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SeniorNet News

FVTC Senior Computer Users

 

June 2009

www.srnet-foxvalley.org

Issue 200

 

NEXT GENERAL MEETING – JUNE 12, 2009  [Please note date.]

Diane W. Doersch is the new technology leader at Neenah Joint School District (NJSD). She has served as classroom teacher for 22 years in the district, first as an elementary teacher then as a computer applications instructor for the middle schools. The technology leader role was developed by the NJSD and the Board of Education at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year to help provide structured technology leadership. Current tasks include working with contractors to build a district-wide fiber optic network, providing professional development for staff of the district, creating long-range technology plans, spearheading technology-related meetings & communication, and purchasing technology for the district. She also serves as adjunct faculty for Marian College, Fond du Lac, teaching in the technology in education masters degree program.  Diane has a long standing relationship with the SeniorNet program in promoting lifelong learning and enjoyment using technology. Diane will talk about Web 2.0, and also social networking Web sites.

 

REPORTS:

GENERAL MEETING  May 15     By Shirley Dunkel

 Presenter, Jeremy Hodges from Valley Camera, explained the different brands of Digital cameras and their technology versions for video shooting.  A one GB card would equal 149 seconds of video.  A Rebel version uses eighteen minutes on an HD TV.  Close-up shots were explained as using the Macro “the flower symbol” on the camera; this could be used for close-ups of coin collections, flowers, and documents.  The proper soft lighting and background is necessary. Maintenance of a camera is minimal and applies to removing the batteries, when the camera is not in use for a longer time.

 

INTERNET SIG

At the May 12 Internet SIG, we discussed Web sites that can be used for translating from one language to another. One recommended site is www.nicetranslator.com    We were reminded that MS Word 2007 has a translation feature located in the Proofing group on the Review ribbon. We looked at www.openoffice.org and compared it to MS Office.  A Web site for free games is www.slingo.com  We also received a handout about using the PrintScreen key.

 

 

SCANNER/PHOTO SIG

We discussed the use of Tabs rather than keeping an open website; Canon’s Photo Pickup unit, a new device not requiring a telephoto lens, and PhotoShop Elements tools.

 

GENEALOGY SIG     By Mary Klein

At the May meeting we focused on the evaluation and selection of computer genealogy software.  A survey of the group revealed that a majority used the Family Tree Maker program.
In June we will continue our overview of Google as a research tool in genealogy.  We will also look at the 25 Best Websites for Finding European Ancestors.
The 1940 US Census will be released on 1 April 2012 after meeting the 72-year privacy mandate.

 

WAUSHARA SIG

The topic for the May 28 SIG general meeting was Computers and Your Eyes.  The presenter was Dr. Brian Meckelberg of the Wautoma Eye Clinic. After describing some of the eye problems, including Computer Vision Syndrome, associated with using a computer, Dr. Meckelberg discussed other aspects of eye health. He also shared information about dietary supplements, and ways to compare their effectiveness.

 

MAY MAILING CREW

Thanks to Donna Dutter, Barb Johnson, Winton Severson, Linda Young, and Tom Young for preparing the May newsletter and envelopes for mailing

 

USEFUL INFORMATION:

Q & A – Each General Meeting opens with a 10 minute chance to ask questions about computers.  You may submit questions from the floor, hand in a written note, or send an email to srnet@srnet-foxvalley.org   Challenge our experts!

 

Some upcoming topics for the General Meetings:  July 17 - a report on the Consumer Electronics Show for 2009; September 18 - Computer Maintenance; October 16 - the New Windows 7 operating system.

 

New members desired.  Do you know a friend or relative who is interested in computers?  Does someone you know have questions about computer operations?  Would you invite that person to come along with you to the next meeting(s)?  Have them give us a try and bring along questions to be answered.

 

You will note that the reason for the Appleton SIG date change (see above) is due to the Harley-Davidson rally being held at FVTC.  For information about that rally go to  www.wistatehogrally.com

 

SENIORNET COURSES

Volunteer teachers, teaching assistants (TAs), and office assistants are needed for SeniorNet’s fall series of courses in Neenah and Wautoma.  In mid-July, fall registration information will be sent to those on SeniorNet’s course mailing list.  To volunteer, phone (920)735-4864 or (800)735-3882, ext. 4864: or email seniornet@fvtc.edu