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FReeper Canteen ~ Technology Tuesday ~ 27 September 2005
El Gran Salseron;GummyIII

Posted on 09/26/2005 7:07:21 PM PDT by MoJo2001


Canteen Computer Resource Center
 

 

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Welcome to the Canteen Help Desk!
We hope you are ready for some serious Computer information. For the next month (or however long folks can stand this), we're going to be focusing on Computer/Technology on Tuesdays.

There are so many changes that affect how you surf the web, monitor your computer's performance, and viruses that can endanger your fun. We're here to provide information, tools, tips, and hopefully a fun experience.

And guess what? You don't have to travel to India to get the information. It's all right here at the click of a mouse. How convenient is that?

Cost: Free

 

The
Experts
MoJo would like to introduce our Canteen Experts. And ignore them if they tell you they aren't experts. MoJo and Ma most certainly believe they're experts. That's all you need, right?

El Gran Salseron and GummyIII have been gracious with their time, energy, resources, and knowledge. If you have any questions for our experts, please FReepmail them to MoJo2001.

Without them, this wouldn't be possible!!

GummyIII gives us a rundown on software that is very useful!! While El Gran answers questions that many folks would like answers to!!

Oh! Have I mentioned that MoJo totally (borrowed) these tables from GummyIII? She's totally awesome!

Cost: Free (although, you can send them a check if you'd like) Have I mentioned they're located in America? Makes life more convenient, huh?

 

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Q. I am looking for a great program to make graphics for the Canteen. I am not an expert and worry that most of the programs are over my head. Do you have any suggestions?

Gummy's comments are in red.
El Gran's comments are in blue.
MoJo's unexpert opinions are in purple.
 

 

Lady Jag could answer this one better than I!!! I use a lot of graphics software, but when I tell others it is "easy" they don't agree. LOL!! I love Adobe products, and use Adobe Photoshop Elements (easiest one of the Adobe products), Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 2, Snag-it's Capture and editing software (www.techsmith.com...free trial...I can put that on my list for next week if you want). Microsoft has a new program out called Acrylic which has a free trial/beta copy. It's found at http://www.microsoft.com/products/expression/en/graphic_designer/default.aspx and looks really good. I love the Adobe products because they have built-in tutorials plus free tutorials online.

If one clicks on the link below one will find several freeware programs that are for html beginners. Anyone who wishes to learn how to do this can read the summaries of each of the programs offered and decide which one suits him/her. These are very basic programs. No html knowledge is required. The listed programs are much like Frontpage but with less bells and whistles:

http://www.snapfiles.com/Freeware/webpublish/fwwysiwyg.html

I use Paint Shop Pro 9. I was taught how to use it from a former FReeper. Actually, I was taught how to use the Animation Shop. I tooled around with Paint Shop Pro on my own. I really enjoy it and it is easy to use. The best part? There's a million tutorials online that will help you create really easy and cool graphics.

Paint Shop Pro X free trial version

Tutorials Online
 

 

Q. When burning CDs, do you have a preference in burning software?

 

I used Adaptec/Roxio software when CD burners were first offered. It worked well, but Adaptec/Roxio CD Creator software has had many issues over the years causing problems and not working properly. I no longer trust it. Whether or not they have finally cleaned up their act is not known by me.

I have never had any problems nor heard of any with Nero Burning ROM. I use it exclusively. Adaptec/Roxio is an American company. Nero is a German company, but their software works.

If WinXP is being used then XP can burn CDs. As well, Windows Media Player has the capability of burning music CDs. One can read the help file of WinXP or Windows Media Player to find out how to burn CDs.



I also began using Roxio (CD Creator whatever number that was back in the day). I found that I didn't really like it for burning audio or data. I began using Nero as well. I love Nero.

The best tribute I can give to Nero is their ability to think ahead when it comes to what will be coming onto the market. They're dual layer capabilities is one of the best for those of you that have that burning ability. Pretty soon--everyone will have that ability.

When you spend a lot of time burning, you need a software program that is reliable and does exactly what it intends. Nero definitely delivers.

I do not use Nero exclusively. From time to time, I will use the following:

Clone CD

To find out more about Nero, click here.

 

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Q.  I have Norton's Internet Security loaded on my machine, but I have no idea how to configure the firewall settings. Should I worry about that?

 

YES!! Norton's Security Suite can be a big pain in the derrierre when installing other programs. http://support.gateway.com/s/tutorials/index/Tutorials.asp?cat=3&CatTitle=Internet%20and%20Email&subcat=19&SubTitle=Security&topic=142 has a great set of tutorials. (I hate the program and refuse to use it.)  (GummyIII)

Norton products should be avoided. All of their software has issues with Windows. This inherent problem has existed since Windows 3.11. The Anti-Virus program has never worked well in Windows and has caused many issues over the years.

Specifically, Norton Internet Security makes decisions on its own without consulting the user, about whether or not a particular site or application should have internet access. Sometimes, the computer should have access but Norton Internet Security won't let it have access. The user should be able to decide whether or not the computer needs access. Sometimes, the computer shouldn't have access and Norton lets it have access.

If it were my computer I would uninstall Norton Internet Security and install either ZoneAlarm or Kerio Personal Firewall. However, with that said, if Norton Internet Security is to be used then the user has to trust it to make the correct decisions. It can be configured to allow the user some input but then the user is obliged to learn which sites and applications should and should not have access so it is better to trust Norton. If issues arise whereby a site/application should/should not have access then they can be dealt with on an individual basis as the issues arise.  (El Gran Salseron)

Don't get MoJo started on Norton's. The worst part about Norton's? Their tech support is in India. MoJo doesn't mind anyone wanting to make a living, but it sure is hard to understand what they're trying to say. When people are frantic about fixing their computer issues, they need someone that will speak the same language well and effective.

 

Q. I am shopping around for a Video Graphics card for my computer. Have any suggestions??

YES!! CNET has great reviews and videos on how to install them, too! http://reviews.cnet.com/Install_a_blazing_graphics_card_Getting_Started/4660-3002_7-6229354.html

The video makes a great point on upgrading the power supply when upgrading the graphic card. I prefer the NVDIA GeForce cards, but dang...there are a lot of good cards. I'd suggest going to this site, look at the reviews, pick the price-range one wants, and then go from there. The one installed here is a GeForce 6800. It's a high-end for a decent price. The really high-end ones such as the 7800's aren't even supported by most software. They WILL be, eventually. There are some smokin' cards out there in the $50-$75 range. (GummyIII)


Any name-brand software that has the NVidia chipset is good for many applications, graphics, games, etc. Matrox and ATI are two of the biggest names in video adapters. With that said, any video card that has the NVidia chipset should be good as long as the card has at least 64 Meg of video RAM and provided that it is not a cheap imitation. ( The mfr name can be xyz company but the card can still have the NVidia chipset. One has to read the fine print on the box to make sure that the card has the NVidia chipset. )  (El Gran Salseron)

 

 

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Q.  If there is one software program that you couldn't live without, what would it be?  

LOL....ROFLMAO...JUST ONE????? (I'm assuming this is aside from the normal anti-virus/spyware sweeper/pop-up blocker/firewall stuff.... if not, then Zone Alarm) If it is aside from those, then I guess I'd pick Microsoft Office 2003. I use it extensively. I do presentations, type up documents, store data, use Outlook for email, manipulate graphics, (LOL...Word makes doing WOOHOO's easy), manipulate photos, etc...etc..... (GummyIII)

That's a pretty wide-angled question. I have to try to look at this issue from a user standpoint or maybe even from a Canteener's standpoint. With that in mind I would say Microsoft Office but that is actually a suite of programs so I would narrow it down to Microsoft Word because it is so universal. After that, Frontpage and maybe a basic photo viewing program but again, the photo viewing program is IE. ( That is excluding an email program that is supplied with IE. )

IF the user has DSL or Cable Modem whereby they are connected to the internet 24/7 then my answer is "anti-virus software and a software firewall." (El Gran Salseron)


MoJo couldn't function or do anything in the Canteen without FrontPage, Music Express (MP3 Organizer), WS_FTP Pro, and numerous other programs. So? I couldn't place it to only one program.

 

 

 



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Ever wonder what the heck folks are saying?

Fret not! We're going to provide a weekly dose of common online lingo and especially those at FR.
Lingo

LOL -> Laughing Out Loud

ROTFLMAO/ROTFLMBO ->Rolling On The Floor Laughing My *Butt* Off

FWIW -> For What It's Worth

IOW -> In Other Words

IIRC -> If I Recall Correctly

GMTA -> Great Minds Think Alike

BBL -> Be Back Later

BTTT -> Back To The Top/Bump To The Top

STM -> Stop The Madness

Troll -> A disruptor on a board or forum

Zot -> What happens to a troll at FR. See Ya! Banned!

GAG -> Get A Grip


 


Misc Items
 


To get a complete rundown on how to fix your computer issues and external links that El Gran Salseron has provided, please click here to view it. Thank you El Gran Salseron for all the hardwork. By the way, absolutely ignore the Disclaimer section that mentions Mojo by name. Thank you!

As issues arise or interest steadily comes in, El Gran Salseron will probably update the website with further links. In order to do so, you must sign your life savings over to him. (hehe! Just kidding!)

Here's a few things to look forward to next week!

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Computer Lingo
Are you down with all the computer lingo used at FR and elsewhere?

Software
Check in to see what other programs GummyIII suggests!

Ask The Experts
For those of you that sent in questions, we'll provide the answers if we can. Have all questions in by Friday of this week please!

 

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Fred Cohen created his first computer virus when studying for a PhD at the University of Southern California. He added his virus to a graphics program called VD that was written for a make of mini-computer called a Vax. He then presented his results to a security seminar on 10 November, 1983.

This is the first *known* computer virus. Take it for what it is..could be true or may not be.
You can easily translate languages as easy as a click.

Here's Google's Translations

 

Disclaimer:
Do you ever wonder why companies always put disclaimers at the bottom of their pages? And then they expect you to read the *fine print* as well? Well, this is done for a reason. It allows them to make up a bunch of unecessary rules and BS that no one will read nor thinks about reading. As a matter of fact, the disclaimers are really *Dating Ads* that those anonymous computer geeks put out to the general public. It's a way to get them a date via their disclaimers. It's risk free and also a sure way to ensure that their name will appear in the ad somewhere. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, then you totally understand the ideas about disclaimers. They're useless for the most part.



TOPICS: Culture/Society; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: mojoputnokeywords; smellyburkadude; tomkowstinks
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To: tomkow6

I was sorta hoping I'd get to see that picture you have of YOURSELF in that pink tu-tu. ;)


521 posted on 09/27/2005 6:04:30 AM PDT by Fawnn (Canteen wOOhOO Consultant and CookingWithPam.com person - Faith makes things possible, not easy.)
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To: Fawnn

Well, lookie who's here! Hiya, Auntie Fawnn. And, yes, I'll share it since it is already listed in the opening thread.....see I'm not greedy.......I got it from the Unexpert - Mojo. So if you look back at the opening to this portion........

I use Paint Shop Pro 9. I was taught how to use it from a former FReeper. Actually, I was taught how to use the Animation Shop. I tooled around with Paint Shop Pro on my own. I really enjoy it and it is easy to use. The best part? There's a million tutorials online that will help you create really easy and cool graphics.

Click the link here -> -> ->Tutorials Online

HUGS


522 posted on 09/27/2005 6:06:20 AM PDT by beachn4fun (T-minus 78 and counting.............)
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To: beachn4fun

Shhhhhhhhhhh You're not supposed to let on that I haven't read all of my assignment. You promised you'd cover for me! ;)

I still primarily use PSP 7. Never got 8. Now have 9 on the newer computer but can't get into it. (I don't handle change well.)


523 posted on 09/27/2005 6:08:46 AM PDT by Fawnn (Canteen wOOhOO Consultant and CookingWithPam.com person - Faith makes things possible, not easy.)
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To: tomkow6
OK.........THAT DOES IT.............TAKE THIS........


524 posted on 09/27/2005 6:10:53 AM PDT by beachn4fun (We are not pro-war. We are pro-freedom.)
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To: bentfeather
Good Morning Ms. Feather! How is my favorite poet today?


525 posted on 09/27/2005 6:11:24 AM PDT by darkwing104 (Let's get dangerous)
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To: Fawnn

Hey, don't worry about it. No one reads these dang threads anyway. Who's gonna know we didn't read the whole opening thread? Huh?


526 posted on 09/27/2005 6:14:18 AM PDT by beachn4fun (We are not pro-war. We are pro-freedom.)
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To: tomkow6
Good Morning Tomkow!

..Darkwing!!!. (Please ignore the copy-cat poster at the Canteen)

Will do!


527 posted on 09/27/2005 6:14:31 AM PDT by darkwing104 (Let's get dangerous)
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To: Mrs.Nooseman; bentfeather; tomkow6
((HUGS))Back at everybody.

Well, the cold front wasnt much of a cold front. I tossed and turned in bed. Turned out it only went down to around 70.

We have some rain in the forecast for later this week. They're forecasting 10-20 MPH winds with gust to 40. We'll have to see if we end up with any sudden power outages because of the wind. Our computer is three years old so we'll see what happens.

Did some washing yesterday. Black lab jumped up and took one of my article of clothing off the line. Had to tie him up for an hour to make him mind.

528 posted on 09/27/2005 6:15:06 AM PDT by E.G.C.
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To: darkwing104

Doing well, here darkwing. Fall is moving in a little faster each day.



The question is, how are you??


529 posted on 09/27/2005 6:16:39 AM PDT by Soaring Feather
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To: E.G.C.

Whoa, our temps went to 44F last night. Yesterday, it was warm and humid, in the early evening it started cooling down fast.



A 40 mph gust of wind will bring your laundry to NY. LOL


530 posted on 09/27/2005 6:19:44 AM PDT by Soaring Feather
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To: bentfeather
The question is, how are you??

Doing fine, Starting looking for a new house this weekend. Looks like the market is getting soft in the panhadle due to the recent hurricanes.


531 posted on 09/27/2005 6:22:45 AM PDT by darkwing104 (Let's get dangerous)
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To: Fawnn; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; Ms.Poohbear; 2LT Radix jr; Radix; LaDivaLoca; Severa; Bethbg79; ...

 

 

HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable).

And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

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Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

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Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!!. Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

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Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

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Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy? HELLO ...... Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the

best feel-good food around!

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Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

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Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

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Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"

 

532 posted on 09/27/2005 6:25:20 AM PDT by tomkow6 (~ www.ProudPatriots.org ~ Serving Those Who Serve Us ~ ...)
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To: beachn4fun; Kathy in Alaska; StarCMC; LUV W; All
Good morning everyone,

Sad news from Wisconsin this morning............two National Guard soldiers have been killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb.........article here......................please keep their families in prayer..............

533 posted on 09/27/2005 6:33:16 AM PDT by MozartLover ( My son, my soldier, my hero. Protect him, Lord, wherever he goes, and keep him strong.)
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To: MozartLover

..MozartLover!!. (Please ignore the copy-cat poster at the Canteen)

534 posted on 09/27/2005 6:37:35 AM PDT by tomkow6 (~ www.ProudPatriots.org ~ Serving Those Who Serve Us ~ ...)
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To: tomkow6

LOL

Very good, Tom. Love the punch line.


535 posted on 09/27/2005 6:37:45 AM PDT by Soaring Feather
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To: All
Click on a service emblem to send an online
Thank You to a service man or woman in any branch.
U.S. Arny U.S. Navy U.S. Marines U.S. Air Force U.S. Coast Guard
Army
Navy
Marines
Air Force
Coast
Guard

536 posted on 09/27/2005 6:43:30 AM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Have you said Thank You to a service man or woman today?)
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To: All
See You All Tonight

Webmaster and Plank Owner
Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examiners Association




Commercial fishing is one of our nation’s most hazardous industries.
The Coast Guard is committed to increasing safety in the fishing industry.
The main objective is to increase compliance
with the minimum safety requirements found in
Title 46 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 28—
Requirements for Commercial Fishing Industry Vessels.



537 posted on 09/27/2005 6:45:23 AM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (SEMPER PARATUS -- ALWAYS READY)
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To: MozartLover; All

REST IN PEACE
Michael Wendling
Andy Wallace


538 posted on 09/27/2005 6:47:19 AM PDT by luvie (The promise of faith is not the absence of suffering; it is the presence of grace..GWBush)
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To: darkwing104

Whoa! You didn't get the other house?


539 posted on 09/27/2005 6:49:24 AM PDT by beachn4fun (We are not pro-war. We are pro-freedom.)
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To: MozartLover
Good morning, ML. Thanks for the heads-up.

R I P

540 posted on 09/27/2005 6:51:23 AM PDT by beachn4fun (We are not pro-war. We are pro-freedom.)
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