Meeting reports for 2001-2002
Meeting reports for 2002-2003
Meeting reports for 2003-2004
Meeting reports for 2004-2005
Meeting reports for 2005-2006
Report for November 8th, 2006
Report for November 15th, 2006
Report for November 22nd, 2006
Report for November 29th, 2006
Report for December 6th, 2006
Report for December 13th, 2006
Report for January 3rd, 2007
Report for January 10th, 2007
Report for January 17th, 2007
Report for January 24th, 2007
Report for January 31st, 2007
Report for February 7th, 2007
Report for February 14th, 2007
Report for February 21st, 2007
Report for February 28th, 2007
Report for March 7th, 2007
Report for March 14th, 2007
Report for March 21st, 2007
Report for March 28th, 2007
November 8th, 2006
No report submitted, however you can
click here for the Video Craft web site.
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November 15th, 2006
President Dick Harris called the meeting to order 1:30PM. Attendance 44
Viewpoint General Manager, Stacy Deprey-Purper, introduced Mr. Ed Hill, Director of Operations, Tengo. Mr. Hill said he would be at Viewpoint for the next week to try and solve Tengo start-up problems with Viewpoint customers. He answered questions and commented on some of the problems being experienced at Viewpoint. There is apparently a large backlog of work orders to get customers connected to the Tengo system and working correctly.
President Dick Harris answered several computer questions from members in attendance.
Meeting adjourned at 2:30 PM.
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November 22nd, 2006
President Dick Harris called the meeting to order 1:30 PM. Attendance 38
Kay Johnson gave a brief outline of upcoming meetings:
- December 6th, Kay Johnson will give a CD presentation on Acronis True Image, a backup utility.
- December 13th, Texsmith speaker, Kathy Jacobs will give a presentation on "Snagit".
- January 10th, Presentation by representatives from Smart Computing Magazine.
- February 14th, speaker Kathy Jacobs from Microsoft, subject to be advised.
Dick Harris mentioned that Accram had been handling the Computer Club website no charge,and will no longer do this.
The website is temporarily out of service until a new website can be established. Milt Stark has found another website
that may be suitable, at the nominal cost of $2.99 per month.
Dick Harris and Joe Chambers discussed how routers work in the home when there is more than one computer installed.
Metting adjourned at 2:30 PM.
Rich Milne, secretary.
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November 29th, 2006
President Dick Harris called the meeting to order at 1:30 PM. Attendance 39.
Kay Johnson mentioned that members can purchase an excellent computer reference book, "Secret Guide to Computers",
at a cost of $8.00. Please sign up for this book by December 6th meeting so the books can be ordered.
Milt Stark advised that a new website has been established for the Computer Club at
http://vpcc.info. This website is now up and running, and will cost the club $2.99 per month. Members are invited to check it out.
Joyce McColl has donated a set of Smart Computers Encyclopedia books, and placed them in the computer lab where they can be borrowed by members.
Dick Harris handled several questions from members.
Meeting adjourned at 2:30 PM.
Rich Milne, secretary.
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December 6th, 2006
President Dick Harris called the meeting to order at 1:30 PM. Attendance 47.
Kay Johnson handled the program today, covering the Acronis True Image System for backing up the home computer hard drive. The training CD outlined things to consider in choosing an external hard drive. Then considered three different choices of software for the
backup utility:
- file backup utility,- it's old, slow, and cumbersome to restore.
- hard drive copy utility,- needs three separate backups
- hard drive image utility,- provides compressed image of entire hard drive.
The training CD then covered the features of the top rated Acronis True Image system, and went through a step by step demonstration
of "how to do it".
The Acronis True Image software package including the training CD can be ordered by Viewpoint Computer Club members at special
user group price of $35. including shipping fee, direct from User Group Relations in St. George, Utah. Order forms were available at
the meeting.
Next meeting, Wednesday December 13th.
Speaker, Kathy Jacobs, author, and Phoenix PC Users group VP.
Topic: How to do screen shots the easy way using Techsmith Snagit.
Meeting adjourned at 2:30 PM.
Rich Milne, secretary.
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Dec 13th, 2006
President Dick Harris called the meeting to order at 1:30 PM. Attendance 32
Kay Johnson introduced the speaker, Kathy Jacobs, Phoenix PC Users Group VP. Kathy gave a presentation on Snagit software from the Techsmith Corporation. She demonstrated how the user can capture anything on your computer screen. Then edit and share the information with others. A useful and convenient concept for technical support and training. The software is available to computer club members for $29.95 Interested users can download a fully functional trial version from website ( www.techsmith.com) and try it free for 30 days.
Meeting adjourned at 3:00 PM.
Rich Milne, secretary.
Addendum: After the presentation, someone inquired about how to prevent certain startup programs from running. It was explained that many can be stopped by using "msconfig" but it came with a warning about being careful not to eliminate important programs.
It was suggested that a small, free program called "WinPatrol" might make it easier for those who are uncertain about using "msconfig." You can read about and download "WinPatrol" at http://www.winpatrol.com/
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Jan 3rd, 2007
President Dick Harris called the meeting to order at 1:30 PM. Attendance 37.
Questions and Answers meeting. No formal presentation.
Discussion on the defragmentation of the hard disc. When files are stored on a hard disc they are broken into pieces(or fragments) and individually written to the disc. As the disc fills, the fragments are spread over the disc as space allows. To read a file that has been fragmented requires extra disc activity and slows access. To fix this, windows has a defragmentation process that rewrites the contents of a disc, placing all the pieces of a file in one contiguous area. The sequence is click start-all programs-accessories-tools-defragment now.
It was suggested the best place to run defrag is in the "safe mode", to stop all programs running in the background. The defrag process should be done regularly. This will help to speed up the system operation.
Flash drives were reviewed. Explained how they can be used.
John Schumacher mentioned that Picasa photo imaging software is available as a free download from Google. A presentation on this subject can be arranged if there is sufficient interest by computer club members. John also mentioned the upcoming Camera Club workshops to be held in the computer lab are open to computer club members:
January 18th, 1:30-4:30 PM
Workshop 1: Organizing your digital photo images.
Workshop 2: Introduction to Photo Story 3, part 1.
January 25th, 1:30-4:30PM
Workshop: Photo Story 3 Part 2
February 8th, 1:30-4:30PM
Workshop: Basic photo editing using Irfan freeware software, or using Photoshop Elements X.X
NOTE. SPACE IS LIMITED AT THESE WORKSHOPS. WATCH FOR SIGN UP SHEETS IN THE HALL BESIDE THE CAMERA CLUB BOARD.
A member asked if computer instruction classes were going to be held this year. Milt Stark advised that a coordinator and instructors will need to volunteer to help with this program. Please contact Milt at 5529 if you can help.
Members were cautioned not to subscribe to the Tengo internet service at Viewpoint until it is operating reliably.
Next meeting Wed. January 10th. Representatives from Smart Computing Magazine will give a presentation.
Meeting adjourned at 3:00 PM.
Rich Milne, secretary.
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Jan 10th, 2007
President Dick Harris called the meeting to order at 1:30PM. Attendance 81.
Kay Johnson introduced the speaker, Ms. Bryun Burtwistle, Marketing Representative for Smart Computing Magazine, who reviewed many of the features and benefits of subscribing to the magazine. Besides reading the monthly issue of the magazine, subscribers are encouraged to take advantage of the many services available on line such as "my personal library", Questions and Answers Board, Tech Support Center, Mfgrs. Tech Support Index. She mentioned the Tech Support Center is located in Lincoln, Nebraska (800-368-8304) and staff will for a limited time provide free tech support to subscribers as well as non subscribers. All in attendance were given a package containing a copy of the February 2007 issue of the magazine and a guide to making the best use of all the services available to subscribers.
Future Meetings:
January 17th Questions and Answers.!
January 24th, Speaker, Mr. Mike Prisinski from Lifelock Corporation, topic, Identity Theft.
NOTE ANNUAL COMPUTER CLUB BANQUET will be held Friday February 23rd in the Garden Room. Cost $7.50 each, $15.00 per couple. Tickets will be available at our club meetings January 31, February 7, February 14. Lots of prizes.! Cash bar.
Meeting adjourned 3:00PM
Rich Milne, Secretary.
Addendum: In response to a question asked a previous meeting, Milt showed a fairly simple way one can obtain information about the processes running on your computer.
Using Internet Explorer, go to http://www.processlibrary.com/processscan/. Click on the green download button to download a small program file to your computer. It is a stand alone program which does not need to be installed. Depending on your settings, you may be asked whether or not you want to allow the download. If so, reply Yes.
When you double click on the downloaded file, it will search your computer for the processes that are running. It will send the information back to the Process Library's server. Depending on the firewall you are using, you may have to allow the program to access the Internet. The process library will analyze the processes and send information about them back to your computer where it will be displayed in your default browser.
The default view will be to show all processes. Notice that by placing a check mark in the "Show DLL's" box, you can limit the process shown to DLL's. By placing a check mark in the "Running Processes" box, you can limit the processes to only process that are running.
You can get other views by clicking on the Tabs across the top of the page.
When you click on a process in the top part of the page, scroll to the bottom part of the page and you will find detailed information about the process.
Sometimes, Process Library does not have information about the process. If this is the case, enter the process name in a search engine, such as Google, and do a search. You will usually get numerous references, including forum entires of others searching for information.
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Jan 17th, 2007
President Dick Harris called the meeting to order at 1:30PM. Attendance 49.
Questions and Answers meeting. No formal presentation.
Next meeting January 24th, Speaker will be Mr. Mike Prusinski, representing Lifelock Corporation,
speaking on the subject of Identity Theft.
Meeting adjourned at 2:30PM.
Rich Milne, secretary.
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Jan 24th, 2007
In the absense of President Dick Harris, Joe Chambers opened the meeting at 1:30PM. Attendance 65.
Mr. Mike Prusinski, a representative of Lifelock Company of Tempe, AZ. gave a presentation on identity theft. This company started the first proactive identity theft protection system in the nation in April 2005. They presently have over 100,000 customers in the USA and plan to expand to Canada and Mexico.
Mr. Prusinski described a number of true identity theft situations and the difficulty the victims experienced in recovering their losses and getting everything straightened out. A very time consuming process. His firm apparently offers identity theft protection with a $1 million loss guarantee for $110. per year. He made a special promotional offer to our computer club members of 60 days free trial, plus 50% off for life, ($55. per year,per person.) For more information check their website www.Lifelock.com or phone 1-877 lifelock.
Mr. John Schumacher handed out information sheets describing all the computer and photography workshops planned for Spring 2007 available to members of the Computer Club or Camera Club. Sign up sheets are posted on the wall in the computer lab. Space is limited.
Tickets for the February 23rd Computer Club Banquet will be available at the next two Computer Club meetings from Al Warren. Cost $7.50 per person.
The meeting adjourned at 2:45PM.
Rich Milne, secretary.
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Jan 31st, 2007
President Dick Harris opened the meeting at 1:30PM. Attendance 47.
No formal program.
John Schumacher reviewed all the workshops scheduled over the
next two months for computer club and camera club members.
Revised sign up sheets are posted in the computer lab.
Regarding the Open Source Programs Workshops scheduled for
February 13 and February 20, John mentioned it may be possible
to provide each attendee with the software on a zip drive for a
price of $10. to $15. if the zip drives can be obtained at a nominal cost.
John also gave a short presentation on high resolution photography.
How to take good pictures when the lighting is coming into the back of
the subject. For example, with suitable computer software you could take
a normal picture, then take the same picture over exposed, and then under
exposed, and have the computer put them together for the best picture.
Meeting adjourned at 2:45PM.
Rich Milne, secretary.
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Feb 7th, 2007
President Dick Harris opened the meeting at 1:30 PM. Attendance 62.
Kay Johnson introduced the speaker Mr. Ronald W. Ostrom who gave a very interesting presentation entitled, "The Alphabet of Digital Photography". He discussed the different types and specifications of digital cameras available today. He talked about photo printers and emphasized a printer with five colors should be used for best results. He also discussed computer software for photo enhancement, printing and filing the images in albums in the computer. He also covered the best type of scanners to use for copying photo prints and slides.
After the presentation Mr. Ostrom answered questions from the audience. Meeting adjourned at 2:45 PM.
Rich Milne, secretary.
Feb 14th, 2007
President Dick Harris opened the meeting at 1:30PM. Attendance 72.
Kay Johnson introduced the speaker, Kathy Jacobs, who gave a presentation on the new 2007 edition of Microsoft Office.
She demonstrated the various features that have been improved or simplfied compared to the previous edition. She also
demonstrated some of the improved features of EXCEL and Power Point.
John Schumacher discussed a direct wireless internet system that might be available at Viewpoint later this year if there is
sufficient interest. The system would have a speed of 1 mbps and cost about $40. per month for a minimum of 6 months
per year, plus $10. per month for the inactive balance of the year. A router would be required, installation cost about $100.
and a 2 year contract required.
The meeting adjourned at 3:00PM.
Rich Milne, secretary.
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Feb 21st, 2007
President Dick Harris opened the meeting at 1:30PM. Attendance 41.
No formal speaker for today's meeting. A number of questions from members were discussed and answered.
It was pointed out that Adware and Spybot are not virus detectors.
AVG virus detection was reviewed and recommended, as it is a free download and felt to be equivalent to Norton.
The meeting adjourned at 2:30PM.
Rich Milne, secretary.
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Feb 28th, 2007
President Dick Harris opened the meeting at 1:30PM. Attendance 39.
Questions and answers meeting. No formal program.
John Schumacher reviewed the options available for internet access for computer users at Viewpoint:
Dial up.
Cellular
Wi-Fi
Satellite Service
- Hughes
- Starband by Space Net
- Wildblue
Direct Wireless
DSL
John reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Direct wireless is the fastest.
DSL will hopefully be approved by Viewpoint (corporate) management, and be available in the park fall 2007.
Dick Harris reviewed Microsoft Windows Defender Beta 2, a free program download that will detect and remove spyware.
Dick also demonstrated how to rename an icon on the desktop, and how to change your homepage.
Meeting adjourned 2:30PM.
Rich Milne, secretary.
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March 7th, 2007
President Dick Harris opened the meeting at 1:30PM. Attendance 29.
There was no formal presentation at the meeting.
John Schumacher provided an update on the remaining training classes.
Gene Barlow will now give his presentation on "Getting Ready for Windows Vista", at our March 21st meeting.
The following members have volunteered to let their names stand for election to the following executive positions
for the 2007/08 year.
- President, Dick Harris
- Vice President, Joanna Rheingans
- Secretary, Connie Willox
- Treasurer, Skip Trapp
- Training Coordinator, John Schumacher
- Social Director, Donna Melnechuk
- Social Committee, Joyce McCall, Hugh Tamblyn
Elections will be held at the March 14th Computer Club meeting. Additional nominations from the floor for any
of the above positions can be presented March 14th prior to elections. In view of the small attendance at
today's meeting, any interested members are encouraged to volunteer to let their names stand for any of the
above positions.
The meeting adjourned at 2:30PM.
Rich Milne, Secretary.
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Mar 14th, 2007
President Dick Harris opened the meeting at 1:30PM. Attendance 28.
There was no formal presentation at the meeting.
Hugh Tamblyn, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, conducted the election of officers for the 2007-2008 year.
There were no further nominations from the floor so the following nominees were declared elected:
- President, Dick Harris
- Vice President, Joanna Rheingans
- Secretary, Connie Willox
- Treasurer, Skip Trapp
The following Executive Positions were also confirmed:
- Training Coordinator, John Schumacher
- Social Director, Joyce McCall
- Social Committee, Donna Melnechuk, Hugh Tamblyn
John Schumacher outlined the remaining training courses for this year. He also requested suggestions for
programs for next year. He mentioned that one or two DSL internet providers are seeking approval from
Viewpoint HQ Management to offer their high speed internet service in our Park.
John also provided useful information on routers, and the possibility of neighboring homes logging on to your router for "free" internet service. He advised users to protect their router with a password, and be sure to remember the password selected.
At next weeks meeting March 21st, Mr. Gene Barlow will give a presentation entitled, "Getting Ready for Windows Vista". All members and computer friends are encouraged to attend.
The meeting adjourned at 2:30PM.
Rich Milne, Secretary.
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Mar 21st, 2007
Meeting was called to order by Vice President Donna Melnechuk at 1:35.
KE Johnson introduced our speaker for the meeting. Speaker was Gene Barlow from St. George Utah. His talk was on "Getting ready for Vista" .
President Dick Haarris is in the hospital from medication overdose, has an irregulaar heart beat so they're putting in a Pacemaker.
Tickets were passed around for 2 prizes. Meeting adjourned at 2:50.
Connie Willox, secretary.
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Mar 28th, 2007
Meeting called to order by Vice President, Donna Melnechuk at 1:35.
She announced Dick Harris was still in the hospital.
John Schumacher announced the new board for next year:
- Dick Harris - President
- Joanne Rheingans - Vice President
- Connie Willox - Secretary
- Skipp Tupp - Treasurer
The committees will be announced later after the board meets.
John Schumacher announced the Corporation has given approval for the new DSL for Viewpoint. The DSL will be installed next week (if everything is approved by the parks lawyers.) John will send out an e-mail on the DSL.
There was a question and answer period.
Meeting adjourned at 2:35.
Connie Willox, Secretary.
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