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FVTC Senior Computer Users

NEXT GENERAL MEETING, APRIL 17, 2009

  Scott Eganhouse, the presenter, is the business development director for Gillware, Inc., a leading service provider for data recovery of failed storage devices. Originally from Illinois, Scott earned his B.S. from Iowa State, and now considers himself a Wisconsinite.  He has built many of his own computer systems since he was a child, and remains passionate about technology. Prior to joining Gillware, Scott had provided consulting services to small business owners, and had patented a veterinary medical device. Scott will offer suggestions about organizing and safeguarding your data to avoid the need for data recovery. He will also share his insights in the industry and discuss how the advent of SSD (solid state devices) and emerging technologies will reshape the landscape of data recovery.

 

GENERAL MEETING, MARCH 20, 2009    by Gladys Schwandt

  Whether you are traveling in the United States or to international destinations, the information provided by Dr. Robert Dedmon at our General Meeting was comprehensive and of major interest and value.  Not only has he traveled to most areas of the world, he also provides public health education.  To expand his computer knowledge for his profession (medical doctor in Neenah for twelve years before joining Kimberly-Clark’s health program), he attended classes at Fox Valley Technical College to increase his research capabilities and work more effectively.  He shared much of this with us in his presentation, as well as giving us a listing of numerous Web sites to assist in getting specific information to maximize safety.  It is vital to work closely with medical providers and travel agents to ensure you have the right supplies, prescriptions, and vaccinations for overseas travel, and it is important to have a passport that is active or renewed at least six months prior to your trip.  Obtain proper and adequate travel insurance in case of a health problem, accident, or need to be air evacuated to get proper medical care.  Something one may not realize is the simple dangers in drinking water, eating street vendor foods, or petting stray animals.

 

RESOURCE SHARING SIG      by Linda Young

  We discussed the fact that some of the old computer viruses are making a comeback.  This reinforces the importance of keeping current with the Microsoft updates available to us.  We also took a look to the future and discussed Windows 7, the new Windows Operating System due out early next year.

  The April meeting will deal with a discussion of Audacity, a free audio editing software program.

 

 

GENEALOGY SIG     by Mary Klein

  In March we looked at British Commonwealth websites, finding Mexican ancestors, and a new miscellaneous list.

  April’s handout will be a list of state sponsored websites for all 50 states.  Most of these sites either provide direct access to vital records, indexes, or information on where to find the records.  All states provide access to digitized documents.

  We will look at using Google as a research tool and provide information on GEDCOM –what it is, how it works, and how to use it.

 

SCANNER/PHOTO SIG     by Linda Young

  We continued to learn to use more tools while working in Adobe Photoshop Elements.

 

INTERNET SIG     by Linda Young

  Jerry Sobiesczyk instructed us on how to go about setting up a Yahoo email account so that we don’t have to give out our primary email address to people we would rather not have that information, but are sometimes required to include an email.  We also learned how to send emails using blind carbon copies (BCC).

 

WAUSHARA SIGs     by Alice Waypa

  The March 26 presenter was T. Jay Rowland, owner of Wautoma Radio Shack and dealer for Alltel wireless service in Wautoma and Oshkosh. His topics: Wireless Internet Access, Wireless Mouse, and Wireless Keyboard.  T. Jay demonstrated how the wireless keyboard and mouse work, including how they work with a laptop. We were reminded that all three use batteries. Check  www.radioshack.com  Also, we learned that it is possible to change the sensitivity of the touchpad on a laptop.
  T. Jay explained that wireless Internet access is available via a cell phone from  www.alltel.com   We discussed the blending of electronic devices (computer, telephone, television) and Web sites such as www.hulu.com  and  www.netflix.com  that offer downloading of TV shows as well as movies. Coming soon, you will be able to use your computer to project movies and TV shows on the wall. No need for a TV set. To save on phone bills, T. Jay talked about magicJack, a gadget that can be plugged into your computer and hooked up to your phone for free calling within the US and Canada.  www.magicjack.com   A menu will come up with a key pad for your dialing. You are given a phone number and the phone rings on your computer. Always remember to check any alternative telephone services for "911" availability, if that is important to you.
  In the Genealogy SIG, we had an information exchange.

 

SENIORNET COURSES
  SeniorNet's series of basic computer courses are being offered at the FVTC Regional Centers in Neenah and Wautoma. Registration for the June classes in Neenah will begin in May. For more information, phone (920)735-4864  or  (800)735-3882, ext.4864

 

MARCH MAILING CREW

  Thanks to Donna Dutter, Jim Hemmen, Barb Johnson, and Donna Nowak for preparing the March newsletter and envelopes for mailing.