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The Monthly Edition Of The k-Byte Newsletter |
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| V. 27, No. 4, April 2010 | Users Helping Users |
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The Monthly Edition Of The k-Byte Newsletter |
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| V. 27, No. 4, April 2010 | Users Helping Users |
Contents
Meeting Previews on Page 6
April: Your Browser Inside Out
May: Webroot Security Software
Quote of the Month
It was as true ... as turnips is. It was as true ... as taxes is. And nothing's truer than them.
Charles Dickens [David Copperfield -1849]
by Berry F. Phillips, Computer Club of Oklahoma City, http://www.ccokc.org, wijames(at)sbcglobal.net
The wares have often perplexed computer users with numerous decisions regarding software. The multitude of wares have been even more confusing. Comware is commercial software which generally has more "bells and whistles" but requires the highest financial expenditure without the option to try the software in advance. Trialware is usually characterized on the Internet as a free download for a limited time but requires a purchase to continue using the software. Shareware is also free to download but often has features turned off or has an expiration date unless you purchase the software. Trialware and Shareware do offer an opportunity to use the software before making the decision to purchase. Freeware is free for personal use on the Internet but it may contain adware, viruses, or be poor software. Further, the marketing promotion of the wares can be even more misleading, causing you to download and then delete software that you thought was freeware when you discover it is, in fact, pay ware.
The world of wares can be very frustrating a well as expensive to the computer user. One can spend considerable time, frustration, and even expense downloading and deleting various wares on the Internet. Beware, retailers will not accept returned comware after it has been opened for a money back guarantee.
Excluding my operating system, I have nothing but freeware downloaded from the Internet on my system! Aha, you are thinking, but what about adware, viruses, or poor freeware, and the considerable time in downloading and deleting it takes to find the best freeware on the Internet? There are several sites that contain only freeware. However, I recommend Gizmo's Freeware site Gizmo's Freeware because I have used it for several years and found it to be very effective in reviewing freeware and efficient to use in going quickly via links to safe and secure freeware sites for downloading. I am reluctant to recommend other sites that I have not used for purposes of this article.
Gizmo's Freeware is easy to use and makes it very simple to locate the best freeware on the Internet because it is extensively reviewed before it is recommended. Until July 2008 Gizmo was the editor of "Support Alert", a highly recommended technical newsletter that was distributed to over 150,000 subscribers. The site evolved from his highly popular list of the "46 Best-ever Freeware Utilities." The site grew well beyond 46 and reached the point that it could not be maintained by one person. Today, the site has grown into a kind of Wikipedia for Freeware utilizing contributions of dozens of volunteer editors who edit and moderate suggestions from thousands of site visitors. As a result, the range of free software covered by the site is ever increasing and the quality of the reviews are ever improving. Gizmo's Freeware has, in a real sense, become the "Wikipedia for Freeware." I strongly suggest you check your freeware on your system against the recommendations of the best and consider downloading the best.
The primary purpose of Gizmo's Freeware is to make it easy to select the best freeware product for your particular needs. The best freeware programs are as good or better than their commercial counterparts but finding the most appropriate programs can be challenging. There are dozens of freeware download sites but few of these actually help you select the best program for your needs. The site has no downloads just honest advice and useful guidance. Links are provided where you can safely and securely download the product you want. Furthermore, you will know that what you have selected is the best available. Gizmo's Freeware is easy to use and will save you time, money, and lots of frustration!
This article has been obtained from APCUG with the author's permission for publication by APCUG member groups; all other uses require the permission of the author (see e-mail address above).
[Editor's Note: A link to The Gizmo Freeware website (and a description of the site) has been added to the Front Range PC Users Group Software Resources page, http://frpcug.org/new_sw_resources.html]
Published monthly, k-Byte is the official newsletter of the Front Range Personal Computer Users Group (FRPCUG): our mailing address is PMB 152, 305 W. Magnolia, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521.
Opinions expressed in k-Byte are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the group or its members. Publication of information in k-Byte constitutes no guarantee of accuracy. Use of any information found in this publication is at the sole risk of the user. Neither k-Byte, nor its officers, nor its editors or contributors assume any liability for damages resulting from use of information in this publication.
Submissions
Articles, letters and short items of interest on computer-related topics are welcome and encouraged. All items submitted for publication are subject to editing. Send your contribution to the editor via e-mail attachment. If you have questions about a submission, please contact the editor for information.
Copyright and Trademark Information
k-Byte is copyrighted ©2010 by the Front Range Personal Computer Users Group. The k-Byte logo and the Front Range PC Users Group logo are Trademarked by the Front Range PC Users Group. Unless otherwise noted, other nonprofit users groups may reprint or quote from any articles appearing in k-Byte without prior permission, provided that: a) proper author and publication credits are given; b) that a copy of the publication in which the article appears is sent at no cost to k-Byte at the above mailing address, or emailed to contact(at)frpcug.org; and c) any additional instructions/restrictions contained in the article are followed. User groups wishing to exchange newsletters with FRPCUG are invited to send a copy of their newsletter together with an exchange request.
Disclaimer
IBM PC, OS/2, Compaq, HP, Dell, UNIX, Windows MAC, Apple Computer and other trademarks occasionally mentioned in k-Byte are registered trademarks of International Business Machines, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Corporation, Microsoft, Dell Inc., Apple Computer Inc., or their owners respectively. Neither FRPCUG nor its newsletter k-Byte are connected in any way with any manufacturer or seller. Acceptance by FRPCUG of donated products or services from suppliers, or inclusion of a supplier in the FRPCUG Partner list does not imply that any continuing financial support is received or expected by FRPCUG. Nor do such activities imply an endorsement of either the supplier or product or service. Such information is made available to members as a service. Use of any product or supplier found in this publication, or any FRPCUG publication, is at the sole risk of the user.
About FRPCUG
FRPCUG is an independent nonprofit computer society, so incorporated with the State of Colorado and open to anyone interested in personal computers using any operating system: Windows, Linux or MAC, and digital hardware (such as music/video players, smart phones, etc.). Its purpose is to provide an educational and scientific forum of mutual benefit for members of the community regardless of knowledge level. FRPCUG holds a monthly meeting and conducts various special interest groups (SIGs) and seminars. Members have voting privileges, subscription to the k-Byte newsletter, and access to SIGs and selected seminars. Annual dues are $25 for individual/family membership ($20 for students) and $50 for corporate/group membership.
by Ron Hirsch, Boca Raton Computer Society, Florida, http://www.brcs.org, Ronhirsch1439(at)comcast.net
If I had to pick a single area where most computer users are extremely lacking, it's in the area of backing up and preserving the documents and other items that they generate during the course of their computer activities. Most people just dismiss the subject with "Oh I don't really have anything of importance, and even if I do, I can always redo it easily." These people may only use their computer for the Internet and e-mail. But, redoing your address book and bookmark listing can be a task in itself.
And, if you use a program such as Quicken or Money, you have lots of financial info that would be a real job to rebuild if all your files were lost. I reminded a friend about backing up his Quicken stuff, and he said that he really didn't have to, as Quicken always backs things up automatically, which it does. But it backs things up onto the same hard drive, into a different folder. So, about 6 months later when his hard drive failed, his backup was worthless, and he was a very unhappy person.
WHAT DOES BACKUP REALLY MEAN?
Backup is the generation of duplicate files, often onto a removable medium, for all the things that you have generated on your machine. Generally, these are files that you have produced, not the program files which came on the CD. These duplicate files must be stored on something which can be separated from your machine, and definitely separated from your internal system hard drive.
Since most people have only one hard drive, it does not make good sense to backup onto that same drive. And, if you have your main drive partitioned into say a C and D drive, you will still lose your backup if the drive fails. If however, you have a second hard drive on your computer, you are much safer storing your backups there.
There are online services which offer "online backup" at a small cost, or no cost. This can offer access from another computer, when you might need that data. But I personally don't want my private data et. al. on an online computer, where it is possibly subject to being hacked or having that operation go out of business.
NOTE: This article is only discussing backup of your personal files and data - it is not addressing a complete backup of your system drive, including your operating system (probably Windows). That is a separate topic which will be covered in another article.
The backup media should be stored in a place where they it will not become lost, stolen, or damaged. When I was in business (many years ago), we backed up all our files every day, with a rotating system of seven tapes. Copies were stored in a fireproof safe, and periodically, we placed a current copy in our safety deposit box at the bank. Just putting copies on the shelf doesn't protect against their loss in case of a fire. Obviously, most users don't have to go to such extremes. But, for important information, it's a good idea to periodically put a backup copy into a secure and fireproof place, such as a home safe, or your safety deposit box.
In order to be able to follow and use the material in this article, you must be conversant with using Windows Explorer, or a similar file manager. Earlier this year, I presented several articles on this activity, with several exercises on the subject. If you are not familiar with using a file manager to copy files and add new folders and subfolders, I would suggest that you bone up on this subject first, and then get back to this article.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO FIRST?
First of all, the typical user who has programs in which files are saved, generally has no idea where they are. So, the first thing to learn is just that. When you are in a program such as Quicken, your files are generally saved in the same folder as the Quicken program. Other programs may use the My Documents folder, My Files folder, the Documents and Settings folder, or a special folder that the program has set up to store things.
I personally set my own folders for storing things. And, fortunately, most programs allow the user to specify where things are stored. In WordPerfect, I have a master folder set up, name WPWIN. Under that I have about 56 subfolders for all the categories that I have defined. There is a folder named "BocaBits", which holds all the articles I've written for this publication. One of the main advantages of having your personal files organized in a master folder is that they are easier to copy to a backup medium. Just copy the main folder, specify to include the subfolders (if that is needed), and everything underneath will be copied. This is far easier than having to locate many different folders, and copy from each one individually.
Remember, using subfolders is a must. Some years back, one of my friends stored all his files for all his programs in the same folder, with no subfolders. Finding a file to use was almost like looking for a needle in a haystack. And, name your files using descriptive long filenames which all operating systems since Windows 95 can use. Which is easier to find "Letter to Jack re the new building.doc" or "let2jreb.doc"?
Here are some steps that I would suggest users consider - change the names to suite your desires.
Add a new folder on your C: drive, and call it "All My Stuff" (without the quotes.)
Add as many subfolders under it as you need. For example, (assuming you have these programs) add one for Word, Quicken, Money, Excel, etc.. Then, add as many subfolders under each of the main subfolders you've added. For example, the "Word" folder can have subfolders named "Letters", "Faxes", "IRS correspondence", etc. (Don't use the quote marks - they are used here for clarity.)
Then in each of those programs go into "preferences" or "settings", or wherever is appropriate, and set your new path and folder name there as the place to keep stuff. In something like Quicken, it wants its files where it specifies, but when you call for a backup in Quicken, you can specify the path/folder. So this folder you set up will always have duplicates of Quicken's files, ready to be copied out to the removable media you choose.
For programs such as Outlook Express or AOL, it's a good idea to save your address book, and your bookmarks. Finding the names of these files, and where they are located will be a good exercise for you in using Windows Explorer, and learning more about your browser.
NOTE: It is not absolutely necessary to do all of these previous steps if you're willing to do your backup work with all your files where they are now. These steps are just offered to make your job of backing up easier. If this is the case, you can skip to the section entitled "WHAT MEDIUM SHOULD I USE TO BACK THINGS UP."
HOW DO I GET MY EXISTING FILES INTO THESE NEW FOLDERS?
If you don't know or can't find where the program stores the files you create, go into the program, generate a new document, and do a save on it. When the "save" window comes up, it may well show you the path/folder that the program uses. So you can now go to that folder, and find all the stuff you have done previously. While you're in the "save" window, you can now specify your new repository for your files in this program, assuming it will cooperate.
If this does not happen, do a search in Windows (START>SEARCH) to find that file, and the location path will be available there.
Rather than move the existing files, I'd copy them into the new folder you set up. That way, if there are any "goofs" (perish forbid), nothing has really been lost. In the case of a program like Quicken, just open Quicken, and press CTRL+B. This should open the backup window, and you can type in the path/folder you've just made.
Later on, when you know that everything has been safely copied into your new folder tree, you can safely delete the files in their original locations if you want to do so.
When you've done this for all your important stuff, you will now have a new "filing cabinet" with "drawers" for all your important files.
This article has been obtained from APCUG with the author's permission for publication by APCUG member groups; all other uses require the permission of the author (see e-mail address above). Part 2 will appear in the May issue of k-Byte.
by Mike Morris, Front Range PC Users Group, http://www.frpcug.org
This installment concludes the comparison of DTP application features. I have attempted to capture the most important features (in my opinion) of 4 applications into 9 categories:
The information in the following table is based on these applications and versions:
The following table is not an exhaustive comparison of all features of all 4 programs. It is based partially on my testing and partially on other resources. The entries in the table are a mixture of facts and opinions. Opinions are enclosed in brackets: [Opinion].
| InDesign | Publisher | Scribus | PagePlus | |
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| Commercial Printing | Complete capability. |
Untested.
Limited "commercial printing" tools. Can save file as PostScript file. Not all commercial printers will accept Publisher files. |
PDF conversion capability includes color separations. |
Untested.
Can save file as PostScript file. |
| Tech Support |
Extensive.
Support contracts available [expensive]. Classroom in a Book series. Free online tech support forums. Many books are available from 3rd party authors. |
Many books are available from 3rd party authors.
Free online help forum [but hard to find on the Microsoft web site]. [Not a primary product for Microsoft.] |
Print manual can be ordered from Amazon.
Free online tech support forum. |
Only online forum available for this version.
For the commercial version, additional support options are available for a fee. |
To summarize the results of the comparisons, it is fair to say that all 4 programs will provide some measure of Desktop Publishing capability. In my opinion, InDesign and Scribus are in a class by themselves.
In deciding which program to use, one decision factor is usually tech support. Tech support for software in today's world is often a contentious issue. Therefore you may find it helpful to know of my experiences with tech support on these four programs. I rate tech support as follows:
1. InDesign is a commercial product and one of the standards for commercial printing. Therefore, there are a great variety of support options. My own personal experience with support contracts (an expensive option) is not positive (although that is experience is now several years old). However, the Classroom in a Book series is excellent training and the free forum is also an excellent source of help.
2. Scribus has an excellent mailing list/forum along with several wikis available from the website. There is also the printed manual (which I don't have). So despite the fact that it is an open source program, there is very good tech support available. There are more help resource links available at resources.
3. There are many books available on Publisher. However, in my opinion, Publisher is not a major product for Microsoft and getting help from Microsoft to solve problems can be difficult.
4. The free version of PagePlus is supported only via the online forum. I have used that forum. You have to register, but there is no charge. I did, in fact, receive relatively prompt answers to my questions when I used the forum. However, in my case, I have been subsequently bombarded with what I consider spam from Serif trying to sell me upgrades or other products that I do not want. I consider that business approach highly objectionable, and, although the program is actually a capable starting point for users new to DTP, I cannot recommend the program for that reason.
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April General Forum Meeting
We will meet at the Fort Collins Senior Center on: |
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Day
Tuesday |
Date
April 6th |
Time
7:00 PM |
| Meeting Agenda | |
| Time | Topic |
| 7:00 to 7:15 | Announcements and raffle |
| 7:15 to 8:00 | Open Forum |
| 8:00 to 8:10 | Break |
| 8:10 to 9:00 | Your Browser Inside Out |
To check on FRPCUG events in 2010 using a familiar graphical calendar format, connect to the 2010 Graphical Events Calendar
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May General Forum Meeting
We will meet at the Fort Collins Senior Center on: |
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Day
Tuesday |
Date
May 4th |
Time
7:00 PM |
| Meeting Agenda | |
| Time | Topic |
| 7:00 to 7:15 | Announcements and raffle |
| 7:15 to 8:00 | Open Forum |
| 8:00 to 8:10 | Break |
| 8:10 to 9:00 | Webroot Security Software |
See you at the meetings!
Get full membership benefits. If you are not a current member, download and complete a Membership Application. Mail the completed application and your payment to the address listed, or better yet, bring the application to the next meeting.
The April meeting will offer some comparisons on the most popular web browsers: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and Safari. In addition, considering that, in today's world, a browser is almost a computer within a computer, you will learn about several important security issues. And finally, the subject of "add-ons," plug-ins, tool-bars, and skins or themes will be explored.
If you have ever wondered how computer security software works, plan on attending the May meeting. Webroot Software will provide an overview of the latest trends in Consumer Internet Security. Included in this presentation will be an in depth demonstration of their latest Consumer Internet Security Suite—Webroot Internet Security Complete—that will be launching in late summer 2010. This will be an interactive session where the user group can ask questions of Webroot's Engineering and Product Management team members.
Digital Imaging SIG
The Digital Imaging SIG is a forum for discussion of digital imaging hardware and software. The meetings are held every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Senior Center Lobby. The meeting format is informal, using the Shop Talk sessions as a basis. For more information, contact Mike Morris at twriterext(at)gmail.com.
New Technology SIG
The New Technology SIG provides advance support for all PC related operating system and telecommunication issues. The meetings are held at 7:00 PM on the third Thursday of each month at Bluebird Manufacturing Inc., 1421 Webster Avenue, in Fort Collins. For more information, contact Chuck McJilton at 970-493-2987.
Shop Talk
One-on-one assistance. Drop in to the Senior Center lobby on any Saturday (holidays excepted) from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Board Meeting
FRPCUG's executive board meets on Wednesday of the week following the General Forum meeting. All members are welcome and are encouraged to attend. These meetings are held at 7:00 PM in the Staff Board Room of the Fort Collins Senior Center.
For a view of all FRPCUG activities in 2010, in a traditional graphical calendar format, connect to the Graphical Events Calendar
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Calendars created with HTML Calendar Maker Pro
Photo Gallery
This month's featured photographer:
Betty Jo Harris using a Canon PowerShot SX110 IS camera.
Bright Lights Striking Architecture
Camera Settings:
Mode = Auto, F Number = 2.8, Exposure time = 1/15 seconds, Focal Length = 6.00 mm
ISO = 200, White Balance = Auto, Scene Capture Type = Standard, Flash not fired.
Copyright © 2010 by Betty Jo Harris. All rights reserved. Send requests for copies/reprint permissions to kbyte(at)frpcug.org
Pamela Tabak receives numerous computer-related questions via e-mail and during classroom presentations. She selects those she feels are of common interest to most members and forwards them to us for publication.
Pamela invites members to ask their questions at http://tinyurl.com/ask-pamela. More often than not you will receive and answer within 24 hours.
Understanding E-mail, Part 1
E-Mail Transport:
Picking Up Your E-Mail:
What is Spam?
How to Stop Spam!
Understanding E-mail will conclude next month with some "Quick Tips."
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FRPCUG CONTACTS
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Telephone Area Code 970
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| Title | Name | Work Phone | Home Phone | |
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FRPCUG Officers |
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| President | Mike Morris | 461-2002 | twriterext(at)gmail.com | |
| Vice President | Mike Loughlin | 416-5824 | mlough(at)frii.com | |
| Treasurer | Chris Ingham | 226-9055 | chris.ingham(at)hotmail.com | |
| Secretary | Chuck McJilton | 493-2987 | cdmcjs(at)gmail.com | |
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k-Byte Staff |
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| Editor-in-Chief | Mike Morris | 461-2002 | twriterext(at)gmail.com | |
| Features Editor | Mike Morris | 461-2002 | twriterext(at)gmail.com | |
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Other Contacts |
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| Membership Coordinator | Jack Linder | 663-2151 | jack(at)frpcug.org | |
| Technology SIG Leader | Chuck McJilton | 491-1011 | 493-2987 | cdmcjs(at)gmail.com |
| Digital Imaging SIG Leader | Mike Morris | 461-2002 | twriterext(at)gmail.com | |
| Publicity | Mike Morris | 461-2002 | twriterext(at)gmail.com | |
| FRPCUG Fax Line | 493-1408 | |||
| FRPCUG Home Page w/ E-Mail | http://www.frpcug.org | |||
| FRPCUG Officer E-Mail | board(at)frpcug.org | |||
| Library Request E-Mail | library(at)frpcug.org | |||
The Fort Collins Senior Center is located at 1200 Raintree Drive. This site is situated at the northwest corner of the Shields and Raintree Drive intersection, on the north side of the Raintree Shopping Center, and just west of the bank building on the corner of Shields and Raintree (see map at right).
Check the marquee at the main entrance for directions to the specific meeting room.
