Maybe, just maybe, you want to “tap into your potential” with your Mac…

Look no further – CLICK HERE for the FREE VIDEOS

FREE STUFF – Over 3000 Sites

Nothing like getting it for free!

Not much to say about this website other than check it out for yourself. They offer over 3000 sites giving away free software such as:

Busines and Office – Address books, Calendars & Schedulers, …

Desktop enhancements – Notes, Screen savers, Tray tools,…

Development tools – Editors, Tutotrials and Reference,…

Education and Science – Languages, Unit conversion, …

Games and Fun – Action, Board games, Simulators, Tetris, …

Graphics and Drawing – Editors, Font tools, Viewing, …

Internet and Network – Browsers, Email, AntiSpam, Tools, …

Multimedia – Audio, Players, Converting Tools, Video, …

Personal and Home – Cataloguers, Health, Home finance, …

Utilities – Backup, Spyware protection, Virus protection, Security, …

Web development – Color pickers, HTML editors, Log analyzers, …

Free stuff and free services [ New free stuff ]

Free email accounts – Temporary email accounts

Free Online services – Free file hosting, Free file transfer,
Free fax, Free translation, Free image hosting, Free web proxies,
Free video hosting, Online virus scan, Online expense tracking, …

Free graphics – Free stock photos, Cartoons, Fonts, …

Free sounds and music

Free samples and contests – Prizes and Contests, …

Money – Banners, …

Other freebies – Other free stuff sites, Postcards, …

What’s New at Google Laboratory?

What’s New at Google Laboratory?
www.googlelabs.com

by Gregory West

Editor’s Note: This article will appear in the October Issue of First Monday magazine

Google has a secret place: Google Labs. It is not well known to most humans. This is the place some insiders refer to as the “playground” for Google engineers. For those of you who have never explored Google in the past, other than using Google Search, you are now in for a real treat inside Google’s Labs. Come on and check out the programs.

Let’s head to www.googlelabs.com and see what Google is currently testing. Here you will find twenty five software programs you can try and use for free.

FAST FLIP: (http://fastflip.googlelabs.com/) This program is one of my favourites. When you click open this program you are before a magazine stand displaying various newspapers and magazines with current content. You just click on one and begin your reading experience.

Newspapers and magazines are beginning to suffer due to their content being displayed on the Internet, Google feels this service can help. Tony Bradley of PCWorld reiterates that “Google feels that recreating the print media experience online will attract more readers and help its partner publishers transition more smoothly to delivering information over the Internet”. Time will tell, but for now, give this program a go and enjoy the FREE newspapers and magazines on your very own news stand.

GOOGLE NEWS TIMELINE: (http://newstimeline.googlelabs.com) This is another collection of news media presentations wherein you find the major stories of the day. Timeline is also a news “time machine” where you drag the dates and go back in time. A calendar allows you to change dates from DAY, WEEK, and YEAR to see how a subject changes over a certain period of time. According to cnet.com this “project is the baby of Andy Hertzfeld, one of the original designers of the Apple Macintosh software and something of a Silicon Valley icon”. It is a definite program to keep an eye on.

SIMILAR IMAGES: (http://similar-images.googlelabs.com) Is a fun program where you type in a name, place, or whatever you choose to retrieve “similar” images. I typed in “sarnia, ontario” and was amazed at the tons of photos that people have uploaded to the Internet. In fact, there are “about 467,000” Sarnia related pictures found in that search. Type in your own name and include sarnia, ontario and see the many times your related photo has been uploaded to the Internet. To check your name type it like this: “gregory west” sarnia, ontario (include the quotation marks). This is a good time waster and it is an interesting program, to say the least.

There are twenty two more programs to check out. Some of my other favourites are: Google Mars, Google Trends, and Google Dashboard Widgets for Mac to go nicely with my Macbook. Remember, this is Google’s “playground” and the programs are in the beta or test mode and are not ready for prime time just yet.

[bi-line]
Gregory West is a basic home computer consultant for MAC and PC and software
reviewer for major computer companies. Also come and join in on his free Basic
Computer Training sessions, held weekly at Central United Church this Fall. For info: www.centralunitedsarnia.ca/free_computer_lessons.html
Gregory can be reached at gregorywest@bell.net
Also, check out his Blog: Computer & Internet Tips:
http://tips4computers.wordpress.com

Add LIFE to your Computer SCREEN

ADMIT IT, YOU OFTEN GET SICK OF THE PHOTO ON YOUR DESKTOP AND WISH IT WOULD CHANGE EVERY SO OFTEN.

NOW YOU CAN DO IT...

Do you want something new to jazz up your computer screen? Try using rotating wallpaper photos.

Here are some excellent space photos, but of course you can use ones you like from any file on your computer. Watch the complete “how to” video at the bottom.

You can download each of these excellent screen shots and save them to a folder. From that folder you can make a slide show display while your computer is idle.

CLICK HERE for the screen shot photos. Once there click on the “Download” button and choose your screen size: usually 1024X768.

Watch this how to video (let it load up first)

CLICK HERE 4 the video

FREE Computer Software Daily

You won’t believe this but here is a website where they “giveaway” free computer programs daily.

IT IS TRUE AND LEGAL

Don’t believe still? How about a reputable review from CNet:

“The software doesn’t expire after 24 hours. Rather, you have a one-day window in which to download it and install it. But once that’s done, it’s yours to keep forever…” FULL REVIEW HERE

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE SOFTWARE DAILY

Free Computer and Internet Lessons

FREE – FREE – FREE

Come and learn the easy ways

Come out and see how easy it really is.

Computer & Internet lessons. This is open to the public and is held at Central United Church, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.

For more information go  HERE

Please bring your questions and a friend.

Get All Your Local News FREE

The Most Popular Way to Get News

Did you know that “Google News has 5 to 10 times the reach of MSNBC, the Guardian UK, the New York Times and Digg“

BUT NOW YOU CAN GET LOCAL NEWS FROM WITHIN YOUR HOME TOWN WITHOUT BUYING THE NEWSPAPER (that offers news that is well over 12 hours old) OR HAVING TO WAIT FOR THE RADIO STATION (which usually never gives you ALL the news).

Check out:  http://news.google.com/
On the left side of this site you will see “Personalized”. Click on the arrows and find your town…Enjoy

Here is an example of Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
http://news.google.com/news/section?pz=1&geo=N7V+2Y3&ict=ln

More Tips Sites

Click the HEAD for more websites

Click on the head on the right for more very helpful websites.

Any questions please email me:

prospector16@gmail.com

New Tips Discussion Group

Are you wanting more for free in the line of learning computers and the Internet at the basic level and up?

Check out my newest social networking site that I created simply to help computer users like you. It is free, just like everything else that I do with computer training in groups.

Go to this site:
http://gregorywest.ning.com

VISTA TIP: Photos onto DVD

Do you want to make your very own DVD of the summer vacation photo album you have worked so hard making? How about being able to show this photo album on your TV?

In VISTA it is soooooooo simple to do.

TEXT Version:
http://www.jkg.in/81-how-to-burn-a-dvd-video-disc-in-windows-vista/

VIDEO Version:

Previous Post

Gindick’s New “Summertime” Solo

God Bless the Blues

I know this is not computer related haha, however I have taken up the blues harp after a 20+ year hiatus. I am now learning the “old style” 1920’s & 1930’s southern style blues harp methods. Never tooooo old to learn eh?

Fall LineUp for FREE Computer Training Seminars

FREE COMPUTER & INTERNET TRAINING

By Gregory West

This is our 3rd. season for our Basic Computer and Internet Training Seminars. It is a FREE program open to the public.

Free Computer / Internet Training

The only catch is that you can bring one canned goods product for a donation to the Sarnia Food Bank.

Here is our proposed lineup and it is numbers by the weeks of the presenation order.

I am looking for suggestions and comments so PLEASE email me: prospector16@gmail.com (Greg West)

Getting Started with Your Computer…and then some!

1: Buying a Computer.

– what to look out for
– what kinds are good ones
– what stores are better and safer
– is that low price really a good deal
– what do you need inside your computer
– how much should I spend

2: Setting Up Your Computer.

- add password
- additional users
- set time & date
- set screen size
- turn off computer

3: Getting around the Windows Desktop.

- taskbar
- quick launch bar
- recycle bin
- desktop shortcuts
- change desktop picture
- start button/menu
- arrange desktop icons (R-click)
- recycle bin
- find a file with Win Explorer
- start a program
- switch between programs
- resize a window close a program
- how to remove USB devices

4: Customizing Windows.

- change desktop background
- choose a desktop theme
- set up a screen saver
- change mouse behavior
- uninstall an application

5: Working with Files and Folders.

- understand how Windows organizes data
- find and open files
- choose a file or folder view
- create new folder
- rename folder
- search for a file
- add file to favourite list (open windows by Right click START and choosing EXPLORE
- back up – USB, CD, DVD

6: Working with Printers, Scanners, and Fax Machines.

- invite guest from Data Tek or Staples to demonstrate

7: Getting FREE Help

- http://support.microsoft.com/windowsvista
- forums
- using search engines such as google & bing

8: Creating Documents with Works Word Processor.

doc = documents
- open new documents – enter & edit text
- save a doc
- open existing doc
- cut copy paste text
- format text
- add photo or graphic
- resize objects
- spell check
- print a doc
- types of text file such as rich text etc.

9: Work with Numbers and Finances.

- spreadsheet – guest speaker
- online banking – guest speaker from a bank
- online investing – as above
- pay bills online – my wife

10: Get the Most from Movies and Digital Photos.

- Windows Media Player
- Windows Photo Gallery
- Googleʼs Picasa
- Windows Movie Maker
- play movies with Windows Media Player
- upload photos from digital camera
- view digital image in Windows Photo Gallery
- add tags to photos
- play a slide show with Windows Photo Gallery
- fix photos
- burn photos to CD

11: Listening to & Downloading (recording) Music and more…

- iTunes
- Windows Media Player
- create Windows Media Player Playlist
- burn CD music
- buying music online
- playing online Radio Stations & Podcasts & TV

12: Playing Games in Windows Vista.

I am not a game player. I am sure we can get a few people to help demonstrate some of the computer games they like to play. We can show how to find FREE games, how to play games on the Internet against other people around the world in live sessions. And of course we can set a general discussion and live demonstration.

Exploring the Internet

13: Understanding Internet Basics.

- explain the Internet
- different types of connections & speeds
- navigate the web: enter click on blue E show back and forth
- tabbed browsing etc.
- popups
- setup a home page with tabs
- secure surfing and online safety

14: Browsing the Web with Internet Explorer & FireFox

- add website to favourites
- change website name in favourites
- organize favourites
- customize Internet Explorer Toolbar
- download files and save to hard drive doc
- printing web pages
- playing podcasts
- finding podcasts
- cookies
- privacy settings
- enable content advisor

15: Keeping in Touch with E-Mail.

- set up an account
- set up Windows Mail
- Windows Mail and inbox
- manage email accounts
- create and send email
- send an attachment
- read a message
- reply to and forward email
- create and add signature
- format email messages
- add contacts
- customize Windows Mail
- create message folders
- organize messages in folders
- create mail rules
- spam

16: Connecting with People Online.

- Skype phone calling free phone calling between computers anywhere on
 the planet
- instant messaging what is it and how does it work
- use a webcam (it is really easy honestly)
- Magic Jack phone via computer
- Blogs and their many uses
- explore virtual worlds – secondlife.com madwolfsw.com
- find people with common interests
- playing games on the Internet live with other people for free

Taking Care of Your Computer.

17: Protecting Windows Computers.

- cleaning inside and out and save yourself lots of money
- FREE virus protection that really works
- spyware
- adware
- malware
- Windows Defender included in Vista
- update patches Microsoft automatically
- run Windows Update
- enable Windows firewall
- run Windows Defender scan
- full scan, quick scan and custom scans

18: Maintaining Windows.

- defrag
- free up disk space
- delete cookies using IE
- set reminder for maintenance tasks
back up important files

PLEASE HELP ME OUT HERE:

IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS, WANTS, OR NEEDS WITH YOUR COMPUTERING TASKS PLEASE LET ME KNOW VIA EMAIL TO: prospector16@gmail.com

WE WILL BEGIN THESE FREE SEMINARS AT CENTRAL UNITED CHURCH THIS COMING FALL. LAST TWO YEARS WE RAN THESE SEMINARS EACH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. NOT SURE OF THE TIME AND DATE THIS SEASON – IT WILL BE POSTED IN EMAILS AND ON THE CHURCH WEBSITE www.centralunitedsarnia.ca

OF COURSE ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO HELP ME OUT WITH THE MEETINGS AND PLANNING IDEAS FOR OUR SEMINARS CAN CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL. I NEVER TURN DOWN HELP

Note: Outline for this came from Computers For Seniors For Dummies as a guideline
 reference.

Mac Computer Group (NEW) Sarnia, Ontario

ATTENTION ALL MAC COMPUTER USERS:
MAC Training In Sarnia now available

brand new Mac group – free to join – come and learn more…

Freeling alone out there? Nobody to show you some “how tos”? Why not try out our brand new and FREE Mac Computer Users Group?

Contact Me for more info or help with your Mac:

Gregory West
Phone: 519-331-5067
Email:  gregorywest (at) bell.net
MAP: Sarnia, Ontario, Canada

There is a new FREE computer group for Mac computer users. This group is based in both Sarnia, Ontario and Port Huron Michigan. The group met for the first time last week and will continue regular meetings every 2nd Thursday.

Gregory West
Phone: 519-331-5067
Email:  gregorywest (at) bell.net
MAP: Sarnia, Ontario, Canada

A regular columnist for Computer User Groups worldwide
through APCUG

Writing for APCUG