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THIS MONTH'S PROGRAM FUTURE PROGRAMS
PREVIOUS
FEATURE PROGRAMS
June 24, 2010
Meeting Cancelled - Library closed due to storm.
May 27, 2010
Preparing a New Computer for Use - John Roy
John walked through the steps to set up a new PC as a usable and safe machine.
Sending Photos - Al Rankell
Al showed how to send photos without causing aggravation to the recipients.
Save Ink & Paper by Printing Only What You Want - Al Rankell
Al showed various techniques.
April 29, 2010
Pot Luck and P.C. Operating Room Triage with Bill Roman and Friends - from Number Crunchers Unlimited
Bill presented a free-wheeling discussion on how to keep your computer in its best shape, while he and his crew tuned up actual TPCUG member's computers.
March 25, 2010
Free Clean Up Tools & Restoring System Speed - Peter Basel, President of Basel Consultants
Peter reviewed some of the best free software that is available for PC maintenance tasks, such as system optimization, privacy and cleaning.
February 25, 2010
The Perfect Backup Approach - Webinar by Gene Barlow of the User Group Store
Gene discussed the many backup approaches available to PC Users today and demonstrated the best way. He represents Acronis Software to the user group community and made his products available at the Webinar for purchase at Special User Group Discount Prices.
November 19, 2009
Using Tabblo for making photo cubes & other cool stuff with your photos Picasa Easy & Free Photo Tools - Jerry Goldstein
Jerry Goldstein showed how to create photo cubes from your own digital photographs with Tabblo , a service from HP. Jerry took us through the steps for making your own photocube plus other uses for Tabblo, including comic books, photoalbums, collages, and more.
Using a Netbook - Leo Sandman
Leo Sandman described his experience with using a netbook computer. A netbook is a small portable laptop computer, which is great for such tasks as surfing the Web and checking e-mail. Leo used an ASUSTek Eee PC.
October 29, 2009
Latest Security Threats & Pot Luck with Bill Roman
Bill Roman, President of Number Crunchers Unlimited discussed the latest internet security threats plus how to keep your computer in its best shape. He began with a short presentation on how to find lost money and how to save by switching your electric supplier. His main topics were: malware from "poisoned websites and how to deal with them; how to keep your system clean; and when to replace your system & what to buy. ohn presented an overview
Overview of Free Utilities for Routine PC Maintenance - Pete Basel
Pete Basel, President of Basel Consultants reviewed some of the best free software that is available for routine PC maintenance tasks. These included: CCleaner for system optimization, privacy and cleaning; Eraser for removing sensitive data from your hard drive; and Auslogics Disk Defrag for fast defragmentation of modern hard disks.
September 24, 2009
Picasa Easy & Free Photo Tools - John Roy
John presented an overview of Picasa free photo editing software from Google that makes your pictures look great He showed how to improve almost any picture with one-click fixes for common problems like red-eye, color, and lighting. You can publish your photos online with one click, using Picasa Web Albums, which provides 1 gigabyte of free storage for creating online photo albums to share with friends and family, or public albums for the world to see.
Laptop Desks & Accessories from LapWorks - Jerry Goldstein
Jerry reviewed the fundamentals of computer user ergonomics and laptop accessories made by LapWorks for making working with a laptop computer safer, easier and more productive.
August 27, 2009
The How's and Why's of Radio Voice-overs and Audio-book Narration - Randye Kaye
Randye discussed the how's and why's of voice-overs and audio-book narration, including how the latest computer technology has changed the business forever. More information about Randye can be found at her website RandyKaye.com
Dell GX-280 Overheat Disk Drive Restore/Backup Acronis and Spinrite - Pete Basel
Pete Basel, President of Basel Consultants showed how he dealt with a computer crash due to overheating caused by dust build-up. He discussed how to use data backup software to save your critical data before disaster occurs.
July 30, 2009
Backing up Files Automatically - John Roy
John gave a short presentation on his experience with backing up files with Karen's Replicator free software for automatically backing up files, directories, and even entire drives.
Email Etiquette - John Roy
When our scheduled main speaker could not attend the meeting, John Roy presented a repeat program on the do's and don'ts of sending email.
June 25, 2009
Experience with a Netbook – Peter
Heneage
Peter gave gave a short presentation on his experience with an ASUS netbook, small inexpensive light weight notebook computer.
The Importance of Computer Backups, Antivirus, and General Security Issues INDOWS 7 - Adam Gitow
Adam, the President of Computer Works in Monroe, CT, a computer hardware & software expert, presented a "Pot Luck" session that focused on the importance of computer backups, antivirus, and general security issues. Beyond his presentation of the theme material he was open for general computer questions on any topic. .
May 28, 2009
CD/DVD Disks replaced by Flash Sticks and Cards – Jerry Goldstein
Jerry gave a short presentation on the role of CD/DVD disks being replaced by flash sticks and cards.
Using SKYPE – Karl Witalis
Karl showed how easy it is to use Skype software and an inexpensive webcam for free calls, video calls and instant messaging over the internet.
WINDOWS 7 - Jay Ferron
Jay introduced us to the wonders of MS Windows 7, the successor to Windows Vista. There are lots of enhancements and feature additions which make Windows 7 better than Vista as well as faster than Vista. Some of the new features include: advancements in touch, speech, and handwriting recognition, support for virtual hard disks, support for additional file formats, improved performance on multi-core processors, and improved boot performance.
April 30, 2009
Internet Security
– Jerry Goldstein
Jerry showed some of the dangers you face when your computer is connected to the internet and how to deal with them.
MS Word Formatting with Tables – Al Rankell
Al showed show how easy it is to create fancy word document formatting by using the versatile table feature.
TRAVELLING WITH A COMPUTER - John Roy
John's presentation was not a travelogue but focused on the value of a computer while traveling. It discussed preparation, equipment, navigation, communications, entertainment, and photography.
March 26, 2009
Music, Podcasts & MP3 Players
– Al Rankell
Al showed how you can listen to free music, news, & old-time radio programs on your computer and take them with you on your portable MP3 player.
WINDOWS MOVIE MAKER - Larrow (Row) Garrett
Row showed how to use Windows Movie Maker, video creating/editing software that is included in Microsoft Windows XP & Vista. It contains features such as effects, transitions, titles/credits, audio track, timeline narration, and Auto Movie. He demonstrated how you can make DVD slide shows of your photos and movies that can be shown on a DVD player for friends & relatives who do not use a computer.
February 26, 2009
Pot Luck and P.C. Operating Room Triage with Bill Roman and Friends – Bill
Roman and Keith Gawronski of Number Crunchers Unlimited
Bill presented a free-wheeling discussion on how to keep your computer in
its best shape, and together with Keith tuned-up actual TPCUG member's
computers. They assed tune-up needs, installed malware removers, installed
memory at cost, and depending on time constraints, cleaned up the systems as
much as possible.
Bill presented a free-wheeling discussion on how to keep your computer in its best shape, and together with Keith tuned-up actual TPCUG member's computers. They assed tune-up needs, installed malware removers, installed memory at cost, and depending on time constraints, cleaned up the systems as much as possible.
January 29, 2009
Review of Shareware Disk – John
Roy, TPCUG President
John reviewed some of highlights of the 50 shareware programs that TPCUG has
collected and copied onto a CD for sale to our members. MODEL RAILROADING WITH COMPUTERS - Bill Dressler, Head Engineer (Chairman) of the Connecticut G Scalers Model Railroad Club
Bill described computer operation and control for model railroads using selected software systems. He showed how he operates his extensive outdoor large scale model train layout using a laptop computer to run multiple trains.
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October 30, 2008
SNAGIT Screen Capture Software –
John Roy, TPCUG Member
John showed how software allows you to capture anything you see on the
screen. You can capture a region of your screen, text from a window,
the contents of a tall page that scrolls, all the images on a Web page,
etc. . INTRODUCTION TO PERSONAL COMPUTER HARDWARE WITH A CUSTOM BUILT COMPUTER EXAMPLE - Peter Basel
Peter provided a walk through the major hardware components in a personal computer. A custom built, over-clocked (4.25 GHz) Pentium Dual Core computer was used as an example. Emphasis was placed on the motherboard, chip sets, and the "brains" of the system - the Pentium processor.
September 25, 2008
Creating PDF Files with novaPDF and other Software –
Al Rankell, TPCUG Member
Al showed that Adobe Acrobat is not the only software available for
creating PDF files. He reviewed novaPDF software, other PDF
printer drivers, and creating PDF files with office suites. Flash Animation - Larrow Garrett , TPCUG Member
Since its introduction in 1996, Flash has become a popular method for adding animation and interactivity to web pages. Larrow introduced us to this format.
USE OF COMPUTERS IN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS - Kristophek Seluga, Technology Associates
Kristopher Seluga, M.S., P.E., is a forensic engineer and partner at Technology Associates and has investigated hundreds of accidents. He presented the application of scientific based computer simulations and animations to civil and criminal litigation, including their use as courtroom exhibits using animations from actual cases. He also discussed the distinction between animations and simulations, as well as the value and limitations of both.
August 28, 2008
SPECIAL PINNACLE EDITION –
Heather Little, Pinnacle Sales
July 31, 2008
Mail Merge and Labels
– Jean Rabinow, TPCUG Member
Jean showed
us some of the mailing tools available in Microsoft Word. While most of
us
may not have a business application to send out hundreds of mailings,
the tools
can be very helpful for personal applications.
Security
Analysis Using Excel – Remy
Papp, TPCUG Member
Remy showed us how he uses Excel to analyze the stock market by evaluating holdings and how to get a more realistic appraisal of the acquisition you may be contemplating. He ruminated on the topic of Security Analysis and presented a possible framework on an Excel spreadsheet he is working on for your appraisal and free use
June 26, 2008
Cell Phone Cameras – Joe Netzer, TPCUG Member
In
today’s world just about everyone owns a cell phone. If you own a cell
phone
then it is almost a certainty that it has a built in camera. Having
this camera
available for photos and even video provide great opportunities for
those times
when you don’t have your dedicated camera with you. Joe
Netzer, our Treasurer, talked about and demonstrated some of
the ins and outs
of your phone camera.
COMPUTER SECURITY –
Paul Keenan (HCC Professor)
An unprotected computer can be infected with viruses or spyware within twenty seconds of connecting to the Internet. All computers need effective anti-virus and spyware programs as well as software and hardware firewalls. In addition, computer users must recognize and protect themselves from "phishing" attacks and dangerous e-mail attachments. Paul discussed the different types of malware and how to protect against them. Related topics such as the security risks inherent in wireless home networks wasl also discussed.
May 29, 2008
APCUG 2008 Conference Report
– Joe Netzer, TPCUG Member
On
May 17th and 18th the
first
Membership & Leadership Conference
of
Eastern Regional Groups in over 10
years is being held in West Nyack NY. While all User group members have
been
invited we will have three officers in attendance. Joe will report the
conference highlights to the membership.
Custom Built Computer
- Pete Basel, TPCUG Member
Pete discussed and demonstrated his hand built high performance PC. Membe were able to view the hardware and ask
questions.
If interest is high Pete will make a full presentation on PC hardware
and/or
how to build a PC.
ROXIO EASY MEDIA CREATOR – John Roy, TPCUG Member
Roxio
has been around for many years as a premier CD/DVD burning utility.
While it still stands tall in the burning world it has emerged into
full
featured media suite. The suite has many tools for working with audio,
photo
and video. John provided insight into many of these neat
applications.
April 24, 2008
TACKLING NAGGING COMPUTER QUESTIONS WITH HUMOR - Bill Roman , TPCUG MemberBill is owner of Number Crunchers Unlimited, a computer support and repair company based here in Trumbull that specializes in bringing computer power to small businesses and individuals. He presented a free-wheeling discussion on how to keep your computer in its best shape. He took any and all P.C. related questions from the audience and provided a list of recommended free software.
March 27, 2008
Novice Essentials - Photo Cropping - Jerry Goldstein, TPCUG MemberJerry showed how to make a make a better photo using basic cropping with software you already have. He used MGI Photo Suite 3, Arcsoft Photo impression, HP Photo Image Zone, his cellphone, and various digital camera's software. The idea is that you can use whatever software that is available on your computer to do basic cropping and improve a picture.
MY ATTORNEY, MYSELF - Attorney Jerome Goldstein, TPCUG Member
Jerry gave an overview of available software and web sites that let you be your own lawyer. He presented the benefits and pitfalls of being your own lawyer via your computer and listed a number of useful web sites.
February 28, 2008
Novice Essentials - John Roy , TPCUG MemberJohn addressed the computer basics that many computer users take for granted. While the items discussed are familiar to the seasoned computer user it exposed the novice to the essentials necessary to survive in the computer world.
DATA SECURITY - Joseph Stage (SVP, Corporate Development) of Grid Data Security
The presentation focused on the security issues associated with passwords and the various alternatives that exist in today’s world and how companies are dealing with it He showed how his company’s application will protect a person's identity while using passwords to log into various sites on the web. The presentation concluded with a hands on opportunity for members to use some PC's preconfigured for testing authentications/logons.
January 31, 2008
Miscellaneous Search Engines & Directories - Al Rankell , TPCUG MemberAlthough Google handles more than half of all web searches, Al described other available search engines & directories and how to use them.
FINANCIAL SOFTWARE - Caren Schwartz of Time & Cents Consultants LLC , TPCUG Member
Are you prepared for April 15th or are you digging through shoe boxes to find the information for your accountant? Would you like getting ready for tax day to be less painful next year? Caren showed how to use Quicken software in order to be better prepared next year, if you start now.
Caren is the president of Time & Cents Consultants, LLC, a software consulting firm specializing in helping small businesses manage time, money and information. She is a QuickBooks Advanced Certified Professional Advisor, a Certified Consultant for Peachtree, Timeslips, Amicus Attorney and Amicus Accounting, and a Certified Independent Consultant for Time Matters, Billing Matters, PCLaw and HotDocs. Caren is also a member of the Intuit Speakers Bureau.
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November 29, 2007
Treacyfaces - Joe Treacy, President Tracyfaces.comTreacyfaces, Inc. is a worldwide designer and marketer of unique, original typefaces, offering fonts at treacyfaces.com The company's founder and president, Joe Treacy introduced us to fonts and how Treacyfaces has set a gold standard of font design and production over the decades.
WHAT'S NEW WITH COMPUTERS - Adam Gitow of Computer Works in Monroe, CT
Adam covered many aspects of new computers. Items such as what are today’s technology choices for motherboards and processors, memory, video and sound boards to name a few. If you are in the market for a new computer what are the important hardware purchase considerations. What Windows operating system should I consider is it all Vista now or is WinXP still an option?
October 25, 2007
Fan Films: Way Beyond Youtube - Jerry Goldstein, TPCUG MemberFilm fans create short films you can watch on line for free. These are professional level films made by creative film makers outside the Hollywood studio system. Jerry discussed some film sites he finds interesting that include movie spoofs and short films using both claymation and live actors. These are done using professional quality production. Its niche is giving budding film makers a forum more professional than Youtube level.
3-D VIRTUAL TOURS - Steve Domyan, Design One
3-D Virtual Tours provide a way to view buildings that are still in the blueprint stage or under construction. Because of computer technology it is possible to “walk through” a proposed building design. Steve Domyan's company, Design One of Norwalk, CT creates virtual tours from architectural designs before the buildings are physically built. Steve founded Design One in 1995 after working for Intel as an applications engineer for seven years.
To create a virtual tour Steve uses some of the hardware and software technology he helped Intel’s customers create. Design One has produced 3-D virtual tours for such prestigious clients as R.D. Scinto of Shelton, CT and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Steve be showed us some of the techniques involved in using 3-D software to produce photo realistic 3-D animations.
September 27, 2007
Tips on Improving Your Internet Browsing Experience - Al Rankell & Herb Yanowitz, TPCUG MembersTips were presented on: "Phishing" E-mail messages, Opening docx & other Microsoft Office 2007 Files Without Using Office 2007, and Checking for Software Updates.
ONE
PERSON'S VIEW OF MAINTAINING A SYSTEM - Jamie Yates of DACS [Danbury Area Computer Society]
There
always seems to be a lot of questions on how to maintain a system. What
software to use? How to do backups? What to do to protect a system? How
to solve problems that may crop up when the system slows down or when
strange things occur while sitting at the keyboard?
Jamie discussed
how he protects and backup his systems: including
insight
how he tailors his systems, the tools he uses, and how and when he
performs backups. He also discussed viruses, spyware,
firewalls
and router settings for wireless networks.
July 26, 2007
Creative Element Power Tools - Larry Gross, TPCUG MemberLarry presented a brief insight into this suite of over 30 useful Windows tools and settings. Included are: bulk renaming of files, bulk changing of file dates, easy creation of file folders, easy modification of file type right-click edit & open attributes, and comparing folder contents.
BUYING
AND SELLING ON EBAY - Jerry Goldstein , TPCUG Member
Jerry presented a program
on eBay, the
leading on-line auction website, at which people from all around the
world buy and sell goods and services. The eBay community includes over
40 million users, and is the most popular shopping site on the Internet
when measured by total user minutes. Jerry gave an overview of how eBay
works, including: auctions & bidding, how to register &
buy,
how to sell an item, etc.
June 28, 2007
Screen Capture - Al Rankell , TPCUG MemberAl showed how to use the Print Screen Key and software already installed on your computer to: Save error messages, Eliminate need to write things down, Save pictures from your screen, etc.
BLUETOOTH - Alan Abrahamson
Alan explained in a non-technical manner what Bluetooth is, how it works and how one can use it. Bluetooth is a method of interconnecting mobile phones, computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other devices, via an automatic short-range wireless connection. A Bluetooth connection has many interesting features that can simplify our daily lives.
May 31, 2007
Computer Tips and Techniques - John Roy , TPCUG MemberJohn presented a selection of computer tips and techniques.that can be aplied to your own personal computing needs.
MYSPACE WEB SITE - Robert Wannagot, Chief Probation Officer for the State of Connecticut presented a program on the attractions and dangers of MySpace, the social networking web site. MySpace.com is a wildly popular web site where teens can find each other, and sometimes find trouble. You may never have heard of this site, but most kids have.
April 26, 2007
Smart Computing Magazine - John Roy , TPCUG MemberJohn gave a presentation on Smart Computing Magazine and Website. It is written in simple language and is a source for computer troubleshooting, common problems, and tips.
OPEN OFFICE - Bill Hart of FCUG [Fairfield County Computer Users Group]
Bill spoke about OpenOffice, a free office suite that is comparable to, and can exchange files with, Microsoft Office. The components of OpenOffice are: Writer [ word processor], Calc [spreadsheet], Impress [presentation program], Draw [vector graphics editor], and Math [creating & editing mathematical formulas].
March 29, 2007
Computer Storage Devices - Shane Schmidt of Pexagon Technolgy, Inc.Shane discussed various storage devices and their advantages and disadvantages.
GOOGLE REDUX, NOT! [Google Goodies that you may not be aware of] - Jamie Yatesof DACS [Danbury Area Computer Society]
discussed some of the many Google offerings including: Google Dsktop, Google Alerts, Google Earth, Google Toolbas, Google Calendar, Google Docs & Spreadsheets, Gmail and Picassa.
February 22, 2007
Meeting cancelled due to weather.January 25, 2007
Browser Wars: David vs Goliath [Opera vs Internet Explorer 7] - Al Rankell, TPCUG MemberSHARING & PRESERVING MEMORIES - John Roy, TPCUG Member
The presentation addressed various methods of sharing and preserving your treasured photos and videos. The focus was using your computer to create photo and video CDs and DVDs.
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December 14, 2006 - HOLIDAY PARTY
November 30, 2006
How to Purchase a Digital Camera - Charles Partridge, TPCUG MemberHOW TO BUY A NEW COMPUTER - Bill Roman, TPCUG Member
Bill (computer consultant & owner of Number Crunchers Unlimited) explored what you need to know about buying a new computer. He covered topics such as: where to buy, how much computer to buy, desktop vs. laptop, Windows Vista, etc.
October 26, 2006
E-mailing Attachments - Al Rankell, TPCUG MemberHOME & SMALL OFFICE NETWORKING - Adam Gitow, President and Owner of Computer Works in Monroe
Adam explored home and small office networking. He provided a behind the scenes look at actually getting that web page to your computer and securing wireless networks.
September 28, 2006
Printing From An Internet Page - Al Rankell, TPCUG Member
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN & VISUALIZATION – Scott Yates, an architect for over 15 years displayed some of his work, using software such as AutoCAD.
August 31, 2006
Mail Merge & Form Lettters - Bill Vaniotis, TPCUG Member
FINANCE PROGRAMS
- Caren Schwartz, TPCUG member and
professional in this area with her own business
Caren made a presentation on
Financial Management, including: Introduction to Financial Management,
Why QuickBooks/Quicken is better than other methods, and
Differentiating QuickBooks and Quicken.
July 27, 2006
E-mail Etiquette & Tips - John Roy
WHY I SWITCHED FROM FILM TO DIGITAL - William Barnett (Managing Consultant - The Graphics Design Place)Bill has many credentials in the world of photography including, exhibits, awards,, TPCUG Member judging, teaching and publishing. He presented the many reasons why he switched from film to digital photography.