| Subject/Title |
Meeting
& Date |
Submitted
by |
http://www.gocomics.com/pearlsbeforeswine/2012/01/07 |
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 02-01-2012 |
Bill Brownlee |
Agloves allow you to manipulate touch-sensitive screens without leaving moisture and oil behind. They also solve the cold hands problem.
Boogie Board provides a temporary writing platform that can be easily erased.
See the review at http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2398470,00.asp
Incipio's Inscribe Pro Stylus for use on touch screens.
Power2U is a replacement wall outlet with two USB charging slots.
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 02-01-2012 |
George Harding |
Using Microsoft Trial Software for Free |
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 02-01-2012 |
Bill Brownlee |
If your computer, cell phone, or tablet device does not have the ability to open/read PDF files, you can use an online Web-based PDF viewer to look at PDF files.
Here are some Web-based PDF viewers:
https://docs.google.com/viewer
https://viewer.zoho.com/home.do
http://view.samurajdata.se/
http://www.pdfescape.com/open/
Here is are reviews about some of the Web-based PDF viewers:
Top 9 Online PDF Viewers
View PDF Files Online for Free
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 02-01-2012 |
Bill Brownlee |
Using Virtualization of Hardware to Save Money, Space, and Time |
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 02-01-2012 |
Bill Brownlee |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a USB Tablet Instead of a Mouse:
The drawing motion of using a pen stylus on a USB tablet may feel more natural and may give you more accurate control of cursor movement, compared to a mouse.
See
http://www.peachpit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=383855
and
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/5501
and
http://essenmitsosse.de/graphics-tablet/
and
http://www.ehow.co.uk/list_6082165_advantages-disadvantages-graphics-tablets.html
USB Tablets for Your "Windows" Computer--A More Detailed Analysis
A Comparison Between "Monoprice" and "Wacom" USB Tablets
Details on Installing and Using a "Monoprice" USB Tablet:
Installing and Using a "Monoprice" USB Tablet in a "Windows" Computer
Installing and Using a "Monoprice" USB Tablet in a Mac
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 02-01-2012 |
Bill Brownlee |
Installing Puppy Linux as the Only Operating System in a Real Computer or a Virtual Machine--Step-by-Step Instructions
|
Linux
SIG Meeting
on 02-26-2012 |
Paul Scott |
Tablet-Like Drawing Functions WITHOUT a Tablet:
Use Microsoft/Sysinternal's Free "ZoomIt" Program to (Temporarily) Draw on Your Monitor Screen with Your Mouse
Use the "Ink Tools" tab in "Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010" With Your Mouse:
Since the "Ink Tools" in "Microsoft Office Word 2010" and "Microsoft Office Excel 2010" require a tablet, do you mouse-based "Ink Tools" drawing in a temporary "PowerPoint" file, since "PowerPoint" always "Ink Tools" without a USB tablet.
Then copy your "Ink" object from "Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010" to "Microsoft Office Word 2010" or "Microsoft Office Excel 2010".
PPT seed file for making "Ink Tools" and "Drawing Tools" tabs appear in "Microsoft Office PowerPoint" PPT files.
PPTX seed file for making "Ink Tools" and "Drawing Tools" tabs appear in "Microsoft Office PowerPoint" PPTX files.
Download one of the above two seed files.
Then click on it to open it in "Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010".
Click on the "Enable Editing" button at the top of the document (if an "Enable Editing" button is displayed there).
Click on one of the "Ink" objects in the seed file.
A "Drawing Tools" tab and an "Ink Tools" tab will be displayed at the right end of the "Ribbon" bar of "Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010".
Use the "Drawing Tools" to draw a "Shape" object or use "Ink Tools" to draw an "Ink" object.
Copy or cut the "Shape" object or "Ink" object to other PowerPoint, Word, or Excel files.
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 02-01-2012 |
Bill Brownlee |
News and Rumors About "Windows 8
The Public Beta of Windows 8 Will Be Released in Late February of 2012
Microsoft to allow open source apps in Windows 8 Store
Windows 8 will have "Storage Spaces", a user-friendly way to synchronize two or more non-bootable hard drives:
Virtualizing storage for scale, resiliency, and efficiency
Windows 8 to get self-healing 'Storage Spaces'
and
Windows 8 Storage Spaces: Built-in RAID and thin provisioning for all the family
and
Windows 8's "Storage Spaces" Detailed
and
Virtualizing storage for scale, resiliency, and efficiency
and
Three Benefits of Windows 8 Storage Spaces
and
How Windows 8 will help disaster-proof your PC
and
Windows 8 Storage Spaces: Bounce back from drive death
and
"Storage Spaces" hard drive pairs/clusters will be portable between "Windows 8" computers
(Note: the "Windows 8" operating system cannot reside on a drive that belongs to a "Storage Space" pool.)
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 02-01-2012 |
George Harding |
Good Ideas and Advice from Other User Groups:
PC Self-Help & Other Stuff from Jim McKnight of the Los Angeles Computer Society
Creating a Usable Computer with Low-end Hardware and Free (Not Trial) Software--the "Free Willie" Project
from Richard Hall of the Tulsa Computer Society
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 01-04-2012 |
Dick Reaser |
Microsoft's "End of Extended Support" Dates for Windows XP and Windows Vista:
April 8, 2014 for "Windows XP"
April 11, 2017 for "Windows Vista"
Your ancient "Windows.." PC should be safe to use until one of these dates! After the "sunset date" for your old PC, it will be safer for you to do a "Physical to Virtual" ("P2V") and run it as a virtual machine (inside a more modern computer) since a virtual machine is easy to clone and restore if it malfunctions due to malware.
Extended Support End Dates for all of Microsoft's software products can be found at
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifeselect
Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 01-04-2012
|
Francis Chao |
First Impressions of
Acronis True Image Home 2012
Advice about Backing Up Computer Hard Drives with Acronis True Image.., Macrium Reflect Free, Clonezilla, etc.
Acronis True Image Home 2012 = late 2011
Acronis True Image Home 2011 = late 2010
Acronis True Image Home 2010 = late 2009
Acronis True Image Home 2009 = late 2008
Acronis True Image Home 11 = late 2007
Acronis True Image Home 10 = late 2006
Acronis True Image Home 9 = late 2005
Acronis True Image Home 8 = late 2004
Acronis True Image Home 7 = late 2003
Acronis True Image Home 6 = late 2002
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acronis_True_Image
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 01-04-2012 |
George Harding |
Using Legacy Fax Machines, Fax Modems, and Credit Card Machines on "Voice Over IP"(VOIP) Phone Lines
Analog Telephone Adapter for Attaching Legacy Telephone to a VOIP Phone Line
|
Windows 8/
Hardware SIG on 01-04-2012 |
Robert Thompson |
Temporary Workaround for Failure of "Windows Fax" in "Windows 7.." to Transmit Outgoing Faxes
With "Windows 7.." you get a bundled applet called "Windows Fax and Scan". The fax function within this applet is a virtual fax machine that you can use to send and receive faxes using an (real) analog modem that is connected to a landline telephone line. This allows you to avoid the cost of maintaining a real fax machine and its corresponding costs for paper and ink or toner cartridges. Step-by-step instructions for using the fax function of "Windows Fax and Scan" are available at
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/windowsfax/windowsfax.htm
By using your own computer, fax modem, and phone line to send and receive faxes, you are guaranteed that any information that you send or receive remains confidential. However, the use of Microsoft's "virtual fax machine" is more work for you than using the free Web-based services in the following section:
If you do not have a fax modem or you want to send faxes with less work than needed for Microsoft's "virtual fax machine", you can fax for free from any Web browser by using the following "Software as a Service" applications:
http://faxzero.com
or
http://www.myfax.com/free/
See
http://websearch.about.com/od/usefulsite1/tp/free-fax-online.htm for more free fax options.
FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro is a commercial software product that provides many capabilities that "Windows Fax" does not have. "FaxTalk.." does not have have the above-mentioned "bug" that "Windows Fax" has. "FaxTalk.." offers a free, 15-day trial.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 01-04-2012 |
Robert Thompson |
"Speeding Up Windows XP":
PowerPoint .PPT format
Adobe .PDF format
Supersize The Swap File To Get More Speed and Reliability from "Windows.."
"Speeding Up Windows 7":
PowerPoint .PPT format
Adobe .PDF format
"Speeding Up Windows Vista":
PowerPoint .PPT format
Adobe .PDF format
"Turn Off Startup Programs to Speed Up Your Windows Computer":
PowerPoint .PPT format
Adobe .PDF format
Benchmarking "Windows.." Computers for Free
Remove Blue Highlight from Desktop Icon Text in Windows XP
|
General Meeting of the Boca Raton Computer Society
on 12-21-2011
and
Windows 8 / Hardware SIG on 01-04-2012
|
Francis Chao |
"Using Windows 7"
"Aero Troubleshooting for Windows 7"
|
Windows 8 / Hardware SIG on 01-04-2012 |
Bill Brownlee |
"Windows 7" Upgrade Step-By-Step
|
Windows 8/
Hardware SIG on 01-04-2012 |
Robert Thompson |
Upgrading from "Windows XP" or "Windows Vista" to "Windows 7":
Windows 7 Upgrade--Almost Everything You Need to Know
|
Windows 8/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-04-2011 |
George Harding |
When sharing files and printers between "Windows 7" and earlier versions of Windows, you cannot use "Homegroup". Here is how you can do it:
"Sharing Files and Printers Between "Windows 7", "Windows Vista", and "Windows XP"
|
Windows 8/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-04-2011 |
George Harding |
Microsoft's rules for buying, selling, and transfering legal copies of "Windows..":
See "http://oem.microsoft.com/downloads/public/worldwide/refurb/microsoft_refurbished_pc_licensing_guidelines.pdf
and
http://www.microsoft.com/about/legal/en/us/IntellectualProperty/UseTerms/Default.aspx
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 01-04-2012 |
George Harding |
Maintaining and Repairing Hard Drives for "Windows.." Computers:
Always Click on "Cancel" when an "Initialize Disk" box pops up
(unless you have just attached an unformatted hard drive or USB flash drive device to your computer)
Maintenance and Repair Strategy
"Error-checking" in "Windows.." to Resolve Bad Clusters
"Soft Repairs" with Utilities in Linux
Data Recovery with Utilities in Linux
Differing Capabilities of Different Distros of Linux
Repairing a Corrupted Recycle Bin in "Windows.."
You can use the free Clonezilla LiveCD to back up and restore Windows and Linux computers:
Article from Linux Magazine
Article at Arstechnica Web site
Tutorial at Dedoimedo Web site
An Interview with the Developer of Clonezilla
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 12-07-2011 |
Paul Scott |
User manuals for our SVGA projector can be downloaded from
http://www.optomausa.com/Product_detail.asp?product_id=389
|
General Meeting
on 01-16-2012 |
Rick Rolland |
Notes from the Meeting
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 01-04-2012 |
George Harding |
Hyperlinks to Holiday Web Sites Presented by APCUG President Kathy Jacobs
|
General Meeting
on 12-19-2011
|
George Harding |
Part One - APCUG Computer Users' Group Brainstorming.m4v
Part Two - APCUG Computer Users' Group Brainstorming.m4v
|
APCUG iLinc Meeting
on 12-08-2011 |
Judy Taylour |
Blazon's 3D Digital Photo Frame
MySolarLife's Solar-powered charger for iPhone and iPad
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 12-07-2011
|
George Harding |
Fix for the Adobe Flash Player (Browser Add-on)
This fix is needed to make Web-based flash videos stream reliably for many computers that run "Windows 7.." and "Windows 8 Pre-beta".
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 12-07-2011 |
George Harding |
Our how-to document on a
Procedure for Cleaning a Virus/Malware-Infected Computer,
which is based on a presentation made by Harry Elver,
is very similar to the advice in a article in "PC World" magazine entitled
How to Remove Malware From Your Windows PC.
An Example of the Virus/Malware Cleanup Procedure
|
Windows 8/
Hardware SIG
on 12-07-2011 |
Bill Brownlee |
"Windows 8 Developers Preview" Pre-beta Presentation
PowerPoint .PPT format
Adobe .PDF format
A press release from Microsoft:
Microsoft Reimagines Windows, Presents Windows 8 Developer Preview
provides insight on Microsoft's "spin" on the emergence of "Windows 8"
Detailed How-To's and Advice About the "Windows 8 Developers Preview" Pre-beta
Making the "Windows 8 Developers Preview" Pre-beta Usable:
Step-by-step instructions and screenshots to show you how to configure "Windows 8 Pre-beta" to make it usable
Resolving the Inability of "Windows 8 Pre-beta" to Connect to a Second Monitor or a VGA Projector
Installing the "Windows 8 Pre-beta" Into a Virtual Machine in a "Windows.." Host Computer
Installing the "Windows 8 Pre-beta" Into a Virtual Machine in a "Mac" "OS X" Host Computer
Using Virtual Machines to Save Real Money, Space, and Time:
PowerPoint .PPT format
Adobe .PDF format
This presentation is available in "Windows", "Mac", and "Linux" versions:
Please use the buttons at the bottom of the first slide to select the desired version.
Virtual Networks in Virtual Machine Programs:
PowerPoint .PPT format
Adobe .PDF format
This presentation is available in "Windows", "Mac", and "Linux" versions:
Please use the buttons at the bottom of the first slide to select the desired version.
Apcug's "iLinc" System for Virtual Meetings:
iLinc General Overview
iLinc Attendee Overview
iLinc Presenter Overview
|
TCS General Meeting
on 11-21-2011
and
Beta Virtual Conference
hosted online by APCUG
on 11-12-2011 |
Francis Chao |
Notes from the Meeting
|
Computer Pros
SIG Meeting
on 12-16-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Notes from the Meeting
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 12-07-2011 |
George Harding |
Notes from the Meeting
|
Linux
SIG Meeting
on 11-27-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Notes from the Meeting
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 11-02-2011 |
George Harding |
Using Your "My Pictures" Folder in "Windows 7" or "Windows 8"
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 11-02-2011
|
Francis Chao |
USB 3 versus USB 2 versus eSATA
File Sharing Over a Local Area Network in "Windows.."
The "homegroups" demonstration failed because I accidently used the virtual hard drives with the same UUIDs for the two "Windows 7 Home Premium" virtual machines! My successful demonstration of homegroups for sharing files between two "Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit" virtual machines can be viewed at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wgLn64KJ-Q
|
General Meeting
of
Western New York Computer Society
on 10-25-2011 |
Francis Chao |
Using Your Own Photos to Create a Background Theme for "Windows 7"
|
Windows 8 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 10-05-2011 |
George Harding |
Notes from the Meeting
|
Computer Pros
SIG Meeting
on 11-18-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Notes from the Meeting
|
Computer Pros
SIG Meeting
on 10-21-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Opening a Mystery File
|
Windows 8/
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 10-05-2011 |
Paul Scott |
"Windows 7" attempts to trick You into forming a "HomeGroup", even when you do not need one!
|
Windows 8/
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 10-05-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Comparison of Webmail Providers
Email and Webmail Statistics
|
Windows 8/
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 10-05-2011
|
Paul Scott |
Notes from the Meeting
|
Windows 8/
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 10-05-2011 |
Bernard Bell |
Notes from the Meeting
|
Linux
SIG Meeting
on 09-25-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Notes from the Meeting
|
Computer Pros
SIG Meeting
on 09-16-2011 |
Paul Scott |
9 Windows Treasures – The Hidden Magic
When using the Windows 7 "Snipping Tool" to create documentation, many screenshots are not possible unless you run another copy of "Windows 7.." inside a virtual machine.
You can use the free Recuva software utility to recover recently-deleted files/folders from a hard drive or a USB flash drive.
You can also use "Recuva.." to determine whether a wipe with "cipher /w" was successful in removing deleted files from a hard drive.
You can use the
cipher /w:C:
command-line command
to remove deleted files permanently so that software such as the free Recuva software utility cannot be used to "undelete" files/folders that you have deleted.
To wipe deleted files from a drive other than C:, substitute the actual drive letter that you wish to scan:
For example, to scan the M: drive, type in
cipher /w:m:
Please note that above-mentioned "9 Windows Treasures.." article erroneously tells you to type in
cipher /w:c
Since "c" is not a valid path designation in Windows.., "cipher /w:c" is seen by "Windows.." as "cipher /w:c:" which then defaults to wiping free space in the C: drive.
However, when Francis ran "cipher /w:f" in an attempt to wipe a USB flash drive, the result was that his internal C: hard drive was wiped.
When he ran "ciper /w:f:", his USB flash drive was wiped.
Apparently, the colon (:) is necessary if you want to wipe any drive other than C:
For step-by-step directions on using "cipher /w" and "Recuva" to wipe the data in the free space of a hard drive or a USB flash drive, see
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/harddrives/wipe-free-space/cipherw.pdf
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 09-07-2011
|
George Harding |
This
photo from the Arizona Daily Star's "Business" section on August 28, 2011 shows two of Adam Dellos' employees hard at work.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 09-07-2011
|
George Harding |
Jon Griebel recommends the Internet
Bandwidth Speed Test at PCPitstop.com
Francis stated that he uses the MyConnection Server Test at Dakotapro.biz when he deals with Dakotacom and the Xfinity Speed Test when he deals with Comcast, in order to anticipate and prevent credibility issues when dealing with their respective tech support call centers.
An Empirical Comparison of Internet speeds for Various Wired and Wireless Network Adapters
|
Windows 7 /
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 09-07-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Doing a Non-destructive Re-installation of "Windows 7" to Fix a Malfunctioning "Windows 7" Computer
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 09-07-2011
|
Robert Thompson |
You can find all available broadband Internet services at an specific United States address at http://broadbandmap.gov
You can use the "AntennaWeb"
Web site to create a list of television stations that can be received over-the-air from any specific address/location in the United States. For each television station transmitter that you have "line-of-sight", "AntennaWeb" provides you with information on the type of antenna that you need to use. "AntennaWeb" is a free service that is provided by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). By combining "off-the-air" television reception with various streaming Web sites such as "Hulu"and "boxee.tv", you might be able stop paying for cable television service.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 09-07-2011 |
George Harding |
Getting a Powerpoint Slide Show .PPS File to Open in OpenOffice.org's "Impress" Program
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 09-07-2011 |
Paul Scott |
You can use Microsoft's free Disk2vhd program to convert any Windows computer (or any hard drive in a Windows computer) to a .VHD "Virtual Hard Disk" file.
If you convert the C: drive of any "Windows.." computer to a .VHD file, you can subsequently use this .VHD file to create a virtual machine in "Oracle VM VirtualBox" that is a "spitting image" of the original computer. The entire process of making a virtual machine from a real computer is called "Physical to Virtual" or "P2V".
Please see our step-by-step instructions on
Using a .VHD Virtual Hard Disk File to Create a Virtual Machine in Oracle VM VirtualBox
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 09-07-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Notes from the Meeting
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 09-07-2011 |
Bernard Bell |
Notes from the Meeting
|
Linux
SIG Meeting
on 08-28-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Notes from the Meeting
|
Computer Pros
SIG Meeting
on 08-19-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Notes from the Meeting
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 08-03-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Using Microsoft's free Disk2vhd software utility to do a "Physical to Virtual" ("P2V"):
How to Clone Your PC to a Virtual Machine (Virtual PC)
How To Turn a Physical Computer Into A Virtual Machine with Disk2vhd
Marcello Tonarelli's Blog
Microsoft's free "Disk2vhd" is the only "Physical to virtual"/"Virtual to virtual" software utility that has an "End User License Agreement"("EULA") that permits use by an organization or business.
In comparison, "VMware vCenter Converter Standalone" both has an EULA that only permits "private use" by individuals.
Using "Disk2vhd" to Convert From An "Oracle VM VirtualBox" Virtual Machine To A "Windows Virtual PC" Virtual Machine ("Virtual to Virtual")(V2V)
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG Meeting
on 08-03-2011 |
Paul Scott |
TCS Participation in APCUG's Online Speakers Bureau
|
General Meeting
on 08-15-2011
|
Paul Scott |
List of Device Bit Rates
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 08-03-2011
|
Ken Sandock |
Notes taken at the Meeting
|
Linux
SIG Meeting
on 07-24-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
General Meeting
on 07-18-2011
|
Paul Scott |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Computer Pros
SIG Meeting
on 07-15-2011
|
Paul Scott |
TCS President Adam Dellos was interviewed about our organization and this interview was aired on various Citadel Broadcasting radio stations on July 17, 2011 at about 6:30AM. Here in Tucson, Arizona, Adam's interview was aired on KIIM (99.5 FM) and KCUB (1290 AM). Our recording of this informative interview is available:
.WMA format
.MP3 format
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 07-17-2011
|
Bill Brownlee |
Notes Taken at the Meeting |
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 07-06-2011 |
Bernard Bell |
The Local Area Network (LAN) at the Southern California Transportation Museum connects to a radio-connected Wide Area Network (WAN) that has been donated by Simply Bits
Commercial High-Speed Internet Access From "Simply Bits"
Common Connection Problems
Mikrotic RouterBoard 750
Netgear WGR614v6
Samsung SCX-6555N Black & White Multifunction Printer
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 07-06-2011
|
Ken Sandock |
Several TCS members volunteer to maintain computers and teach computers at "Tucson Oasis":
See Ken Charvoz's blog entry entitled
Helping Grandma get Techie, OASIS Computer Lab Expansion
See our advice for managing computers for non-profits at
Managing "Windows" Computers in a Non-Profit Organization that has a "Near Zero" Technology Budget
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 07-06-2011
|
Adam Dellos |
Over 10,000 early 78 recordings in the Library of Congress,
now available on line for free at
http://www.loc.gov/jukebox
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 07-06-2011
|
Tom Warburton |
Please download and try out the
Keyboard Tester which is a Windows software program that TCS member Tom Warburton has developed.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 07-06-2011
|
Tom Warburton |
4 Ways to Watch TV for Free by means of the World Wide Web
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 07-06-2011
|
Bill Brownlee |
Two Kinds of Internet Shortcuts in "Internet Explorer 9"--
.URL "Internet Shortcut" Files and .WEBSITE "Pinned Site Shortcuts"
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 07-06-2011
|
Bill Brownlee |
You can post your own videos of burglaries or vandalism on Facebook or YouTube to help fight crime.
See
http://news.yahoo.com/video/tech-15749651/facebook-used-to-fight-crime-24941866
With a free software application called "Yawcam" and some trial-and-error configuration, you can turn any computer that has a Webcam into a security alarm that sends photos of any unexpected events in your home or business to one or more e-mail addresses. If one of these e-mail addresses is one that belongs to your celllular phone, then you will be notified in a timely manner whenever an unexpected event occurs in your home or business. Step-to-step instructions for installing "Yawcam" are located at
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/yawcam/yawcam.html
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 07-06-2011 |
George Harding |
Free Storage on the World Wide Web:
You can get a whale of a lot of free online storage in the "cloud" for free by using more than one free online storage site!
See the informative aticle at
http://lifehacker.com/#!5788508/use-multiple-online-cloud-storage-services-for-free-and-organized-backup
Adrive--50 Gigabytes
Google docs
Skydrive--25 Gigabytes
Idrive--2 Gigabytes
Mozy--2 Gigabytes
My Picturetown--2 Gigabytes
Box.net--1 Gigabyte
DropBoks--1 Gigabyte
AARP.org.--1 Megabyte of photos & 1 Megabyte of videos
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 07-06-2011 |
Les Stein |
Notes taken at the Meeting
|
Linux
SIG Meeting
on 06-26-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Notes taken at the Meeting
|
Computer Pros
SIG Meeting
on 06-17-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Notes taken at the Meeting
|
Linux SIG
on 05-22-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Notes taken at the Meeting
|
Computer Pros
SIG Meeting
on 05-20-2011 |
Paul Scott |
There are three ways for you to get (slow) dial-up Internet access for free with a service called "Netzero Free":
Option 1: Go to http://www.netzero.net/free
from a computer at a public library or a friend's house where they have an active Internet connection. At this Web site, you can sign up for a free "Netzero" account and then download the "Netzero" software to a "USB flash drive" or a CD disc. Then install this "Netzero" software into your home computer and you will have 10 hours of free dialup Internet access for each calendar month.
Option 2:
Phone Netzero at 1-888-349-0029 to ask them to mail you a free "Netzero CD" by means of "snail mail".
When this "Netzero CD" arrives, insert it into the DVD/CD drive of your home computer. Follow the on-screen instructions to sign up for a free "Netzero" account.
Option 3:
Or go to any "Best Buy" store and ask for a free "Netzero CD". They are usually hanging in the computer accessories section of the store. They sometimes run out but all "Best Buy" stores get regular shipments of the free "Netzero CD" on a regular basis.
|
Windows 7 /
Hardware SIG
on 05-04-2011 |
Bill Brownlee |
Use the free
bcTester software program
and/or the
bcWebCam software program to "read" "QR Codes".
To create "QR Codes", use the Web-based online service at
http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
or
http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-generator/
To learn more about "QR Codes", see
http://techie-buzz.com/softwares/read-qr-codes-on-pc.html
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 05-04-2011 |
Bill Brownlee |
You can use the perfectly-safe "EICAR" Anti-virus or Anti-Malware Test File to check the functioning your anti-virus/anti-malware software program.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 05-04-2011
|
Bill Brownlee |
Notes taken at the Meeting
|
Tucson Developers' Co-op
on 04-24-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Notes taken at the Meeting
|
Linux SIG
on 04-24-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Notes Taken at the Meeting |
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 04-06-2011 |
Bernard Bell |
Wayno Guerrini's presentation notes are available at
http://www.pkill-9.com/aztcs.htm
Wayno Guerrini's blog at
http://www.pkill-9.com
has informative technical information about Linux in specific and computing in general.
|
Linux SIG
on 03-27-2011
|
Les Stein |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Linux SIG
on 03-27-2010
|
Paul Scott |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
General Meeting
on 03-21-2011
|
Paul Scott |
Circle.gif is a file for checking the aspect ratio for a computer monitor.
"Screenhunter 5.1 Free" was recommended by Carter Harrison.
"Filebox Extender" was recommended by Dick Reaser.
"Sticky Notes" was recommended by Board member Ken Sandock.
"Do PDF" was recommended by Board member Steve Billheimer.
"PrimoPDF" was recommended by an attendee.
"LillyPond" music notation and "engraving" software was recommended by Board
member Paul Scott.
"MuseScore" music notation software was recommended by Board member Paul
Scott.
"Yahoo Widgets" was recommended by an attendee.
|
General Meeting
on 03-21-2011
|
Bill Brownlee |
For a general overview of free software and services from the Internet, please see
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/free/free.htm
For more detailed information, please see:
Free Anti-Virus/Anti-Malware Softare
Free and Low-Cost Computer Training
Free (Slow) Dial-Up Internet Access
Office Suite Software for Free
Online Karaoke and Karaoke Software for Free
Online File Storage for Free
|
General Meeting
on 03-21-2011
|
Bill Brownlee |
Some presentations about Linux:
http://ingles.homeunix.net/presos/linux-ancient/index.html
and
http://www.wiziq.com/tutorial/9747-Introduction-to-Linux
and
http://www.wiziq.com/tutorial/77207-Introduction-to-Linux-Operating-System
|
General Meeting
on 03-21-2011 |
Les Stein |
Sample data files for testing office suite software:
samples-Final.zip from OpenXMLDeveloper.org
sample_doc.file.doc
passworded_sample_doc.file.doc
(The password for opening this file is "password". This file was created with "Microsoft Word 2002 SP3").
sample Powerpoint ppt file
sample Powerpoint PPSX slide show file
|
General Meeting
on 03-21-2011 |
Les Stein |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
Cloud Computing presentation
|
Computer Pros
SIG Meeting
on 03-18-2011 |
Harry Elver |
Notes Taken at the Meeting |
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 03-02-2011 |
Paul Scott |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Linux SIG
on 02-27-2011
|
Paul Scott |
Network-Attached Storage Device--Installation and Configuration
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 03-02-2011
|
Les Stein |
Using a "VMware Player" Virtual Machine to Perform a Practice/Test Restore of a Acronis "Backup Image File Set" of a Virtual Hard Drive
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 03-02-2011
|
Les Stein |
Install "Microsoft Security Essentials" and "Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Free Version"
Into Your "Windows" Computer--Step-by-Step Instructions
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 03-02-2011
|
Les Stein |
For information on installing and using "Oracle VM VirtualBox" into a "Ubuntu" Linux host computer, see:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/VirtualBox#Installation and configuration
and
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/VirtualBox/Installation
If you do not need USB support, you can install either the Open Source Edition (OSE) or the closed source edition.
However, most Linux users will need the closed source edition so that they can use USB devices.
The closed source edition of "Ubuntu" Linux is located at
http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads
Virtual Networking in "VMware Player" from a "Linux" Perspective
Virtual Networking in "Oracle VM VirtualBox"
from a "Linux" Perspective
A Comparison Between "VMware Player" and "Oracle VM VirtualBox" from a "Linux" Perspective
|
Linux SIG
on 02-27-2011 |
Les Stein |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Computer Pros
SIG Meeting
on 02-18-2011 |
Harry Elver |
Testing the Internet
Connection of a "Windows" Computer
(using File Transfer Protocol so that you do not have to use a Web browser)
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 02-02-2011
|
George Harding |
Free Software and Services from the Internet--A Detailed Guide
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 02-02-2011 |
George Harding |
Free and Low-Cost Training for Digital Photography
|
Digital Imaging SIG
on 01-24-2010
|
Carter Harrison
|
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Linux SIG
on 01-23-2010
|
Paul Scott |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Computer Pros
SIG Meeting
on 01-21-2011 |
Harry Elver |
Some useful printable paper rulers can be found at
http://www.vendian.org/mncharity/dir3/paper_rulers
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 01-05-2011
|
George Harding |
The current version of the free "Kismet" software utility running inside the current version "BackTrack Linux" is still the best free way to analyze both wireless access points and their wirelessly-connected client computers. "BackTrack Linux" can be run either as a bootable LiveDVD or as a Linux distro that is installed into a real or virtual computer. To download a copy of "BackTrack Linux", go to
http://www.backtrack-linux.org/downloads/.
To learn more about the "Kismet" software utility, go to
http://www.kismetwireless.net/
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kismet_(software)
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 01-05-2011 |
George Harding |
In "Windows 7", "classic networking" is faster by about 15 percent relative to "Homegroups" but it is quirky (slightly broken)
See
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7security/thread/6f912ddb-139e-445a-89fe-863c6aebb510
See
The HomeGroup vs. classic-networking faceoff
See
http://scottiestech.info/2009/09/25/windows-7-file-sharing-fixing-the-entire-user-directory-shared-problem/
See
http://windows7news.com/forum/windows-7-troubleshooting/windows-7-security-flaw-or-expected-behaviour-when-sharing-folders/
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 01-05-2011 |
George Harding |
Setting the Root Password in Ubuntu
|
Linux SIG
on 01-23-2011
|
Paul Scott |
The different versions of "Windows.." ("XP", "Vista", and "7") handle user's "My Documents" folders differently, with "Windows 7" using the most complex scheme:
In "Windows 7", a user's "My Documents" folder is displayed in "Windows Explorer" as a "My
Documents" folder. However, the real name of this folder is "Documents" and "Documents" is shown in path designations both in the Properties boxes that Windows displays to the user. Whenever the user is asked to type in a "path" location, he/she must use "Documents" instead of "My Documents".
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Documents
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 11-03-2010 |
George Harding |
Copying Files/Folders from a Data CD or DVD to a USB "Thumb Drive"
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 11-03-2010 |
George Harding |
The HomeGroup vs. classic-networking faceoff
http://superuser.com/questions/82756/is-it-possible-to-use-ipv6-in-lan-with-router-only-supporting-ipv4
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 11-03-2010 |
George Harding |
An Exploration of GPT Hard Drives |
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 11-03-2010 |
George Harding |
Using GIMP to Edit an Object Inside a Photo
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 11-03-2010 |
George Harding |
Webcams--Obtaining, Installing, and Using
5 Free Conference Calling and Video Services
|
General Meeting
on 10-18-2010 |
Les Stein |
If you do not like the "Ribbon Bar" of "Microsoft Office 2007" and "Microsoft Office 2010", you can put the classic menus (Menu bar+Standard toolbar+Formatting toolbar) back in with one of these two free software utilities:
"UBitMenu" or
"Classic Menu for Office..Starter"
You can download a free trial copy of "Microsoft Office 2010.." at
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/try/.
Unless you extend it, this trial copy will expire in 30 days:
Extend Microsoft Office 2010's free trial period to 180 days
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 10-06-2010 |
Earl Newkirk |
If you are running "Windows 7" as your operating system, you can
create a system repair disk now, and add it to your collection of "just in case" tools.
If you are running "Windows Vista" or "Windows 7", the original installation disk (that Microsoft provided) can be used as a "system repair disk".
Both the "full version" and "upgrade version" installation disks (from Microsoft) of Windows Vista" are bootable and can function as a "system repair disk".
For instructions on using the "System Recovery Options" of "Windows Vista" or "Windows 7", see
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/What-happened-to-the-Recovery-Console
and
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927392
and
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Startup-Repair-frequently-asked-questions
You can run the
bootrec /fixmbr
command from the "command prompt" to fix/replace the Master Boot Record(MBR) in "Windows Vista" or "Windows 7".
This command can restore the "Windows Boot Manager" after the Linux partitions are removed and the "Grub" or "Grub 2" boot manager of Linux is no longer functional.
Additional command line repairs for the "Windows Boot Manager" are:
bootrec /scanOS
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd
and
chkdsk
See http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927392
and
http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/92149-re-install-windows-7-boot-manager.html
for details.
If you are running "Windows XP", only the installation disk of the "full version" of "Windows XP" can function as a "system repair disk". The installation disk of the "upgrade version" of "Windows XP" cannot be used to boot up a computer.
If the computer is already booted up, the "upgrade version" of "Windows XP" can be used as a system repair disk.
The following commands can be used to repair the "ntldr" boot manager of "Windows XP":
fixmbr
fixboot
bootcfg /rebuild
chkdsk
For additional instructions on using the "Windows XP Recovery Console", see:
http://www.simplyguides.net/guides/recovery_console/recovery_console.shtml
and
http://tech.icrontic.com/articles/repair_windows_xp/
and
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 10-06-2010 |
George Harding |
Cloud Computing--An Introduction
|
General Meeting
on 09-20-2010
|
Les Stein |
"Hardware Virtualization" makes virtlual machines run much, much faster.
You can test your computer to see if it's CPU has "Hardware Virtualization":
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/support/configure-bios.aspx
http://www.grc.com/securable.htm
http://downloads.vmware.com/d/details/processor_check_5_5_dt/dCpiQGhkYmRAZQ==
If your CPU has "Hardware Virtualization", you might have to turn it on in the BIOS setup screens:
See
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/support/configure-bios.aspx
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 08-04-2010 |
Myron Dungey
|
Use the free
"Hotspot Shield" service to protect yourself from hackers when you are using public wireless and wired Internet access.
Prior to installing it, see this PC World article with some advice about installing "Hotspot Shield".
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 08-04-2010 |
George Harding |
With the latest updates from Adobe, the "Adobe PDF" printer which is part of the not-free "Adobe Acrobat Professional" ("Writer") software application finally works with "Windows 7". However, Adobe uses the "Flexnet Licensing Service" to zealously prevent you from installing multiple copies of "Adobe Acrobat Professional" into multiple computers such as multiple virtual machines. If all you need is to create Adobe Acrobat PDF files with an "Adobe Acrobat faux printer", use the
"Bullzip PDF Printer" which is totally free, instead of buying "Adobe Acrobat Professional" just to get it's "Adobe PDF" printer.
"Bullzip.." is recommended by computer journalist Lincoln Spector in an article in the June 2010 issue of "PC World".
This article is also available at
http://www.pcworld.com/article/189243/save_a_whole_web_page.html
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 08-04-2010 |
Robert Thompson |
Adding Hard Drives
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 07-07-2010 |
George Harding |
To analyze or troubleshoot your Wi-Fi Internet connection, use the following free software applications:
Use the following 3 free software applications to look at all of the the wireless access points in the vicinity:
Vstumbler
inSSIDer
Meraki WiFi Stumbler
To look at all of the wireless access points in the vicinity and all of the various client computers that are wirelessly connected to these access points:
1) Boot up your Wi-Fi-enabled computer with a "BackTrack Linux" LiveDVD
2) Then use the free "Kismet" software application to view the entire Wi-Fi environment.
"Kismet" shows you both wireless access points AND all of the computer clients that are connected to them.
Step-by-step instructions for using Kismet are available.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 06-02-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
Databases at the Pima County Public Library (PDF)
|
General Meeting
on 05-17-2010
|
Les Stein |
In the course of our visits to various branchs of the Pima County Public Library, including the Himmel Park Library and the Martha Cooper Library, we discovered that if we use any Web browser to go to
http://www.library.pima.gov/research/databases/interstitials/wifi.html
then, we do not have to wait for 15 to 20 minutes for access to their free wireless Internet access.
Apparently their "Walled Garden" intranet server(s) only delivers this "User Agreement" Web page to wirelessly-connected computer clients every 15 to 20 minutes.
|
Tucson
Developers' Co-op
on 03-31-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
To change the default operating system for any Linux distro that uses "Grub 2" (such as Ubuntu 9.10), you can download, install, and use the "StartUp-Manager" application. See
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/StartUpManager
|
Linux SIG
on 02-28-2010 |
Dennis McCormick |
ImgBurn is
a great free software application for burning and copying DVDs and CDs.
It can also create *.iso image files of actual CDs, DVDs, and any files/folders on a hard drive.
Virtual CloneDrive is
a great free software application for creating a virtual CD or DVD drive from an *.iso image file.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
"Windows Activation"
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
Free Wi-Fi hotspots in the Tucson, Arizona area
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
George Harding |
YouTube video playlist of the informative
"Backing Up Computers" presentation by Jon Griebel
|
General Meeting
on 11-16-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
Ctrl+Shift+Esc gets you to the "Windows Task Manager" faster than Ctrl+Alt+Delete
Another quick way to get to the "Windows Task Manager" is to perform a right click on gray space anywhere on the Windows "Task Bar" and then select "Start Task Manager" from the pop-up utility menu. All of these ways for getting to the "Windows Task Manager" work for "Windows XP", "Windows Vista", and "Windows 7"
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
George Harding |
Make Windows 7 or Vista Log On Automatically
How to Configure Windows XP to Log You in Automatically
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
Speeding Up a Dial-Up Connection
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
Adding Hard Drives
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 10-07-2009 |
George Harding |
If you use Windows XP's "Wireless Zero Configuration" service or Windows Vista's "Connect to a Network" to configure the wireless (WiFi), you can use the free WirelessKeyView software utility to look up the security keys of all wireless networks which you haved ever made connections to. If you use the third party Wi-Fi management software that was bundled with your Wi-Fi adapter, you have to use the third party Wi-fi management software to view your security keys, if they provide you with this capability.
|
Windows/Hardware SIG
on 10-07-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
Drive Imaging--Almost Everything You Need to Know
How to Back Up (or "Image") a Hard Drive with Clonezilla
How to Restore a Hard Drive with Clonezilla
|
General Meeting
on 09-21-2009
|
Les Stein |
Use Slysoft's free "Virtual Clonedrive" software utility to access the files and folders inside any DVD or CD .ISO (ISO 9660) file.
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 09-02-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
Use "Keepvid.com" or "Kissyoutube.com" to grab and save YouTube videos to the hard drive of your computer. See Brad Becker's description of "kissyoutube.com"
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 08-05-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
HowTo: Using CUPS-PDF Printer Driver to Create PDF Files in Ubuntu Linux
|
Linux SIG
on 05-24-2009 |
Les Stein |
