The most recent minutes are posted below. You may also download all prior meeting minutes in Adobe PDF format. The downloadable minutes are complete annual volumes with file sizes listed for each. |
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| 51 KB | 153 KB | 153 KB | 168 KB | 101 KB | 131 KB | 205 KB | 87 KB | 107 KB |
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING Jim Richardson opened the meeting by welcoming new people and announced that we are now converting our class computers to a dual operating system of XP and Windows 7. Jim discussed the importance of keeping our computers up-to-date with Windows Update and explained how to do it on Internet Explorer. Since members are interested in purchasing new computers at the beginning of the New Year. Jim explained that difference between 32 bit and 64 bit machines. Jim again brought up the importance of making back-up disks for your new computer. He suggests using DVD+R to make the back-ups since that is the latest technology. We had a discussion on types of files and their extensions. Jim discussed a web page from “pcpitstop” that helps explain how to open unknown File Extensions We were also introduced to a web site that helps cancer patience get help cleaning their homes while going through cancer treatment. http://www.cleaningforareason.org/ Jim Explained “Silverlite Videos”. Computer Manufactures’ Contact Information http://www.youtube.com/swf/l.swf?video_id=S4KrIMZpwCY This was a historic video on how the Model T was built in the early days! After the break, we saw excellent videos on the new Windows 7. Getting Started with Windows 7 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help/getting-started
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING Jim Richardson opened the meeting by announcing that there would be a board meeting immediately following the general meeting. He also announced that there would be drawings for several flash drives, web cams, CCMV cd’s, and even a computer that was donated by Bill Oberg. Jim asked for questions from members re computers. Jim shared a web site http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/. This web site is excellent and will help with Spyware removal. We visited the web site and Jim demonstrated how to use it. PC Doctor will also help. We viewed a beautiful video – “The Christmas Tree “by - Jacquie Lawson - Diane Robinson gave a plug for “Carbonite” and explained how she was able to retrieve her data from her computer after there was a problem. Again Jim explained the importance of “remembering” our passwords and also selecting passwords that we can “remember” easily and others will not understand! We saw two other entertaining videos: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1543292789?bctid=3130509001 Jim Raffled off the Computer that was donated by Bill Oberg – Congratulations Angi! After the break the raffles occurred. The remainder of the meeting was a Q & A session.
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING Jim called the meeting to order discussing Windows 7 reminding everyone that you will need 2 g of memory if you want to upgrade. To upgrade from Vista the cost is $119. including tax and a member said that he had heard that a “family pack” will be available within a few weeks for $149. Jim stated the XP Service Pack 3 will be supported by Microsoft until Oct. 2014. Elections for the upcoming year were held. The following officers were elected: Department leaders: We visited a tax collection website https://taxpayments.co.riverside.ca.us/ Jim visited the CCMV website reminding us that website from former meetings are always available. We visited http://www.microsoft.com which showed how we can get information to support Microsoft. Jim reviewed various sites and discussed Windows Live Space and he showed a video with information on how to “Blog”. Also a video on”Creating Family Journals”. http://www.microsoft.com/athome/photos/videos.aspx We saw another video on “How to Choose a Computer” including Net books, all-in-one-, and Laptops. A member asked a question regarding the ‘Ipad’ and Jim explained that it is a mobile tool and not a computer. The question of “Carbonite” came up. Carbonite is a backup service for internal drives and not for external drives. Jim and other members feel that it is an excellent service. Jim visited another website Worth Monkey http://worthmonkey.com This is a website where you can get the value of used computers and electronics. Jim announced that he would like members to send their questions to the CCMV website. He brought up the CCMV site and instructed members to feel free to into the Q&A section and send questions. He also stated if members want information on copying data to-and-from a CD to the computer; please ask for it in the Q&A section and he will send it to you. We were told that we can go to our printer’s manufacturer and get update for our printers. Jim said that “control” / “enter” will put in the “www” when looking for websites. Jim stressed the importance of updating to Explorer 8 but stated that Explorer 9 is still in the beta stage and doesn’t recommend it at this time. Explorer 8 has excellent security features. A couple of other websites that are of interest are: http://www.jigzone.com/gallery/Nature_Scenes and http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/desktop/screensavers.mspx
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING Jim opened the meeting by discussing the upcoming election. These will be held at the next meeting, Oct. 12th. We still do not have a formal candidate for Vice President. Jim asked members to please consider serving in this capacity. Jim announced that he had put Windows 7 on one of our laptops and invited members to examine it during the break. Jim announced that we would probably do away with the Vista classes next year, as there is more of a need for XP and Windows 7. If you are interested in updating to Windows 7, Jim stated that you must have 2G of memory. If you are not sure what your systems capacity is; you can go to Kingston.com and put in your Model # to obtain the information. Jim noted that there are many companies that will pop-up giving you opportunities to download screen savers and desktop backgrounds. BEWARE many of them have spyware attached! One of the new spyware infections currently active is Ransom-ware. Jim explained how it works and urged members not to fall for the scam. We had a discussion on security. Jim recommends using Microsoft Security Essentials and Spy Bot Search & Destroy. A member brought up that often the symbol on the task bar (system trey) will turn Orange or Red. Jim explained that Orange means that you need to “update” and Red means you need to run a “scan”. It was noted that sometimes the symbols in the Task Bar are difficult for people with eyesight problems to see so he demonstrated ways of enlarging them. He also showed how to make the Icons larger, bolder etc. Jim spent some time discussing the installation of Windows 7 and mentioned that he cost to upgrade would be around $109. + Tax for a total of 119.99 Jim demonstrated a way to display the Menu Bar in Internet Explorer and also the way to change your homepage. A question was brought up about “secure” sights and Jim explained that that when a site has an “s” after the HTTP it means that it is a secure site. Jim went over the ways to transfer data from a CD or Flash Drive to your computer. He announced that if you need this information, please send e-mail the club, and he will forward it to you. Jim demonstrated how to ask questions/send email via the CCMV web site. Jim answered the question on how to “resize” photographs and large documents that you are going to be sending over the Internet. In the CCMV-CD, under Security & Freeware, you can find a free picture resizing program. Jim shared the following web sites with us: Microsoft At Home Photos and Videos Jim stated that we can copy any picture that is on the computer – the first way is to right click on the picture and select “SAVE PICTURE AS” and the other is using “PRINT SCREEN” and PAINT.
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING Jim Richardson opened the meeting by welcoming 2 new members. Jim did a mention of Flash Drives, and their purpose. Jim answered a question on why Icons move on their own and he showed how to make sure the “Auto Arrange” is unchecked so that the Icons will stay where you want them. We had an in-depth discussion re the elections that will be held at the 1st meeting in October. Currently the officers are as follows: Jim Richardson, President; Tom Baker, Vice President; Chet Hartley, Treasure; Darlene Gales, Secretary; and Jim Semanek, Member at Large. Tom Baker announced that he will be moving out of the area and will not be able to service as Vice President. Jim asked that everyone be thinking of a replacement for him. Department Leaders (non elected Volunteer positions) were recognized: Diane Robinson, Membership; Frank Varano, Newsletter; Dorothy & George Medcalf, Materials’ and Darlene Gales, Registrar. Jim announced that he has made more CCMV-CD’s. They are available at the front desk – donations will gladly be accepted! Jim showed us some of the contents that are on the CD. He did a demonstration of the Motion Graphics, Security/Freeware, Clean-up, File Format converters, Image Resizer and the Magnifying Glass. A question arose regarding why they were getting a message that their hard drive was going out. Jim explained that when the message occurs you should do a “check disk” t least 2 times. He explained how to do a “check disk”. You need to go to “My Computer”, Local Disk (C: ). Right click - Click on “Properties”. Go into “Tools” then “Error Checking”. Check “Automatically fix errors”, check “Start” and “Yes”. He reminded us that we should always to a Check Disk before doing a Defrag. When running a “Defrag” you should always do it in Safe Mode or turn off your modem. To put your computer in Safe Mode – turn the computer off and when it starts to come up tap F-8. A question arose on resizing your “homepage”. Jim said to push the “Control” and use your wheel. Another way is to go into “View” Text Size. Jim introduced some new websites: How to choose a PC: netbook, laptop, or all-in-one? Microsoft At Home Videos Bing Videos – World’s Weirdest Creature Another question arose regarding new computers coming with a “Restore Disk”. Jim explained that they do not and after you install your computer you have a change to make “Restore Disks”. It is advisable to use the DVD+R to make the disks. A question regarding checking the speed of your computer. Jim recommends “PC Pitstop” and he did a demo of the it.
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING Jim Richardson opened the meeting by discussing the Computer Classes. The room will be available as of August 9th and Jim will be going there this afternoon to work on the schedules. He announced that as soon as the schedule is available they will be posted on the CCMV web site. Jim demonstrated how to find them on the website. Jim discussed the Google Guide http://www.googleguide.com and explained some of the uses of the Guide. We discussed Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 and Jim explained about add-ons and how to delete unwanted ones. The next web site that we covered was “fix-it” http://support.microsoft.com/fixit#tab0 . Jim suggested that this web site can answer many questions when we are having problems with our computers. http://fixitcenter.support.microsoft.com/Portal. This web site is a Beta site and should be used for reference only. http://support.microsoft.com/gp/system_maintenance_for_windows This is a good site for system maintenance. Jim discussed the importance of making sure that your computer was update with Service Pack 3 and showed how to make sure your computer had it installed. We had a short Q&A and discussed what do to if you computer “locks-up”. Jim also discussed changing your “home page”. After the break Jim again went over SypBot Search and Destroy – how to install it correctly and remove things are not necessary. We had another demonstration of “wolframalpha”. Jim announced the KC is raising money through Flower Power. For anyone that is interested in “gardening” should check out http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/campaign?campaign_id=3114 The meeting concluded with Chet reminding members to be thinking about the upcoming elections.
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING Jim opened the meeting and turned it over to Chet Hartley to do a demonstration on downloading/installing Microsoft’s free photo program. He opened Windows Live Photo Gallery and showed us various editing techniques. He made mention of Kodac Easy Share software and will do a demonstration of it at a later date. Jim showed videos on Microsoft Security. He discussed “rogue” pop-ups and what we should do when they show up on our computer. Reminding us never to click on the pop-up and in order to get rid of them you need to hit “alt F4”. “alt,control,delete” or use the Task Manager. You need to remember that if pop-ups do not have a title bar you can be sure that they are “bad”. Jim went over the Configuration Utility and MRT. Jim reminded us that we must always make sure that our ‘Windows Update’ is up to date. Jim did a search on the Internet of “Tim Conway.” We were able to view a funny video. Jim announced that we would have club meetings on July 13th and August 24th this summer. The club ended with a Q & A
session.
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING Jim Richardson opened the meeting by doing a demonstration on how Power Point presentations can be made into screen savers. He explained that there are 2 ways to accomplish this. Also explaining the use of “print screen”. Jim announced that Verizon is again offering MSN. Jim did a demo on MSN e-mail and how to modify and change photos. How to forward messages emphasizing “cleaning” e-mails before sending them on. Also using BCC and how to add it to your e-mail. There was a question on saving Power Point presentations. Jim did a demonstration on saving U-tube video We saw videos on “Twitter” and “Wikis”. What they are and how to use them. Jim reminded us that “Social Networks” can be very dangerous. We had a Q&A session. Jim reviewed Belarc Advisor. Also
the use of Device Manager, Clean-up
and ChkDsk. A reminder that all
files need to be indexed before “defraging”.
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING Jim opened the meeting discussing the June meetings. The church will not be available on the 2 nd and 4 th Tuesdays. It was decided to have the meetings on the 15 th and 29 th in June. Jim showed us a great scientific website WolframAlpha. We viewed the introduction video and we actually entered some questions and we were amazed at the knowledge that can be found on this website. Jim showed us how to add “favorites” to our home page Favorites Bar. We viewed a video on the security of Copy Machines. We learned that personal information is being stored on the hard drive of Copiers. Companies and organizations using commercial copy machines do not usually erase the machines hard drive when upgrading to newer machines. Therefore the information stored on the machine is maintained on the old machines hard drive and is easily recovered by new owners who purchased the used copy machine... Jim suggests that we all set up a “Junk Mail” account and use when we need to give out our e-mail to stores, etc….. He showed us how to get a Hotmail account access through MSN. We were also given “hints” on selecting passwords. A question was brought up on not being able to get on the Internet. Jim gave some tips to see if the problem is with Internet Explorer. We had a discussion on how to change your home page i.e. AOL, Yahoo, etc. He also showed us how to change and add search engines to our home page. In the Q&A session, it was discussed how to clean the computer when you want to change ownership. Another question was how to insert pictures into an email. Jim showed us two examples; Internet Explorer and MSN.
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING Jim opened the meeting by saying that we will have a new computer for the club that is extra. He is going to load “Photo Shop” into it. Jim mentioned that Paul Cook would be giving a free seminar on Friday at 9:00 at Kay Cenerios on “Scams” that are currently plaguing our community. Jim shared a video on new concepts of Robotics Mobility. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuIJRsAuCHQ&feature=popt02us03 We were reminded of the Harvard Websites that were discussed at the last meeting. These website are on “Understanding Computers and the Internet” They can be found at www.computerscience1.org Information on this website is posted on the CCMV website from last meeting. Jim discussed several sites that can be found on PC World’s web site (i.e. How to Fix your Family’s PC Problems, The Best Free Software of 2010, and 52 Incredible Useful sites A member brought to our attention a website called “Reimage”. This website will show you how to reboot your machine. Jim will checkout the website in detail and report his findings at the next meeting. Jim called to our attention that some of the websites on our CCMV CD have changed. He suggested that we should check out http ://www.govbenefits.gov/ Jim brought up ways to speed up your Vista computer. First you need to check the number of processes that are running. To do this first go to “Task Manager”and then “processes”. Also go into the Control Panel and check in the “Problems & Solutions” icon. Double click and remove everything. We discussed using “Clean-up” and “CC Cleaner”. Remember when installing these, if you are going to be doing on-line banking, to go into “Options” and record the banks that you will be using. Next check your Hard Drive’s Files, Directory and Indexes.
After you make sure your Indexes are in order, it is safe to do a “Defrag” – REMEMBER it is recommended that one run Defrag in “Safe Mode.” To get into “Safe Mode” you “tap” “F8” key as the computer is starting up. Highlight the Safe Mode option using the arrow keys on your keyboard then hit the enter key on your keyboard. Do not select safe mode with Internet connection. To do a Defrag go to “All Programs”, “Accessories”, “Systems Tools”, and then to “Disk Defragmenter”. Jim reminded us again about checking what we have running when we startup our computers. Go to “Start-up”, “Run”. And then type in “MS Config”. Make sure everything is off except your security. REMEMBER the least amount of processes running the faster your computer will run! Before the break we saw a couple of short Video’s to make us smile. Baby Rock and Male vs Female. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BxckAMaTDc&feature=related, htt p://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQcVllWpwGs We had a lengthy discussion on “System Recovery” disks. Most important that we havethese disks available. Sometimes you can obtain them from a 3 rd party for around $30. Our “homework” assignment is to go home and make sure we have these desks available! If not, we need to report this at the next meeting. Newer computers provide a “1 time run” so you can make your own Recovery DVDs. There are 2 types of DVDs; +R and –R DVDs. +R is the newer technology. Jim took a question from a member
on how to get a motion graphic from
the A REMINDER – NEVER DOWNLOAD ANYTHING THAT POPS UP TELLING YOU THAT YOU HAVE A VIRUS OR A PROBLEM WITH YOUR COMPUTER.! Jim discussed “System Restore” and its importance. You need to go to “start”, “My Computer”, right click, “Properties”. “System Restore”. When you do this make sure that there is NO CHECK in the “turn off System Restore” box. A REMINDER – ALWAYS GO TO “SYSTEM RESTORE” AND INSTALL A RESTORE POINT BEFORE INSTALLING NEW SOFTWARE. The meeting was closed with a Q & A Session.
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING Jim Richardson opened the meeting by giving an update on the Computer Classes. He announced that they probably would not be starting for another 2 months. Jim introduced us to a website www.butterscotch.com which gives information on such topics as How Computers work, Hard Drives, and How the Mouse works. Another website is www.us-cert.gov which gives more information on understanding your computer. Another website is www.howstuffworks.com was of interest and brought up information on making computers start us faster. This brought up “msconfig” and Jim did a demonstration on how that can help you computer. Jim recommends that you always go to ” system restore” and create a Restore Point before undertaking any major software installations, or system configuration operations. Jim also discussed “defragging.” He checked out a website www.tasklist.org and discovered a false representation of alg.exe as malware. Therefore, he stated the web site shoud not be used… www.answersthatwork.com is a good resource to identify programs running in the Task Manager. Jim reminded and demonstrated (for Verizon users only) to change the SMTP code form 25 to “587” in Outlook and Outlook Express. Again, Jim recommends Microsoft Security Essentials and went to the website in CCMV and demonstrated how to install it. He also demonstrated how to remove AVG and discussed “Cleanup”. There is a free on-line course on Understanding Computers and The Internet at This was followed by a Q&A session.
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING Jim opened the meeting by showing the website of the World Clock and sharing information that can be found on the site. Jim showed us the Murrieta Public Library and how to enter the “Mango” site. This is a very entertaining site helping individuals to learn various languages. To reach this site you need to go into the Murrieta Public Library site then click on City Services, Public Library, Mango and Foreign language. Jim did a demo of the program so we could learn some German! Jim showed a web site on “buying laptops”. The website will be posted on CCMV, The next website we visited was on the future computers and printers. The 3D printers are amazing. Fios is changing their access information so Jim explained what we need to do if we have Fios service. Go to e-mail, tools, accounts, mail, properties, and advanced you need to change the number to 587. After the break we saw a great video of Red Skeleton doing the Pledge of Allegiance. Jim ask for Questions from the members. One member mentioned a site “slides.com”. Jim opened the site and showed us some basics on how you can create a slide show from pictures you have in your files. The questions arose on how to change the registration on your computer. Jim will email the info to members who desire a printed copy of the instructions, but warned that it can be very dangerous. Another question was printing in Adobe and Jim did a description for us. Jim discussed sending questions to the club. You can go to the CCMV web site and there is a link there for Q & A. Speeding up your computer was again discussed. Jim showed how to go to Kinston or Crucial to find out how to find out what your computer’s capability is for adding memory.
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING Jim Richardson began the meeting by giving away a disk for Microsoft Office Basic 2003. A question regarding ”Magic Jack” was address by Jim. He presented the pros and cons of the service. He also discussed web cams and Skype. Jim discussed Phishing and showed a video on the subject. With on-line fraud becoming so prevalent it is important that computer users be aware of web sites looking to steal ones identity. Remember never give out personal info that ask for your personal information. Should you receive an e-mail from a bank DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK THAT IS IN THE E-MAIL. Always go back to the site that you normally use. Sites that are secure will always have an “s” after http (https). To report instances of phishing there is a web site on CCMV and also you should report this to your bank and ISP We had a short discussion on g-mail. The subject of Virtual Memory came up and Jim gave a description of Virtual and Physical memory. Jim Semanek will be posting the way to check you Virtual memory on the CCMV website. Jim showed us how to export e-mail addresses into our address book. A few web sites (i.e. Fish & Game and Earthquakes) were discussed and will be posted on CCMV. The 2nd half of the meeting began with raffling off several flash drives which had been donated to the club. Again Jim discussed installing Microsoft Security Essentials. A reminder that there is a link on the CCMV website to view video instructions from Microsoft. Jim discussed doing a “disk check” to insure Hard Drive integrity prior to performing Defrag. The directions will be posted on CCMV. The meeting concluded with a Q & A session – Belarc’s compatibility with Windows 7 was confirmed. Removing Bookmarks/Favorites were addressed.
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING Jim Richardson opened the meeting by addressing previously asked questions from members. The first question was on “Service Packs”. First he stated DO NOT DELETE THEM! He explained that they have an accumulation of Microsoft updates both functional and security. XP has 3 Service Packs. Should you not have these on your computer you need to download them through Windows Explorer. Next the question on “Compression”. He advised that it is advisable to do these compressions on e-mail and NOTING ELSE! This was followed by a discussion on resizing pictures. Using “*.JPG” you can search for duplicates. He then when over using the “shift” and “control” keys for selecting more than one picture or document to “copy”, “move” etc. Shift will do a series and control will do various selections. Another question was “How to move information from your computer to a flash drive”. He explained how to do this in 2 different ways, including “drag and drop”. He than explained that “move” will erase the item from your computer and “copy” will leave it on the computer while adding it to the flash drive. Jim then ask for Questions and Answer from the audience. One of the questions arose on the various Internet services that are available in our areas. Jim explained that DSL Verizon and DSL Extreme are available. These are cheaper. FIOS is also available through Verizon which is more expensive but much faster. There are also cable services available in our area. Another question came up about checking the speed of your computer. Jim explained how to go on CCMV to accomplish this task. There are various websites available i.e. PC PitStop (the one on CCMV) and speedtest.net.. We had a brief discussion on uploading videos. Jim brought up that LII web site is no longer available and has been replaced by Internet Public Library - IPL.org. You will need to have Quick Time 7 installed on your computer to run Museum 3D videos from IPL.org. A couple of other sites that he recommended were wildflower.org for those interested in re-landscaping or gardening with native plants, and ala.org is excellent for kids. These will be posted on CCMV. The session ended with a Q & A
session.
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING
Jim then covered file extensions and show the club how to change the folder settings to display the file extensions when viewing files contained in the computer. Jim also reviewed the Club’s web site and showed attendees how to find the web sites covered in previous meetings. Following the break, Jim presented the web page covering Microsoft Power Toys for Windows XP. Jim explained that the power toy for Windows Vista (there is only one) was highly technical and would not be of interest to most club members. Jim downloaded and installed the Picture Resizer power toy. He then explained the importance of not sending massively large pictures via email. Jim show how the Picture Resizer could be used to shrink the size of large pictures to accommodate sharing them via email. He stated that pictures being emailed should not be larger then 800 x 600 pixels. Jim stated that the club was in
the process of developing goals
for 2010 and invited the membership
to visit the Club’s web site
and submit their suggestions and
desires for club activities and
presentations for 2010
MINUTES
OF CCMV MEETING The meeting was called to order by Jim Richardson. Jim gave us the status of the next computer classes. I appears that Kay Cenerios will not have a room available until at least March. He stated that at the next club meeting Chet will report on the status of the clubs finances. It is difficult for us to stay afloat without the income of the Computer Classes. The Executive Board will meet after the next meeting to go over where we stand and they will accept requests from members as to suggestions on what they want from the club. (i.e. Special interest groups, etc.) Jim showed us a U-tube motivational video on what’s happening called “You Know”. He also gave us a website of Don Edrington’s where it is a good place to download music. These websites will be posted on ccmv.net Jim shared various tutorial websites that available for such things as Microsoft, Windows Explorer, Vista, Windows7 etc. He ran a video on making files and folders. Websites will be posted on ccmv.net. Jim answered questions and gave a discussion on getting rid of land lines – the pros and cons. He also discussed options including free services available for the hearing impaired. We went over the use of “ms config” to get rid of junk files that are being used when we startup the our computer. By removing them they will speed up our computer. Also mentioning the importance of not removing Windows Internet Explorer. Jim showed us how to have more than 1 search engine on our home page and how to get an Icon to shut down the computer. He also shared a website on several excellent power point presentations. This will be posted on the CCMV website. The meeting then was a Q & A
session. |
Former Secretaries:
| Fran Nakayama | ||
| Jim Semanek | ||
| Russ Ellis | ||
| Georgiana Dols | ||
| Sharon Rea | ||
| Sandy Kandl | ||
| Kathy Togie |