| Subject/Title |
Meeting
& Date |
Submitted
by |
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 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
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 10-06-2010 |
Robert Thompson |
The "conversation view" of "Hotmail" can cause you to inadvertently send 4 or more previously-received e-mail messages to an unintended recipient. For details about "conversation view", see
http://www.winsupersite.com/live/hotmail_02.asp
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 10-06-2010 |
George Harding |
Plustek SmartPhoto P60 photo scanner
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 09-01-2010 |
George Harding |
To convert/copy a real physical computer into a "virtual machine" that can be "played" in any Windows computer that has a copy of "VMware Player 3", you can use the free "VMWare vCenter Converter Standalone" software utility or the free "Paragon Go Virtual" software utility.
See http://www.informationweek.com/news/smb/hardware_software/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=226200112
or
http://www.intowindows.com/paragon-go-virtual-free-powerful-migration-tool-for-windows/
The users manual for "Paragon Go Virtual" is located at
http://www.paragon-software.com/docs/GoVirtual_manual_eng.pdf
The "FAQ" for "VMware vCenter Converter" is located at
http://www.vmware.com/products/converter/faqs.html
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 09-01-2010 |
Steve Hernandez |
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"
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 09-01-2010 |
George Harding |
The LG X120 netbook has both WiFi and GSM cellular network connectivity, as well as a "Splashtop" "Smart On" interface as an alternative to it's preloaded OEM copy of "Windows XP Home".
The end result is that this netbook has two operating systems in it:
1) An almost instant-on distro of Linux which is stored in ROM on it's motherboard
and
2) a copy of "Windows XP Home" that runs from the internal hard drive.
According to Wikipedia, Splash-top is a lean distro of Linux that boots in about 5 seconds and "features a graphical user interface, a web browser based on Mozilla Firefox 2.0, a Skype VoIP client and a chat client based on Pidgin. It also includes an Adobe Flash Player 10.".
More information about Splashtop is available at http://splashtop.com/how_splashtop_works.php
.
For reviews and videos of the LG X120 netbook, see
http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/19/lg-x120-netbook-review/
http://www.netbookreviews.net/lg/x120/
http://nexus404.com/Blog/2009/11/24/lg-x120-netbook-gets-official-in-the-usa-lg-announces-its-first-netbook-for-the-usa-the-x120/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DrCTuuOb8o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RPTLOQFeRw
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4201450
http://www.i4u.com/32333/4999-lg-x120-3g-netbook-deal-exclusive-radio-shack
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 09-01-2010 |
George Harding |
"Connectify" is a free software application that lets any "Windows 7" computer that has a Wi-Fi adapter act as a wireless access point for other computers. Even if your "Windows 7" computer has a single Wi-Fi adapter that is already acting as the computer's Internet connection, "Connectify" wil turn your computer into a wireless access point for other Wi-Fi-capable computers that are nearby. You can download Connectify for free at
http://www.connectify.me/
Step-by-step instructions for installing "Connectify" are located at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/connectify/connectify.html
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 09-01-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
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 /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 09-01-2010 |
George Harding |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Linux SIG
on 08-22-2010 |
Paul Scott |
Defending Yourself Against Tracking Files
|
Computer
Professionals
SIG
on 08-20-2010 |
Dave Bilgray |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Computer
Professionals
SIG
on 08-20-2010 |
Harry Elver |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 08-04-2010 |
Les Stein |
You can download a trial copy of "Windows 7 Enterprise" at
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/cc442495.aspx?ITPID=wtcpgs.
Detailed instructions for installing this free evaluation of "Windows 7.." can be found at
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/win7eval/win7eval.htm (html)
(pdf)
Step-by-step instructions for installing this free evaluation of "Windows 7.." into "VMware Player 3" are available at
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/win7intovmware/win7intovmware.htm (html)
(pdf)
Step-by-step instructions for installing this free evaluation of "Windows 7.." into "Oracle VM VirtualBox" are available at
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/win7intovirtualbox/win7intovirtualbox.htm (html)
(pdf)
Please read and respect the Microsoft Evaluation Software License Terms (html)
(pdf) for the "Windows 7 Enterprise Trial".
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 08-04-2010 |
Earl Newkirk |
In addition to free Oracle "Oracle VM VirtualBox", you can use VMware's free "VMware Player 3.x" to host Linux, DOS, and Windows operating systems as "virtual machines" inside Windows.
Both "Oracle VM VirtualBox" and "VMware Player 3.x" let you create/install virtual machines, which are also known as "guest operating systems". Past versions of "VMware Player" did not have this capability.
(VMware also offers a free virtual machine system called "VMware Server". "VMware Server" only runs reliably on the server versions of Windows and Linux. In 2009, Francis tried to run "VMware Server 2" on a Windows Vista Home computer and it overwhelmed this computer, resulting in unrecoverable Windows registry corruption.)
"VMware Player 3" gives you more reliable control over USB-attached devices than "Oracle VM VirtualBox"
(With "Oracle VM VirtualBox", you often have to insert a USB device such as a flash drive multiple times before a virtual machne guest recognizes it.)
Oracle "VirtualBox" allows you to create "virtual hard drives" on demand while "VMware Player.." does not.
(In Oracle "VirtualBox.." you can create a new "virtual hard drive" at any time using the "Virtual Media Manager" applet. In "VMware.." you are allowed to create a single virtual hard drive at the time that you create a new virtual machine/operating system.)
With "VMware Player 3", we are able to do file and printer sharing between virtual machines. (We have been unable to do so with "Oracle VM VirtualBox".)
With "VMware Player 3", we are able to do file and printer sharing between a virtual machine and the host operating system. (We have also been able to do so with "Oracle VM VirtualBox" but it is not as reliable or consistent as these capabilities in "VMware Player 3".
"Oracle VM VirtualBox" uses about 110 Megabytes of space in the 'Program Files" or "Program Files(86)" folder of your C: drive.
"VMware Player 3" uses about 380 Megabytes of space in the 'Program Files" or "Program Files(86)" folder of your C: drive.
If you have limited hard drive space on the C: drive of your Windows computer, use "Oracle VM VirtualBox" instead of "VMware Player 3".
When hosted in a 64-bit operating system, "Oracle VM Virtualbox" runs as a 64-bit software application.
When hosted in a 64-bit operating system, "VMware Player" runs as a 32-bit software application.
When hosted in a 32-bit operating system running on a 64-bit processor with "Hardware Assisted Virtualization", "Oracle VM VirtualBox" permits the creation of virtual machines with 64-bit guest operating systems.
"VMware Player" does not have this capability.
Some additional comparisons between "VMware Player.." and Oracle "VirtualBox" can be found at:
http://www.sysprobs.com/virtualbox-316-vmware-player-3-desktop-virtualization-software
and
http://www.techairlines.com/2010/01/08/virtualbox-3-1-2-vs-vmware-player-3-0-first-class-flyer/
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 08-04-2010 |
Bill Brownley
|
Testing 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
|
Microsoft's video on how to set up a Desktop Background Slide Show in Windows 7
For step-by-step instructions, see
http://www.lytebyte.com/2009/06/08/how-to-setup-windows-7-default-automatic-desktop-background-switcher/
or
http://www.nirmaltv.com/2009/05/03/how-to-change-desktop-wallpaper-quickly-in-windows-7/
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 08-04-2010 |
George Harding |
Use RSS to create a dynamic Windows 7 desktop wallpaper slideshow
by Mark Kaelin
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 08-04-2010 |
Steve Hernandez |
Hauppauge WinTV HVR 950Q USB TV tuner
See
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116034
and
http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hvr950q.html
and
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11313856
Linksys WMP300N Wi-Fi PCI Adapter for extended range Wi-Fi access
See
http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-Wireless-N-PCI-Adapter
and
http://www.linksysbycisco.com/EU/en/products/WMP300N
iMicro 3.5 IDE & SATA to USB external hard drive enclosure
Action Star Printer Sharing Switch
Double Killer, a free software utility for searching for duplicate data files on your computer
The above items are real, take up space, and cost you money.
Here are some virtual devices that are free and more of a challenge for your gray matter:
"Connectify" is a free wireless access point that provides firewalled Wi-Fi Internet access to real computers near you.
"Oracle VirtualBox" provides you with a the ability to run virtual machine computers (DOS, Windows, and Linux) inside your existing Windows or Linux Computer.
"VMware Player 3" provides you with the ability to run virtual computers (DOS, Windows, and Linux) inside your existing Windows or Linux Computer. It also provides you with a configurable virtual router/firewall/ethernet switch so that you can do file and printer sharing between virtual machine computers and between virtual machine computers and the host operating system.
The "Vice Emulator" provides you with a free virtual "Commodore 64" computer inside your Windows, Linux, or Macintosh computer.
|
General Meeting
on 07-19-2010 |
Ken Sandock |
Google Search Techniques
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 07-07-2010 |
George Harding |
More Windows 8 hints, this time on the virtualization front
by Mary-Jo Foley
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 08-04-2010 |
Steve Hernandez |
Some leaked information about the future "Windows 8" operating system can be found at
"http://msftkitchen.com/2010/06/windows-8-plans-leaked-numerous-details-revealed.html.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 08-04-2010 |
George Harding |
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 |
"Kaffeine"--A Virtual Television & Media Viewer for Ubuntu Linux
|
Linux SIG
on 07-25-2010 |
Paul Scott |
Notes Taken at the Meeting: "Real and Virtual Gadgets and Devices"
|
General Meeting
on 07-19-2010 |
Les Stein |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Computer
Professionals
SIG
on 07-16-2010 |
Harry Elver |
Installing any version of Windows or any distro of Linux as a guest of Oracle "VirtualBox" hosted in "Windows"
Installing "Ubuntu Ultimate Edition 2.7" as a Virtual Machine Guest Operating System Inside "VMware Player 3"(pdf format) (html format)
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 07-07-2010 |
Robert Thompson |
The naming that is used for the various versions of SATA and eSATA is confusing:
http://www.thefullwiki.org/SATA
http://www.serialata.org/developers/naming_guidelines.asp
http://www.serialata.org/documents/SATA-6Gbs-Fast-Just-Got-Faster.pdf
At the present time, the performance gains from using "SATA III 6Gbps" instead of "SATA II 3Gbps" hard drives are minimal
and probably not worth the expense. However, using "SATA 6Gbps" motherboard "futureproofs" a computer to reduce the additional expense of upgrading to a "SATA III 6Gbps"-capable motherboard in the future.
"SATA 6GBS" hard drives by Western Digital:
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/first_look_6gbs_sata_western_digital_velociraptor_600gb
http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=870
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2010/02/20/sata_6gbs_on_your_new_motherboard/2
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/3055/western_digital_caviar_black_2tb_hard_disk/index.html
http://www.wiredzone.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=32022694&utm_source=googleProd&utm_campaign=SATA+Hard+Drives&source=googleProd
"SATA 6GBS" hard drive by Seagate:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/2866
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148506&Tpk=seagate%20barricuda%20xt%202tb
http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1127/1/
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 06-02-2010 |
Myron Dungey |
Adding Hard Drives
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 07-07-2010 |
George Harding |
Procedure for Cleaning a Virus/Malware-Infected Computer
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 07-07-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
The free version of "FortiClient Endpoint Security Suite--Standard Edition ("FortiClient")"
is the only free antivirus/antimalware software application that permits use by organizations and businesses.
Francis has been installing it at a non-profit organization and it has worked fine there.
"FortiClient" comes in a 32-bit version and a 64-bit version:
The 32-bit version of "FortiClient" can be obtained from the "Download Now" button
at
http://www.forticlient.com/standard.html
This button does not indicate that it downloads the 32-bit version of "FortiClient".
The 64-bit version of "FortiClient" can be obtained from the "DOWNLOAD FortiClient for Wndows 64-bit" button
at
http://www.forticlient.com/standard.html.
Some reviews of "FortiClient" can be found at:
http://www.brighthub.com/computing/smb-security/reviews/49900.aspx
and
http://www.software-knowledge.net/a-look-at-forticlient-from-fortinet/
All other free antivirus/antimalware software utilities have "End User License Agreements"("EULAs") that do not permit any use outside of "home use".
For example, the EULA of "Microsoft Security Essentials" can be read at http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/eula.aspx.
For example, the EULA of "AVG Free Anti-Virus" can be read at http://free.avg.com/ww-en/eula
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 07-07-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
Webcams--Obtaining, Installing, and Using
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 07-07-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Linux SIG
on 06-27-2010 |
Les Stein |
Installing the Free "VMware Player 3" into a "Ubuntu 10.04 Desktop LTS" Computer(pdf format) (html format)
"Ultimate Edition 2.7" is a "third-party distribution" variant of "Ubuntu 10.04 Desktop LTS".
Installing "Ubuntu Ultimate Edition 2.7" as a Virtual Machine Guest Operating System Inside "VMware Player 3"(pdf format) (html format)
|
Linux SIG
on 06-27-2010 |
Les Stein |
Free Programs--Part 1 by George Harding
Free Programs--Part 2 by Rick Rolland
Your Social Security Benefits(pdf format) (html format) by Danny Torres, Social Security Administration
|
General Meeting
on 06-21-2010 |
Les Stein |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Computer
Professionals
SIG
on 06-18-2010 |
Harry Elver |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 06-02-2010 |
Les Stein |
The FR500 SolarLink "Self-Powered and Solar-Powered AM/FM/Shortwave Radio with NOAA Weatherband, Flashlight, Siren and Cell Phone Charger" is a handy multi-use device that is endorsed by the American Red Cross.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 06-02-2010 |
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 |
Installing Ubuntu 10.04 as a "Guest Operating System"/"Virtual Machine" inside Oracle "VirtualBox"
|
Linux SIG
on 05-23-2010 |
Les Stein |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Linux SIG
on 05-23-2010 |
Les Stein |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Computer
Professionals
SIG
on 05-21-2010 |
Harry Elver |
Databases at the Pima County Public Library (PDF)
|
General Meeting
on 05-17-2010 |
Les Stein |
"Ubuntu 10.04 Long Term Support" was released on April 29. It has many improvements including a dramatically-reduced bootup time.
|
General Meeting
on 05-17-2010 |
Paul Scott |
Speeding up Windows 7
or
Make the Windows 7 Taskbar Work More Like Windows XP or Vista
Speeding up Windows Vista
or
Make Vista Look Like XP
Speeding up Windows XP
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 05-05-2010 |
Myron Dungey |
The SolarGoose
USB-powered flashlight is a very handy device. SolarGoose sells other useful devices. some of which use solar cells to charge both integrated flashlights and external devices such as cell phones. Ken Sandock mentioned at our January meeting that he uses similar devices for camping trips.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 05-05-2010 |
Andy Pezzulo |
You can use improved
"Dragon NaturallySpeaking" software or "Windows Speech Recognition" to convert your speech to text.
"Windows Speech Recognition" is part of both "Windows Vista" and "Windows 7".
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 05-05-2010
|
George Harding |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Linux SIG
on 04-25-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Computer
Professionals
SIG
on 04-16-2010 |
Harry Elver |
There are three new, competing technologies for providing a ROM-based "instant on" distro of Linux on motherboards:
"Splashtop" by DeviceVM
"HyperSpace" by Phoenix Technologies
and
"Latitude On" by Dell
Some of the new technologies have not been getting along!:
"DeviceVM Sues Phoenix Technologies over Unfair Competition, False Advertising, and Violations of the Lanham Act"
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 04-07-2010 |
Les Stein |
Unresolved Issues with large >2TB hard drives:
512-byte sector emulation for backward compatibility
(also known as "read-modify-write)
Western Digital’s Advanced Format: The 4K Sector Transition Begins
4K Sector Drives Are Coming
4K Advanced Format Hard Disks
NTFS Cluster Sizes
Default cluster size for NTFS, FAT, and exFAT
Why New Hard Disks Might Not Be Much Fun for XP Users
New Western Digital Format Squeezes 11 Percent More Capacity from Drives
How to Break the 2TB (2 TeraByte) File System Limit
How To Avoid the Windows MBR Disk 2TB Limit by Using GPT Type Disks
The following article oversimplies the process of converting from MBR to GPT:
Convert a MBR Disk to a GPT Disk
Understanding the 2 TB Limit in Windows Storage
GUID Partition Table
Extensible Firmware Interface
For an example of a motherboard that has EFI instead of a BIOS, see
Intel's DQ43AP motherboard or
Intel's DB55KG motherboard
Say Goodbye To Your BIOS: Hello, UEFI!
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/intel-uefi-firmware,review-31766-3.html
Anyone Tried UEFI Boot?
Booting from GPT
Make the most of large drives with GPT and Linux
Hybrid MBRs
Windows XP computers will not work efficiently with the new 4096 byte sector hard drives:
See
Hard Drives' Sector Shift May Cripple XP Users
and
"4K Sector Hard Drive Primer".
Western Digital provides two workarounds for "Windows XP" computers:
1) A software workaround called "WD Align System Utility"
See
http://support.wdc.com/product/downloadsw.asp?sid=123
AND
2) a hardware jumper on the WD**EAR hard drive called "7-8"
See
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/wd-4k-sector,2554-3.html
If you buy a Western Digital drive with 4096-byte and set it's jumper for backward "alignment" compatibility to make logical 512-byte interpreted sectors align with 4096-byte hardware sectors on the drive, you might still get a performance slowdown with Linux. See:
"http://www.osnews.com/story/22872/Linux_Not_Fully_Prepared_for_4096-Byte_Sector_Hard_Drives"
and
"Linux and 4K Disk Sectors"
To avoid alignment slowdowns with 4096 byte-sector hard drives for Linux computers, do one of the following:
Use "parted" from the command line with the
"--align optimal" option
or
Use fdisk to create a partition. After the partition is created, enter fdisk's expert mode ("x"), and set the start sector ("b") to 64.
See:
How to Create 4KB Aligned Partitions in Windows XP and Linux
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 04-07-2010 |
Les Stein |
Relative Usage of Various Operating Systems by Operating System Category
Relative Usage of Various Operating Systems by Operating System
Windows 7's share breaks 10% mark--
Microsoft's latest OS will replace Vista in the No. 2 spot by June, data shows
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 04-07-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
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.
|
Software Developers SIG
on 03-31-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Software Developers SIG
on 03-31-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Linux SIG
on 03-28-2010 |
Myron Dungey |
Notes Taken at the Meeting
|
Computer
Professionals
SIG
on 03-19-2010 |
Harry Elver |
"The pros and cons of switching to Windows 7" by Woody Leonhard
Features New to Windows 7
|
General Meeting
on 03-15-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
Minimum system requirements for running Windows 7
Do you need the "Windows 7" upgrade or the "Windows 7" full version?
How to Pay Less for Windows 7"
"Windows 7" pricing at Newegg.com
How to Perform a "Full Install" of "Windows 7" Using the "Upgrade Version" and Save $100
The actual steps for doing so are at Woody Leonhard's "SuperSite for Windows" blog and
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/howtos/how_use_your_windows_7_upgrade_disk_fresh_pc?page=0%2C1
and
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/10/27/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-and-product-key-on-formatted-or-empty-blank-hard-drive/
See also:
Microsoft confirms Windows 7 install trick is legal
See also: Windows 7 upgrade version: The dos and don'ts
How to Decide on the Edition of "Windows 7"
How to Decide Between the 32-bit and 64-bit Versions of "Windows 7"
Another cost-saving alternative is to install an OEM version of "Windows 7". See
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=1561
Microsoft's official documentation on upgrade paths between the various versions of "Windows Vista" to the various versions of "Windows 7" AND between the various versions of "Windows 7" to each other can be found at:
Windows 7 Upgrade Considerations"
and
Windows 7 Upgrade Paths
|
General Meeting
on 03-15-2010 |
Robert Thompson |
"Using Windows 7"
"Aero Troubleshooting for Windows 7"
|
General Meeting
on 03-15-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
"Windows 7" Upgrade Step-By-Step
|
Windows 7/
General Meeting
on 03-15-2010 |
Robert Thompson |
If you do not have a home network, you can transfer data files and Windows settings from your old "Windows XP" or "Windows Vista" computer to a new Windows 7 computer by using a "Windows Easy Transfer Cable" such as
Belkin's model F5U279 cable
"Windows Easy Transfer" can be used to transfer data files and folders and Windows settings between any pairing of "Windows XP", "Windows Vista", or "Windows 7" computers. For example, you can transfer from a "Windows XP" computer to another "Windows XP" computer.
Or you can transfer from a "Windows 7" computer to a "Windows Vista" computer.
|
Windows 7/
General Meeting
on 03-15-2010 |
Carter Harrison |
Microsoft: Don't press F1 key in Windows XP
Ignore sites that nag to press the Help key, says zero-day bug advisory
Microsoft to XP Users: 'Don't Press F1'
Critics Wary of Microsoft's Waledac Botnet Takedown
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 03-03-2010 |
Les Stein |
|
You can use a Yogan Universal Device Charger to power up any mobile device such as a cell phone. If the battery on your mobile device dies and you still need to make a call, you can use your hands to squeeze the "Yogan" device repeatedly. The "Yogan" has an internal battery that stores your squeezes in it's internal rechargeable battery. After about 5 minutes, you can stop squeezing and attach a cable from the "Yogan" to the power jack of the mobile device and it will power this device for a few minutes. If your mobile device is a cell phone, the "Yogan" will provide power to it long enough for you to make an outgoing call.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 03-03-2010 |
George Harding |
New "Tech Support" pages have been added to the TCS Web site.
Many of the virtual folders of these new Web pages provide information about Windows and hardware-related topics. To access these new pages, click on the "Tech Support" hyperlink near the bottom of the left vertical menu bar of any of the main pages of the TCS Web site. Alternatively, you can go directly to
http://www.box.net/shared/ff0p9m41h0.
We recommend that you select a "Sort by" of "Name" before perusing the pages of the "Tech Support" section of the TCS Web site.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 03-03-2010 |
Paul Scott |
Relative usage of various desktop operating systems
Relative usage of various Web browsers
Relative usage of various search engine Web sites
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 03-03-2010 |
George Harding |
How to Remove "Antivirus Live" and Other Rogue/Fake Antivirus Malware
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 03-03-2010 |
Ken Sandock |
You can use the free "CloseAll.exe" software application to close all open Windows in Windows.
If one of your open applications has a document file with unsaved changes, the application that it is associated with will not close until you decide whether to save those changes through a dialog box. In other words, running "CloseAll.exe" is equivalent to clicking on the "File" and then "Close" for each open Window individually.
"CloseAll.exe" is a portable software application. A portable software application is one that does not need to be installed on your Windows computer and one that does not need support from the Windows registry. Since it is a portable software application, you can carry "CloseAll.exe" around on a USB flash drive or a CD disc and run in from any computer that you use.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 03-03-2010 |
Bill Brownlee
|
Of the 8+ free software applications for backing up (imaging) a computer, the "best of breed" is "Macrium Reflect Free Edition".
For the past twelve months, computer gurus who write for computer publications have been raving about "Macrium Reflect Free Edition" ("Macrium"). See:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/157039/make_drive_imaging_easy_with_macrium_reflect_free.html
and
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-10369192-68.html
and
http://www.pcworld.com/article/168223/more_on_image_backups.html
You can download this great freebie at
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp
After you install "Macrium" into your Windows computer, you can use it to back up any and/or all hard drives or hard drive partitions. At a future point in time, the image files that "Macrium" creates can be used to restore your computer's entire Windows hard drive including the registry and any data that resides on the drive.
Detailed instructions for installing "Macrium" are available at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/macrium/1/1_installing.html
Detailed instructions for creating a Macrium "Rescue CD" are available at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/macrium/2/2_makingrescuecd.html
Detailed instructions for using "Macrium" to back up (image) a Windows computer are available at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/macrium/3/3_backingup.html
Detailed instructions for using the Macrium "Rescue CD" to restore the hard drive(s) or hard drive partitions of a Windows computer are available at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/macrium/4/4_restoring.html
A comparison between "Macrium" and "Acronis True Image Home 2010" can be found at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/macrium/5/5_comparison.html
A comparison between "Macrium" and "Clonezilla" can be found at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/macrium/6/6_comparison2.html
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 03-03-2010 |
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 |
"Docupen" by Planon is a portable scanning device
Clickfree Transformer is a pass-thru USB device with bundled software in firmware for backing up all data files in a Windows computer to an external USB hard drive that you must provide.
"Clon" by Verbatim is an external hard drive with bundled "Nero BackItUp" software for backing up all data files in a Windows computer.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 02-03-2010 |
George Harding |
Silent Updates Boost Security (for Google Chrome relative to other Web browsers)
|
General Meeting
on 02-15-2010 |
Les Stein |
YouTube videos of the Yawcam Video Alarm presentation
taken with an Insignia 5MP Digital Camcorder
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 02-03-2010 |
John Smith |
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 the "Video Motion Detection Alarm" folder at
http://www.box.net/shared/ff0p9m41h0
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 02-03-2010 |
George Harding |
Windows 7 RC nears auto-shutdown deadline, Microsoft warns
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 02-03-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
"7 Backup Strategies for Your Data, Multimedia, and System Files"
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 02-03-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
The next version of Ubuntu Linux will be version 10.04 with a code name of "Lucid Lynx".
This version will have "Long Term Support" of 5 years. See
http://www.ubuntugeek.com/what%E2%80%99s-coming-in-ubuntu-10-04-lucid-lynx.html and
http://fridge.ubuntu.com/node/1916
|
Linux SIG
on 01-24-2010 |
Dennis McCormick |
With the help of the Canonical company, the developers of "Ubuntu" Linux, Google are currently developing an operating system that is based on the "Google Chrome" Web browser. It is actually a super-lean, Internet-dependent distro of Linux. The "alpha" of "Google Chrome OS" is now available from two locations: "gdgt.com" and "hexxeh.net".
The gdgt.com version of the alpha of "Google Chrome OS" is available as a ".vmdk" virtual machine appliance file.
This "vmdk" file can be installed in to ways:
as a bootable USB flash storage device
and
as a virtual machine guest running inside "Sun VirtualBox".
The instructions for making a bootable USB flash storage device are located at http://discuss.gdgt.com/google/chrome-os/tips/Chromium-OS-on-ASUS-eee-PC-via-USB-in-three-easy-steps/
Instructions for running the bootable USB flash storage device.
The gdgt.com version of "Google Chrome OS" has extensive support for both Wi-Fi and wired ("Ethernet") network connections. It requires a 4-Gigabyte (or larger) USB flash storage device.
The instructions for creating a virtual machine "guest operating system" in Sun VirtualBox" is located at the "gdgt.com". To run the "virtual machine appliance" version, you can download and install "Oracle VM VirtualBox" for free at VirtualBox.org
The hexxeh.net version of the alpha of "Google Chrome OS" is a *.img file that can be used to create a bootable USB flash device. See
http://chromeos.hexxeh.net
At the present time, the hexxeh.net version has mininal support for Wi-Fi: If you are unable to make a Wi-Fi connection with it, try using it with a wired "Ethernet" network connection.
The hexxeh.net version requires a 2-gigabyte (or larger) USB flash storage device.
|
Linux
SIG
on 01-24-2009 |
Les Stein |
Ubuntu Netbook Remix and
Easy Peasy
are super-lean distros of Linux that are optimized for netbooks and low-end computers.
|
Linux SIG
on 01-24-2010 |
Myron Dungey
|
YouTube video of George Harding's report on the "2010 International Consumer Electronics Show"(CES)
"CES 2010 Notes and Analysis with Hyperlinks"
|
General Meeting
on 01-18-2010 |
George Harding |
YouTube video of Rick Rolland's report
on the "2010 International Consumer Electronics Show"(CES)
CNET videos taken at CES can be found at
http://ces.cnet.com/ces-videos
Keynote presentations can be found at
http://cesweb.org
|
General Meeting
on 01-18-2010 |
Rick Rolland |
User manuals for our SVGA projector can be downloaded from
http://www.optomausa.com/Product_detail.asp?product_id=389
|
General Meeting
on 01-18-2010 |
Rick Rolland |
Intermediate & Advanced Virus/Malware Fixes
|
Computer
Professionals
SIG
on 01-15-2010 |
Dustin Jones
and
Harry Elver |
Browser history viewers are a great tool for doing research on the World Wide Web
|
Computer
Professionals
SIG
on 01-15-2010 |
Daniel Vance
and
Harry Elver |
"Google Voice" is a feature-rich telephone management service. They can provide you with a free local phone number (in any area code you desire) or you can have them always ring one of your existing land-line or cellular phone numbers. An excellent description of "Google Voice" can be found at
http://askbobrankin.com/what_is_google_voice.html
The "Google Voice" service can be configured in one of four methods:
See http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/googlevoice.html
for details.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
Les Stein |
"Skype" and "MagicJack" are Internet-based alternatives to traditional "Plain Old Telephone Service" telephone lines.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
There have been many problems with Hewlett Packard.
"Pavilion" or "Pavilion Elite" computers that were sold in the latter half of 2009. The "lockups" or "freezes" do not appear to be dependent on any particular operating system. Hewlett Packard tech support has been unable to provide any end-user resolutions that resolve the problems. The big fix that resolves the problems is a replacement of the "Truckee" motherboard by a Hewlett Packard service center.
See http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/truckeeproblems.html for extensive discussions of these problems.
Hewlett Packard's documentation on the "Truckee" motherboard does not mention the problems. Many of the "Pavilions" and "Pavilion Elites" with this motherboard do not have the problems. No one knows what percentage of the Hewlett Packard computers with this motherboard have the above-mentioned problems.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
UPGRADING FROM "WINDOWS XP" OR "WINDOWS VISTA" TO "WINDOWS 7":
Windows 7 Upgrade--Almost Everything You Need to Know
Use "Windows Easy Transfer"("WET") to move data files and Windows settings. "WET" is freebie applet that is part of both "Windows Vista" and "Windows 7". It can be installed into "Windows XP".
Or use Laplink's not-free "PCMover" to reduce the amount of effort involved in performing a "clean install" upgrade of Windows 7. However, like any complicated software utility, there is a small possibility that "WET" or "PCMover" might fail. Some failures involve failure to move data files in certain locations. Other failures involve the failure to move some Windows settings. For some instances of failure of "WET", see:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76217291@N00/3492360092/
http://www.realgeek.com/forums/windows-easy-transfer-204202.html
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2111364,00.asp
http://www.resourcesforwebsites.com/windowseasytransfer.php
http://www.kombitz.com/2009/08/17/notes-about-windows-easy-transfer/
FAQ:
How to prep for an XP-to-Windows 7 upgrade
by Gregg Keizer
UPGRADING FROM ONE VERSION OF "WINDOWS 7" TO ANOTHER VERSION OF "WINDOWS 7":
Microsoft's information on "Windows Anytime Update" (between versions of "Windows 7") is at
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Windows-Anytime-Upgrade-frequently-asked-questions
To upgrade from one version of "Windows 7" to a higher up version, you have to use the "windows Anytime Upgrade" applet inside the current version of "Windows 7". If you attempt to run the "upgrade version" or "full version" installation disk of the higher version of "Windows 7" from inside your current version of "Windows 7", you will arrive at a information window that tells you that you have to use "Windows Anytime Upgrade".
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
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 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
George Harding |
The "Microsoft Office 2010 beta" can be downloaded for free from
http://us2.office2010beta.microsoft.com/searchresults.aspx?keyword=office 2010.
Details about the different versions of this time-limited software can be found at
http://us2.office2010beta.microsoft.com/faq.aspx?culture=en-US
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
George Harding |
Openoffice.org is
a free, open source office suite consisting of a word processor called
"Writer", a spreadsheet called "Calc", a presentation application
called "Impress", and a database system called "Base".
"Writer"can open, create, and modify *.doc and *.docx files.
"Calc" can open, create, and modify *.xls and *.xlsx files.
"Impress" can open, create, and modify *.ppt and *.pptx files.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
Ken Sandock |
Nero 9 Lite is
a great, free software application for burning and copying DVDs and CDs
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 |
Jolicloud's "Jolicloud Express" is a super-lean Linux disto that will compete with "Google Chrome Operating System". The beta of "Jolicloud Express" is available for you to download and try.
|
Linux
SIG
on 12-27-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
"Splashtop" and "Hyperspace" are two technologies to provide computer owners with a super-lean Linux distro for quick, safe Web access without using the main operating system and hard drive of a personal computer. "Splashtop" has been available since the summer of 2008. Phoenix's "Hyperspace" is currently only available on some high-end "Intel" motherboards.
These two schemes for providing a minimalized Linux environment might compete with the emerging "Google Chrome Operating System". See http://blog.laptopmag.com/is-google-chrome-the-new-splashtop
|
Linux
SIG
on 12-27-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
Virtual Online Gifts Shared by Professional SIG Attendees
|
Computer
Professionals
SIG
on 12-18-2009 |
Harry Elver |
Dexim BluePack S3 for iPod/iPhone/Blackberry is an external battery pack that increases the duration of operation up to 10 hours talk time, 20 hours video playing time, and 80 hours music playing time.. It recharges the internal battery of your device while you continue to operate it.
"Tweakers" are tiny collapsible speakers for the iPod, MP3 players, and similar devices that produce surprisingly good sound. "Tweakers" are available in black and red.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
George Harding |
Free Wi-Fi hotspots in the Tucson, Arizona area
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
Daniel M. Vance |
"8 free software to image/backup/ghost your computer (free alternatives to Acronis True Image, Norton Ghost, etc.)"
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
George Harding |
Dual Booting Between "Windows 7" and "Windows XP", "Windows Vista", "Ubuntu 9.04", or "Ubuntu 9.10"
Information on "Grub 2", Windows Vista and 7's "bcdedit", and "EasyBCD" is also available.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
"Synchromat","GoodSync", and "ViceVersa" are three
additional ways to perform automated backups of your computer's data
files.
"Synchromat"
offers a free 30-day fully-functional trial of their software.
"GoodSync"
offers a free reduced-capability version of their software, which is
adequate for many computer users.
"ViceVersa"
offers a free 30-day fully-functional trial of their software.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
Free Storage on the World Wide Web:
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 12-02-2009 |
Les Stein |
Generic How-To for Installing Software Applications into a "Windows 7" Computer
|
Windows7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
George Harding |
Multimedia File Formats for "Windows Media Player"
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
YouTube video playlist of
"Backing Up Computers" presentation by Jon Griebel
|
General Meeting
on 11-16-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
"XM Radio" has a
home page
and a Wikipedia page
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
George Harding |
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 |
"Use any version of Windows 7 free for 120 days" or
"
How to install any version (or sku) of Windows7" or
"Tweak offers free trial of any Windows 7 edition"
explains how you can use a "Windows 7 RTM" (any version) installation DVD to install a free trial copy of any version of "Windows 7" into a computer.
As stated in these articles, do not enter in the 25-character "product key" (also known as an "activation key" or an "activation code") when you are installing "Windows 7" for a free 120-day evaluation.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
Robert Thompson |
Download and run the "Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor" to determine of any of the hardware and software components in your computer will have compatibility issues with "Windows 7"
Windows 7 Upgrade--Almost Everything You Need to Know
Use "Windows Easy Transfer"("WET" is freebie from Microsoft) or Laplink's not-free "PCMover" to reduce the amount of effort involved in performing a "clean install" upgrade of Windows 7. However, like any complicated software utility, there is a small possibility that "WET" or "PCMover" might fail. Some failures involve failure to move data files in certain locations. Other failures involve the failure to move some Windows settings. For some instances of failure of "WET", see:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76217291@N00/3492360092/
http://www.realgeek.com/forums/windows-easy-transfer-204202.html
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2111364,00.asp
http://www.resourcesforwebsites.com/windowseasytransfer.php
http://www.kombitz.com/2009/08/17/notes-about-windows-easy-transfer/
Every box of "Windows 7" has both a 32-bit installation DVD and a 64-bit installation DVD inside it.
However, you can only use one of these DVDs to install and activate "Windows 7" into a single computer, since you only get a single "product key" inside the box.
For details, see
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/windows_7_upgrade_guide_all_your_questions_answered
|
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 |
"The Top 50 Proprietary Programs that Drive You Crazy — and Their Open Source Alternatives
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
Les Stein |
"E-mail: From Basic to Advanced" taught by by Sara O'Neil on October 15th at the Oasis Institute of Tucson.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
Removing a w32.sillyFDC Virus Infection
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
George Harding |
Adding Hard Drives
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 10-07-2009 |
George Harding |
A "portable software application" is one that 1) does not write to or read from the Windows registry and 2) does not need to be "installed" into your Windows computer.
Portable applications can be placed on a USB flash drive or an external hard drive. You can use free, portable software applications to make your computer run faster. See:
http://onlinecollegedegree.org/2009/,
http://downloadpedia.org,
and
http://www.techsupportalert.com
"OpenOffice.org Portable" copied to any USB flash drive or external drive can be used to run "OpenOffice" applications on any computer without installing "OpenOffice" into the computer:
Step-by-Step Instructions
"OpenOffice.org Portable" written onto a CD or DVD can be used to run "OpenOffice" applications on any computer with a DVD/CD drive without installation "OpenOffice" into the computer:
Step-by-Step Instructions
You can make a self-contained CD that automatically autoruns "OpenOfficeCalc Portable" and opens up a spreadsheet when the CD is inserted into the DVD/CD drive of any Windows computer. This CD lets the end-user run "OpenOfficeCalc" without installing "OpenOffice" onto the hard drive of a computer. To make a prototype CD to try out this concept, please download all of the files and folders from here in native format or from here as a zipped file. After downloading, please burn these files and folders onto a CD or DVD. If you insert this CD into a Windows computer and it does not run "OpenOfficeCalc" and open up "TNSmembershiplist.xls" automatically, please open the CD in "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer" and then double-click on the "membershiplist.bat" file.
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 10-07-2009 |
George Harding |
PC Week's top-ranked free antivirus software: "Avira AntiVir Personal", "Avast Antivirus Home Edition", and "AVG 8.5 Free"
"Microsoft Security Essentials" is a free suite of antivirus/antimalware utilties that was released on September 29, 2009
Comparison of free and non-free versions of Avira Antivir
Comparison of free and non-free versions of Avast Antivirus
Comparison of free and non-free versions of AVG
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 10-07-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
"Acronis True Image Home 2010" was released on September 15, 2009.
See the news release for details.
Detailed list of how the different versions of "Acronis True Image Home.." differ.
A more detailed list of version "..2010" improvements.
Users manual (Acrobat PDF format) is available for download.
How to Back Up (or "Image") a Hard Drive with Acronis
How to Restore a Hard Drive with Acronis
|
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 |
Step-by-step instructions for installing "Ubuntu 9.04" Linux into an existing "Windows" computer. I created a dual-boot computer, using a careful, conservative installation procedure that starts off with a total backup of the initial configuration of my hard drive using "Clonezilla", followed by a re-size of the Windows NTFS partition using "GParted".
|
Linux
SIG
on 09-27-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
Version 4.5 of the open-source "Parted Magic LiveCD" is now available for download. It contains updated versions of:
"Gparted" ("Gee" "Part" "Ed") to move, resize, or repair the volumes (primary partitions) on the hard drive of your computer, and
Clonezilla for backing up/imaging/achiving and restoring hard drives and hard drive partitions.
|
Linux SIG
on 09-27-2009 |
Dennis McCormick |
An articled entitled "Choosing the Best Antivirus for Your Ubuntu Box" provides links to four free antivirus untilities for Linux and explains why you might want to use them.
|
Linux
SIG
on 09-27-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
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 09-21-200
9 |
Liz Orban |
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 |
You can use the "Scanner and Camera Wizard" in "Windows XP.." and "Windows Vista.." to download photos from a digital camera.
Here are step-by-step instructions for Windows XP.
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 09-02-2009 |
Paul Scott |
How to use a free application called
PageDefrag to defragment the swap file(s) of any Windows computer.
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 09-02-2009 |
George Harding |
"Lastpass" is a Web-based application that securely stores your passwords and other security information. "Lasspass" then automatically types your security information into the form fields that are displayed in your Web browser(s), and in your local software applications. "Lastpass" offers both "Free" and "Premium" accounts which can be used as an alternative to Roboform's "Free" and "Pro" versions.
|
Windows/Hardware SIG
on 09-02-2009 |
Harry Elver |
According to the "Stat Owl" Web site, the usage market shares for desktop operating systems are: 91.03 percent for Windows, 8.25 percent for Macintosh/Apple, and 0.6 percent for Linux
|
Linux SIG
on 08-23-2009 |
Harry Elver |
Computer Guy's "Recipe for Spyware/Malware Eradication", Remote Support using gotoassist.com, and "Windows 7" news
|
Computer
Professionals SIG
on 08-21-2009 |
Harry Elver |
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 |
A "Clonezilla" LiveCD can be used to create "bare metal" backups and restores of entire hard drives or partitions within hard drives. "Clonezille" is a free, open-source alternative to "Acronis True Image Home 2009".
Clonezilla is given top billing in this article entitled "9 Free Data Backup and Recovery Utilities That Will Keep Your Important Data Safe" |
Linux SIG
on 07-26-2009 |
Dennis McCormick |
There are two ways to have Ubuntu 9.04 automatically mount a NTFS partition:
1) Method 1:
Edit the fstab file, as shown in
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1192745
(Read items #5 and #10 about how a bad Windows shutdown could hang up the startup of Ubuntu if you use the "edit the fstab file" method.)
and also see
http://www.krishnamoorthy.in/2009/06/mounting-windows-partitiosn-ntfs-fat-in.html
2) Method 2:
Install pysdm using the "Synaptic Package Manager"
See
http://maketecheasier.com/auto-mount-your-ntfs-partition-in-ubuntu/2009/04/14
|
Linux SIG
on 07-26-2009 |
Paul Scott |
History of the TCS Web Site
|
General Meeting
on 07-20-2009
|
Paul Scott |
Speed test of Internet access |
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 07-01-2009 |
Dennis McCormick |
Before making hardware upgrades to your computer, use a free diagnostic called "Belarc Advisor" to analyze your computer.
Then, visit the following places to learn more technical details about your computer:
your computer manufacturer's Web site,
your motherboard manufacturer's Web site,
a free diagnostic called CPU-Z,
Wikipedia's List of Intel Microprocessors",
Intel's "Processors" pages,
and
Google |
Windows/Hardware SIG
on 06-03-2009 |
Robert Thompson |
HowTo: Using CUPS-PDF Printer Driver to Create PDF Files in Ubuntu Linux
HowTo: PPP Dialup Internet in Ubuntu Linux
Use "OpenDNS" for Safer Internet Access in Ubuntu Linux
Free Antivirus Software for Linux
|
Linux SIG
on 05-24-2009 |
Les Stein |
Analog-to-Digital Conversion of Audio
Additional Hints |
General Meeting
on 05-18-2009 |
Dennis McCormick |
| Free and Low-Cost Training for Digital Photographers |
Digital
Imaging SIG
on 04-27-2009 |
Carter Harrison |
| HowTo: Using Samba in Ubuntu to Share/Serve Files to Windows Computers |
Linux SIG
on 04-26-2009 |
Les Stein |
Steve Billheimer says: "OpenDNS
is configurable. Follow the directions and put it into your computer as
your DNS and then create an ID/password; then you can set the level of
filtering.." |
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 04-01-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
