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l Dave "Bytes" Home Page l
| Dave "Bytes" Please remember to use your thinker, before you tinker! |
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A Periodic Newsletter for the Members
of the Sarasota PC User Group
January 18, 2004
Click here to subscribe to Dave "Bytes
(if you haven't already)
Here's A
Windows XP Tip
Minimized Or
Maximized?
You can control how a program displays when it's launched, such as in a
minimized or maximized window. Right-click the program on Windows XP's Start
menu and choose Properties. On the Shortcut page of Properties dialog box,
select Normal Window, Maximized, or Minimized from the Run drop-down menu.
Choose Apply and OK to finish setting the option.
Here's A Maintanence Tip
Get
defrag to finish
Defragging
your hard drive takes as long as it takes, but there are a couple simple things
you can do to make sure it
finishes the first time around. Yes, without entering Safe Mode. Ready to learn
our secrets?
Turn off all the applications running in the background (right-click and close
each option or press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and close them). You shouldn't have any
programs or scheduled system tasks sitting in your system tray.
Turn off your screen saver.
Right-click your desktop, choose Properties, and go to the Screen Saver tab.
Select None from the screen saver drop-down menu. Click Apply and OK.
Now that you're ready to run the Disk Defragmenter, here's how to get the best
results in Windows 9x.
Click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and Disk Defragmenter.
Select the drive you want to defrag and click the Settings button.
Under Disk Defragmenter Settings, check mark "Rearrange program files so
my programs start faster" and "Check drive for errors."
Click OK to go back to the first screen and OK to begin the process.
In Windows XP
Right-click My Computer and choose Manage. Click Defragment.
· 
Why
not give the gift that keeps on giving all year round? I'm referring to a
subscription to either Smart Computing or CPU Magazines. If
you are a current subscriber and order a gift subscription, the folks at Smart
Computing will add 2 additional issues to your current subscription at no
charge. And remember that even gift subscriptions will be credited to the SPCUG
account so that we can accumulate free subscriptions to give away to our
membership.
To order call 1-800-733-3809 and be
sure to give the following Code Numbers so that SPCUG gets proper credit.
Smart Computing (11607) CPU Magazine (272)
George's |
| Dave's |
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Clicking on the WLSS Logo will
take you to the
"Bits &
Bytes"
site where you can listen to
the most recent broadcast and our Commercial too !!!
From the
"Bytes" Mailbag
Dave,
Love your "Bytes" -- always get something I can use or want to know.
Keep it up.
Where do you get the program for those little animations you include in Bytes ?
I would love to include some in my e-mail.
Jack
I
subscribe to a web site called The Animation Factory. (www.animationfactory.com)
You can go there and sample some of the animations but in order to have access
to the library of over 150,000 animations you need to purchase a yearly
subscription.
I am
using Outlook Express as my mail program. How can I prevent opening my next
email after I have read the previous one? The next email for example may have a
suspicious address and I do not want to open it. If I left click, naturally. it
opens. If I right click on it, it also opens. What can I do to prevent this
from happening?
Thanks in advance for any help you may offer.
Larry G.
That's
simple to do Larry.
In Outlook Express click View + Layout.
You will see a section called "Preview Pane".
Simply uncheck the box for "Show Preview Pane" and you're done !!
Hi Dave,
I use Windows 98 and it seems that I spend half my time
maximizing almost every window to fit my 17 inch screen. Is there
any way to make it so the windows automatically resize themselves?
Thanks for your help.
Marion
One
of the Windows Annoyances for sure. Did you know there's another way to
maximize/restore a window other than clicking on the icons at the top right of
any window?
Simply place your cursor at any point on the title bar of the window you want
to restore or maximize, then double-click it. Voila!
Question:
How to print a portion of a web page, such as a letter on your web
page?
I have tried "print screen" w/o success.
Many thanks!
David
Since
putting "Bytes" together I have been flattered to hear that many
readers have printed every edition. But that's not really necessary, especially
since your color ink cartridges will get a real workout.
The best method would be to select the test that you want to print and then use
the "Copy & Paste" method with any word processor and print from
there.
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SPCUG
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Our volunteer for January 2004 is Roger Lear.
Roger has been
married for 35 years and is a loving father and grandfather. He is a navy
veteran and has been employed by the Social Security Administration for over 38
years. He has been an avid computer hobbyist/enthusiast since 1980 and has
always been interested in community service.
Roger started a PC Refurbishing SIG and has done much to educate
SPCUG members in building systems from donated computer parts. He has loyally
conducted his SIGs and has a faithful following. Their efforts have enable
SPCUG to place many computers into the community, earmarking them to people
less fortunate, disabled, assisted living facilities, after school programs and
other worthy places. A bit of heart is included with each of these donations
from Roger and his dedicated gang.
We thank Roger for all of the hours devoted to SPCUG and wish him
well in all his endeavors.
· If you are not already
registered for the SPCUG Yahoo Group you're missing out on a fabulous
"Members Helping
Members"
benefit/feature of the Sarasota
PC Users Group.
Sign up today at www.spcug.org
Here's A Windows XP Tip
Use Digital Photos As
A WinXP Screensaver
Windows XP includes an option that lets you compile your digital photos into a
screen saver. Open the Display Properties dialog box by right-clicking the
Desktop and then choosing Properties. Click the Screen Saver tab and select My
Pictures Slideshow from the Screen Saver drop-down list. Click Settings and
then indicate the folder on your hard drive with the photos you want to use for
the screen saver. You can also indicate the size and frequency of the photos
and whether or not to use transition effects. Finish by clicking OK in all open
dialog boxes.
The "Bytes" Beg, Bargain
& Barter Basement
Got something
"computer related" to sell? Looking for that rare peripheral? If it's
computer related you can submit a short classified ad for exposure in Dave
"Bytes". Be sure to include your name and e-mail address in the ad.
You can also include a picture of the item. Now some would suggest that there
be a charge for this feature but alas, since my bookkeeping skills leave much
to be desired I've determined that this will be a free service to all SPCUG
members in good standing. "Bytes" is currently sent to almost
1000 homes in the area. Ad requests will be included as soon as possible. I
assume absolutely no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of supplied
info. All transactions are between consulting adults which leaves me entirely
off the hook. Please let me know by clicking HERE when your merchandise is sold
so that I can remove it from the listing. I will try to run each ad for
a month.
| FOR SALE 17” COMPAQ COLOR MONITOR, SERIES 7550. LIKE-NEW CONDITION (CAME AS PART OF PC PACKAGE AND WAS REPLACED BY A FLAT-SCREEN, MANUAL & CD STILL IN SEALED WRAPPING). PROCEEDS WILL GO TO CHARITY (ST THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH MIGRANT WORKERS’ MINISTRY) $100.00. CALL TONY MEDIAVILLA AT 929-7685. |
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| Gateway flat screen 17" CRT. Monitor is approximately 2 years old and in perfect working condition. Only $60. and I will even deliver to the next SPCUG meeting |
|
|
$200 or Best Offer Contact: Bill Merkent |
|
Click here to send your ad
Microsoft
Bows to Pressure
Extends Support for Older Windows Versions
By Peter Galli
Microsoft Corp. on Monday capitulated to customer pressure and announced that
it would now continue extended support for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second
Edition and for Windows Millennium Edition (ME) until June 30, 2006.
Microsoft recently said that support for Windows 98 and 98 SE would be phased
out this Friday—January 16, while support for Windows Me was due to stop on
December 31, 2004.
But on Monday a company spokesman told eWEEK that the decision to extend
support for the products was "part of Microsoft's ongoing effort to respond
to customers' needs around the world." During this time, Microsoft will
continue to offer paid phone support and will continue to review any critical
security issues and take appropriate steps.
"Microsoft made this decision to accommodate customers worldwide who are
still dependent upon these operating systems and to provide Microsoft more time
to communicate its product lifecycle support guidelines in a handful of
markets—particularly smaller and emerging markets," he said.
According to officials, Microsoft also wanted to bring Windows 98 SE into
compliance with the company's current lifecycle policy for new products, which
provides for support for seven years instead of the original four.
"Microsoft made the decision to also lengthen support for Windows 98 and
Windows Me customers through the same date in order to provide a clear and
consistent date for support conclusion for all of these older products,"
the spokesman said.
The move is expected to bring relief to some IT users, and particularly
consumers, given the millions who still use the products.
| Dave's Cool Downloads |
|
Rename Master is a FREE utility for renaming large groups of
files with a few clicks. Anyone that has worked with websites, file archives,
or collections of music, videos, or pictures has probably spent way too much
time renaming hundreds of files.
This utility will add, remove, or replace parts of the filename with ease and
also supports renaming via file properties, MP3 tags, JPEG JFIF and EXIF tags.
Batch renaming that's simple to use, yet still very powerful.
| YOU CAN NOW EASILY LOCATE THE DOWNLOADS MENTIONED IN DAVE "BYTES" BY CLICKING ON THE BUTTONS ON Check regularly since I'm always adding new content Click HERE to submit your favorite Freeware or Shareware program |
|
Want to Join
SPCUG or Renew Your Membership?
Click the SPCUG Logo for an online |
Here's The Latest Virus Information
& Alerts
2004
to be year of the 'superworm'
By Robert Jaques
Virus writers create secret P2P virus network
2004 will be characterised by a dramatic rise in malicious hacking, the birth
of 'superworms', and the creation of sinister underground peer-to-peer (P2P)
virus creation networks, a security company has predicted.
The pessimistic forecast from Clearswift is based on analysis of last year's
SoBig project, which, according to the email security firm, marked the emergence
of long-term malware projects involving multi- stage coordinated attacks using
spam, worms, Trojans, spyware and proxies.
The groups behind these projects have now established a network of broadband
home PCs which can be used covertly as an
anonymous platform for criminal
activity.
"The network, dubbed Sinit, removes the single point of failure that is
often targeted by law enforcers in order to terminate viruses (as was the case
with the last SoBig virus). With Sinit, there is no central server that can be
shut down," warned Clearswift.
The Sinit network has been designed to enable rapid dispersal of viruses and
uses encryption technology to prevent antivirus companies from tracking
development activity or modifying the virus codes.
It is possible that Sinit could also constitute the launch pad for a highly
efficient 'superworm'.
"It looks as though 2004 will be the year of the superworm," said
Pete Simpson, manager of ThreatLab at Clearswift.
"It's always been an arms race in the battle between virus writers and
antivirus companies. However, both sides now have financial incentives.
"Sinit represents a new and daunting challenge to antivirus companies and
further emphasizes the need to have a multi-layered defense against these
security threats."
Clearswift said that 2003 saw a "clear switch" in the motives of the
virus writer, with intellectual challenge or simple-minded cyber- vandalism
being superseded by financial gain as the primary motive for malware coding.
Here Are The
Top "Spyware" Culprits
Pause For Thought
A
prudent question is one half of wisdom.
-- Francis Bacon, Sr.
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| Don't Be an Invisible Member Get Involved To inquire about volunteer opportunities Remember.. "The more you put in.... the more you'll take out" |
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| Remember Don't Let Your Membership Lapse contact: membership@spcug.org |
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Looking for a SIG or Forum?
The best place to go is the
SPCUG Event Calendar.
Once there you can view everything planned for SPCUG members.
Want to register for a SIG? There is no better place to do that then at http://www.calsplus.com/spcug
This calendar is updated on a daily basis making it the most accurate way to
see what's happening in the world of SPCUG.
Click here for
the Dave "Bytes" Archives
P.S. Don't forget to say "Hi"
at the meeting!!
Sarasota Personal Computer User Group, Inc
Phone: 877-SPCUG-HI
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© 2003. All Rights Reserved.
l Dave "Bytes" Home Page l
SPCUG
Home Page | Officers | Newsletter | SIGs | Regular
Meetings | Sarasota | Join NOW! |
| Coming Attractions | Favorite
Links | Calendar | Search | Site
Map |