FREE Kindle eReaders Available Online

FREE Kindle eReaders Available Online
“Turn Your Computer Into an eReader”

by Gregory West

It just keeps on getting better in Cyberspace!

“WOW,” I hollered  when I learned I could get a free app (software program) that turns my computer into the Kindle eReader. It was a fluke coming across this beauty.

I ordered a technology book to review from OReilly Media. Usually my review books get emailed as a PDF or a real paper book. This particular book came as a an attachment in an email that my computer did not recognize, nor open. I tried and tried to open the file without success. Finally, after emailing OReilly’s back, they explained about the free app to run the Kindle eReader on a computer.

Marsee Henon, from O’Reilly Media (www.oreilly.com/ebooks), explained that “our ebooks work not only on a Kindle, but also on the Kindle app offered on Macs, PCs, iPads, and other devices.”

At first I didn’t believe it would actually work. I clicked to the amazon website (listed below) and downloaded the program, all the while, still thinking it probably won’t work. Even when I had the program downloaded, it wasn’t until I clicked on the ebook attachment in OReilly’s email when a miracle happened. The ebook opened on my computer and I had my very own Kindle on my laptop. Amazon also through in several free books too. Yeah!

Marsee sent me the links (listed below) for the free download. If you have a Windows computer less than 12 years old, or a Mac computer with an Intel chip, you should have no problem using your computer as a Kindle eReader. You can check the required specs on the following websites.

Choose one of the links below and download the Kindle app for your computer.

Windows PC computer users:

http://amzn.to/windows_kindle

Mac computer users: Snow Leopard and Lion

http://amzn.to/snowleopard_lion_kindle

Mac computer users: Leopard

http://bit.ly/leopard_only

The Kindle application for your computer offers many functions, “including functionality such as zoom and pan, highlighting, note taking, dictionary lookup, and bookmarks,” according to Amazon.com.

Once you get your free Kindle eReader app  visit the Project Gutenberg (www.gutenberg.org) where there are over 30,000 book titles. These books are free as the copyrights have run out. There are some real gems to be had here. Treat yourself this free eReader; you will be amazed with this easy-to-use technology. I know I enjoy my new free Kindle.

PROBLEM – Last month a reader emailed me that he had a problem after downloading the anti malware program (Superantispyware.com) I wrote about in the June issue called: “Make Your Computer Run Brand New Again”. He said the program worked fine then “it began asking for $19.95”. He also said he had an difficult time trying to remove this program.
SOLUTION -After several emails and a telephone conversation it was discovered this reader clicked the “UPGRADE” button. This took him away from his free version to the paid version. Moral of the story: Be careful what you click. “UPGRADE” usually means a better program and one that costs. The reader was thinking he was getting an “UPDATE”. Therein lies the difference: UPDATE is when a program fixes or makes it better or safer to use. UPGRADE is taking you to the paid version.

PROBLEM -  Another reader said his computer had a virus. This nasty thing disabled his anti virus program and he could not get rid it. The virus warned him if he paid for their anti virus his computer would be fixed. His computer had been “hijacked” and he was being held for ransom. This is quite common and usually simple to fix.

SOLUTION – I told the reader to start his computer in “SAFE MODE”, then run his own anti virus program. This caught the nasty virus, deleted it and now he is a happy computer user. Be careful what you click on in Cyberspace…It may cost you!

If you have a computer problem or a great tip, please pass it along to Greg at First Monday and he will post it in the next issue.

Gregory can be reached at: gregory@alternatecloud.com
A website for Seniors learning technology:
http://alternatecloud.com
For more tips visit his Blog:
http://gregorywest.wordpress.com
Free Computer Help Seminars: Grace United Church – 519-542-1203

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Flu season

Flu season

Facebook: Are You and Your Children Safe?

Facebook: Are You and Your Children Safe?

Set Your Security

By Gregory West

Are you protecting yourself on Facebook? Are your children protected on Facebook? Not sure? Please read on…

A 2010 Consumer Report shows “23 percent of Facebook users don’t even know about the site’s privacy controls or just don’t bother to use them.” (full report:
http://bit.ly/2010_report
) and it doesn’t stop there. With over a half billion users, one can only imagine how many people do not use their security settings properly or even at all.

I became aware of this recently when I ran a free “Facebook for Beginners” seminar at Grace United Church in Sarnia, Ontario. Most people in attendance were using Facebook, yet none really knew how to protect themselves with Facebook security settings. In fact, many were surprised to see how easy it is to protect yourself in Facebook.

The Consumer Report goes on to point out the seriousness of this as they found “The survey, which seemed to focus primarily on Facebook, also discovered that 7 percent of people had posted their street address on their profile, while 3 percent had revealed times when they’d be away from home.”

It gets even more frightening when the report shows that “Among Facebook users with children, 26 percent had posted photos of their kids on the site and 13 percent had included the names of their kids in the captions, both of which Consumer Reports believes could expose the children to potential online predators.”

Have I scared you yet? I hope so.

Facebook is becoming extremely secure and a very important utility in today’s society. I personally believe this is the platform where most people in a community will gather…Let me rephrase that: Most people, who are online, now are involved in a Facebook community in one way or another. Facebook is rapidly becoming part of the mainstream media as well. So hang in there and don’t rush to delete your Facebook account just yet.

Here are a few items you can check on Facebook to tighten up your security as you so choose. Please go over the following to check and set your privacy controls to your liking.

1. Go to your Facebook profile page (just open Facebook) and click on “Account” located at the top right of the webpage.
2. Click “Privacy Settings”
3. Now you will be on the page that says: “Choose Your Privacy Settings”. Now look for where it says: “Control basic information your friends will use to find you on Facebook. View Settings” and click on the “View Settings”.

You will now see a list of topics where your security settings can be changed. The topic list includes: Search for you on Facebook, Send you friend requests, Send you messages, See your friend list, See your education and work, See your current city and hometown, and See your likes, activities and other connections.

Those settings can be adjusted so that you can allow one of the following:

Everyone – Friends of Friends – Friends Only and there are some that allow some customization.

If you are at all concerned about who sees what, about you and especially your children, I highly suggest you go each one of these settings and adjust accordingly. Make sure you do this with your children so they realize the importance of privacy settings.

Of course, these privacy settings are not for everyone, and many people such as myself leave them open so that it expands my community and communication. The decision is yours do decide. Don’t listen to others, go and check out YOUR SECURITY SETTINGS today.

If you want further Facebook security information go to this website:
www.facebook.com/privacy/explanation.php#basicinfo and www.facebook.com/policy.php

The public is welcomed to attend another Free seminar on Facebook Security on May 9th, 10:00 a.m. at Grace United Church. Please bring a food item for the Food Bank.

Be safe out there!

Gregory can be reached at: gregory@alternatecloud.com
For more tips visit his Blog:
http://gregorywest.wordpress.com
Free Computer Help Seminars: Grace United Church – 519-542-1203

“The technician set up my laptop, now what do I do?”

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE CAN BE REPRODUCED

BY GIVING ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO THE AUTHOR.

“The technician set up my laptop, now what do I do?”

By Gregory West

Ah, the wonderment of getting a new computer. No more having to watch others show off their computer skills as they demonstrate their new digital slide show, or listen about how they talk with relatives across three oceans for hours at no cost. With your new computer you are ready to join the online communities around the globe.

Three gigabytes of random access memory, five hundred gigs of hard drive, a one year subscription to some antivirus / malware protection software utility and you are “good to go,” says the clerk in the computer store.

“But does it come with a manual,” you ask?

“The manual is in the OS software,” the clerk says as he gets you to sign his copy of the credit card slip. “Have a nice day,” he hollers as you lug computer through the doors towards home.

“Ya right,” you mutter under your breath.

So many choices, too many decisions, but at least you finally got it home. Once you open the lid and go to turn on the new computer you realize that you have no idea what you are doing. In fact, you don’t know a gigabyte from a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and you couldn’t care less. All you want is to on the Internet and check your email, surf some websites and maybe learn how to get those 265 photos from your digital camera.

“So now what,” you say aloud to yourself? “Where do I begin, you ask your dog in desperation as she gives you that puzzled look?

There is an easy way to learn the various computer functions you need to catch up with your computer geek of a neighbour. First, you can take a formal course at your local college. These courses usually range from beginner to advanced. You can also take online courses (courses offered over the Internet), but this takes a special skill, as many people are not used to working alone and need to get out into a classroom setup with real humans. You can also join a local computer group. Here you will find people with similar interests who provide various seminars on tech-related issues.

I have been on a computer since 1972 where an IBM System/360 Operating System was the popular system in data processing centres. Over the years I have received computer training from all methods mentioned about. In fact, today I am taking two computer courses from books that came with DVD training programs.

However, if you simply need to know one certain function on the computer, learn a software program, or how to troubleshoot a problem in your computer, I suggest Google’s YouTube videos. Computer instructors, tech companies, libraries, schools and many knowledgable individuals upload training videos to YouTube. Here you not only get free training, but targeted training. For instance, if you need to know how to install a USB flash drive in Windows 7, you simply go to youtube.com on the Internet and there will be many videos to help you through this process.

One tip for searching within YouTube for help, try using the term: “tutorials” with your search. Sometimes this will give you a full training course on the particular subject you are interested in learning. I use YouTube all the time when I need help with a particular computer program. But it doesn’t stop there either. I wanted to learn how to winterize my RV and save the hundred dollar fee, so I searched for videos on YouTube and have winterized my own trailer ever since for only the cost of antifreeze.

You can get free training from the best of both worlds. If you are new to the computer, YouTube videos will help you get an idea what you are up against, but what if you still need the help of a human. Central United Church operates a free computer drop-in training centre where you can get free help on any computer-related issue. Since September 2010 over two-hundred people have found this training centre an excellent way to learn at one’s own speed. The only cost is a food item to donate to the Food Bank. For more info: go to the website (
http://central-united-church.org/training
) or phone: 519 344-4561.

[bi-line]

Gregory West is a Mac Instructor for Lambton College.
He is also Webmaster at Central United Church, the home of Sarnia’s new
Community Computer Training Centre at:
http://goo.gl/76H15
.
This is free and open to the public as a community service.

Learn at your own speed.

Gregory can be reached at: prospector16(at)gmail.com

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The Future of Computers is NO COMPUTERS

Note: This article will appear in First Monday Magazine next month…

The Future of Computers is NO COMPUTERS

By Gregory West

As a computer consultant and instructor I get asked which type of computer is a good deal and one that will last. As I explain the pros and cons of various computers, I know that they are in for a major change, and very soon computers will be a thing of the past.

We are now racing towards one of the most drastic changes in computer history. Welcome what I coin as: CLOUD COMPUTERS. We have all heard of the “Cloud” that exists on the Internet. Simply put, a “cloud” is a program where you store things such as photos (Flickr or Picasa), and videos (YouTube or Vimeo). Of course EVERYONE knows that you can store these on Facebook as well which is also a “cloud” program online.

I know, enough of the mumbo-jumbo computer talk and let’s get to the point.

Google is soon to announce its online operating system. This means you will not use your computer to use programs such as Word or Excel etc. These will be offered free in the new Google operating system. Soon there will be no more need for Microsoft’s XP, Vista, Windows 7, or even Apple’s Snow Leopard. It also means no more complicated computer systems. It will be somewhat like your TV and it will “just work”. You MUST watch this video: <
http://bit.ly/91Fnm7googlecomputer
> to see how it works.

No, Google’s new online operating system will not replace Apple or Microsoft systems just yet. However, this is a start to a very interesting future that is quickly unfolding before our very eyes. This new online operating system idea will virtually change the need for a computer. All we will need is a device that has a browser like Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or Chrome. These will connect you to your online computer system.

Just think, many of us have been doing this for sometime now and not paying much attention…When you go online with your Smart Phone you are using a “Cloud Computer”. It can only get easier and better and less expensive. A full report on how this works is found here: <
http://bit.ly/azhyJ6cloudcomputers
>

George Orwell predicted 1984 as the year of “Big Brother” and I say that 2011 is the year we see “Cloud Computers”…I can’t wait.

[bi-line]
Gregory West is a Mac Instructor for Lambton College. 
He is also Webmaster at Central United Church, the home of Sarnia’s new 
COMMUNITY Tech School at: <http://central-united-church.org/news&gt;. This is free and open to the public as a community service.

Gregory can be reached at: prospector16@gmail.com
For more tips visit his Blog:
http://gregorywest.wordpress.com

TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH THIS MUST-SEE VIDEO

SICK OF COMPUTER REPAIR BILLS?

WARNING: This is for the normal human who wants to know what is really wrong with their computer…

Are you sick of paying or worrying about paying high computer repair bills?   We ALL are!

Then click here are read this:

Who’s Worse: Computer Repair Shops or Used Car Dealers?

The real scary part is you are at the computer tech’s mercy. You have no idea what he/she is going to do with your computer and if you did get what you actually paid for.

HELP is here and it comes FREE – PC WIZARD – Download HERE

It is easy to run and test your computer once you download the program. Here is an extensive list of what you can expect from this program:

Hardware Information

• Mainboard / Bios (Connectors, ID String, MP Support …)
• Chipset (FSB Frequency, Norhtbridge, Hub, Direct Media Interface, XMB, NSI, …)
• Main Memory (FPM, EDO, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR-2 SDRAM, DDR-3 SDRAM, RDRAM, FB_DIMM, Timings …)
• Memory Profiles : EPP (SLi Ready), Intel XMP.
• Cache Memory (L1, L2, L3, Size, Frequency …)
• Processors (Type, Speed, Multiplier coeff., Features, Model Number, Vanderpool Technology …)
• Coprocessor
• APM & ACPI
• Busses : ISA, PCI, AGP (2x, 4x,8x), SMBus/ i2c, CardBus, Firewire, Hyper-Transport … )
• DMI / SMBIOS
• Mainboard Sensors, Processor, Hard Disk & Battery (Voltage, Temperature, Fans)
• Video (Monitor, Card, Bios, Capabilities, Memory, Integrated Memory, Frequencies …)
• OpenGL & 3Dfx
• DirectX (DirectDraw, Direct3D, DirectSound (3D), DirectMusic, DirectPlay, DirectInput, DirectX Media)
• Keyboard, Mouse & Joystick
• Drives (Hard Disk, Removable, CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD …)
• SCSI (Card, Controller, Adapter, Devices …)
• ATA/ATAPI & S-ATA (Devices, Type, Capabilities, S.M.A.R.T. Features, RAID)
• Ports (Serial, Parallel, USB, IEEE-1394)
• IDE & SCSI Devices
• Twain & WIA Devices
• PCMCIA (PC Card) Devices
• Bluetooth Devices
• Biometric Sensor Devices
• Sound Card (wave, midi, aux, mix, AC’97 codec, High Definition Audio)
• Printers (Local & Network)
• Modem (Features, Speed …)
• Network (Server, Connexion, Firewall …)
• Security (Scan Ports …)
• PocketPC & SmartPhone Devices
• Virtual Machines

System Information

• MCI Devices (mpeg, avi, seq, vcr, video-disc, wave) & ACM
• SAPI
• Passwords (Outlook, Internet Explorer, MSN Messenger, Dialup …)
• DOS Memory (base, HMA, UMB, XMS, EMS, DPMI, VCPI)
• Windows Memory
• Windows (Version, Product Key, Environment, Desktop, XP Themes …)
• Windows UpTime (Boot, Shutdown, BlueScreen, System Restore Points …)
• TrueType & OpenType Fonts
• WinSock (Internet), Telephony et Remote Access
• OLE (Objects, Servers …)
• Microsoft© Applications
• Activity (Process, Tasks, Threads)
• Modules (DLL, DRV, 32 & 16-bits) & NT Services
• Internet Navigator (Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla, FireFox)
• .NET Global Assembly Cache (GAC)
• ODBC
• CMOS/RTC
• Resources (IRQ, DMA, E/S, Memory)
• System files (.ini, .log, .bat, .nt, .dos …)

System Benchmarks

• Processor (Dhrystone (MIPS), Whetstone (MFLOPS), Mandelbrot fractal …)
• L1, L2, L3 Cache, RAM (Bandwidth, Latency …)
• Main Memory (Bandwidth, Latency …)
• Hard Drives
• CD/DVD Rom
• DirectX
• Video
• Removable/Flash Support
• MP3 Compression
• VISTA Experience Index

MEMORY and CACHE: These benchmarks measure the maximum achiveable memory bandwidth. The code behind these benchmarks method is written in Assembly (x86, SSE, SSE2, SSE3). Memory benchmarks utilize only one processor core and one thread.

PROCESSOR : These benchmarks measure performance in terms of Integer Millions of Instructions Per Second (Integer MIPS) and Millions of Floating Point Operations Per Second (MFLOPS). The code behind these benchmarks method is written in Assembly (x86, x87, MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, 3DNOW!). Processor benchmarks are HyperThreading, multi-processor (SMP) and multi-core (CMP) aware.

Tools

• Can save, print, e-mail a report
• Can save a TXT, RTF, HTML, PDF or CSV report
• Can export any graphics as BMP file
• Can export text and graphic with the clipboard
• Web update Wizard
• Communicate with Motherboard Monitor
• Dump (Hardware registers, System BIOS, video BIOS …)

As you can see this program covers it all and you might be able to look at the report and find how to fix the problem yourself.

At the very least:
YOU WILL KNOW WHAT IS WRONG AND WILL NEVER BE AT THE MERCY OF THE REPAIR TECH AGAIN!

Probably the Best Free Security List in the World

Free Security Scan

CLICK HERE FOR A FREE SCAN
Trend Micro security systems offers a free online “house-call” to do a check-up on your computer against the bad things in Cyberspace.

“HouseCall is Trend Micro’s highly popular and capable on-demand scanner for identifying and removing viruses, Trojans, worms, unwanted browser plugins, and other malware. (Trend Micro).”

This information is recommended by Ira Wilsker, a Police Officer who does work for the FBI Cybercrimes, a Professor in Texas and has his own Tech Radio show. He is also an adviser for APCUG

HOW TO GET THE: CLICK HERE

Best Free Security List in the World

Snooze You Looze

Snooze or Looze out on your Google Domain Name

Only $10

For instance, I managed to scoop up: gregorywest.org for my personal domain name.

WHY YOU MAY ASK?

Google is soon to announce its FREE Operating System that I believe will completely change the way we do things on a computer and online. No more high costs of Microsoft Windows 7 or Office programs…Google offers it free and then some.

HOW TO GET YOUR PERSONAL DOMAIN?

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR NEW BEGINNING WITH GOOGLE

TV via INTERNET IS COMING FAST

Web Browsers such as Firefox and Chrome now have apps (widgets) buttons that you can easily add to the tool bar. One click gives you a list of hundreds of countries to choose from. Another click gives you the choice of many topics for TV viewing such as: news, entertainment, comedy, government and more.

App LINK for Firefox TV

App LINK for Chrome (Google’s Browser)

FACEBOOK Ghost Busters…And More PC Tips

Editor’s Note: This article will be published in First Monday Magazine August 2010 edition.

FACEBOOK GHOST-BUSTERS – & Computer Tips

By Gregory West

Recently in the news, there are stories of Facebook users having ghosts appear on their computer screens, reminding them of days-gone-by. This is good for some, as it brings happy memories, however many people find it “kinda creepy seeing dead people wishing them ‘Happy Birthday’, etc.  “It’s a very sensitive topic,” said Meredith Chin, a (Facebook) company spokeswoman, “and, of course, seeing deceased friends pop up can be painful” (New York Times).

As Facebook quickly reaches a near one-half billion members, as people die their Facebook site lives on, sometimes sending messages to relatives. That in itself is comforting to some people but not others. Some people may find it creepy. “People over 65 are adopting Facebook at a faster pace than any other age group, with 6.5 million signing up in May alone…so the problem is only going to get worse” (Toronto Star). So, what’s the real issue?

If you want to shut this off you will have a very difficult time finding “how to”. Here is how to make the necessary changes. Go to this Facebook site:

(
http://bit.ly/9jZp7m-facebook
) and fill out the form. The preamble for the form states:

“Report a deceased person’s profile

IMPORTANT: This form is solely for the reporting of a deceased person to memorialize or remove the person’s account. Memorializing the account removes certain sensitive information and sets privacy so that only confirmed friends can see the Profile or locate it in search. The Wall remains, so that friends and family can leave posts in remembrance. Please note that unrelated inquiries through this form may not receive a response.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Sarnia has live eyes:

The 402 Highway in our area now has webcams so you can view the road and traffic conditions live…Not all are working but it is worth a peek:

(
http://bit.ly/cbMsLG-sarnia-hwy
)

How to Email those large vacation photo files:

We know that your Internet Service Provider limits the file sizes that you Email, including photos. So what can one do? There are several things you can do. Try resizing your photos when Emailing them to friends and family. Go to the Microsoft website for a free download of the software program needed for resizing photos: (
http://bit.ly/aAAihD-microsoft
).

If you want to maintain the large sized photos you can send them using this free software that will Email the recipient a link to the photos so they can easily download them. Send photo and data files by Email up to 100 megabytes in size using: (
http://www.yousendit.com
)

Of course you can always use an Internet site to edit and store your photos. When you want to send them you do it using a link that is created by the software. For example, try Google’s free Picasa photo editing and storage website: (
http://picasaweb.google.com
) – Picasa is recommended by many professional photographers who say this is great for the beginner and the pro.

[bi-line]

Gregory West is a Mac Instructor for Lambton College. 
He is also Webmaster at Central United Church, the home of Sarnia’s new 
COMMUNITY Tech School at: http://central-united-church.org/news. This is free and open to the public as a community service.

Gregory can be reached at: prospector16@gmail.com

For more tips visit his Blog:
http://gregorywest.wordpress.com

FREE ebook – OFFICE 2010

MS OFFICE ebook FREE

Get your free copy of Microsoft Office 2010 ebook:

CLICK HERE for FREE eBook

Windows “SkyDrive” FREE Storage 25GB

Windows SkyDrive – Works with a Mac or a PC

First off you will need a Windows Live account. YOU DO NOT NEED TO SIGN UP FOR HOT MAIL – I used my gmail account to sign up. This way you are not hooked to Windows “company store”.

Yes you read correctly: Windows is offering free online storage via their new SkyDrive. All you need is a Windows Live account or a hotmail email address to join in on this free service.

Upload, store and share photos and data up to 25 gigabytes worth with no charge.

AND guess what?

You can use this free service on both a Windows PC and a Mac computer.

There is one HUGE downside to this service and that is THERE IS A LIMIT:

Upload size is limited to 50 MB per file.

THIS MAKES THIS SERVICE very limited if you want to save video or music.

Personally, I will pass on this service as my files are larger than 50 MB and if I want to share files larger than this I can use the free sharing service at yousendit.com

HOWEVER it is excellent for students…Check out this video:

HERE IS HOW IT WORKS… remember you DO NOT NEED hotmail.

READ MORE HERE

Email With Bank-type Security

Top Security for Gmail Users

Now you can get the same security as your BANK by using https.

In gmail (not using gmail? shame on you LOL) go to SETTINGS and scroll down to where it says:

Browser Connection:

Make sure you check the box for “Always use https“. As you see above it is not checked by default.

Hey…It can’t get any easier!

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.

Sarnia Computer Group Newsletter

For some good tips and reviews please have a look at my final edition of SCUG Report magazine. I have resigned as Editor of the Sarnia Computer Group. I was spending too many hours each month whereas now I can use to explore new avenues in Cyberspace.

(CLICK HERE for a copy)




This move will allow me more time for other projects that I deem more important now.

CLICK HERE for info.

I am also working on a new murder/mystery novel and lovin it. To see the novel writing ideas and progress CLICK HERE for a Novel Idea.

This blog is updated now on a regular basis keeping the Computer and Internet Tips flowing freely.

So don’t forget to check back here at least weekly for NEW TIPS being added all the time. And check for the upcoming FREE Basic Computer and Internet seminars

CLICK HERE for information on FREE Basic Computer and Internet Training – Sarnia, Ontario, Canada