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The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. for a regular meeting with Vice-President Paul Kallmeyer presiding. About 10 people attended. Thank all of you for your $1 donation.
The minutes of the March 28, 2007 meeting were accepted as posted and e-mailed.
Treasurer Judy Jones reported $1,886.92 in the treasury. The refreshments from the movie, Waking Ned Devine, brought in $78.
The April 7 movie has been canceled by the movie committee. Waking Ned Devine was an excellent, very funny movie that was taken on the Isle of Man in Ireland. The photography was beautiful. Jim Rhinehart told us that there really is such a place in Ireland. Thanks again to Judi Dario and the other Movie Committee helpers!
Jim Rhinehart gave a report of the VOCC inventory…what should be discarded, what worked, etc. The IBM computer cannot be fixed. A part is missing from the old lapel microphone, so it should be discarded. The new microphone works well. Hopefully we can have a written inventory and can store our equipment in a safe place over the summer. The details need to be recorded for future reference.
Today the Wi-Fi in the Pavilion was not working, for some reason, so Jim could not demonstrate some of the items he had planned.
The subject today was “Picasa.” Picasa2 is a free photo program that may be downloaded at www.picasa.google.com. This is a photo organizing software. It also enables you to share photos on your own private Picasa web site. The photo sharing site is found at www.hello.com and is called “Hello welcome.” To see Jim's albums go to www.picasaweb.google.com/jprhinehart
Picasa does not store your photos, so it is a small file. However, when you open Picasa2, it gathers every photo that is on your computer and displays each one.
This enables you to create or alter captions; edit the photos (crop, adjust the lighting, etc.); and otherwise organize your photos. But it never ruins your originals, which remain in My Pictures or wherever you have them stored.
Jim demonstrated Tools>options>etc.
Your photos are usually organized by date.
You can place a STAR on the photos that you select, and then display only the starred photos.
You can select a group of photos by holding down the SHIFT key and clicking the first and last item that you wish to select. You can select random items by holding down the ALT key.
You can e-mail photos at regular or reduced size.
As usual, Jim Rhinehart gave a truly interesting presentation of Picasa2's capabilities.
At least three of the people present said that they would not be at VO next week; so we decided to discontinue our meetings until next November, 2007.
Have a wonderful summer, VOCC!
See you in the Fall when all are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you then! Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
These minutes will be posted in the Recreation Hall for those who can't receive them via the internet. Spread the word! They can also be found online at www.voresort.org . Our former VO web site (www.ventureout.org) is now combined with www.voresort.org which is our web information site.
Votennis@googlegroups.com is the e-mail address for the Tennis Club conference list)
vocc@googlegroups.com is the eddress for the VO and VOCC news conference list.
vochat@googlegroups.com is the eddress for the MISCELLANEOUS conference list. Almost anything can be sent to this eddress.
Warren Beaumont has explained that a VOCC@googlegroups.com e-mail will be received by all the conference list. VOCHAT@googlegroups.com will be received by only some of the list. PLEASE DO NOT SEND the same e-mail to both eddresses.
If you wish to receive e-mail from our conference lists, send an
e-mail to Beaumont@webmaitre.com. Send him your e-mail address and name.
Joan Brill
The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. for a regular meeting with Vice-President Paul Kallmeyer presiding. About 7 people attended. Thank all of you for your $1 donation.
The minutes of the March 21, 2007 meeting were accepted as posted and e-mailed.
Treasurer Judy Jones was not at the meeting. The balance last week was $1,793.00.
The next movie will be “Waking Ned Devine” to be shown at the VO Pavilion on Saturday, March 31at 7:30 P.M. It is a comedy and is rated PG. Thanks again to Judi Dario and the other Movie Committee helpers!
Today's group was small, but all were PC gurus, and we had a most interesting discussion.
The VO Board of Directors has the information for our possible installation of WI-FI for all. More information will be forthcoming. Prospects are encouraging.
There was also a discussion of possible future ownership of the VOCC conference lists.
Wikopedia is an online encyclopedia. There are online editors, but people can add their own information, which may or may not be accurate. Many students use this source when writing term papers.
Jim Hayden described how a friend requested help for his computer. He was told to push certain keys, and as a result, a tech person in Bangledesh or someplace manipulated the friend's computer. This may be how hackers can run YOUR computer, when you don't want them to! Today's technology is mind-boggling.
Lee Pennington was using his new ACER computer and was online with the Wi-Fi in the Pavilion. He demonstrated the new Internet Explorer 7.0. Most people who use IE probably have had it updated to 7.0 automatically. We learned how to open multiple web sites at the same time, and how to go from one to another with a click of the mouse. This works like the browser “Firefox” and is very convenient. Also, I didn't know that there was a ZOOM button at the bottom for magnifying small print. (In AOL, if I receive an e-mail with tiny print, I go to "file-print preview" and then zoom in.
We have had small groups lately, and we discussed discontinuing our VOCC meetings until next year. However, everyone agreed that we do learn each week. Some said that they surely would be at the VOCC next week.
There was a request for a review of Picasa2, so that's what we'll show at the next meeting.
By the way, I was sent the URL for a YouTube video of one of my piano students who is now a jazz pianist who travels all over the world with various other musicians. I was Phil Markowitz' only piano teacher from when he was 4 until he graduated from East Hampton High School. The video and the playing were impressive! Phil appeared at the Tennessee Williams Theatre many years ago, with Lionel Hamptons' band.
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon! Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. for a regular meeting with Vice-President Paul Kallmeyer presiding. About 8 people attended. Thank all of you for your $1 donation.
The minutes of the March 14, 2007 meeting were accepted as posted and e-mailed.
Treasurer Judy Jones' report: $300 was sent to the VO office torward the cost of the new movie screen. Dr. Hajazi received an honorarium for his program last week. The balance today is $1,793.00.
Watch for e-mails about the next movie to be shown at VO on March 31. Thanks again to Judi Dario and the other Movie Committee helpers! By the way, the beautiful animated movie notices that Judi Dario sends are produced using features in AOL.
Mike Wallace was planning to attend today, and give us some of his vast computer knowledge. However, he had a medical problem in the family, so he couldn't come. Instead, Lee Pennington brought his new ACER computer and demonstrated “Google” and its many capabilities. The Linksys range expander had two blue lights, and Lee was able to receive a strong signal and be online with no problems. Go to www.Google.com to do your own investigation.
If you are ever using DOS (go to Run and type in “CMD”), you may find explanations of commands by typing “\?” (without quotes).
Joan Brill asked for a demonstration of “YouTube.” I'd heard about it, but didn't know why it had any importance for me. Jim Hayden took over the demo and showed us the website. On YouTube, people submit videos that they make. The videos are of all quality, importance, and interest. I think it would take a lot of time to really investigate. The amateur movies are rated by others.
By coincidence, You Tube was in the headlines today. I'm sure you all saw the report on a You Tube movie that maligns Hillary Clinton, and seemed to have been produced by Barak Obama's supporters. Today the producer of that video was revealed. If we hadn't had the demo of You Tube, I wouldn't have known what this was all about.
What is a BLOG? Blog stands for Web Log. People establish their own Blogs and post all kinds of data and material. Sometimes others can add their own data to the Blog.
The group today was small. We can continue with informal discussions, if there is enough interest. Many people are heading north. If you have any questions or program ideas, please e-mail Paul Kallmeyer at newgate13@juno.com.
There was no discussion of making Wi-Fi available throughout VO. It's my understanding that Jerry Heere has given cost information to the maintenance department at VO.
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all!
See you soon!
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. for a regular meeting with Vice-President Paul Kallmeyer presiding. About 16 people attended. Thank all of you for your $1 donation.
The minutes of the March 7, 2007 meeting were accepted as posted and e-mailed.
Treasurer Judy Jones' report: The balance today is $2125.92.
Today we used the beautiful new movie screen. It weighs 800 pounds and operates electrically. It works with the push of a button. This will be very useful and convenient. (The old screen lasted about 30 years. Harold and Pam Levy used to show films here in the late 1970's before TV was available at VO.)
John Waterloo made a motion that the VOCC donate $300 toward the purchase of the movie screen. This was seconded by Mike Wallace, and was passed by majority vote.
Watch for e-mails about the next movie to be shown at VO on March 31. Thanks again to Judi Dario and the other Movie Committee helpers!
Next week we will have an informal question and answer session, so bring your questions and problems, on any level. We can discuss them, and try to provide answers.
A special note: Mike Wallace said that if you go to www.avery.com and bring this up in Word, you will have the choice of using MANY templates that may be useful to you.
Donna Titsworth, our program chairman, introduced our speaker for today: Dr. Sam Hajazi, a teacher at the Florida Keys Community college. The subject was Word.
Dr. Hajazi was using Word 2002, but newer versions are similar. You may use MS Word for creating documents, and for desktop publishing.
You will need at least 2 toolbars. If you put your cursor at the extreme left of a toolbar, you may drag the toolbar to any place in the document. If you double click it will return to its original location.
Under “View,” you will find the “toolbar” option, and there are many toolbars to choose from. Experiment!
It is impossible for me to describe all of the useful information that Dr. Hijazi demonstrated. I'm sure that all who attended learned a great deal.
Dr. Hajazi demonstrated how to set up a table, complete with color and a column that whose numbers are added automatically (the sum appears).
There are many accelerator keys that may be used. You may find a list of these shortcuts in Google. (An accelerator key is, for instance, Control+P to activate your printer.)
Another topic that was demonstrated was how to make an outline, and different levels that may be used. TAB takes you to another level.
This was another interesting and entertaining meeting of the VOCC. Be sure to join us if you want to learn about computers and have fun!
If you have requests or suggestions for programs, e-mail Donna at dtitsworth@earthlink.net.
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon! Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
These minutes will be posted in the Recreation Hall for those who can't receive them via the internet. Spread the word! They can also be found online at www.voresort.org . Our former VO web site (www.ventureout.org) is now combined with www.voresort.org which is our web information site.
Votennis@googlegroups.com is the e-mail address for the Tennis Club conference list)
vocc@googlegroups.com is the eddress for the VO and VOCC news conference list.
vochat@googlegroups.com is the eddress for the MISCELLANEOUS conference list. Almost anything can be sent to this eddress.
Warren Beaumont has explained that a VOCC@googlegroups.com e-mail will be received by all the conference list. VOCHAT@googlegroups.com will be received by only some of the list. PLEASE DO NOT SEND the same e-mail to both eddresses.
If you wish to receive e-mail from our conference lists, send an
e-mail to Beaumont@webmaitre.com. Send him your e-mail address and name.
Joan Brill
Joan Brill's Web Site
The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. for a regular meeting with Paul Kallmeyer presiding. About 15 people attended. Thank all of you for your $1 donation.
The minutes of the February 28, 2007 meeting were accepted as posted and e-mailed.
Treasurer Arlene Sporer's report: The balance today is $2113.92. $50 was paid to Chip Hughs for last week's program. Receipts for the popcorn at the movie “An Inconvenient Truth” were $107. Arlene will be leaving on Saturday, and she has given the books to Judy Jones who will be our Treasurer while Arlene is away.
Movie report: On March 3 the movie “An Inconvenient Truth,” was very impressive. Watch for e-mails about the next movies to be shown at VO on March 31. Thanks again to Judi Dario and the other Movie Committee helpers!
Wi-Fi report: Jerry Heere will be leaving soon, but figures for the cost of Wi-Fi at VO are now in the hands of the Maintenance Committee.
The new movie screen has arrived at VO. Jim Rhinehart made a motion that the VOCC pay for part of the cost of that screen. The motion was tabled for now.
Jim Rhinehart was nominated to be President of the VOCC when he is here. He declined the nomination, although he does a great deal of work for the club. Jim felt that fewer people are attending meetings, and that perhaps the VOCC should discontinue operations. I have found that even if only a few attend, we ask questions and compare notes, and solve problems. I ALWAYS come away with useful information.
Donna Titsworth, our program chairman, will be leaving soon. Hopefully, Dr. Hajazi will give a program for us. Watch for e-mailed notices.
Today's program was given by Tom Will and the subject was Turbotax.
Norton Anti-Virus, Quicken, and Turbotax are all programs provided by Intuit. If you use Quicken, you may transfer your figures (placed in categories) into Turbotax automatically. Tom showed us all of the features of Turbotax. It is YOUR responsibility if you enter figures that contain errors. If Turbotax makes any errors in calculations or information, they will defend your tax return with the IRS.
The price of Turbotax varies. Shop for it online (e.g. Staples) or at Office Depot or Office Max or Radio Shack. If you buy Quicken, Turbotax may be included free with your purchase.
Turbotax will send you updates when the tax laws change. It walks you through each step of tax return preparation. There are videos that explain the various subjects. For example, DEPRECIATION. Taking depreciation on equipment may save you a great deal of money.
There are also contact numbers with Turbotax, and excellent support if you have a problem.
You may find deductions that you hadn't thought of, just by reviewing Turbotax. For example, I noticed that since I just renewed my driver's license, the fee may be tax deductible, since I use the car for business.
Some of the people at the meeting have used Turbotax successfully. I found it too complicated for my needs and had to send everything to my accountant.
You may file your tax return electronically for $15, and you will receive a confirmation receipt. If you are due a refund, it may arrive faster if you file electronically.
The state tax returns are prepared automatically from information in the federal return, if your state has an income tax.
If your deductions are reasonable, there is less chance of an audit. Jim Hayden pointed out that it may be better for you to just take the standard deduction.
You may have less income tax to pay if your return is prepared by H&R Block. It was the consensus that Turbotax is better.
The program was extremely interesting and informative. Thank you, Tom, for explaining Turbotax to us!
If you have requests or suggestions for programs, e-mail Donna at dtitsworth@earthlink.net .
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon! Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
These minutes will be posted in the Recreation Hall for those who can't receive them via the internet. Spread the word! They can also be found online at www.voresort.org . Our former VO web site ( www.ventureout.org ) is now combined with www.voresort.org which is our web information site.
Votennis@googlegroups.com is the e-mail address for the Tennis Club conference list)
vocc@googlegroups.com is the eddress for the VO and VOCC news conference list.
vochat@googlegroups.com is the eddress for the MISCELLANEOUS conference list. Almost anything can be sent to this eddress.
Warren Beaumont has explained that a VOCC@googlegroups.com e-mail will be received by all the conference list. VOCHAT@googlegroups.com will be received by only some of the list. PLEASE DO NOT SEND the same e-mail to both eddresses.
If you wish to receive e-mail from our conference lists, send an
e-mail to Beaumont@webmaitre.com . Send him your e-mail address and name.
Joan Brill
The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. for a regular meeting with Jim Rhinehart substituting for Vice-President Paul Kallmeyer, who had planned to be away, but who returned to VO for this meeting and program! About 27 people attended. Thank all of you for your $1 donation.
The minutes of the February 7, 2007 meeting were accepted as posted and e-mailed. The Feb. 14 meeting was canceled when it was discovered that there was no projection screen to use. Today we are using a new screen and the new cordless lapel microphone that Jim recently purchased for the VOCC.
Treasurer Arlene Sporer’s report: The balance today is $2049.00.
Movie report: On March 3 the movie will be “An Inconvenient Truth,” which is not to be missed. It received an Academy Award and deals with the issue of Global Warming that affects all of us. Thanks again to Judi Dario and the other Movie Committee helpers!
Wi-Fi report: I used Linkspots when we were at a campground in Jacksonville . Once you sign up, you may use this service wherever they have a Website. However, they charge $2.95 an hour and $5.95 a day; or around $25.00 a week.
Sunshine Key Campground has Tengo Internet.com and that seemed fairly reasonable. Jerry Heere and others will get figures for that service.
Our program today by Chip Hughs of AHH Computer Service demonstrated VISTA , Microsoft’s new operating system. All the new computers come with VISTA rather than Windows XP. Chip said that if you must have VISTA , it is better to just buy a new computer rather than install a new operating system because that is very difficult to do. And if you buy a new PC, you’ll be sure to give Bill Gates another billion dollars! There should be a law against planned obsolescence that robs the public.
There are 4 versions of VISTA : Home Basic has only the basic features, and no backup capability (that deserted us after Windows 98). Chip has VISTA Ultimate version. The program will cost from $100-300 or more.
My new computer is Vista ready, and Acer is to send me the program to install. I haven’t received it yet. I will install it only when I am forced to; when I need to run programs that will work only on VISTA .
You will still be able to use MS Office (up to Ver 2002), Quicken, etc. However you will need to use AOL-VR. You will not be able to run AOL9.0 SE.
Your computer may be password protected when you use VISTA . The hourglass is replaced by a spinning circle. You can still see Control Panel. RUN is found under Accessories. Everything is moved. The desktop is a lovely picture, with few shortcuts on it; but you may add the shortcuts.
Each copy of VISTA may be used on ONLY ONE COMPUTER. It will be registered, and can not be moved to another PC unless you call Microsoft and receive permission to move it. The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) version is less expensive, and retails for $200. Microsoft is trying to prevent the stealing of its operating system all over the world, especially in China , so each copy is registered.
Chip said that Windows XP is better than VISTA Basic. However, if you must upgrade, buy a new computer. It’s too difficult to change the operating system.
By the way, you may have noted that Internet Explorer Ver. 7 is now on your computer. Mine was automiatically upgraded. In the new version, you may keep several windows open at the same time and just click on the tabs to change. However, if you do online banking, you may not be able to get to your bank’s web site. You may need to contact your bank. If you want to go back to Ver. 6, you can do that; but I didn’t understand how to do this. I think Chip said to delete Ver 7, and Ver 6 will come back automatically. ???
You had to be present to see VISTA in action. Thank you, Chip, for a wonderful DEMO!
Chip is available at reasonable rates, to help you with your PC problems: call 305-515-2841 or e-mail ahhcomputer@aol.com .
Future programs that Donna has planned:
Next week, hopefully, Tom Will will show us how to use Turbotax to complete your own tax returns.
If you have requests or suggestions, e-mail Donna at dtitsworth@earthlink.net .
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon! Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
These minutes will be posted in the Recreation Hall for those who can’t receive them via the internet. Spread the word! They can also be found online at www.voresort.org . Our former VO web site ( www.ventureout.org ) is now combined with www.voresort.org which is our web information site.
Votennis@googlegroups.com is the e-mail address for the Tennis Club conference list)
vocc@googlegroups.com is the eddress for the VO and VOCC news conference list.
vochat@googlegroups.com is the eddress for the MISCELLANEOUS conference list. Almost anything can be sent to this eddress.
Warren Beaumont has explained that a VOCC@googlegroups.com e-mail will be received by all the conference list. VOCHAT@googlegroups.com will be received by only some of the list. PLEASE DO NOT SEND the same e-mail to both eddresses.
If you wish to receive e-mail from our conference lists, send an
e-mail to Beaumont@webmaitre.com . Send him your e-mail address and name.
Joan Brill
The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. for a regular meeting with Vice-President Paul Kallmeyer presiding. About 15 people attended. Thank all of you for your $1 donation.
The minutes of the February 7, 2007 meeting were accepted as posted and e-mailed.
Treasurer Arlene Sporer’s report: The balance today is $1875.39, plus $108.04 to be deposited, proceeds from the last movie.
Movie report: The movie on February 10 was “The Illusionist.” I hear that it was great. On March 3 the movie will be “An Inconvenient Truth,” which is not to be missed. Thanks again to Judi Dario and the other Movie Committee helpers!
Jim Rhinehart has purchased a lapel microphone for the VOCC at a cost of $53.74. A motion was made to approve of the purchase and to reimburse Jim.
Our equipment has a way of disappearing. We need a locked box; but someone might walk off with the box! Please keep an eye on our equipment, everyone!
Wi-Fi for VO is now on the BOD (Board of Directors’) agenda and will be discussed at the next meeting. It is imperative that a professional, plan be presented if we are to have Wi-Fi throughout the park. Most campgrounds now offer free Wi-Fi.
Jim Rhinehart will conduct the next two meetings, and Donna Titsworth will take minutes, since Paul Kallmeyer and Joan Brill will be traveling.
Today’s program demonstrated MS Access, and the (professional) teacher was Betty Schwarz. Again, you had to attend to absorb this information.
Access is a program for creating databases. Databases may be used to manage information, and filter out certain records using any column’s information. I use Access for my address file. My file contains title, first name, last name, address, phone numbers, etc. Access has a Wizard that enables you to create different types of databases. These are easy to sort and filter.
You may import information from Works databases to Access by saving the Works database in .csv format; and then importing that information into Access or Excel. The problem with Works databases is that Word won’t read them. If you want to do a mail-merge (use addresss from Access to address envelopes or create form letters), you must use Access, not Works.
This was a great program for me, and I hope for others!
Changing the subject, Jim Hayden reported that he had downloaded a program called Mojopac. Then he loaded Mojopac onto a 4 G jump drive. This enabled him to upload EVERYTHING ON HIS COMPUTER onto the jump drive. Now he can use anyone’s computer, plug the jump drive into a USB port, and conduct all of his usual computer activities. There will be no disturbance of the host computer, and no information will be put onto the host computer.
Future programs that Donna has planned:
Next week, On February 21, Chip Hughs is scheduled to demonstrate the new VISTA Operating System that is now replacing Windows XP. He told me that it will be a complete change from Windows XP.
If you have requests or suggestions, e-mail Donna at dtitsworth@earthlink.net .
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon! Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
Joan Brill
The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. for a regular meeting with Vice-President Paul Kallmeyer presiding. About 25 people attended. Thank all of you for your $1 donation.
The minutes of the January 31, 2007 meeting were accepted as posted and e-mailed.
Treasurer Arlene Sporer's report: The balance today is $1880.39. The Marine Bank signatures have been updated and verified. Arlene's report was detailed.
Movie report: The movie “Eight Below” was very successful, and the audience seemed to really enjoy it. The next movie on February 10 will be “The Illusionist.” On March 3 the movie will be “An Inconvenient Truth,” which is not to be missed. Thanks again to Judi Dario and the other Movie Committee helpers!
Paul appointed Lee Pennington to be head of a Wi-Fi Committee, and gave him full authority to develop the Wi-Fi at Venture Out. Today, Jerry Heere had a good Wi-Fi signal in the Pavilion and was able to stay online throughout his presentation.
New Business: Jim Rhinehart reported that the supplies that we offer in the Computer and Information Nook keep disappearing. Everyone…Please police the Nook and try to keep this from happening. Judi Dario and Donna Titsworth will make a sign asking users to replace supplies that they take so that all my have the use of our PC Nook.
Notice: USA Today reported that Kodak will soon produce a new printer that uses inexpensive ink cartridges. Of course, Kodak has suffered from the present use of all the new digital cameras. www.123injet.com sells inexpensive ink catridges. Also www.lasermonks.com .
Walmart will soon offer VIDEO downloads for an affordable price.
Radio Shack is opening a new store today in the Winn Dixie Plaza in Big Pine Key.
Joan Brill made a motion that the VOCC buy a new lapel microphone. The one listed in our inventory was really VO property, and we never seem to have it when we need it. The motion was seconded and passed.
The program today was given by Jerry Heere who really likes gadgets! He showed us many of them. Jerry's Operating System is Windows XP MEDIA VERSION. This enables him to record TV shows, so that he can watch them and skip the advertisements. He downloads a free program for this at ORB.com.
His MP3 Player is really tiny and can be used for downloading audio recordings and even talking books. A separate speaker is needed. A 4 Gig Flash Drive or Travel (jump) Drive (this can have many names) will hold 4 audio NOVELS that they listen to as they travel in their motor home. The player includes an FM radio. There is a slot for FLASH cards that increases the capacity of the MP3 Player tremendously.
How is this like an iPod? His daughter has an iPod, and I think it has similar features and capabilities. An iPod costs around $200, but the price varies with the features included. The Flash Cards also vary in price depending on the capacity. Sandisk is one of the brands.
The MP3 player comes with earphones and a strap so that you can listen to music and/or books while you are walking, driving, etc. The downloads are legal (usually) because you pay for them, and I assume that the authors or composers receive royalties. (I have paid about $1,000 in royalties so far, to the composers of the songs on my piano CD's.)
Jerry bought some of his supplies on “Black Friday” (the Friday after Thanksgiving when stores sell so much that they get from the red ink into the black ink?). He found some bargain prices.
Jerry showed us some other gadgets: He bought a USB hub (2.0 speed) that has 6 ports, plus 12 slots for ANY size camera cards. The hub has its own electrical supply. IOGEAR GUH 284R is the ID of this gadget. However, it has received very mixed reviews on www.amazon.com . Amazon is a good place to go to see what others think of items.
Other places to get reviews and compare prices: www.froogle.com and www.newegg.com . The latter has fast, usually free shipping.
There are now Flash Drives (external PC drives) that can contain entire programs so that you can plug them into any computer, do all of your usual activities, and leave no trace. The MOJO Flash Drive is one of them.
Jerry also discussed his use of VONAGE for his telephone service. For $25 a month you can call the entire United States , Canada and Puerto Rico at no extra cost. It also gives you call forwarding, call waiting, a message service and all the extras. Now you can also call many European countries free, or at 1.1 cent per minute. You can take the service with you wherever you have a high speed connection. Go to www.vonage.com to investigate this.
Jerry showed us how to e-mail photos directly using Windows XP. Right click on the photo or group of photos and you'll see an e-mail option. The e-mail will be sent by your regular server.
Jerry also showed us how you can DRAG attachments to your desktop and then open them at your leisure.
This was an amazing program. I hope that I have covered it accurately! Donna thanked Jerry for filling in at the last minute, since the program she had planned did not materialize.
Future programs that Donna has planned:
Next week, Betty Schwarz will demonstrate MS Access, which is the MS Office Database program.
On February 21, Chip Hughs is scheduled to demonstrate the new VISTA Operating System that is now replacing Windows XP. He told me that it will be a complete change from Windows XP.
If you have requests or suggestions, e-mail Donna at dtitsworth@earthlink.net .
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon! Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
These minutes will be posted in the Recreation Hall for those who can't receive them via the internet. Spread the word! They can also be found online at www.voresort.org
www.ventureout.org (VO web site.) This web site is now combined with www.voresort.org (web information site).
votennis@googlegroups.com (This is the e-mail address for the Tennis Club conference list)
vocc@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the VO and VOCC news conference list) NOTE NEW CHANGES TO THIS LIST.
vochat@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the Miscellaneous conference list)
Warren Beaumont has explained that a VOCC@googlegroups.com e-mail will be received by all the conference list. VOCHAT@googlegroups.com will be received by only some of the list. DO NOT SEND the same e-mail to both eddresses.
If you wish to receive e-mail from our conference lists, send an
e-mail to Beaumont@webmaitre.com . Send him your e-mail address and name.
Joan Brill
The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. for a regular meeting with Vice-President Paul Kallmeyer presiding. About 25 people attended. Thank all of you for your $1 donation.
The minutes of the January 24, 2007 meeting were accepted as posted and e-mailed.
Treasurer's Report: Balance today is $1819.69. Receipts from the movie were $153. $49.50 was spent on popcorn, oil and butter.
Movie report: The next movie on February 3 will be “Eight Below,” which is based on a true story. Thanks again to Judi Dario and the other Movie Committee helpers!
Lee Pennington hooked up a Linksys Range Expander in the Pavilion, but the VOCCTWO Hi-Fi signal was still too weak to use. We hope that this can be corrected.
Our program today was presented by Dr. Sam Hajazi from Florida Keys Community College . The subject was using MS Excel as a Spreadsheet for crunching numbers.
Toolbars can be added, changed, and/or moved.
Each cell has an address such as D6 or F1. You may vary the number of pages. The FILL HANDLE is a useful item that eliminates a great deal of typing.
Dr. Hajazi is a wonderful and entertaining teacher. I really can not describe or review all that was demonstrated. You would have to be present to absorb what was shown. All I can say is that if you didn't attend, you missed an amazing program. Dr. Hajazi said that he would e-mail me a Website URL that gives instructions and shortcuts for MS Excel.
Thank you for having us today. Here are 2 helpful websites:
http://www.usd.edu/trio/tut/excel/
http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/excel
I have an address database that was in Works Database. I moved it to MS Excel. However, Dr. Hajazi said that MS Access is much easier to use for a database, and that my Excel file can be moved to Access by IMPORTING data. I tried it, and sure enough, my file is now in Access! Perhaps he will give another program for us that demonstrates MS Access.
VISTA has arrived, and was offered for sale today. Someone brought an article on VISTA to the VOCC meeting, and this was a devastating report. The article will be sent to everyone on the conference list, if we can scan it. It says that Microsoft has failed to protect its customers against “malware,” and that our computers can be sending out viruses and spyware all over the world. VISTA also locks us into spending more and more money on products that will work only with VISTA . I'll let YOU read the article and judge for yourself. My computer is VISTA ready, and I should receive the VISTA disc any day. I will not install it until I am forced to.
Future programs that Donna has planned:
Turbo-tax.
How to create an invitation.
If you have requests or suggestions, e-mail Donna at dtitsworth@earthlink.net .
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon! Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
These minutes will be posted in the Recreation Hall for those who can't receive them via the internet. Spread the word! They can also be found online at www.voresort.org
www.ventureout.org (VO web site.) This web site is now combined with www.voresort.org (web information site).
votennis@googlegroups.com (This is the e-mail address for the Tennis Club conference list)
vocc@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the VO and VOCC news conference list) NOTE NEW CHANGES TO THIS LIST.
vochat@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the Miscellaneous conference list)
Warren Beaumont has explained that a VOCC@googlegroups.com e-mail will be received by all the conference list. VOCHAT@googlegroups.com will be received by only some of the list. DO NOT SEND the same e-mail to both eddresses.
If you wish to receive e-mail from our conference lists, send an
e-mail to Beaumont@webmaitre.com . Send him your e-mail address and name.
Joan Brill
The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. for a regular meeting with Vice-President Paul Kallmeyer presiding. About 14 people attended.
The minutes of the January 17, 2007 meeting were accepted as posted and e-mailed.
Treasurer's Report: Balance today is $1499.69. The auditing committee is still reviewing the records of the VOCC treasury, and will submit a combined report when they are ready. The committee includes Arvid Pravis, Paul Burry, and Lee Pennington.
Movie report: Connie and Charlie Hill have ordered more plastic bowls for popcorn, since they ran out at the last movie. The next movie on February 3 will be “Eight Below,” which is based on a true story.
The movie on January 20 was “Little Miss Sunshine,” which has been nominated for about 5 Academy Awards. However, it was rated R, and featured some objectionable language. Some children were present, but they must have come in the back door, because children were not allowed in the front door. Paul Burry requested that movies with vile language not be shown at VO. Apparently some people left, or wished to leave because of the language. Unfortunately, it is difficult to FIND a movie that doesn't have objectionable language these days, and such a ruling would eliminate many fine films. Perhaps we should just warn people in advance, and those who object may leave or not attend.
A note about the VOCC computer that is not working: The programs on it were installed from discs belonging to members. The VOCC does not own MS Office or the other installed software, according to messages that I have received.
New Business: Warren Beaumont suggested that the VOCC buy a lapel microphone to be used when giving programs, etc. It was pointed out that the VOCC HAD purchased such a microphone, and VO has about 5 of them. No one knows what happened to the one that the VOCC bought. Our equipment seems to find a way of disappearing.
However, I have an inventory of computer equipment dated April 2004, and the microphone is listed, along with SN and identifying data. All equipment at that time was stored in Kevin's office in an air-conditioned elevated closet, in case of hurricanes.
Warren also suggested that the VOCC buy an “Air Card,” since there is no prospect at present of our getting online in the Pavilion with our Wi-Fi service from the Lounge or Rec Hall. The signal is just too weak.
The air card is similar to a cell phone connection and enables a computer to get online from any place in the world. It is slower than Broadband or DSL, and costs about $60 a month, with a TWO YEAR required contract. A separate Air Card is needed for each computer. This will probably be too expensive for the VOCC; and it would be wasted during the summer when we don't meet, unless “vacations” are allowed in the contract.
Today's meeting was quite fascinating, and as usual, I learned a lot.
Acting President Paul Kallmeyer brought his SONY Vaio computer and showed us the solar home that he built. The house in detail would make an interesting program, but it's not about computers!
Paul showed his external hard drive that holds 60 Gigs. It's very useful for backing up your data, and is very small.
He also showed his “Mad Dog Multimedia” that plugs into a USB port and reads the old 3.5” Diskettes. With this item, you needn't lose all of your old data, and the Diskettes are no longer obsolete. Paul has a program on diskette called “Sky Globe” that runs on DOS. It shows a chart of the skies at any moment in time, past or present, and is very useful for those interested in astronomy.
Paul also showed his digital camera card reader that plugs into a USB port so that you can download photos without a camera. He has also bought a new camera card that holds 1,000 photos. Paul has an HP3850 All in One printer that prints directly from camera cards.
Paul has downloaded “Google Desktop” for a screensaver. This makes a collage of photos that are on your computer. Very attractive.
We discussed how to clean up items that are running in the background. These slow down your computer, and are indicated in the system tray on the bottom right of your screen. You can close items individually each time that you boot up; or you can go to Start-Run-Msconfig-Startup and uncheck all the items that are marked. Then you restart your computer, and only necessary icons will appear. Make a restore point first, in case you have problems.
Several questions were answered: We demonstrated “Defrag” and different ways to get to this.
Did you know that there is an ONSCREEN KEYBOARD that you can use, if your keyboard should become unusable or fails? Go to Start-all programs- accessories-accessibility and click on “onscreen keyboard.”
I enjoy my “Marble Mouse” that requires no flat surface. It's also great for playing my favorite game, “Free Cell.”
Simple tasks like “Copy” and “Paste” were demonstrated.
Did you know that you can get to the desktop at any time by pressing the “Windows” key plus “D”? It works!
We were warned to do “Disk cleanup” often because whenever you are on the internet, cookies are put on your computer. Eventually, these slow up the computer drastically. Go to Internet Explorer- Tools- Internet Options- Delete files and Delete Cookies. In AOL click on “Clear my Footprints.”
Don't give out your eddress unless you wish to receive all kinds of SPAM. You may want to have two eddresses, and give one only to your friends. I find that AOL filters out SPAM very well. It puts the SPAM in a separate location so that you can make sure none of these messages are important. You then delete the actual SPAM.
Donna Titsworth, our program chairperson announced that next week Dr. Sam Hajazi from Florida Keys Community College will speak about using MS Excel as a database.
Future programs that Donna has planned:
Turbo-tax.
How to create an invitation.
If you have requests or suggestions, e-mail Donna at dtitsworth@earthlink.net .
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon! Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
These minutes will be posted in the Recreation Hall for those who can't receive them via the internet. Spread the word! They can also be found online at www.voresort.org
www.ventureout.org (VO web site.) This web site is now combined with www.voresort.org (web information site).
votennis@googlegroups.com (This is the e-mail address for the Tennis Club conference list)
vocc@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the VO and VOCC news conference list) NOTE NEW CHANGES TO THIS LIST.
vochat@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the Miscellaneous conference list)
Warren Beaumont has explained that a VOCC@googlegroups.com e-mail will be received by all the conference list. VOCHAT@googlegroups.com will be received by only some of the list. DO NOT SEND the same e-mail to both eddresses.
If you wish to receive e-mail from our conference lists, send an
e-mail to Beaumont@webmaitre.com . Send him your address, name, spouse's name, lot number and telephone number.
Joan Brill
The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. for a regular meeting with Jim Hayden Presiding. 25 people attended.
The minutes of the January 10, 2007 meeting were accepted as e-mailed.
Paul Kallmeyer, our Interim Treasurer was not asked for a report. Today $25 was donated to the “hat.” The total in the bank is now $1499
Judi Dario is back at VO and feeling much better. The Saturday, January 20th the movie will be “Little Miss Sunshine.” “It's one of those movies that is good but nobody knows about it.” The movie on Saturday, February 3 will be “Eight Below.” That is based on a true story.
Jim asked for a motion about whether or when to purchase a new computer. Lee Pennington made a motion that we wait AT LEAST until Vista has been released before considering the purchase of a new computer. The motion was amended to specify that we wait at least until a few revisions of Vista are released before considering a new computer. Joan Brill pointed out that we have a problem with a VOCC computer during the summer, when there is no one at VO to keep the computer up and running, and the battery charged. Perhaps we should take turns bringing our own computers, and not have a club computer.
At any rate, the motion was passed as amended.
The club computer will not boot up. Chip Hughs checked it without charging us, and said that it was not worth repairing. Jim pointed out that the computer had been updated with many expensive programs, including MS Office Professional, at a cost of about $600; but we must find the backup disc, if there is one, and/or try to recover the programs.
Jim Hayden has appointed an Audit Committee to audit the treasurer's books before they are passed on to a new Treasurer: Paul Burry, Lee Pennington, and Arvid Pravis. The signature card must be updated. We need a letter from the VOCC to change the card.
The election of officers then took place.
Judy Jones and Lee Pennington declined their nominations for President. No one was willing to take that job. Lee Pennington suggested that we create an office of Interim Vice-President, who will act as President until someone else can be found to take the job. Joan Brill nominated Paul Kallmeyer for Interim Vice-President. The motion was seconded, and the Secretary was instructed to cast one ballot for his election.
Arlene Sporer was nominated for Treasurer. She is only here for 8-10 weeks, but she accepted the position, and was duly elected. Judy Jones will help when Arlene is not here.
Next, a new office was created: Second Vice-President of Communications, with no obligation to step up to being President. This was passed, and Jim Hayden was elected to this position. Jim has been our reporter in the past, during hurricane season and other emergencies. As an officer of the club, he is now protected from lawsuits by the VO liability policy, should he err in his reporting. He has received 140 plus cards and e-mails thanking him for this service in the past.
Donna Titsworth has many programs planned for this year, but she would like someone else to take the job next year. Connie Hill suggested that we have a formal program at only every other meeting, to make the job of the program chairman easier. The 1st and 3rd meetings of the month will have speakers; the 2nd and 4th will feature an exchange of ideas.
Joan Brill was nominated to continue as Secretary. The nominations were closed, and Joan cast one ballot for herself.
After all of this business, Jim Jones proceeded to present his program. Jim and Judy used MS Power Point to design their unit at Venture Out, and also their beautiful home on Lake Michigan . It was very interesting to see the plan take shape, and then to see photos of the home looking out over the water. Unfortunately, we had a dental appointment, and could not stay until the program was over.
May I add that we purchased the first Palm Harbor Home at Venture Out. Paul drew up the plan specifically for our odd-shaped lot. It has 4 stairways and 4 doors. We went to the factory where the architect put the plan on the computer and added my computer desk, room for a piano, etc. When it was finished, the architect wrote at the bottom: “Copyright by Palm Harbor Homes”!
Our 7000 square foot “green” home in East Hampton would make a good subject for another program!
Future programs that our program chairman, Donna Titsworth has planned:
Turbo-tax.
How to create an invitation.
If you have requests or suggestions, e-mail Donna at dtitsworth@earthlink.net .
We again thank Jim Hayden for the great job that he has done, especially in keeping us informed about VO after the terrible hurricane season last year; and also for all his work in trying to supply Wi-Fi to VO.
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon! Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
These minutes will be posted in the Recreation Hall for those who can't receive them via the internet. Spread the word! They can also be found online at www.voresort.org
www.ventureout.org (VO web site.) This web site is now combined with www.voresort.org (web information site).
votennis@googlegroups.com (This is the e-mail address for the Tennis Club conference list)
vocc@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the VO and VOCC news conference list) NOTE NEW CHANGES TO THIS LIST.
vochat@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the Miscellaneous conference list)
Warren Beaumont has explained that a VOCC@googlegroups.com e-mail will be received by all the conference list. VOCHAT@googlegroups.com will be received by only some of the list. DO NOT SEND the same e-mail to both eddresses.
If you wish to receive e-mail from our conference lists, send an
e-mail to Beaumont@webmaitre.com . Send him your address, name, spouse's name, lot number and telephone number.
Joan Brill
The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. for a regular meeting with Jim Hayden Presiding. 35 people attended.
Jim welcomed members who have just returned to VO, including our conference list manager, Warren Beaumont. Welcome back, Warren !
The minutes of the January 3, 2007 meeting were accepted as e-mailed.
Paul Kallmeyer, our new Treasurer reported $1,470 in the treasury. The movie last Saturday was very successful, with good attendance. Only $29 was collected today. Don’t forget to add your $1 to the hat!
Judi Dario has planned the next two movies. On Saturday, January 20th the movie will be “Little Miss Sunshine.” “It’s one of those movies that is good but nobody knows about it.” The movie on Saturday, February 3 will be “Eight Below.” That is based on a true story.
Judi Dario is in the hospital and will remain for about another week. Get well soon, Judi! We need you! (I’m sure that cards would be appreciated.)
The election of officers will take place at the next VOCC meeting. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! Send us an e-mail! Jim Hayden will not run for President again. Paul Kallmeyer is willing to be Treasurer; Joan Brill is willing to continue as Secretary. Donna Titsworth is our program chairman, and she has many programs planned already. We are hoping to find a person who will take the job of President. This involves mainly running meetings and making sure that a computer and the projector are set up for demonstrations. I will nominate Lee Pennington!
(Here is a list of programs that have been requested by VOCC members, in answer to my e-mailed questionnaire: iPod demo; E-bay demo; Skype webcam demo; Adobe Photoshop and/or Picassa; Word; MS Money; Bluetooth demo; Blackberry demo; a discussion of the advantages of the PC vs. a notebook PC. I read of a gadget that can be used in a car or an RV to make it into a Hotspotz. I don’t know the details.)
Betty Schwarz of lot #567 will be here for 10 weeks, and she teaches high school computer classes.
Today, Betty presented a VERY interesting program called “Adobe Photoshop Album Starter 3.0.
This program is perfect for use when you are traveling etc. You use it for downloarding the photos that are in your digital camera. Betty used a card reader that plugs into a USB port. You put the card in the reader, and all the photos are automatically loaded onto your computer, very quickly. Then you can delete the photos from the card, and start out with an empty card the next day. You can edit the photos later, at your leisure. It was a very impressive demo.
Betty also showed us how she can edit the photo with this program. The program can be downloaded free at www.adobe.com .
After that demo, Arvid Pravis handed out “Helpful Hints to access E-Bay University and Resources,” since some of us are interested in using E-bay. Warren Beaumont said that he would post this on the VOResort website. Go to www.VOResort.org .
Points to notice: Electronic contracts are legal documents that may be enforced. If you don’t honor the contract, you will not be allowed to use E-bay.
Many other aspects of E-bay were discussed. Someone told us that if you have a Discover card, you may use a “one-use” feature. It gives you a special credit card number for only one transaction, so that there’s less danger of identity theft.
Jim Hayden suggested creating a small Pay Pal account to pay for E-Bay purchases. It limits your exposure, and it is also just as convenient when selling, and being paid by purchasers. It costs a small percentage, but is good insurance both ways.
E-bay may be time-consuming, even for veteran users.
Warren Beaumont explained that a VOCC@googlegroups.com e-mail will be received by all the conference list. VOCHAT@googlegroups.com will be received by only some of the list. DO NOT SEND the same e-mail to both eddresses.
Future programs that our program chairman, Donna Titsworth has planned: Next week Jim Jones will show us a program for designing a deck.
Turbo-tax.
How to create an invitation.
If you have requests or suggestions, e-mail Donna at dtitsworth@earthlink.net .
We again thank Jim Hayden for the good job that he has done, especially in keeping us informed about VO after the terrible hurricane season last year; and also for all his work in trying to supply Wi-Fi to VO.
The meeting adjourned at about noon. See you next week!
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon!
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. for an informal meeting and discussion, with Jim Hayden Presiding. Fourteen people attended.
The minutes of the December 27, 2006 meeting were accepted as e-mailed.
Paul Kallmeyer, our new Treasurer reported $1,407.69 in the treasury. Some money has been spent on supplies for the upcoming movies. $14 was collected today.
Judi Dario has planned the next three movies. On Saturday, January 6 “RV” with Robin Williams will be shown. On January 20th the movie will be “Little Miss Sunshine.” “It’s one of those movies that is good but nobody knows about it.” The movie on Saturday, February 3 will be “Eight Below.” That is based on a true story.
According to the by-laws, election of officers should take place at the second meeting in January. The group changed that to the third meeting by unanimous vote. Jim Hayden will not run for President again. Paul Kallmeyer is willing to be Treasurer; Joan Brill is willing to continue as Secretary. Donna Titsworth is our program chairman, and she will arrive soon to make plans. We are hoping to find a person who will take the job of President. This involves mainly running meetings and making sure that a computer and the projector are set up for demonstrations. We’ll either have to buy a new VOCC computer, since ours has died; or have someone bring one each week. Paul Kallmeyer has been bringing his, so far. A vote should be taken on this as soon as new officers are elected.
Here is a list of programs that have been requested by VOCC members, in answer to my e-mailed questionnaire: iPod demo; E-bay demo; Skype webcam demo; Adobe Photoshop and/or Picassa; Word; MS Money; Bluetooth demo; Blackberry demo; a discussion of the advantages of the PC vs. a notebook PC. I read of a gadget that can be used in a car or an RV to make it into a Hotspotz. I don’t know the details.
Betty Schwarz of lot #567 will be here for 10 weeks, and she teaches high school computer classes. Betty has offered to teach many of these subjects. I, for one, am looking forward to that!
Betty has something called a Wild Blue dish. This enables her to log onto the internet with a dish similar to a DirecTV dish. She lives in an area in NJ where DSL and Broadband are not available in any other way. It costs quite a lot to hook it up, but if you want a fast ISP, here is a way to obtain it.
Arvid P. showed us his Netgear Wi-Fi adapter. It connects to a USB port and amplifies any Wi-Fi signals that may be available. Your PC must be Wi-Fi capable.
Another member showed us a $10 gadget that is a Hot Spot finder. It shows you if Wi-Fi connections are available in your area.
We again thanked Jim Hayden for the good job that he has done, especially in keeping us informed about VO after the terrible hurricane season last year; and also for all his work in trying to supply Wi-Fi to VO.
The lively discussion ceased at noon . See you next week!
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon!
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
Joan Brill
Joan Brill's Web Site
The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at 10:30 A.M. for an informal meeting and discussion, with Jim Hayden Presiding.
The minutes of the December 20, 2006 meeting were accepted as e-mailed.
A lively group of about 10 people met at the Pavilion for informal discussions. We are having unusually low attendance at meetings. But then, Venture Out seems to have an unusually low number of people here during the holidays. Welcome to Ramey Hoskins whom we haven’t seen in a while. And welcome to Lee Pennington who has returned to VO.
Judi Dario has decided that she would like to resign as Treasurer, because she hasn’t been feeling too energetic and has missed meetings. However, she will continue as Movie Director. The next movie on January 6 will be “The RV’ers” with Robin Williams. On January 20th the movie will be “Little Miss Sunshine.” “It’s one of those movies that is good but nobody knows about it.”
According to the by-laws, election of officers should take place at the second meeting in January. Jim Hayden will not run for President again. Paul Kallmeyer is willing to be Treasurer; Joan Brill is willing to continue as Secretary. Donna Titsworth is our program chairman, but no one has been able to contact her; so we have no programs set up for January. I would like presentations on E-Bay; iPod; and Warren Beaumont has suggested a demonstration of SKYPE or SightSpeed. I’d like to see a Blackberry demonstrated. And what is a Bluetooth? It is difficult to plan a speaker if we only have a small group. If you are planning to come to meetings, send me an e-mail!
One member suggested that if you go to the E-bay web site, you can go to “ E-Bay University .” That will show you in detail how E-bay works.
We do need a volunteer to take the job as President of the VOCC. We thank Jim Hayden for the good job that he has done; but he needs a rest!
Lee Pennnington has returned and attended the meeting. He set up a Linksys Range Expander at the Pavilion, and Paul was able to sign on to the Internet with 5 green bars.
We need more people in order to decide if we should purchase a new laptop computer. Meanwhile, Paul Kallmeyer brought his new SONY computer for demonstrations.
There is an e-machine external keyboard in the Computer Nook that may be taken, free, if anyone can use it.
The lively discussion ceased at 11:30 A.M. See you next week!
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon!
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
These minutes will be posted in the Recreation Hall for those who can’t receive them via the internet. Spread the word! They can also be found online at www.voresort.org
www.ventureout.org (VO web site.) This web site is now combined with www.voresort.org (web information site).
votennis@googlegroups.com (This is the e-mail address for the Tennis Club conference list)
vocc@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the VO and VOCC news conference list) NOTE NEW CHANGES TO THIS LIST.
vochat@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the Miscellaneous conference list)
If you wish to receive e-mail from our conference lists, send an
e-mail to Beaumont@webmaitre.com . Send him your address, name, spouse’s name, lot number and telephone number.
Joan Brill
The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at 10:30 A.M. for an informal meeting and discussion. The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at 10:30 A.M. for an informal meeting and discussion. The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 10:30 A.M. for an informal meeting and discussion. The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 10:30 A.M. for an informal meeting and discussion. The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 10:30 A.M. for an informal meeting and discussion. During the summer, President Judy Armento resigned her position because she and Gene are leaving VO for personal reasons. Vice-President Jim Hayden is now at the helm but was not in attendance today. The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 10:30 A.M. for an informal meeting and discussion. During the summer, President Judy Armento resigned her position because she and Gene are leaving VO for personal reasons. Vice-President Jim Hayden is now at the helm but was not in attendance today. The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 10:30 A.M. for an informal meeting and discussion. During the summer, President Judy Armento resigned her position because she and Gene are leaving VO for personal reasons. Vice-President Jim Hayden is now at the helm but was not in attendance today.
The VOCC met at the Pavilion on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at 10:30 A.M. for an informal meeting and discussion, with Jim Hayden Presiding.
The minutes of the December 13, 2006 meeting were accepted as e-mailed.
A lively group of 9 met at the Pavilion for informal discussions.
Judi Dario, our movie director, has canceled the scheduled movie for Saturday, December 23 because there are so few people here at VO these days. There is about $1,400 in the treasury. The last movie brought in $69 from sale of popcorn and soda.
We need to update the VOCC checking account. Ken Retalick is still one of the possible check signatures, and he has been deceased for a long time.
Wi-Fi possibilities are still being discussed. Paul Kallmeyer reported that almost everyone who answered the poll would like to have Wi-Fi and would be happy to pay any necessary cost.
The VOCC IBM computer is not functioning at present. Professional PC expert Chip Hughs was nice enough to look at it. He felt that it was not wise to spend any money to repair it. A new computer would be faster and could feature a CD-DVD R-RW drive. He recommended Dell or Hewlett Packard because they are easiest to repair and required parts are easily available.
Meanwhile, Paul Kallmeyer brought his new SONY computer for demonstrations.
Election of VOCC officers will take place at the third meeting in January. Jm Hayden will not run for President again. Volunteers are needed!
Possible programs for the future: E-bay; iPod; and using Skype or SightSpeed with a webcam for video. This can be used for chatting with people all over the world, free. The service can be used to make computer to computer video calls, computer to computer telephone calls, or computer to telephone calls. Perhaps Warren will demonstrate this when he arrives in January. I have a Logitech Webcam here at VO. Besides being showing me live on the computer, It also takes still pictures that you can view and/or store on your computer.
One member couldn't get online with her server, even though she was supposed to be on Wi-Fi. Various solutions were offered.
Another member asked how she could dial her server from VO, even though the server is up North, and how she could find the free numbers here.
Paul Kallmeyer showed an external gadget that plugs into the USB port that reads camera cards. It enables you to print and view photos without using the camera itself or the dock.
Paul also displayed an external drive that reads 3 ˝ inch floppies, since new computers can't read the old floppies. Now you needn't lose your files.
By the way, BE SURE TO MAKE BACKUPS OF YOUR CD OPERATING SYSTEM. After I bought my new computer, when I first turned it on, a screen appeared. It told me to insert a CD or a DVD and the computer would make a backup of my entire operating system. This is now my restore CD. A Windows XP disc is no longer supplied with the computer. You must make your own, in case the computer crashes. If you wish to know how to do this, come to the meetings! (Or ask an expert.)
Joan Brill demonstrated her new Casio camera. It is fairly small; has 7.5 MP, and can make still shots or videos (with sound). I bought a card for $15 that holds 512 photos. Under “best shot,” there are 26 choices…night scene, portrait, sunset, etc. etc. It has optical and digital zoom. The screen is 2.5 inches wide.
The newest Casio's are similar, but they are almost as thin as a credit card. They cost about $150-200.
There was a question about which Spyware program to install. Spybot seems the best. However, AVG is free, and it protects from viruses, spam, spyware, etc. AOL has free McAffee, and that protects the entire computer from all. AOL is now free if you use a high speed connection.
There is an e-machine external keyboard in the Computer Nook that may be taken, free, if anyone can use it.
The lively discussion ceased at 11:30 A.M. See you next week!
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon!
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
December 13, 2006
The minutes of the December 6, 2006 meeting were accepted as e-mailed.
A lively group of 9 met at the Pavilion for informal discussions.
A movie will be shown on December 23. Judi Dario, our Movie Director, has arrived, thank goodness! Watch for her movie announcements.
Judi was not present for a treasurer’s report, or a report on earnings at last Saturday’s movie, Ocean’s Twelve. The movie is free, but we always have some income from the popcorn and soda that is sold.
Wi-Fi possibilities are still being discussed. Jim Hayden was unable to attend, but Paul Kallmeyer brought his new SONY computer for demonstrations.
Welcome back to Mike Wallace, who seems to be in good health now, thank goodness! Mike has ordered a tree penetrating antenna mast that will hook to a router. It is supposed to extend the Wi-Fi signal for 3 miles! With a few of these, all of VO could have Wi-Fi!
While we were at the Pavilion, Paul was able to hook up to the VOCC Wi-Fi! He was able to get online and download e-mail.
Paul Kallmeyer is tabulating replies to the survey about Wi-Fi. Most people would like to have it.
Possible programs for the future: E-bay; i pod; and using Skype or SightSpeed with a webcam for video chatting with a person, or a group of people. This is like a telephone call WITH video, and can be >used to chat with people all over the world, free. The service can be used to make computer to computer video calls, computer to computer telephone calls, or computer to telephone calls
Paul showed how to have many windows open at the same time. These can be cascaded or tiled vertically or horizontally etc. Sometimes you need to view more than one window at a time. Just right click on an open spot next to the “START” button, and the choices will appear.
With more than one window open, you can then drag the margins to make any of the windows larger.
The lively discussion ceased at 11:30 A.M. See you next week!
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon!
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
December 6, 2006
The minutes of the Nov 29th meeting were accepted as e-mailed.
A lively group met at the Pavilion for informal discussions. A movie will be shown on December 9. Judi Dario, our Movie Director, has arrived, thank goodness! Watch for her movie announcements.
Wi-Fi possibilities are still being discussed. Paul Kallmeyer offered to tabulate a poll to learn who would need Wi-Fi, and where they are located. We hope to create a map of VO with all Wi-Fi possibilities charted.
Possible programs for the future: E-bay; iPod; and using Skype with a webcam (that is also a camera) for chatting with friends and relatives, plus being able to see each other. This is like a telephone call WITH video, and can be used to chat with people all over the world, free.
Joan Brill reported how to convert old .wdb (database) files to Excel (.xls). First, save the .wdb file in .csv (comma separated ?). Then save that file in .xls. Ms Word will not read the Works database files, even though they are all created by Microsoft. This is very frustrating.
Joan was asked to contact the person who taught her this, and see if he would give a program for the VOCC. TBA?
Joan Brill also reported on an article in Popular Mechanics that describes in detail how vital files and information are being lost, due to changes in software, deterioration of discs, changes in hardware, etc. For example, if you have information on floppy discs, you may be out of luck in trying to read the information, since most computers these days do not have floppy disc drives. You can purchase external disc drives for not too much, and plug them into a USB port.
It is possible to buy double-sided gold-coated DVD’s and CD’s that are supposed to last 300 years. Cost?
The Navy has detailed plans and blueprints of their ships. Some of them are 20 years old. When they try to open the files, they find that the details are not authentic.
I have been using Quicken since 1990. I cannot open the old files, which is very frustrating. I had printed out each month’s information. However, the paper that Radio Shack used to sell for the old tractor drive printers was terrible. It is now all yellow and brittle, and is crumbling.
I am the Historian for the East Hampton Power Squadron; the Hamptons Chapter of Hadassah; and my family. You can buy archival paper today, and archival envelopes, with no acid content and high bond content. Photos fade, too; and if you keep all your photos on a computer, you may lose all of them if the computer crashes. Try to back everything up on an external drive. A small 80 Mb drive can be purchased for under $100.
Records still exist for Monasteries that existed in the year 1000 because they were written on parchment (pigskin). My family recently sold 14 letters that Albert Einstein sent my father in 1939. Luckily, Einstein wrote on fine, rag bond paper. I tried to preserve them by using archival folders and sleeves. The purchaser said that they were in excellent condition.
Microsoft's planned obsolescence is terribly frustrating. I truly fear what will happen when Vista comes out.
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon!
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, SecretaryNovember 29, 2006
The minutes of the Nov 22 nd meeting were accepted as e-mailed.
A small group met at the Pavilion for informal discussions. Movies are scheduled for December 9 and 23, and President Jim Hayden has a team lined up.
We discussed the possibility of buying a new computer for the VOCC. We seem to have problems with the one that we have, and it is quite old. Since notebook computers have come down in price, it usually doesn’t pay to add features and make repairs.
Here’s a phone number for free telephone information: 1-800-FREE411. You will hear a short commercial message, and can then request numbers that you need.
I have been advised by my computer guru that the VISTA operating system will be VERY different from Windows XP. It will be similar to a MAC operating system, and we will have to learn an entirely new approach. It will be wise to wait about 6 months after VISTA is released before installing it on your computer. Thus some of the bugs may be eliminated.
After the meeting, we all visited Jerry Murray for a personal demonstration of WebTV. Interesting!
We missed you non-attendees! See you next time.
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon!
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, SecretaryNovember 22, 2006
The minutes of the November 15 th meeting were accepted as e-mailed.
Treasurer Judi Dario is now recovering from her illness at home, and hopefully will return to VO soon. Paul Kallmeyer received the bank statement, and there is $1,407 in the treasury.
There were five people at this informal get-together, and I’m sure we all agreed that there is much information to exchange at these sessions. With the amazing technology available today, it becomes difficult to keep up with the new inventions.
Today, Jim Davis brought his computer and showed us a website at www.camstreams.com. This website is free to all. Anyone can post a live cam broadcast, and anyone can watch the camcast. No pornography is allowed on this site. There are live camstreams from all over the world. You can post links and advertise products. This works with Windows Media Player.
Go to the URL and investigate!
Other news in electronics: Google just bought UTube, which offers free on-demand videos.
John Waterloo subscribes to a feature on Direct TV which enables you to record programs. If you miss the first part of the program, the recording will start from the beginning, even if you started late.
Google will supply you with a free e-mail address, called g-mail. It is supposed to be very reliable, and can be used anywhere in the world; so you don’t have to change eddresses when you travel.
AOL has a new program called AOL Open Ride. This seems to work in a similar way to Firefox, with many windows open at the same time. Internet Explorer AND AOL are open at all times. You can receive e-mail from other servers, right there on Open Ride. And AOL is now FREE to anyone who signs on with a Broadband or DSL connection. If you want to use a dial-up connection and have AOL support, you may pay $9.95 a month.
Jerry Murray recommends WebTV which costs $21.95 a month. This includes MSN and all the equipment. You can use e-mail and the Web. It does not have a monitor but uses your TV as a monitor. . However, it doesn’t have a hard drive for downloading and storing files.
I bought a new computer from Radio Shack. ACER is the manufacturer. ACER has been in business for 30 years. The PC has a 120 Gig hard drive. You make your own recovery disc, and if your PC crashes and you have to restore the operating system, all your files will still be intact. It has over 1,000 Mb of RAM and is VERY fast. It seems excellent so far.
Jim Hayden is still working on supplying Wi-Fi to all. My signal was visible at the Pavilion, but too weak to use there. All of the KOA’s that we stayed at on the way to VO from NY had free Wi-Fi, supplied by Hotspots.
Paul and I shared an article from Popular Mechanics that described how CD-RW’s and DVD’s degrade with time and use. We back up our files and photos and assume that they will last; but apparently, CD’s have a limited life. There are some expensive CD’s and DVD’s that are coated with gold, and are guaranteed for 100 years. Perhaps we should all buy some of those!
Meanwhile, planned obsolescence is a problem for me. I started using Quicken in 1990, and now I can’t open the old files. Each time you upgrade Quicken they re-write the files so that they can’t be read by the old version of Quicken. And the paper that Radio Shack sold in those days is so poor that it has turned brown and it falls apart. I always print the check register each month; but the printout has faded and is unreadable.
My old GPS programs and Family Ties geneology won’t run on Windows XP. Frustrating!
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon!
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
These minutes will be posted in the Recreation Hall for those who can’t receive them via the internet. Spread the word! They can also be found online at www.voresort.org
www.ventureout.org (VO web site.) This web site is now combined with www.voresort.org (web information site).
votennis@googlegroups.com (This is the e-mail address for the Tennis Club conference list)
vocc@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the VO and VOCC news conference list) NOTE NEW CHANGES TO THIS LIST.
vochat@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the Miscellaneous conference list)
If you wish to receive e-mail from our conference lists, send an
e-mail to Beaumont@webmaitre.com . Send him your address, name, spouse’s name, lot number and telephone number.
Joan Brill November 15, 2006
Our Treasurer and Movie director, Judi Dario, has been ill in New Jersey . We await favorable news of her condition, and hope that she returns PRONTO to VO and the VOCC. At the last meeting in April, 2006 there was about $1,570 in the treasury.
Today, Terry O’Connor brought his iPod to demonstrate. It was fabulous! This tiny device, a bit larger than a credit card, can be used to record music (80 Gig); view movies and photos; just about anything. You can plug it into most new cars and computers. I won’t tell you all the details, but it was fascinating. Terry offered to bring the iPod again, later in the season, and I warn you to ATTEND! You won’t be sorry.
I have a new Casio Data Bank 150 watch that is also fascinating, although it doesn’t have much to do with computers. It can be used as a calculator, stop watch, alarm clock, telephone book, date book, and world clock. My last one still works, and I bought it in 1990. However, the numbers faded so I had to memorize where they were located. This one has tiny buttons that will ot fade. (I know the person who invented it…he’s from Israel .) All of this fits on my wrist and is quite small.
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon!
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
These minutes will be posted in the Recreation Hall for those who can’t receive them via the internet. Spread the word! They can also be found online at www.voresort.org
www.ventureout.org (VO web site.) This web site is now combined with www.voresort.org (web information site).
votennis@googlegroups.com (This is the e-mail address for the Tennis Club conference list)
vocc@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the VO and VOCC news conference list) NOTE NEW CHANGES TO THIS LIST.
vochat@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the Miscellaneous conference list)
If you wish to receive e-mail from our conference lists, send an
e-mail to Beaumont@webmaitre.com . Send him your address, name, spouse’s name, lot number and telephone number.
Joan BrillNovember 15, 2006
Our Treasurer and Movie director, Judi Dario, has been ill in New Jersey . We await favorable news of her condition, and hope that she returns PRONTO to VO and the VOCC. At the last meeting in April, 2006 there was about $1,570 in the treasury.
Today, Terry O’Connor brought his iPod to demonstrate. It was fabulous! This tiny device, a bit larger than a credit card, can be used to record music (80 Gig); view movies and photos; just about anything. You can plug it into most new cars and computers. I won’t tell you all the details, but it was fascinating. Terry offered to bring the iPod again, later in the season, and I warn you to ATTEND! You won’t be sorry.
I have a new Casio Data Bank 150 watch that is also fascinating, although it doesn’t have much to do with computers. It can be used as a calculator, stop watch, alarm clock, telephone book, date book, and world clock. My last one still works, and I bought it in 1990. However, the numbers faded so I had to memorize where they were located. This one has tiny buttons that will ot fade. (I know the person who invented it…he’s from Israel .) All of this fits on my wrist and is quite small.
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon!
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
These minutes will be posted in the Recreation Hall for those who can’t receive them via the internet. Spread the word! They can also be found online at www.voresort.org
www.ventureout.org (VO web site.) This web site is now combined with www.voresort.org (web information site).
votennis@googlegroups.com (This is the e-mail address for the Tennis Club conference list)
vocc@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the VO and VOCC news conference list) NOTE NEW CHANGES TO THIS LIST.
vochat@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the Miscellaneous conference list)
If you wish to receive e-mail from our conference lists, send an
e-mail to Beaumont@webmaitre.com . Send him your address, name, spouse’s name, lot number and telephone number.
Joan BrillNovember 15, 2006
Our Treasurer and Movie director, Judi Dario, has been ill in New Jersey . We await favorable news of her condition, and hope that she returns PRONTO to VO and the VOCC. At the last meeting in April, 2006 there was about $1,570 in the treasury.
Today, Terry O’Connor brought his iPod to demonstrate. It was fabulous! This tiny device, a bit larger than a credit card, can be used to record music (80 Gig); view movies and photos; just about anything. You can plug it into most new cars and computers. I won’t tell you all the details, but it was fascinating. Terry offered to bring the iPod again, later in the season, and I warn you to ATTEND! You won’t be sorry.
I have a new Casio Data Bank 150 watch that is also fascinating, although it doesn’t have much to do with computers. It can be used as a calculator, stop watch, alarm clock, telephone book, date book, and world clock. My last one still works, and I bought it in 1990. However, the numbers faded so I had to memorize where they were located. This one has tiny buttons that will ot fade. (I know the person who invented it…he’s from Israel .) All of this fits on my wrist and is quite small.
All are welcome at our VOCC meetings. Come one, come all! See you soon!
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Brill, Secretary
These minutes will be posted in the Recreation Hall for those who can’t receive them via the internet. Spread the word! They can also be found online at www.voresort.org
www.ventureout.org (VO web site.) This web site is now combined with www.voresort.org (web information site).
votennis@googlegroups.com (This is the e-mail address for the Tennis Club conference list)
vocc@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the VO and VOCC news conference list) NOTE NEW CHANGES TO THIS LIST.
vochat@googlegroups.com (This is the address for the Miscellaneous conference list)
If you wish to receive e-mail from our conference lists, send an
e-mail to Beaumont@webmaitre.com . Send him your address, name, spouse’s name, lot number and telephone number.
Joan Brill
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