THE SOUNDBOARD
KEEPING PACE IN CYBERSPACE
Heritage Village Computer Club http://www.hvcomputerclub.org |
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MONTHLY MEETING IN HERITAGE HALL
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Program: “HOW-TO” Demos by H.V. Computer Club Members
EVERYONE WELCOME, BRING A FRIEND
GOOGLE LANGUAGE TOOLS. Google shines again with its language tools. This beta release translates short bits of text or an entire Web page using over 30 languages.
http://www.google.com/language_tools.
FILE EXTENSIONS DEFINED (What all those File Extensions mean). Neat Net Tricks provides this link on a recent newsletter that I subscribe to. It was too much information for me but for those who just must know this stuff, I offer the URL.
PRESERVING DIGITAL IMAGES: Your digitally printed images are subject to environmental conditions that can cause wear and fading. Use papers and inks designed specifically for your printer. After printing, make sure your photos are completely dry before stacking them to prevent them from sticking together, 24 hours to be on the safe side. Store prints out of direct sunlight and humid rooms, such as basements or bathrooms, and away from intense heat. Storing prints albums with self-stick, "magnetic" pages and PVC plastic overlays may cause rapid fading and discoloration. Lots more information on the Hewlett Packard web site at the following URL:
http://www.homeandoffice.hp.com/hho/us/eng/prevent_photo_fading.html
FREEWARE: Here is a Website to get freeware that will read text back to you.
ReadPlease isn't perfect, but it does read most things correctly. Check it out at this URL:
SCREEN WRITING: Have you written THE GREAT SCREENPLAY? I found this site that is “the definitive website for screenwriter who wish to improve there art, sell their material, and be discovered.” The “Academy” site is well designed and easy to navigate, and provides an Adobe file to download that offers a price list for services (SCREEN WRITING Services Application), Submission Release Agreement, and an address to send your work. Before doing so, I suggest some type of investigation into the legitimacy of the site, such as the Better Business Bureau or perhaps there are trade papers in local bookstores that can help. http://www.academywriters.com/
The following URL lists http://www.academywriters.com as script consultants among many others.
http://www.scriptpimp.com/show_me/script_consultants/
DOMAIN LOOKUP: If you are interested in knowing who “owns” a particular domain name, you can look up all the information needed. Included is the owner’s name, address, telephone numbers, site creation date, and site expiration date. A good place to look up the URL’s above.
SOCIAL SECURITY E-NEWS: I recently began an email subscription to the Social Security E-News. The most recent newsletter (Published March 2003; Issue 39) was received by my inbox on Friday, March 7, 2003. If you are interested, I suggest subscribing for the latest news. However, To read the illustrated online version, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/enews/last.htm
KNOW WHEN THE MONEY'S IN YOUR BANK
Ever wonder why you don't get your Social Security or Supplemental Security Income payment on the same date every month? If your payment date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday, you'll get your payment on the previous business day, at the beginning of the day if you have direct deposit. Sometimes it can be confusing -- that's why we have an online calendar to help you. The calendar includes all payment dates for 2003. It's color-coded so you can determine your paydays with a quick glance. For example, if you normally get your Social Security payment on the third, you'll discover that your May check will be coming a day early, on the second. Why not take a glance now?
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/2003calendar.htm
ELIMINATING SPYWARE
Spybot-S&D 1.2 has announced that their newest version is ready for the public! Over the past two months, they have added new features to make the whole thing easier for newbies. The Spybot website has a list of the newest changes on their front page, dated 3/16/2003. The website looks like it is easy to get around and is understandable. It appears that the download is free, however the site owner asks for cash donations to an address in Germany. I am not endorsing this site nor am I encouraging donations. I first heard of the software when it was downloaded by my company’s network support desk to employee’s desktop computers. It has also been featured on The Screensavers show on TECH TV (Channel 66).
If you are interested in attending the Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo, New York, you can purchase Early Bird tickets at discounted prices. Lots of information about this offer at the following link. Please note that advance tickets will not be mailed until May, the advance tickets are non-refundable, and there are no credit, exchanges, or rain checks. No pets, no food, and no beverages can be brought into the Faire. They offer all kinds of great food, drink, and entertainment. There are fabulous crafts. I highly recommend the drive down and plan on spending the day--from the opening moments (even before the gates open) to the last Joust. You can even choose to dress up in Renaissance costume.
There may be parking fees. Tickets are always available at the gate, too.
Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day Monday
August 2 - September 14, 2003
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
OPEN RAIN OR SHINE!
http://www.renfair.com/NY/tickets/advancetix.php
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD: http://hvcomputerclub.org/officers.html
SOUNDBOARD CONTRIBUTIONS: scottie2@att.net theweb@snet.net
CLASSES, MARCH 2003 http://www.supercalendar.com/view.html?id=10447303431290160106&s=v&m=3&y=2003
HELPERS:
AutoCAD........Ken Pelletier..................264-2310 Digital Camera........Joe Franzino..........264-2922
MS Word........Arnold Deutchman........267-7355 MS Word.................Joe Franzino..........264-2922
MS Excel........Diana Scott...................264-2134 Paint Shop Pro........Ken Pelletier..........264-2310
Publishing.......Joe Franzino.................264-2922 Quicken...................Arnold Sail.............264-2540
Scanning........Joe Franzino.................264-2922 WordPerfect............Jean Van Loon......267-5397