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LACS Computer Forum: Jan 11, 2011 Information on some items discussed: 1. Skype - Skype is a computer program that can be used to make free voice calls over the Internet to anyone else who is also using Skype. In addition there are additional features for a fee. While the software is free, you'll need a headset, microphone & speakers, or a USB phone, (more info). |
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Information on some items discussed: 1. Clipboard Tools>/b> - MS Word 2003 has a feature to store as many 24 clips while Word is running. Clipboard tools with many additional features are available, (freeware), (shareware). 2. Hard Drive Health - LACS Member Jim McKnight talked about checking the health of your hard drive in Section 3 of XP Tune-Up Checklist. 3. Program Shutdown - When you are unable to close a program normally, often times you can close it by using the Task Manager, press <Ctrl-Alt-Del>. Sometimes a "problem" program may be running several times. 4. Wi-Fi Security - On Security Now podacst #272, Leo Laporte and Steve Gibson celebrate the game-changing creation and release of Firesheep, an add-on for the Firefox web browser which makes online web session hijacking as easy as it could possibly be. This WILL change the world for the better. Firesheep was created to show the danger of accessing unencrypted Web sites from public Wi-Fi spots. Although it's common for sites to encrypt user log-ons with HTTPS or SSL, few encrypt the actual traffic. This leaves users vulnerable to being attacked easily, As Leo and Steve predicted, the world was changed for the better since some (many?) social websites and webmail providers now include a provision to use HTTPS to encrypt all traffic. Key: Make sure that your browser is always using an HTTPS connection. |
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Information on some items discussed: 1. Cassette Conversion - How do you convert cassettes to a CD? Do a Google search on "cassette to cd tutorial" (less the quote marks). 2. PDF File Creation - A question was asked about "creating" PDF files. There are several programs ranging from Freeware to pricey software from Adobe. One popular Freeware program is PDF Creator; the current version uses GPL Ghostwriter 9.0. The install file contains an optional toolbar. |
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Information on some items discussed: 1. Internet Explorer, Update - Q: Is is safe to upgrade Internet Explorer on Win XP from ver 7 to ver 8? A: Consensus: Yes. 2. Carbonite - Q: Does anyone who has used this backup service have comments? A: Carbonite is easy to install and use. Cautions: Limits on Internet upload speeds will likely result in initial back up taking several days. 3. Password Security - Recommended program(s) to save passwords securely? One highly recommended one is LastPass (free). 4. CD/DVD Burner - Recommend program(s) to burn CD/DVD's? One highly recommended one is CDBurnXP, a free application to burn CDs and DVDs, including Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs. It also includes the feature to burn and create ISOs, Operating Systems: Windows XP, Vista, Win7. |
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Information on some items discussed: 1. Skype - eBay is selling their interest in Skype to Microsoft. Q: Will Skype become just another part of Windows Live? Will the current free computer-computer service disappear? 2. CCleaner - CCleaner is a free tool for cleaning your Windows PC. It protects your privacy online and makes your computer faster and more secure. It's fast and easy to use. For how to use information, go to the website of LACS member Jim McKnight, (click here), and plug ccleaner in the search window. 1. Dual Boot - Windows & DOS - Q: Can "real" DOS be installed on a PC with Windows? A: Yes, as a start, do a Google search on "dual boot windows 7 and dos" (less the quote marks). |
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Information on some items discussed: 1. Norton AV Install Problem - While a user was able to install Norton AV on one PC, he received an error message when he tried installing it on a 2nd machine. One likely posibility is that there may be remnants of a prior AV installation. If a normal AV uninstall does not get rid of the error message, most AV suppliers have a special removal tool. 2. Internet Explorer Text Size - Click on View | Text Size - 5 sizes are offered, In addition Internet Explorer has a Zoom option, many sizes, and some shortcuts, <Ctrl +> Zoom In, <Ctrl -> Zoom Out, <Ctrl 0> Cancel Zoom. 3. Windows XP SP3 - Someone has been unable to successfully install XP SP3. LACS member Jim McKnight has written a comprehensive how-to guide, (click here). |
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Information on some items discussed: 1. PC Decrapifier - Is PC Decrapifier safe to use? PC Decrapifier is a free tool that helps you remove programs, unnecessary startup items and icons that can slow down your PC. If you wish to
uninstall an unwanted application, a safe way is to use the
Freeware build of
Revo
Uninstaller.
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No forum notes were taken. |
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Because of the holiday party, there was no Computer Forum this month. |