GCC Newsletter

As your newly elected co-librarian, I wanted to let you know that over the last month, I’ve sorted and filed many of the cd’s that were floating around in various files, and this month I should have a better handle on what we have on hand, and should be able to find things much quicker and easier. I know I had several requests for the Windows XP Service Pack 2 updates, but was only able to find 3 copies. I’ll have plenty on hand this month, so if you are in need of one, just drop by the table, and I’ll be glad to set you up with one.

Since taking over this post I thought I’d introduce myself. My name is Jason Whitener, and I’ve been an active PC user for over 10 years. I’ve previously been a member of 2 other computers clubs (both for Commodore 64&128 machines), most recently a member of the CUGSL group, prior to them disbanding this last year. I’ve held various posts in each of these clubs like President, Librarian, etc. and I’m happy to be one of the support staff for GCC. I’ve not been in the club for very long, but can already tell that it has a good solid core, and we seem to be growing.

So to continue the club library growing, I’m releasing 2 disks this month. One will be a disk of PC game demos of new/currently released games. My thinking on this is that you can try before you buy on many of these games, then at least you’ll know if they are of interest to you or not. I realize many may have access to these already, but I thought I’d put a disk out and gauge the reaction for later releases. The other disk will be an application/utility disk. I’m putting the newest versions of various software into this compilation, to include things like Firefox (alternative internet browser with plugins), various newsreader programs, some other internet goodies, and whatever else I can find to fill the disk. I’m including the newsreaders as I’m doing the demo for this month on Newsgroups/Usenet, and these programs will give you various amounts when reading/posting messages.

I’m hoping from here on out to release at least 1 cd per month, that way everyone is hopefully exposed to something new, and as time goes one I’ll have a clearer idea of what individual club members tastes are, and try to focus future releases to match those tastes. Please let me know if there is any type of program you are looking for or if there is a job or process that you’d like to see focused on, and I’ll see what I can find. If I find something useful, I’ll put it on a future disk, because I often find that people tend to have the same types of problems, and a solution I find for you may benefit someone else.

Thanks So much and I hope to see you at the Meeting,

http://www.picasa.com/

FREE software

Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you know. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized.

Picasa also makes advanced editing simple by putting one-click fixes and powerful effects at your fingertips. And Picasa makes it a snap to share your pictures – you can email, print at home, make gift CDs, instantly share via Hello™, and even put pictures on your own blog.

Take a tour of Picasa

Download Picasa 2 and more free Google software

Anti-adware Misses Most Bad Stuff - Here is Help

"Anti-adware Misses Most Malware"

By happy coincidence, noted computer author Brian Livingston covered anti-adware tools at the same time we were discussing them in recent issues ("Spyware Hype Vs Real Threats" http://langa.com/newsletters/2005/2005-01-27.htm#2 ).

Brian's work, analyzing data produced by Eric Howes, an instructor at the University of Illinois, shows that "nearly every anti-adware application on the market catches less than half of the bad stuff." Brian's recommendation is to use multiple anti-malware tools, so each can catch what others miss; they can backstop each other.

Long-time readers will recognize this approach as the same one we've recommended in this newsletter many, many times. But I'd arrived at that conclusion empirically and anecdotally; Brian now offers statistical proof to back up my less-formal, seat-of-the-pants conclusion. <g>

Howes' test results also show that Microsoft's free beta AntiSpyware, which we've previously recommended is the current best of the bunch in antispyware tools.

Brian and I both recommend Microsoft's AntiSpyware as one of the tools everyone should have; but beyond that, his recommendations differ slightly from mine in that he includes commercial tools in his top slots.
I actually agree with Brian that the tools he recommends (e.g. http://www.webroot.com/ , $30) are good, but I know that far more people will use tools if they're free or nearly so. That's why my primary list includes only freeware and donationware--- to help ensure that cost isn't an excuse to avoid using these important defenses.

Brian's report appeared in his Windows Secrets newsletter; http://windowssecrets.com/050127/ . Definitely worth a look.

BTW, my recommendations--- all free for personal use:

Microsoft Antispyware:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Spywareblaster: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Spybot S&D: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

Ad-Aware Personal Edition: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

Fred Langa
http://langa.com/newsletter.htm

THE (A) GREAT SOFTWARE LIST

http://www.anova.org/software/index06.htm#internet

50 digital cam prints .99cents

99 cents total cost incl ship!!! *Enjoy!
http://www.winkflash.com/promos/free/

Later,

FYI....

This site lets you self-install you own cable modem on Charter's
network -or- change your current account to use a new cable modem.

https://install.charter.com/

I was investigating lift chairs last week for my Uncle Bob in Ft. Dodge, Iowa.

I ran across an alternate to the traditional $700 - $1200 lift chair concept, that sells for a fraction of the cost. It could be a perfect solution for someone that doesn't want to give up their favorite chair or couch, or needs some easily transportable assistance when out and about.

Basically, it's a plug in electrically powered seat that will lift anyone up to 300# to a standing position from an existing chair or sofa. It's called the Uplift Power Seat.

They also offer two weight range models of a non electrically powered unit, that supports around 80% of your weight when rising. It's called the Uplift Seat Assist.

I don't know if any concern like this looms in your immediate future but if it does, you can see and try both models (along with a very impressive selection of specialized aids for the elderly and infirmed), along with 7 or 8 standard concept Pride Lift Chairs at:

Medical West Healthcare Center
444 S. Brentwood Boulevard
Clayton, Missouri 63105
314-725-1888
800-489-1888
Knowledgeable and pleasant sales person: John Lamczyk

Now, you know me. I'm not content to settle for one price, so I did some investigation on the Internet.

The powered version, called the Uplift Power Seat (Best price, $169.00 plus shipping on the web) is the one that is reimbursable by Medicare. It will lift up to 300#, is light and portable, and comes with a removable vinyl cover for incontinent residents. I also found it for $189 including shipping. Below is the feature page from the manufacturer. Their web site is http://www.up-lift.com

Click here: Uplift

or copy below and paste into your browser

http://www.up-lift.com/lifting_cushions/uplift_powerseat/powerseat_features.asp

They also make a lower line model called the Up Easy Power Seat that is identical mechanically, but has less foam and has a removable cloth cover. I have seen the advertised recently on CNBC. They tell me it is not reimbursable through Medicare, however.

In any case, here is the website where I found the $169 price for the Uplift Power Seat.

http://www.consumermedhelp.com/Uplift%20Seats.html

And finally, there are two non electric models that will work up to 350#. It is called the Uplift Seat Assist, which appears to sell for about $135 plus freight over the net.

I tried both types, and thought the non-powered model had more appeal. It is extremely portable at 12#, and worked great!

The only drawback is that neither model (even with their highly touted "Memory Foam" is something I would care to sit on for 12 or more hours a day. However, when I added a piece of eggcrate foam between me and the seat, I was VERY comfy indeed.

In any case, I offer that information for what it's worth. If not for you, you might be needing something like that for a relative or loved one now, or down the road.

Let me know if you need any more information, (like the criteria for qualifying for Medicare reimbursement-it's a pretty demanding test-my Uncle Bob DOES NOT qualify, even at 85) or if I can be of further help in any way!

Courtesy of Rob Hoff
---

Number of Members in attendance last month:
Total Membership Before last month's meeting
Number of Members renewing last meeting
Number Of Members joined last meeting
Number of members dropped
Current Total Membership
Number of Members in Good Standing
Number of Members on Probation

Volume 24	February, 2005	Issue No. 2