All e-mail addresses of members have an extra XXX in the address to prevent spam. Please remove the XXX when sending mail to the member list

                                                         NBCUG Meeting January 2006

The NBCUG monthly meeting was held Saturday, January 21, 2006 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Bern. Jim Gray greeted attendees and managed the check-in table. We had 74 attendees including 5 new members.

Pete Peterson prepared his fine coffee as usual - regular and decaf, and free! The Sale/Donation/Freebie table offered ink cartridges and a connecting-cable all at no charge.

Jim Miller was our Moderator today. He called the meeting to order at 9 AM and welcomed new members. For new members the NBCUG web page is at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/. Members may send e-mail to the group by addressing their message to nbcug@always-online.com.

Jim reviewed our definition of a 'Member' :If you attend a meeting and register on the sign-in sheet you become a member. No fee.

TREASURY: Jerry Tetreault reported the details of our recent receipts and expenditures.  He concluded that we began today's meeting with a balance of $522.90.

Jim reported that this is our first meeting since Dave Wallace retired from the Moderator position...and that Dave will continue to be very active in NBCUG.  Dave's continuing activities include running the e-mail list and the Attendance/Membership list; he will continue to edit the Minutes that the Recorder prepares; he will send out the Minutes; act as a Backup Recorder; and a few days before each meeting he will send out an announcement of the meeting.

Jim Miller reviewed the management of NBCUG by our other volunteers: Jim Gray = Greeter and collector of admission-fees; Jerry Tetrault = Treasurer and  K of C  liason and 'facilities management' in which he manages many many houskeeping details for our comfort. Pete Peterson = making coffee and nametags; Dan Edwards = Recorder; Susie Hokannson = Software Custodian and Backup Recorder; Don Tiribassi = tracks 6-month attendance list; Moderator Committee = Pete Peterson, Frank Feeney, Don Sargent, Rob Reiner and Jim Miller. Program Committee = Nils Hokansson, Hob Bonnett, James Watson and Tom Fineco

Jim announced that we would now proceed directly to our program, and thereafter return to any other NBCUG business so Brad Geres, our speaker could leave early.

PROGRAM: VOICE OVER INTERNET (VOIP) AND SKYPE

Jim introduced 'Brad Geres: electronics extraordinaire'.

Brad spoke to us about  VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL  ('VoIP'), with emphasis on SKYPE, a free service.

Brad set the stage by asking: How many of you use VoIP? --five
How many use cell phones as your primary phone?  -- two
How many have a home Wireless connection? -- about ten
How many have a broadband Internet connection? -- about 2/3 of those present (It was a surprise to see so many).

Brad then discussed...at length...the phenomenon of  VoIP and SKYPE, using computer slides to follow the progression of events that led to SKYPE. He then went into detail how it could be obtained, set up and used to make a free voice call to any other SKYPE user in the world or to any telephone in the world for a small monthly fee. The service is growing exponentially and was recently bought by eBay. The SKYPE web page is at http://www.skype.com . Brad completed his presentation at !0:05 AM. He was thanked and received a loud applause.

Jim Miller then returned our attention to NBCUG affairs.

CLUB BUSINESS

Hob Bonnett announced that the Coast Guard Auxiliary is soliciting old CDs for use as emergency signaling mirrors.

NBCUG Web-Page: Dave Wallace created and has maintained the NBCUG web-page since 1998. He recently suggested it was time for someone to create a more professional-looking page and take over it's maintenance. Jeff Dixon took up the offer and posted a proposed page at http://www.newberntg.com/nbcug/. Jeff's page brought many comments on email and he tried to incorporate most of them into the page.

Dave asked: How many of you have your own web-page? -- about 10.  Dave described the  possibility of members submitting competing designs for a new NBCUG page and asked how many would like to try it. Since only one hand raised, Dave suggested a vote on whether to accept Jeff Dixon's proposal at this time, or defer the decision to let members think about whether to submit a web page. A large majority voted to accept Jeff's design. Dave said he would work with Jeff on transferring files depending on who is to host the page. Jeft agreed to maintain the new web page.

Jeff then recommended that we 'Register' the NBCUG site, so the address would be something like   xxx@NBCUG.org. This would cost very little and it would offer us a convenient address.  We voted to do so.

Jim Miller reminded us that there is no 'Free Lunch' and he expressed his distaste of the ads in Google ('Sponsored Links').

PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Hob Bonnett announced that a topic for a future program will be Computer Training. The Program Committee asked for suggestions for topics and they received ten responses. They continue to invite suggested topics for Programs.

We adjourned at 10:25 AM

Our next meeting will be on February 18 and the program will be about the Craven County Geographical (GIS) system presented by Lou Valenti, the man in charge of running it.

Minutes for the past year are posted at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/minutes.html

Recorded by Dan Edwards (danedwards@XXXcoastalnet.com) and edited by Dave Wallace.

These minutes are consistent with Windows 98SE and Internet Explorer 6

                                  There was no NBCUG meeting in December

                                                                NBCUG Meeting November 2005

The NBCUG monthly meeting was held Saturday, November 19, 2005 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Bern. Jim Gray greeted attendees and managed the check-in table. We had 50 attendees including 4 new members.

Pete Peterson's prepared fine coffee as usual - regular and decaf, and free!

The Sale/Donation/Freebie table offered ink cartridges, DVDs, computer-photo-oriented literature, and...for $15...another working Scanner.

Dave Wallace called the meeting to order at 9 AM and welcomed new members. For new members the NBCUG web page is at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/. Members may send e-mail to the group by addressing their message to nbcug@always-online.com.

Treasury

Jerry Tetreault reported recent receipts of $90.00 and expenditures of $167.85.  He concluded that we began today's meeting with a balance of $559.15. Dave reported a $20.00 donation from Tom Dunton, which came about from Tom offering to give NBCUG 10% of the proceeds from items he sold on NBCUG e-mail. Thanks Tom for the nice donation.

Planning Group

Hob Bonnett announced that he will be sending out a message in December to the Planning Group that was formed at the October meeting. Hob will suggest that the group meet to discuss NBCUG's future plans for speakers.

Dave Wallace Announcements

Dave Wallace reminded us that we will not have a  December meeting because the 3'd Saturday in December will fall on December 17, i.e. very close to Christmas.  Our next meeting will be on January 21, 2006 at which time Brad Geres will speak on VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) and, specifically, about SKYPE.

AT&T has recently merged with SBC; at least four of the members present today own AT&T stock

Only one state (California) has a Phishing law

The UN 'World Summit on the Information Society' (WSIS) just ended and surprisingly 100 countries agreed to leave control of the Internet addressing system with the 'Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers' (ICANN) which is a private corporation that operates with the approval of the US Government

Windows Media Player 10 is now available from Microsoft: it offers more choices. One member described his use of WMP-10 and gave it a positive review

Sony/BMG, in an attempt to prevent copying, sold a number of CDs which added dangerous 'rootkit' software to computers that compromised security. Sony apologized and quit using this software but are facing class-action suits. Wayne Maruna recently brought the matter to the attention of NBCUG members in e-mail.

Dave commented on the growing number of community e-mail lists in the New Bern area such as at River Bend, Trent Woods, Fairfield Harbour and possibly Greenbrier. He said that of 421 members of RBmail over 200 have never been to a NBCUG meeting. He urged leaders of the other lists to announce NBCUG meetings as he does on the RBmail list.

Dave reminded us about the decisions we made on October 15: Beginning at our next meeting --on January 21--Dave will be replaced as 'Moderator' by someone from the 'Moderator Committee'.  (The members are Pete Peterson, Frank Feeney, Don Sargent, Rob Reiner and Jim Miller).

Dave's duties of providing programs will be replaced by the 'Program Committee'. (The members are  Nils Hokansson, Hob Bonnett, James Watson and Tom Fineco. Hob Bonnett reported that the Planning/Program Committee will be meeting in December and will be notified by e-mail.

PROGRAM - by Nils Hokansson, on "Phishes, Scams, and Hoaxes"

Nils was assisted by Susie Hokansson -- who used the NBCUG Projector to display a simultaneous slide-show -- while Nils commented on and expanded on these issues. Nils displayed samples of Phishes, Scams and Hoaxes. Then he commented on their characteristics and how to identify them and avoid being deceived by them. Some high-points:

PHISHES

J Phishes can be called 'e-mail which solicits private information for identity-theft'

J The initial Phish message is often not illegal--but it can entice you into an illegal enterprise

J You might be asked to provide a password, SSN, bank account number, etc

J They often entice you to go to a website by clicking on a 'hotlink'

J The hotlink might have a believable name and it might direct you to an apparently official website, but both the name on the link and the website itself can be totally bogus

J Some clues to the existence of a bogus name or site:  a strange-looking address; poor grammar; blatant misspelling; a message from a bank in which you do not have an account; threatening you (like freezing your account in you do not respond); instructing you to go directly to a website but not to reply to the message; when, in Internet Explorer (or Firefox), after you hover your cursor over a hotlink... there is inconsistency between what you see in the 'Address Bar' (in the top of your screen) and what you see in the 'Status Bar' (what you see in the lower left of your screen); faint hard-to-read words within the e-mail; random and inappropriate words within the e-mail; and when you look up the putative Internet address of the sender and you find that it is not consistent with the message (especially overseas addresses for apparent US corporations)

J If you have a strong reason to do it and you really want to contact the organization in question: do it by calling from your own phone (phishing attempts can be made by phone as well as by e-mail).  Or, go to the website by typing in the actual known address (rather than clicking on the hotlink)

J Review every bank-statement and credit-card statement that you receive: look for anomalies

J Phishing is constantly becoming more sophisticated

SCAMS:

J Scams can be called  'fraudulent business schemes' which offer you an asset (like money) in return for your cooperation

J Some examples: a lottery-winner scheme which offers you 'winnings' although you must provide your bank-account number; an offer of millions of dollars in commission if you assist a Nigerian in bank-transfers; a jury-duty scam which threatens you with a warrant if you do not provide your SSAN

Dave Wallace described how his e-mail address was hijacked and used by a mortgage loan company scam as their return address. This resulted in him receiving over 1000 bounce messages weekly from ISPs rejecting the scam mail. Dave found it impossible to determine the identity of the scammer and eventually had to change his address. Dave mentioned how easy it is to fake a return address...you can try this by sending a message to yourself.

HOAXES:

J Hoaxes can be called "an act or document intended to deceive or defraud"

J Examples: a threat to your PC by a purported virus or Trojan; a child dying of cancer; etc

J Clues: asking you to sign a petition; offering unexpected 'free money'; a child in trouble; asking you to forward the message; citing an authoritative source (like Microsoft, CNN, IBM, US Govt); claiming that some striking experience actually happened to the sender; a clever or tempting concept (e.g. unlocking your car door using a remote keyless entry clicker held near a distant telephone)

One member asked: given all the (previously described) clues of falsity: how can phish schemes succeed enough to be profitable?  Answer: they are essentially cost-free to send; so many thousands of messages go out that only a few fractions of a percent of responders are needed to be profitable. In summary: phishing continues 'because it works'.

Nils invited us to use some of his valuable resources re phishes, scams and hoaxes: His 'COMPUTER CORNER LINK PAGE' is available at http://tinyurl.com/54233 or at  http://members.cox.net/nilshoke/computercorner.htm

He also invited us to go directly to the site for the 'Fairfield Harbour Computer Interest Group' at  http://members.cox.net/nilshoke/fhcig.htm -- or-- www.tinyurl.com/5ujkq where he has listed some useful URLs:

FTC's Identity Theft website is at www.consumer.gov/idtheft; file your complaint at www.ftc.gov.

See www.annualcreditreport.com for details on ordering a free annual credit report.

Forward spam that is phishing for information to spam@uce.gov and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing e-mail.

Some places to go to check suspect messages:

http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp?id=hoaxes

http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/hoaxes

http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html

http://www.stiller.com/hoaxes.htm

http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/blhoax.htm

http://www.vmyths.com/hoax.cfm

http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/

Some more places to go:

http://www.elsop.com/wrc/complain.htm

http://www.consumer.gov/sentinel

Nils presented an organized and thorough coverage of Phishes, Scams and Hoaxes; and he displayed many examples.  He received many comments and he addressed many questions. Finally, he was thanked and was applauded.

A member reminded us that to-day has been an 'Historic Meeting":  this is Dave Wallace's final meeting...after nine years...as Moderator and Program Chairman.  Dave was thanked for his outstanding service and he received prolonged Applause.

Our January 21, 2006 meeting will feature Brad Geres on Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP).

We adjourned about 10:20 AM

Minutes for the past year are posted at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/minutes.html

Recorded by Dan Edwards (danedwards@XXXcoastalnet.com) Remove XXX

These minutes are consistent with Windows 98SE and Internet Explorer 6

                                              NBCUG Meeting October 2005

The NBCUG monthly meeting was held Saturday, October 15, 2005 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Bern. Jim Gray greeted attendees and managed the check-in table. We had 45 attendees including two new members.

Pete Peterson's prepared fine coffee as usual - regular and decaf, and free!

The Sale/Donation/Freebie table offered books, software, and...for $15...a working Scanner.

Dave Wallace called the meeting to order at 9 AM and welcomed new members. For new members NBCUG's web page is at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/. For members to send e-mail to the group address your message to nbcug@always-online.com.

TREASURY: 

Jerry Tetreault reported the details about recent receipts and expenses. He concluded that we began today's meeting with a balance of $637.27.

Dave Wallace reported that the 3'd Saturday in December will fall on December 17, i.e. very close to Christmas. He asked for a vote on whether or not we should cancel the December meeting as we did last year. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of cancelling the meeting.

Dave reviewed our upcoming meetings: the November 19 meeting will feature Nils Hokansson on 'Phishing, Hoaxes and Scams and the January 21, 2006 meeting will feature Brad Geres on Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP).

PROGRAM - OPEN FORUM

Dave framed to-day's meeting as an 'Open Forum' to focus on the 'NBCUG IS IN TROUBLE' issue. This problem is described at http://always-online.com/nbcug/nbcugtrouble.htm which displays Dave's 9/23/05 e-mail along with 37 comments from members. Dave's concerns were:

1. Declining NBCUG membership

2. Our shrinking Treasury

3. The dilemma of finding programs which will be attractive to members with limited computer proficiency--and also be attractive to advanced users.

4. Difficulty in providing programs

5. A lack of Volunteers who are willing to help manage NBCUG

6. Whether to omit some monthly Meetings...and the best time of day for Meetings

Dave announced that effective 12/31/05 he would retire as Moderator and Program manager. He is willing to continue to manage the NBCUG e-mail list and web-page.

Dave addressed the many issues by reading excerpts from the members' e-mailed comments. An active discussion then occurred, with periodic voting to decide issues.

Some High-Points:

J Dave's proposal for NBCUG to discontinue meetings and become an 'e-mail club was not supported and it became clear that actual meetings were what members wanted

J It was unanimous that we continue meeting on the third Saturday each month in the morning rather than in the evening during the week as a few members suggested.

J It was proposed that first time visitors not have to pay admission but was rejected by vote

J Nils Hokansson analyzed our cash-flow and concluded that our present $2.00 admission will keep us solvent for many months; i. e. there is no immediate problem. Dave proposed that we keep the $2.00 admission until the treasury decreases to $300 and then raise it to $3.00. This was approved by vote. Annual fees were discussed to some extent but appeared to introduce too many problems.

J Numerous alternate locations for NBCUG meetings were suggested, some of which were free, but the vote to remain at the Knights of Columbus was unanimous. Free locations could not guarantee that we could meet on the 3rd Saturday each month.

J Dave invited any member to volunteer for the position of Moderator at meetings to replace him and there were no takers. After describing how NBCUG started in the beginning with rotating moderators, he convinced several members to agree to be on a Moderator Commitee who would then decide how to share the task. The members are Pete Peterson, Frank Feeney, Don Sargent, Rob Reiner and Jim Miller. They will provide a Moderator beginning with the January 21, 2006 meeting, at which Brad Geres will speak on VOIP.

J Dave invited any member to volunteer to the position of Program Chairman and there were no takers. He then asked for volunteers for a Program Committee and the following 4 members volunteered: Nils Hokansson, Hob Bonnett, James Watson and Tom Fineco. James Watson emphasized the importance of surveying members to learn what topics they wish addressed. The Committee will be responsible for finding programs speakers after our 1/21/06 meeting. If a speaker cannot be made available or cancels it will be the responsibility of the Moderators Committee to moderate an open forum meeting.

One member described how the NBCUG 'Member List' was misleading by portraying far more members than were active. For example, he said his wife attended long ago but never returned since and her name was still on the list. Dave, who maintains the list, explained that the list is constantly pruned of members who do not attend within 6-months and do not have e-mail. But those with a valid e-mail address remain on the list forever unless they request removal. It would too labor intensive to monitor all members attendance. Dave offered for anyone to run the member list as they saw fit but there were no takers

One member discussed the 'invisibility' of NBCUG: he felt that many New Bern residents need and want what NBCUG offers but they do not know that it exists. He urged publicity and outreach. Unfortunately we didn't get around to forming a Publicity Committee.

Dave reported that Cox members were currently not receiving mail sent to the River Bend e-mail list and nobody knew why.

Jim Gray announced that a Greenbrier e-mail list was being formed. Only a couple Greenbrier residents were present

Jeff Dixon reported that the New Bern Technology Group held its first meeting. About 8 attended that included 4 NBCUG Members. See http://www.newberntg.com/

We adjourned at 10:30 AM

Minutes for the past year are posted at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/minutes.html

Recorded by Dan Edwards (danedwards@XXXcoastalnet.com) Remove XXX

These minutes are consistent with Windows 98SE and Internet Explorer 6

                                                   NBCUG Meeting September 2005

The NBCUG monthly meeting was held Saturday, September 17, 2005 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Bern. Jim Gray greeted attendees and managed the check-in table. We had 48 attendees including one visitor from Winston-Salem.

Jim Gray, in Pete Peterson's absence, prepared fine coffee as usual - regular and decaf, and free! The sale/donation table offered hundreds of free items, as Dave Wallace is 'cleaning house' There were books, software, mice, cables, hardware and components. Items not taken by members were donated to the K of C for their next public Flea Market Sale.

Dave Wallace called the meeting to order at 9 AM and welcomed all new members.

For new members NBCUG's web page is at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/. For members to send e-mail to the group address your message to nbcug@always-online.com.

TREASURY:

Jerry Tetreault reported details about recent receipts and expenses. He concluded that we began today's meeting with a balance of $696.45.

PROGRAM:

Larry Whitney presented "Backup or Else--why you would want to backup all of your hard disk."

Before the meeting Larry had posted his slides at the following websites. Please see them for a complete overview of his presentation. They will not remain here permanently:

http://members.cox.net/lwhitney/fullbackup-all.pdf

http://members.cox.net/lwhitney/fullbackup-part1.pdf

http://members.cox.net/lwhitney/fullbackup-part2.pdf

http://members.cox.net/lwhitney/fullbackup-part3.pdf

(I was late so be aware that I only recorded what happened after 9:30 AM)

Larry used his slides to survey: what this audience does...or does not do about backup; what the choices are; why he chose to backup using a separate hard drive; and how he does it.

Larry systematically expanded on his slides and he tirelessly addressed many detailed comments and questions.

Some high points from Larry and the audience:

J the very best backup tool is having a second PC so that when PC#1 goes down you can Google the problem with PC#2 and find out how to fix PC#1.

J your choice of backup will depend on your needs--and on the amount of your data (his need was to protect his electronic photo album which is sized "6GB and growing").

J the external hard drive he uses is a 250 GB Maxtor: he found that the Maxtor software was not suitable for his needs so he added the 'Acronis' software--and got very satisfactory results. Acronis allowed him to set up multiple partitions in the sizes of his choice.

J during the backup, it is best to have absolutely no input of data; i.e. you should turn off Zone Alarm, disconnect from the Internet and do no other task with your PC...e.g. just leave the room.

J The frequency of his backups depend on the timing and the amount of data-input: he averages 2 weeks between incremental backups; he averages 1 month between full backups.

J the time for his backups depends...in part...on which USB port he must use (the desktop uses the faster USB 2.0 port and the laptop uses a slower USB 1.1 port).

JThis desktop full backup takes about 30 minutes.

J one member commented about the option of backing up to a Zip drive: Zip support depends on a single vender so this is a concern.

J Larry presented a logical and complete treatment of the backup problem. He patiently answered many questions and he made a convincing case that a backup is worthwhile and is actually doable.

J He asked "how many of you have a bootable CD?"....about 4. Your BIOS must be set so that it looks first in the correct place for the bootup instructions; i.e. to look in the CD drive (or, in older PCs, to look in the floppy drive)

Larry was thanked and was applauded for a nice presentation.

OPEN FORUM (any topic)

Dave Wallace presented some comments and concerns:

NBCUG Trouble

About the fate of NBCUG: should we accept that NBCUG is approaching its final days'? Attendance has fallen off and we're no longer covering the $150 K of C rent. Jerry Tetreault reported that the club will be broke in 10 months if poor attendance continues. Volunteers are hard to come by. Dave gets no help in planning programs. Even the NBCUG e-mail list has come into question by a member who reported that it no longer served the computer community. Dave mentioned that there wasn't time in today's meeting to discuss the problem but he wanted to alert members that the club is in trouble.

VISTA Operating System (formerly called 'LONGHORN')

The next WINDOWS operating system to replace XP will be VISTA. It was recently released for Beta testers but the final version is still not expected before Fall of 2006. When members migrate to VISTA they will have to decide whether to upgrade their existing PC to VISTA or buy a new PC with VISTA installed. Most members took the latter route to get XP and probably will do the same with Vista. Some features of Vista are:

(1) Boot 50% faster than XP. Of course, boot time is dependent on the amount of RAM and the RAM can be too-small or too-large. 128 MB RAM can prolong XP bootup and 512 MB is often the best choice for XP. Bootup time will also increase the longer you have your PC because the Registry enlarges every time you add a program/update/patch. The only practical cure for 'Registry bloat' is to re-install the OS. Adding Google Desktop Search might slow your bootup time.

(2) Launch applications 15% faster than XP

(3) Resume from Standby

(4) Patch system with fewer reboots

(5) Vista will come in 7 different flavors and will include MS Internet Explorer 7.0

Microsoft's Anti-spyware

How many members use and like Microsoft AntiSpyware?...about 8. One member reported that even though he used the EarthLink and Microsoft's Anti-spyware...he still finds malware when he scans his system with Ad Aware and Spybot S&D.

MailWasher remains critically important to Dave (and others) but is no longer free. Dave mentioned that Bill Healy reported earlier that a free equivalent of MailWasher is available at http://www.presorium.com/

New Google Services

Google offers many interesting services: Google Sidebar offers personalized info in one place; Google Earth is used by 4 of us but needs a broadband connection; Google Map is useful for dialup users; Google Desktop Search will help you locate your data fast but it might slow your bootup.

Palmer Edwards asked about how to chose...in WINDOWS XP...between the HOME and PRO versions: PRO is designed for corporate services such as networking. These additional features are usually not needed for home use.

Nate Salsbury runs several e-mail lists and he described how...although most of his e-mail goes thru...some e-mail mysteriously never arrives. Answer: they are probably being caught in some ISP's Spam-filter which just sends them to a 'blackhole' (which means they disappear without any notification of nondelivery).

We adjourned at 10:30 AM

Minutes for the past year are posted at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/minutes.html

Recorded by Dan Edwards (danedwards@XXXcoastalnet.com) remove XXX

These minutes are consistent with Windows 98SE and Internet Explorer 6

The NBCUG Meeting for August was cancelled at the July meeting for lack of attendance

NBCUG Meeting July 2005

The NBCUG monthly meeting was held Saturday, July16, 2005 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Bern. Ron Moorse greeted attendees in Jim Gray's absence and managed the check-in table. We had 45 attendees that included one new member from Washington, NC.

Pete Peterson prepared his usual good coffee - regular and decaf, and free!

The sale/donation table offered free computer magazines.

Dave Wallace called the meeting to order at 9 AM and welcomed the new member. For new members NBCUG's web page is at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/. For members to send e-mail to the group address your message to nbcug@always-online.com.

TREASURY:

Jerry Tetreault reported details about recent receipts and expenses. He concluded that we began today's meeting with a balance of $763.99. We've been losing consistently by not having 75 attendees to pay K of C the $75 rent.

PROGRAM: BLOGS by Jim Miller and OPEN FORUM by Dave Wallace

BLOGS

Some high-points of Jim Miller's presentation:

J How many have their own blog?...about 3- Many definitions of blogs exist including: 'essentially a Bulletin Board'; 'a personal diary'; 'a memo to the World; etc.

J There are no real rules for blogs.

J Blogs have existed nearly 5 years. Now there are many thousands of blogs and continued growth is expected.

J For example: Googling the term 'Investment Blogs' produces 2.8 million hits; such as: 

http://www.andrewtobias.com/ =Andrew Tobias on 'Money and other subjects'

http://www.footnoted.org/ =Michele Leder on recent SEC filings

http://www.thekirkreport.com/ =Charles E. Kirk on 'One Pro's View of the Stock Market'

J Nate Salsbury asked "How do you find a blog about a particular subject...like 'Investments'? Answer: Enter the subject in Google...or look in 'Investment Week.'

J CBS News is introducing a blog called 'Public Eye', a Web log to comment on CBS newscasts, whether broadcast or online."

J It is easy to start a blog. For example, Google offers 'Blogger' at http://www.blogger.com/start

J Jim demonstrated the simple steps of starting a blog. He showed some text which is displayed by a 'graphic' which you can easily read and key into your blog as a security measure...but the 'graphic' cannot be comprehended by the Spammer's 'bots' (that roam the Web...and blogs... and which 'harvest' unprotected passwords and addresses )

J You have the option of allowing postings in your blog by only yourself, by any visitor to the blog, or by only specified individuals

JJim Ebright commented that one should not allow any comments in your blog by 'anonymous'....because Spam will quickly appear in your blog....and it probably will be porn.

J Someone asked about searching thru a blog for a subject or a word: Tod Crosby commented that many blogs have built-in search engines.

J Someone asked: how long is a posting displayed? Answer: it depends on how the blog is set up; 30 days is a common rule before an automatic deletion. Pete Peterson observed that simply changing one word in the blog can begin a new 30 day period

Jim defined and described Blogs and was convincing about how easy it would be for each of us to start our own blog. He encouraged us to try it and he answered many questions. Jim was thanked for his presentation and was applauded.

OPEN FORUM

Dave Wallace then moderated an 'Open Forum' discussion of many topics:

DROPPING MEMBERS

NBCUG once grew rapidly but now is more-or-less stable at 424 Members. Dave mentioned that each month members are dropped from the NBCUG member list that don't have an e-mail address and haven't been to a meeting in 6 months. Don Tirabassi monitors 6-month attendance and notifies Dave Wallace who manages the list. If you have changed your e-mail address please contact Dave, not Don.

PLANNING NBCUG PROGRAMS

Determining meeting programs and getting speakers for NBCUG are a major concern. Dave requested a volunteer to assist in finding/scheduling programs but nobody volunteered. One member recommended that we all produce a list of topics that WE would like to hear discussed and forward it to Dave

AUGUST MEETING CANCELLED

Low attendance at summer meetings is a concern. We voted to cancel the August meeting and meet next on Sept 17.

NBCUG LOANER PC

NBCUG owns a complete PC system with a monitor and printer that were donated by members and reconditioned by Dave. The Windows 98 system described at http://always-online.com/nbcug/projector.htm has been available for some time as a loan to members whose PC was down or in the shop. The problem is that nobody has ever borrowed it and Dave, the custodian, wishes to get rid of it. Several suggestions were made, including an auction at the next meeting but since the club only got a $2.00 bid on the last PC auctioned it was finally decided to donate the system to the K of C for their forthcoming flea market sale. No decision was made on the second NBCUG printer that Al Friedlander is custodian of.

SOFTWARE LIBRARY

Dave also proposed abandoning the club's software library run by Susie Hokansson since much of the software is obsolete. He asked how many members used it. It turned out that many members didn't even know it existed. Dave's proposal was tabled and he suggested that members take a look at http://always-online.com/nbcug/software.htm

NBCUG POLLS

We formerly had periodic online surveys of NBCUG members to determine the makeup of membership and members' equipment. See http://always-online.com/nbcug/results.htm Dave said that he had no intention of setting up another poll but if someone wishes to do so he'd steer them to the poll webpage. His rationale was that we already know that NBCUG looks like an AARP group and practically everybody now has one or more super computers. In this regard he asked:

How many have more than one PC?..about 12

How many use Windows 98?..about 12

How many use Win 95?..about 2

How many have a high-speed connection (DSL or cable)?..about half the audience

How many have a wireless connection?.. about 10

VIRUS AND SPYWARE

A member asked for help: periodically his browser will open many many windows ("faster than I can close them"). Some comments:

Jim Ebright: could be from aggressive Popups due to a browser hijacker

Tod Crosby: "ALT+F4 is your friend"...use this to quickly close multiple windows. And, NEVER download a Popup Blocker which is advertised in a Popup....this is a no-win.

McCray Jones: said one answer is to press Reset

Other comments: Run 'Ad-Aware' and/or 'Spybot Search and Destroy'; use 'Crazy Browser' (an alternative interface for Internet Explorer)

Is anyone NOT using some kind of anti-spyware program?..only one hand was raised and said "I haven't had any problems" to which Dave responded that he'd probably be surprised at what he'd find in his computer if he scanned it with an anti-spyware program.

Tod Crosby said that Microsoft anti-spyware is available (in Beta) and looks good. Dave said he used it too and liked it, especially because it keeps itself updated.

Tod Crosby said that MYTOB is the 'virus du jour'; Jim Ebright said that Esisnet is blocking MYTOB about 2000 times every day. Dave reported that MYTOB is getting past Always-Online antivirus software and coming in daily in messages that appear to be official mail from Always-online. Dennis Fitzgerald (owner) is working on the problem. Dave just deletes the infected messages in MailWasher but occasionally downloads one to make sure his AVG AV program detects it.

How many have recently been infected with a virus?..2 hands were raised, however, Dave pointed out that just because your AV program alerts you of a virus it doesn't mean you are infected. Usually you can just quarantine or delete the infected attachment. Clicking on the attachment, however, will cause infection.

Larry Whitney reported that the major anti-virus venders (such as McAfee and Symantec) are expanding their products to the point that they now sometimes identify other malware as 'virus'

How many have which Anti-Virus program.

Norton.. about 15

AVG..about 15

McAfee..1

Panda..0

E-MAIL PROGRAMS

How many use Eudora?..about 6; how many use Outlook?..about 3. Most members use Outlook Express that comes with MS Internet Explorer

How many of set up extra folders in our e-mail program (so as to clear out...and have a backup to... the INBOX): about 20 do this.

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS

Larry Whitney recommended that we set aside a block of time at every NBCUG meeting for members to ask for help with problems.

Larry discussed how Sprint DSL speed varies. The Sprint service you get depends in part on your location, the number of users on that line, what Sprint will allow and what you pay for. Sometimes you will have an option of contracting for a higher speed.

One member described how his dial-up was becoming slower and slower and asked for suggestions. Several members commented about possible phone-line problems and advised checking with his neighbors as to whether they also had the problem. Jim Ebright added that a good start to the investigation would be to disconnect all phone connections and then try the connection with the PC connected directly (and only) to the phone-line where it comes to his house

A member asked about Browser Accelerators. Jim Ebright described how they give limited help, and any help may be at the expense of image-quality

Nate Salsbury praised the help that he gets after submitting e-mailed questions to NBCUG. Some discussion occurred about whether a response should be addressed to all of NBCUG or just to the questioner. By show of hands practically everybody indicated they'd like to see both the question and the answers sent, therefore, in replying to a question either change the reply address to (1)nbcug@always-online.com or (2)add the nbcug address at CC: The latter ends up with the recipient getting two replies which was a pet peeve by Dave but others disagreed.

One member emphasized how he get valuable tips from the comments made at every NBCUG meeting

Periodically someone asks: "Why don't we meet in a free location?" Dave discussed our past migrations from Berne restaurant to Golden Corral to Elks Club to K of C...which is the best venue we have ever found. Dave mentioned that there were free places available to meet at but none would allow us to have the 3rd Saturday or any other day scheduled consistently.

Members periodically protest about NBCUG e-mail which is not computer-related. Dave reminded us that we have repeatedly discussed this and....while our focus is on computer-matters...we have always voted NOT to formally establish limits on the subjects of NBCUG e-mail. He suggested members look at the guidelines they voted on at http://always-online.com/nbcug/email.htm .

PET PEEVES

Dave described some of his 'Pet Peeves'...(Note: Dave runs four e-mail lists with about 900 members...we should remain aware of his daily work for us and try to lighten his load)

1. Large stupid Attachments to e-mail....these are a particular problem for those of us with dial-up connections

2. Long "Forward/Forward/Forward/Forward/Forward" in the Subject line on e-mail that the sender should have cleaned up

3. Receiving warnings of bogus threats....or of 'threats' that have been sent many times previously

4. how to get off someone's Address list so as to stop getting jokes or religious e-mails....without hurting some feelings

5. Dave gets many requests for address changes but without enough information to identify who the writer actually is and what is the old address. He said he'll get a message from John to change his address. John who? Which list? Change it from what?

We adjourned at 10:33 AM

Reminder: no August Meeting; next Meeting is on Sept 17

Minutes for the past year are posted at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/minutes.html

Recorded by Dan Edwards  danedwards@XXXcoastalnet.com  (remove XXX)

These minutes are consistent with Windows 98SE and Internet Explorer 6

NBCUG Meeting June 2005

The NBCUG monthly meeting was held Saturday, June 18, 2005 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Bern. Jim Gray greeted attendees and managed the check-in table. Later, Jim reported that he received $84 from 44 attendees.

Pete Peterson prepared his usual good coffee - regular and decaf, and free!

The sale/donation table offered free computer books.

For members to send e-mail to the group address your message to nbcug@always-online.com.

Dave Wallace called the meeting to order at 9 AM and welcomed new members. For new members the NBCUG's web page is at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/.

Dave reviewed the activities of the members who volunteer to make NBCUG meetings happen:

Jerry Tetrault: is our contact with the Knights of Columbus.  He is not only our Treasurer, but he and also provides the setup before each meeting: He opens doors, configures and troubleshoots the sound system and does whatever is needed to make everything work. And, after every meeting, he returns it all to 'Standby'. Jerry is literally 'the first one in and the last one out'.
Jim Gray: Welcomes and warmly greets attendees as they arrive; collects the admission fee; tallies attendance and receipts
C.R.(Pete) Peterson: Prepares name-tags and perked coffee for NBCUG meetings. He has to arrive early too.
Don Tirabassi: Keeps the member list current by deleting members without e-mail that don't attend a meeting within 6-months
Dan Edwards: Prepares minutes of meetings. Susie Hokansson is backup writer.
Dave Wallace didn't mention himself but he moderates meetings and arranges for program speakers. He tracks attendance and maintains a master list of members. He sends out monthly announcements of meetings and member lists. Manages NBCUG's e-mail list and web page at Always-Online

TREASURY
Jerry Tetreault reported the details about recent receipts and expenses. He concluded that we began today's meeting with a balance of $820.30

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Microsoft recently provided multiple updates: 2 updates for Windows 98 and 7 or 8 updates for Windows XP. Most of those present had obtained the recent updates. However, one member, who had Win XP and only Service Pack 1 described how Microsoft would not offer any update for his System. He was informed that he must add Service Pack 2 before Microsoft will provide the latest updates.

Dave discussed the MYTOB virus: There are many variations of MYTOB in active circulation. It typically comes with infected attachments and with a claim such as that your ISP account is cancelled or that you need to change a password. It is important that you not open the attachment. AVG antivirus used by Always-online is not catching all of them but they are working with AVG on the problem and using detailed message headers of infected messages that Dave sends to them. Only about 5 members present today use the Always-Online ISP. Dave is currently receiving about a dozen MYTOB-infected e-mails daily and controls them by examining them with his Mailwasher program before downloading mail. A  MYTOB removal tool is available from both Symantec and McAfee. If you are in doubt about a possible infection, a safe strategy is to run a removal tool.

Dave described the popularity of the e-mail lists that presently exist for the Town of River Bend, Fairfield Harbor and Trent Woods communities.  He recommended that other subdivisions, or even New Bern itself, consider creating an e-mail list and offered to help in the setup. He reported that he found at Google that other towns are beginning to have e-mail systems but all were one-way broadcast lists for town government information. The New Bern area lists allow residents to send mail.

PROGRAM:  Al Friedlander on 'Building a Super PC'

(After the Meeting, Al made his notes available. The notes which provide many details about the components and the sequence of assembly of his home-built PC may be seen at http://always-online.com/nbcug/Friedlander6-18-05.htm (As a note aside, the flight simulation program demonstrated by Al is what 9/11 terrorists used to hone their flying skills to crash into the twin towers......... )

What follows is my summary of Al's remarks and some of the high-points. (By the way, I had already prepared the minutes before Al's notes arrived so be sure to take a look at them at the URL provided above.)

Al described his interest in aviation and Flight Simulators and their requirement for a very fast PC. As his previous PC could not be updated enough to run the 'X-Plane v.8' program, and new commercially available PCs did not meet his exact needs, his answer was to build the exact PC that he needed.

Al described many of the details of his new PC and the decisions that he made. At least 2 other members present have Flight Simulators. Some high-points:

J One good starting place is to enter into Google 'Build Your Own Computer' which gives about 47,900,000 hits).

J Some components were obtained locally from Staples, WalMart and Radio Shack. His principal source of special components was http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp which provided him with very satisfactory service and quick delivery.
 
J All of his components are new (someone asked about remanufactured components; another member described his own good experience with a remanufactured...and warranty... Gateway system)

J The first component to select is the CPU because it dictates many of  the other requirements (i.e. the next choice is the Motherboard, the next is the case/box, etc)

J Some of his final specifications were: 3 GHz Pentium 4 CPU from Intel; 200 GB Maxtor Hard Drive ; 2 GB RAM; 400 Watt Power Supply...with its own fan; the case/box is 'midsize'; Operating System is Windows XP Home (Dave asked how many members present have more than 512 MB RAM: about 5)

J He elected to have separate video and sound software; i.e. he avoided the option of integrating them into the Motherboard.

J The Motherboard....from MSI...has an extended warrantee; it came with complete details about where to attach each component; it exactly described the BIOS installation and the BIOS settings; an accompanying extensive Manual is easy reading and is very useful.

J He has a continuous monitor for CPU temp and fan-speed.

J His high-performance system generates so much heat that multiple fans are needed: for the Power Supply; for the CPU; for the video card; in  the front of the box, in the rear of the box; etc.

J There is a warning utility that tells him if the Hard Drive is about to crash (so that he can save any info).

J He installed and fabricated connections which allow him it attach cables to transfer video and sound to his High Definition TV...so that he can display a Flight Simulation on the TV screen.

J A useful source on how to build a PC...and for available components ...is the 'Tiger Direct' catalog; or, go to  http://www.tigerdirect.com/ A member added that there is a Tiger store in North Raleigh

J Total time to assemble this PC: one week  (the total time from ordering the components to turning it on: two weeks)

Al gave us a lucid, convincing and enthusiastic description of how he built the exact system he wanted.  He addressed many questions and comments from the members, including: total cost of all components: $1620.24;  did he have any problems or doubts about whether he would succeed: No (!); would he do it again?... yes, for a high-performance system...but not for a usual PC, as commercial manufacturers (e.g. Dell) can provide a PC much cheaper than Al would have to pay for the components; does he consider himself a PC guru? No; "Anyone can build a PC because the information is available on the web and with the components purchased and it is clear".

Finally, he demonstrated a Flight Simulation with the 'X-Plane v.8' and then with the MS 'Flight Simulator 2004' programs.  He took us for rides in the dirigible Hindenburg ; in an early Vickers; in a Piper Cub J3 taking off in London and flying down the  Thames...then returning up the Thames at night; the complete flight of the original Wright Flyer at Kitty Hawk; and he ended with an audiovisual fireworks show.

Al was thanked, applauded. and we adjourned at 10:25 AM.

Minutes for the past year are posted at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/minutes.html

Recorded by Dan Edwards (danedwards@coastalnet.com)

These minutes are consistent with Windows 98SE and Internet Explorer 6

NBCUG Meeting May 2005

The NBCUG monthly meeting was held Saturday, May 21, 2005 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Bern. Jim Gray greeted attendees and managed the check-in table. Later, Jim reported that he received $86 from the 43 attendees. We didn't charge an admission for the parents and friends that came to see the NBCUG PC Contest awards presented.

Pete Peterson prepared his usual good coffee - regular and decaf, and free!

The sale/donation table offered a usable printer for just $5 (needs some accessories like a manual and cable, etc) .

For new members the NBCUG's web page is at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/. For members to send e-mail to the group address your message to nbcug@always-online.com.

The monthly member list will be sent in a couple days.

Dave Wallace called the meeting to order at 9 AM and welcomed about 12 guests or new members.

TREASURY

Jerry Tetreault reported on the details about our recent receipts and expenses. He concluded that we began to-day's Meeting with a balance of $ 854.15.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

E-mail Backup: Dave asked how many members regularly perform a backup on their e-mail: Only about four hands were raised. His point was that he had backed up all data before a recent laptop failure but forgot about e-mail and ended up losing many important messages. Pete Peterson recommended avoiding mail backup problems by using Yahoo! for e-mail.

Dave mentioned how several Federal requirements exist on retention of commercial e-mail for 7 years (IAW SEC, Patriot Act, HIPAA, etc). Both JP Morgan and Bank of America were recently been fined in the millions for failing to retain e-mail for an investigation.

Annoying e-mail: Dave read an example of an e-mail automated 'challenge-response' message he'd received and asked: How many members have been asked to be added to someone's pre-approve e-mail list before they'll receive mail from you? About 10 said yes. How many responded to the request? Only a couple people replied that they complied with the pre-approval which goes to show that most members dislike having to be on someone's pre-approved list before they'll accept mail sent to them.

New computer repair shop: Dave reported that we have a new computer-repair shop in New Bern called 'Coastal Computer Sales and Repair.' Mike Purser is the owner and joined NBCUG. He's located at 1911B Glenburnie Road and the phone number is 670-9743.

PROGRAM

Nate Salsbury and Bill Healy reported that the NBCUG Student Computer Contest has been completed. They presented the winners of the Awards and introduced the student's teachers in the Craven County High School system. About 10 of the winners' classmates attended the meeting as guests. A total of 24 entrants competed for the two awards and two honorable mentions. The awards were $100, $50, $25 and $25.

2nd Place Winner ($50)

Nate Salsbury introduced Ed Campbell, who teaches Graphic Arts. Ed characterized the Graphic Arts industry in North Carolina and described how the Mac is their computer of choice. Ed introduced the Second Place Winner Sasha Prince.

Sasha's project was to prepare an advertisement which would be ready to place in a magazine. Sasha showed us the final product and described how it was built by layer-by-layer construction. He demonstrated this by sequentially adding each component, such as: an initial image; then printed text-balloons; then background color and then formulation of a relevant bar-code. This method allows rapid reproduction of thousands of the final images by the offset-printing method. Sasha answered a number of questions from the Members, and....on their request...demonstrated several of the Mac editing tools (example: the 'clone tool' which will move portions of the image to a different area, so as to edit or 'touch up' undesirable details).

1st Place Winner ($100)

Bill Healy introduced Robin Migliorato, who teaches Computer Engineering and Architectural Engineering. Robin described how the teaching of these subjects is addressed...in North Carolina...by both the High School and the Community College systems. Her Operating System of choice is Windows XP. Each year she purchases 25 sets of components so that her classes can construct 25 new computers, which are then placed into everyday use in the School System...with IT support provided by her students. Robin introduced the First Place Winner Chris Kraft.

Chris's project consisted of illustrating the step-by-step construction of a computer. He used the 'SolidWorks' CAD software and demonstrated how he could draw a component and then have the software convert it to a 3D image which can be rotated and be viewed from any angle (..."SolidWorks allows you to draw in 3D"....). He 'dimensioned' his images so that they could be realistically fitted together. He displayed a Motherboard and then serially 'added' the different components. The members asked a number of questions and Chris was asked to explain many of the details of his methods.

Honorable Mention ($25)

Nate added that two students in the Havelock School System were given 'Honorable Mention' awards and that each received $25. They were not present at the meeting.

Both students...and their Teacher-Mentors...were so warmly received that one member asked "where were you when we were in High School? Finally, they were thanked and were applauded.

Computer History Quiz

With about 30 minutes remaining Dave Wallace conducted an interactive quiz covering computer history since the '40s. He did this by dividing the audience into two competing teams with each one having a captain that would provide a final answer for their team and keep score. Dave had about 20 questions covering such topics as ENIAC, UNIVAC, IBM, FORTRAN, ARPANET, INTEL, APPLE, INTERNET, etc. Most questions were answered correctly but it was not surprising given that most NBCUG members are old timers who were living during the time of the topics. Dave says we'll try a harder quiz next time with more up to date topics.

Next Meeting: June 18: Al Friedlander on 'Building a Super PC'

We adjourned at 10:30 AM.

Minutes for the past year are posted at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/minutes.html.

Recorded by Dan Edwards (danedwards@XXXcoastalnet.com) remove XXX

These minutes are consistent with Windows 98SE and Internet Explorer 6

NBCUG Meeting April  2005

The NBCUG monthly meeting was held Saturday, April 16, 2005 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Bern. Jim Gray greeted attendees and managed the check-in table. Later, Jim reported that he received $106 from the 53 attendees. Pete Peterson prepared his usual good coffee - regular and decaf, and free!

FLEA MARKET

The sale/donation table offered some unexpected items: a Power Supply; a 'Web Mastering for Dummies' book; etc.

Dave Wallace called the meeting to order at 9 AM and welcomed 3 new members. The NBCUG's web page is at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/

TREASURY

Jerry Tetreault reported details about our recent receipts and expenses. He reported a $200 expense for awards to the winners of the NBCUG Student Computer Contest; therefore, we begin to-day's meeting with a balance of $904.49

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Nate Salsbury announced that the NBCUG Student Computer Contest has been completed: there were impressive graphics-based entrees from High School students which led to awards of First Place, Second Place and Honorable Mention. There were no submissions from the Middle School students.

Nate also announced that tickets are still available for his most excellent Barbershop Quartet performance on April 23: see Nate for tickets.

Dave Wallace announced that Judy Kreh donated an HP 694C Deskjet Printer to NBCUG. It is in working order... including ink cartridge...and is available as a temporary loaner to NBCUG members. See Dave (or the NBCUG website at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/projector.htm).

Microsoft recently provided six Windows Updates...plus another Update this morning. Check for the most recent Update at http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp

Yesterday was the deadline for filing US Income Tax returns and Dave asked how many members used Tax Prep software: about 20. How many do their returns manually: about 5. Pete Peterson noted that there is a free online Tax Prep program.

Dave asked how many members were aware of 'Internet II': about 6. This high-speed system can run as fast as 6.63 gigabits/second and thus has tempted some college students to download full-length movies (e.g. with completion within 30 seconds as compared to 25 hours on dial up); 405 students in 18 colleges are now being sued for copyright infringement.

PROGRAM: GENEALOGY by DENNIS FITZGERALD

Dave Wallace introduced NBCUG member Dennis Fitzgerald who has had a long-standing interest in Genealogy..."since age 17". He described how any of us could enjoy using our computers to explore the history of our family. Dennis enthusiastically described the challenge of searching for his ancestors and the 'good feeling' he gets when he makes a find. Your distress about our modern dispersed and fragmented society can be countered by making a connection with your past: "You might find a legend that you should live up to...or you might find a problem that you can make right". Dennis displayed what he has found; he discussed his methods, aides and pitfalls; then he responded to many comments and questions.

Some high-points:

J There are many useful software programs for genealogy searches. Dennis asked how many of us use software for this: about 15...and members mentioned

at least 5 different programs. Dennis likes the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ('LDS') program called Personal Ancestry File ('PAF'). The current version is 5.2.18.0 and it is available from http://www.familysearch.org/

J LDS has the largest genealogy database in the world at Salt Lake City and is accessible thru the 'Family History Center' in many local churches (e.g. the LDS churches in Kinston, New Bern, Morehead City, etc). In New Bern the LDS church and Family History Center is at 1207 Forest Drive in Trent Woods. Phone 638-5341 or visit their website at http://www.cravengenealogy.org/ccgsfhc.htm.

J Dennis likes the free trial offered by http://www.ancestry.com ('Discover Your Family Story').

J Dennis now has about 2500 entries in his personal genealogy records.

JMany LDS services...including the PAF software...are free. Data on microfilm can be ordered and borrowed for several weeks for $3.25 per roll of microfilm.

J Although the LDS system is very useful, it does NOT require you to enter you findings into the LDS database.

J An easy starting-point for a search is to simply enter the person's name into Google.

J Before you make a lengthy search you should determine whether a relative might have already assembled the particular data that you want.

J Remember: most genealogy databases do not list persons who are still alive.

J Beware of family nicknames: although the family may refer to a person only by the nickname, a genealogy database will probably not index the person by the nickname.

J Census records are useful but should always be confirmed by a second source. Robert Hennon commented: "basically anything you find on the 'Net is only a clue"...and is not 'gospel' or necessarily 'true'. You must verify data.

J Children's names first appeared in about the 1850 Census.

J Consider recording your sources: many genealogy programs allow you to indicate the source of each datum. You should do this.

J Many people have begun genealogy records on paper; then they find a lot of data; then they get overwhelmed and just give up. Solution: use a software program.

J Searchers have different options: some 'go back' and look for their very earliest ancestor; others 'go wide' and identify all contemporary relatives

J A genealogy search can reveal an ancestor's cause of death: this can be important to your Health-Care Provider.

J Dennis likes the convenience of a 'Memory Stick' ('Thumb Drive') as he carries data between different PCs: just plug it into a USB port. To-day he was carrying a small Memory Stick (128 MB at $28.00). Other options are 256 MB and 512 MB.

J Once the data is collected, you should protect it, because PCs do fail. Dennis likes a paper printout. You could do this by printing out all pages and then pasting the pages together...or you could contact an architect/surveyor/draftsman and request a large-sheet printout.

J Backup your data before you lose it! Options: 5 1/4 Floppy @ 1.2 MB (one Member said he has his data on many 5 1/4 Floppies); 3 1/2 Floppy @ 1.4 MB; CD-ROM at 900 MB; ZIP drives (one Member uses this). Problem is that all media seems to become obsolete with time so always have information on paper.

J Sometimes you find a source which apparently duplicates part of your data. However, there can be conflicting data. A safe plan is to backup your data before you import a mass of new data which might overwrite your existing data.

J A very new way to trace ancestry is with DNA: this can be very accurate and can verify written records and also can rule-out some connections.

Robert Hennon described and recommended the new 'Easy Google Genealogy Searcher' at: http://www.searchforancestors.com/google/searcher.html

Dave Wallace published an article on Genealogy ('Looking up Ancestors') in the February RIVER BENDER that is available at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/feb05.htm .Dave likes: ZABASEARCH's people search engine at http://www.zabasearch.com/, BROTHERS KEEPER genealogy program available at http://www.bkwin.org/ and the HERITAGE QUEST Online Genealogy program available to members of the New Bern Craven County library at http://newbern.cpclib.org/research/index.html

Dennis held our interest while he responded to nearly continuous comments and questions until 10:29 AM. He was thanked, applauded and we adjourned.

Next Meeting -May 21: the winners of the NBCUG Student Computer Contest will present their projects. This will be followed by an 'Open Forum' for various topics to be brought up by attendees.

Minutes for the past year are posted at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/minutes.html. An updated member list will be sent out in a couple days.

Recorded by Dan Edwards (danedwards@XXXcoastalnet.com) (rermove XXX)

These minutes are consistent with Windows 98SE and Internet Explorer 6

NBCUG Meeting March  2005

The NBCUG monthly meeting was held Saturday, March 19, 2005 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Bern. Jim Gray greeted attendees and managed the check-in table. Later, Jim reported that he received $166 from the 83 attendees. Apparently 5 attendees didn't check the attendee list (See list below).

Pete Peterson prepared his usual good coffee - regular and decaf, and free!

FLEA MARKET: A complete printer was offered in addition to a number of hardware components. All were attractively priced.

Dave Wallace called the meeting to order at 9 AM and welcomed 10 new members. The NBCUG's web page is at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/

TREASURY

Jerry Tetreault reported details about our recent receipts and expenses. He concluded that the February meeting ended with a net profit of $29.00 and an ending balance of $1103.49.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dave Wallace announced that e-mail to the NBCUG member list will only go thru if the sender's address is on his official NBCUG member list. Therefore, if you change your e-mail address, tell Dave so that he can register your new address.

Nate Salsbury reported that the NBCUG School Computer Contest has received 23 entries from High School students and no entries from Middle School students. The entry-period will end "in a day or two". Then, Nate and Bill Healy will determine the First and Second Place Winners. Winners will make a presentation to NBCUG at an early date.

Nate Salsbury announced that his Barbershop Quartet will present a most excellent program on April 23. See Nate for tickets.

Dave Wallace announced that Microsoft will release a test version of Internet Explorer 7.0 this summer. I.E 7.0 is for Win XP SP2 designed to combat the prevalence of phishing and malicious software, and also the need to compete with the increasingly popular Mosilla Firefox browser. By show of hands, about 10 of us are now using Firefox.

Firewalls: are an important resource for computing to-day. How many of us have a Firewall?...essentially everyone raised his/her hand. Dave reminded us that the Firewall must be turned on.

ANTIVIRUS: AV programs: are essential and must be regularly updated.

SPAM: Dave reported that the amount of SPAM is increasing and he intercepts it with his Mailwasher program. Dave discussed how he receives about 100 e-mails every day from 'unauthorized posters' in administering the NBCUG list hosted at Always-online. Most are SPAM and Dave has now been able to set up a filter using the term 'unauthorized poster' and transfer the error messages directly to a junkmail folder. Dave can now see legitimate error messages, such as when members change their address or let their mailbox overload. Dave asked Jim Ebright and Tod Crosby (of the EsisNet ISP) how much SPAM they receive: none... because of the filters they have installed. Last month ESISNET blocked 3 million e-mails. The implementation of the CAN-SPAM act was followed by an actual increase in SPAM.

PROGRAM - BACK TO THE BASICS

Frank Fiederlein and Nils Hokansson presented our Program: 'BACK TO THE BASICS'. Although many principles are applicable to any modern Windows Operating System, some of their concepts were specific to the OS: Frank described actions specific to Windows 98 and ME; Nils described actions specific to Windows XP. (Note: these Minutes are composed/compatible with Windows 98SE.) Frank and Nils began with the concept of 'Spring Cleaning' your computer and then they described many tactics to improve your PC by eliminating old/unwanted files and folders. They used the NBCUG Projector to display their slides and then they expanded on the principles while they received many questions and comments. After the Meeting, Frank provided a 'condensed version' of their slides. The actual PowerPoint slides might be provided at a later date.

(Begin 'condensed version')

NEW BERN COMPUTER USER GROUP 3/19/05 - SPRING CLEANING YOUR COMPUTER

Presentation on electronically house cleaning your computer.

Or how to get rid of "stuff" you really don't need!!!!

a) if using outlook express, delete unwanted messages from folders, (TIP) To select more than one message at a time, select the messages while holding down the Ctrl key, to select a contiguous block, select the first item, navigate to the last item and select it while holding down the Shift key.

b) go to delete file and delete all unwanted messages,

c) then "compress" folders File/Folder/Compact all folders

WHY COMPRESS?

When a message is deleted, Outlook Express flags the record, but does not physically remove it from storage. Compacting physically removes the flagged records, regaining the space occupied by them.

CLEANING OUT THE "MY DOCUMENTS" FOLDER

2. a) on desktop, right click "task bar",

b) click on "properties", then "advanced",

c) click on "clear" then "OK".

This removes short cuts to all documents that you have been working on. Not important to do this, just more "dusting". NOTE: This only deletes a shortcut to the document not the document! In XP, right click on Start, and click on Properties, Start Menu tab and select Customize. If using Start Menu style, pick Advanced tab and Clear List at the bottom of the window. If using Classic Start Menu, pick Clear.

3. a) on desktop, right click "My Computer",

b) under "General" tab, review information,

c) under "Device Manager" tab, review information,

In XP, to open Device Manager, click Start, and then click Control Panel. Double click System. On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager. If you want to kick it up a notch, go back to the System Properties page and check out the Advance tab.

d) under "Hardware Profiles" tab, review information,

e) under "Performance" tab, review information.

This information will help you look smart when a "techie" asks embarrassing questions!!!!!

4. a) on desktop, (double left click) open "My Computer",

b) right click "Local Disk [C]", review information,

c) left click on "Disk Cleanup".

5. a) on desktop, (double left click) open "my computer",

b) double left click on "Local Disk [C]",

c) double left click on WINDOWS", to open folder.

d) scroll down to "Temporary Internet" files,

e) double left click on file,

In XP, cookies are in the Document and Settings/[user name]/cookies folder.

f) here is your chance to get rid of some or all of your collected cookies since you have gone on the internet. Keep in mind that by doing this, you will now have to re-enter/log on to those sites that you visited. If you are brave enough to delete them all...Select all and hit the delete key

Now don't you feel proud? You can use multiple or block selection here also.

Continuing on -

6 Do a "Scan Disk"

Before doing the next step, disable your anti-virus program, or any other blocking programs i.e., "firewall". Go to the system tray or start/programs/accessories/system tools---"SCAN DISK" Click on "Local Disk (C)". "Type of test" - STANDARD. Click on "START". Go inside, get a cup of coffee and relax for about 1/2 hour. Come back and check, this process "should" be completed.

In XP, open My Computer and right on the C drive (or other drive) and select Properties and then the Tools tab. Under Error checking, pick "Check Now".

7 before doing the next step, disable your antivirus program. Go to the system tray - right click the icon and then click disable. Go the system tray or start/programs/accessories/system tools-----"Disk Defragmenter". Click on the "Physical Drive (C)", then "OK" then click on show details. Click on "START". Watch the little blue boxes fill in your screen. This may take hours. If this is your first time, do it at night before going to bed, it takes some time to complete!!!!! If you've done it before, it may take 30 - 60 minutes.

In XP, select My Computer and right click on the C drive (or other drive) and select Properties and then the Tools tab. Under Defragmentation, pick Defragment Now. Analyze the drive to see if defrag is recommended. Disable all programs running in the background before starting a defrag. Disable a screen saver if you have one selected. Use "msconfig" and reboot. Or defrag in safe mode.

How to make folders.

File/Folder/New

Note: This can be done anyplace you have the word "file" in the upper left corner of the screen, i.e., MS Word, Outlook Express, etc. Before starting - determine where you want/need the new folder. It can be a main (parent), or a sub-folder. You can also rename a file by right clicking, and then left clicking "Rename". After renaming folder press enter.

MESSAGE FILTERING

Go to Tools/Message Rules/Mail or Blocked Senders List and follow instructions of window.

THE END

(End of 'condensed version')

Frank, Nils and several members added comments:

J Pete Peterson commented that most Windows programs place deleted files in the Recycle Bin...from which they can be retrieved

J Pete added that Outlook Express has no Recycle Bin, so that if you Delete files from the 'Deleted Items' box, you cannot recover them

J About compacting files in Outlook (not 'Outlook Express'): one Member described how compacting in Outlook is much more difficult and unhandy thanthe method used in Outlook Express....but there is a way to do it

J By show of hands: about 9 of those present now use Outlook as their e-mail program

J Nils and Jim Ebright discussed...and praised... the 'TweakUI' program: It is a free downnload which was originally developed by Microsoft and is very useful for 'tweaking' the 'User Interface' of Windows; although it is not presently 'supported' by Microsoft. A Search will show you many sources but they recommend using a Microsoft source. Example: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q190643/

J Shortcuts: are useful but you should consider periodically cleaning out unused shortcut. Tod Crosby commented that they are so small that they use very little hard drive space (<1KB each). Windows 'rounds-off' the figures so that a 'zero' KB cookie file actually contains less than 0.5 KB. Deleting them will prevent other users from identifying what you have been doing on that PC

J Both the Sandra and the Belarc programs are useful because they will analyze your PC and present you with a list of what version of the hardware and software that are present. http://www.sisoftware.net/, http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

J About deleting cookies: the options are deleting all, some or none. Jim Ebright commented that many (?all) cookies have a built-in expiration date so they will eventually 'autodestruct'. One easy option is to run Ad-Aware regularly and then delete all the 'tracking cookies'

J ScanDisk and Disk Defragmenter: you should run these periodically; always go offline first

J Jim Ebright strongly recommende the 'Diskeeper' program: it can be set up to automatically perform a daily defrag at the time of your choice http://www.lyonware.co.uk/Diskeeper.htm

J Jim Ebright recommended customizing your 'Virtual Memory' so as to get improved (faster) PC performance than the default setting of 'Let Windows manage my virtual memory settings'. After the meeting, Jim provided the details in a e-mail sent directly to NBCUG.

Frank and Nils were enthusiastic, convincing and logical. They tirelessly answered nearly continuous questions until our mandatory closing-time. Then they were thanked, were applauded, and we adjourned at 10:30 AM.

Next Meeting: April 16: Dennis Fitzgerald on 'Genealogy'

Minutes for the past year are posted at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/minutes.html. The monthly member list will be sent out in a few days.

Recorded by Dan Edwards (danedwards@XXXcoastalnet.com) (remove XXX.  These minutes are consistent with Windows 98SE and Internet Explorer 6

NBCUG Meeting February  2005

The NBCUG  monthly meeting was held Saturday, February 19, 2005 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Bern. Jim Gray greeted attendees and managed the check-in table. We had a total of 92 attendees, including 14 new members. The NBCUG's web page is a http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/

Pete Peterson prepared his usual good coffee - regular and decaf, and free!

Dave Wallace decided to clean house and bring loads of PC stuff in for the flea market. Most of the items, which he posted on e-mail before the meeting, were free. Several items were auctioned but only two got takers. (1) A complete working Pentium II 400mHz PC with monitor, etc., went for $1.00. Len Gorton was the only bidder and ended up offering another $10 to his bid for getting such a good deal. (2) Jim Miller donated a ZIP drive that caused a bidding fight and it finally went for $10. Can you figure a ZIP drive selling for more than a 400mHz PC? The $21 proceeds went to the NBCUG. Dave Wallace said he was happy that he didn't have to drag all the stuff back home.

Dave called the meeting to order at 9 AM and welcomed 14 new members.

Jerry Tetreault reported details about recent receipts and expenses with the balance following the January meeting at $1074.49.

J  Symantec/NAV has several new important Update available: subscribers to Symantec should download these promptly.

J Windows users were reminded that they should regularly download Windows Critical Updates from http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp Also, you should be aware that Microsoft has separate updates for MS OFFICE at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdate/default.aspx but they have announced that Office updates will be combined with Windows updates next month for Win XP and 2000.

J Microsoft receives about 4 Million e-mails/day: mostly SPAM. They are working on a solution they claim will make SPAM history within a couple years called 'SENDER ID'. Google has a similar solution in their 'G-MAIL' system. G-Mail is offered to a very limited number of users since it is in beta test now. Member James Schumacher is one of the early users of G-MAIL

J Remanufactured ink cartridges are available from Staples at http://www.stamples.com/Catalog/Matchmaker/model.asp?PageType=3&ClassID=3001&ManufacturerName=Staples.  Dave said there was not much of a discount on HP cartridges but Epson cartridges looked good. One member said that a better deal was available from PrintPal at http://www.printpal.com/

J Another answer...to printer problems...is to have others perform your printing. Examples: WalMart and Snapfish http://www.snapfish.com/ are a couple places that will do printing for you

Brad Geres, who teaches computers at Craven Community College, presented the program on Computer Security. He systematically described all sorts of threats and how to manage them. Later Brad provided us with the following summary statement:.

Checklist for securing a new (uninfected) system. First step might be backing up, reformatting an infected computer, then reinstalling everything from scratch.

Catch 22 when reinstalling pre-Windows XP/SP2 operating system.

J Even a brand-new pre-Windows XP/SP2 system with its brand-new antivirus software won't be able to prevent infection unless you go online for the latest updates. But if you do, a worm can infect your machine.

J Intruders such as August's Blaster worm can infect new systems from the moment they log on to the Internet. Unlike most other worms, Blaster does not propagate via e-mail messages and shared network drives.

J Instead, it scans the Internet for online Windows machines and burrows into vulnerable systems by exploiting flaws in a protocol known as RPC (Remote Procedure Call), which is used for exchanging messages among multiple machines.

J Because Blaster isn't part of a file attachment or e-mail message, most antivirus software is unable to stop it.

J The worm can be stopped only by applying Microsoft's RPC patch or running a software or hardware firewall.

Activating Windows built-in firewall on pre-XP/SP2 systems

J Most new machines, even pre Windows XP machines, ship with a built-in firewall.

J All you have to do is turn on the early Win XP's Internet Connection Firewall before you go online.

J To do so, open the Control Panel, double-click on the Network Connection icon, and right-click on the dial-up or broadband Internet connection you're going to use.

J From the resulting menu, select Properties, click on the Advanced tab, and check the box that reads Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet.

J Once you've downloaded the necessary updates, you'll probably want to move to a better firewall, such as Zone Labs' ZoneAlarm.

J Zone Alarm - http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/feeDownload.jsp

Once you have a fresh install of the operating system on, then secured it with a firewall, and next downloaded all available critical updates, its time to install your favorite antivirus application (and download all available patches and dat files to update it)

J Antivirus: AVG - http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php

After Firewall, Windows Updates and Antivirus are installed, the next step is to update three core Internet programs, since older versions can suffer from security flaws.

J Get the latest versions of Microsoft's Windows Media Player

( www.microsoft.com/windowsmedia/), RealNetworks' RealPlayer (www.real.com) and Sun Microsystems' Java software (www.java.com).

Now, download the free Mozilla Firefox Web browser (www.mozilla.org) and use that instead of Microsoft's Internet Explorer whenever possible.

J Firefox is not only simpler and more convenient than Internet Explorer, it's also much more secure -- since it's not hooked so tightly into Windows, it can't act as a transmission belt for viruses.

J And by not running Microsoft's ActiveX software, Firefox blocks a common route for spyware.

J  Mozilla Firefox - http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

Now load three key anti-spyware applications from http://www.download.com : SpyBot,  Spywareblaster,  AdAware

Since Trojan horses don't strictly fall under any one category of security threat, mainstream antivirus and anti spyware programs can miss them. Consider installing a specialized tool to keep Trojan horses at bay:

.J TAUSCAN - http://www.agnitum.com/download/tauscan.html

To protect against web bugs, consider using http://www.anonymizer.com/ or  http://www.orangatango.com/home/index.ns.html

If, after all these precautions, a malicious program does find its way onto your computer, Windows XP or ME users can try using the System Restore utility to reset the computer to an older configuration (go to the Start Menu, select All Programs, then scroll up to the Accessories folder, then select its System Tools sub-folder).

Brad's presentation was organized, comprehensive, practical, and reassuring that such threats as viruses, SPAM, Spyware, Trojan Horses, Driveby Downloads, etc., could by managed.

One member asked Jim Ebright (of the ESISNET ISP) about the current number of viruses circulating. Answer: ESISNET usually receives.and blocks about 300 viruses/week but last week a new threat appeared and they received/blocked 21,000.

Brad continued to answer questions until 10:38 AM: he was thanked, applauded, and we adjourned.

Next Meeting: March 19: Frank Fiederlein and Nils Hokansson on 'BACK TO THE BASICS'.

Minutes for the past year are posted at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/minutes.html. The monthly member list will be sent out in a few days.

Recorded by Dan Edwards - danedwards@XXXcoastalnet.com (remove XXX).  These minutes are consistent with Windows 98SE and Internet Explorer 6

NBCUG Meeting January  2005

The NBCUG monthly meeting was held Saturday, January 15, 2005 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Bern. Jim Gray greeted attendees and managed the check-in table. We had a total of 90 attendees, including 5 new members. The NBCUG web page is at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/

Pete Peterson prepared his usual good coffee - regular and decaf, and free!

Flea Market:

The flea market/donation table continues to receive donations/sale-items and members should regularly check it out. To-day there was hardware, software, books and freebies. Remember to put your name on the item you wish to donate or sell. Take it back home if it doesn't sell. Otherwise it will be donated to NBCUG or the K of C.

Dave Wallace called the meeting to order at 9 AM and welcomed 5 new members.

Treasury:

Jerry Tetreault reported details about recent receipts and expenses. The Treasury as of 1/15 stands at $1058.49.

Proposed NBCUG Student Program for High School and Middle Schools:

Nate Salsbury reported that his Student Program Group had met with representatives of the Craven Co. Board of Education. The proposal was enthusiastically received and the school system is producing flyers to publicize the competition...which will probably take place in February. About 6 schools will be involved and the total expense to NBCUG will be $300 by awarding $100 and $50 First and Second prizes to both High and Middle School students for the winning submission of any interesting application of computers.

Revisit Brad Geres' proposal made last October:

At the NBCUG meeting last October Brad Geres proposed that NBCUG e-mail guidelines be amended to ban sending of "personal, emotional and potentially volatile topics involving sex, religion and politics." An offender would be given one warning before permanent removal from the list. When Dave, who runs the list, did not want to become the list moderator, Brad offered to manage the list. After much discussion at the October meeting, the proposal was tabled, however, it was not brought up at the November meeting and the December meeting was cancelled.

After a lengthy discussion a vote was taken on whether members wished to accept Brad's proposal. His proposal was rejected and the current NBCUG e-mail guidelines at http://always-online.com/nbcug/email.htm remain unchanged. The general feeling was that emotional topics had occurred mostly because of the election and members objected to censorship. Dave pointed out that despite many members wanting the list to be used only for computer topics, the majority of members do not want it restricted.

MS Malicious Software Removal Tool (Anti-virus) & MS Anti-Spy Beta program

Dave asked how many members have used Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool: about 6 have installed it and they reported no problem. Dave asked how many members have used Microsoft's AntiSpy program in Beta version: about 4 have installed it and reported no problem.

PROGRAM: Troubleshooting by George Herring and Bill Healy

Dave introduced our speakers: George Herring, who is the manager of CyberEast, and Bill Healy of the River Bend PC Help Group. George offers in-shop PC sales and repair; example : Spyware removal at $75/hr with $35 minimum. Bill offers data-storage and some in-home troubleshooting; some services are charged at $25/hr. George and Bill defined many principles and tactics for effectively handling PC problems and they answered many questions. Many members added comments about their experiences. Some high-points:

J How many of us run Windows XP?...most of us. Bill recommended that users systematically learn about XP by buying and using a good XP text...i.e. something beyond 'XP For Dummies.'

J Customized computer systems--which are assembled locally--lend themselves to repair in local shops hereas commercially assembled units often have proprietary parts which cannot be replaced/repaired locally.

J George asked about use of anti-Spyware systems: How many of us use one program: nearly all. How many use a second program: most of us. How many use a third programs (e.g. CWShredder): 3 of us.

J George mentioned anti-Spy programs that he likes: SpySweeper; Ad-Aware.

J Bill runs Ad-Aware and Spybot daily

J Don Tiribassi and Nate Salsbury reported about their problems from the BRIDGE.DLL spyware program

J The most frequent effect that Spyware has on a computer is: slowing of PC.

J AntiVirus programs cannot be depended on to stop Spyware; you also need an updated antiSpyware program.

J For AntiVirus programs: George likes Trend Micro's 'House Call' which is a free scan service; he also likes the Norton System Works package (which is not free). Bill likes the the Symantec/Norton scan program.

J Tod Crosby emphasized the absolute need for regular updates of both your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware programs.

J Some AV programs perform automatic updates when you are online but others require you to initiate the update. Example: the free AVG program requires you to initiate the update but the paid AVG program updates automatically.

J Free AV programs: about 20 of us use a free AV program-many ISPs...including Always-Online, Earthlink and AOL...provide AntiVirus service. However, every PC user should also have his/her own AV system.

J For Virus removal: Bill likes the Norton virus removal system; Tod Crosby and Jim Ebright reported that AVG also has a good virus removal system

J Bill described how some Virus/Spyware problems can be so resistant that the only recourse is to reformat the hard-drive and then reload your Operating System and the Programs

J Bill likes the recovery option available from using the 'Restore' command in Windows XP or from Symantec's 'Norton GoBack' program for Windows 98. He cautioned that running a Restore command while a virus infection is present--can actually save the virus--- and it could re-infect your PC at a later date

J Bill described how it sometimes impractical to attack a problem on older PCs: the best answer is sometimes to replace the PC

J For browser: Bill prefers Netscape, not Internet Explorer

J Tod described how browser hijackers are becoming common (example: 'About.blank') and can sometimes be removed by downloadable antiSpyware systems. However, others are resistant and require editing the Registry. He recommended that most users initially try antSpyware programs but if this is ineffective they should seek the help of a Professional for Registry editing.

J BSD ('Blue Screen of Death'): when this occurs, your first response should be to reboot. This can often return your usual function

J 24/7 PC use: Tod Crosby discussed how 'memory leaks' accumulate and can slow performance. Therefore, even though he runs his PC 24/7, he reboots at least once weekly

J UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply AKA Battery Backup): how many of us use one? about 20

J Surge Suppressors: how many of us use one?...about all. The inexpensive ones ($10-15) do not react quickly enough to give you adequate protection. Be sure you run your telephone-Internet connection thru the Surge Suppressor. And, in an electrical storm, also consider unplugging your PC and disconnecting the phone line from your PC.

J Managing threats found by Ad-Aware : Bill Healy and Don Tiribassi handle these with 'Delete''; Dave Wallace handles these with 'Quarantine' until he feels it is safe to Delete them.

J How many of us have even opened up 'the box' of our PC?....about 30.

J Updates/Drivers: Bill emphasized that new software/hardware often needs to be updated even though just purchased or downloaded. Solution: after installation but before using it, look for the latest updates/drivers.

J Printer issues: some problems can be corrected by lubricating the rail that carries the cartridge (lube it then wipe off the oil); repair of a printer is often impractical or impossible, so replacement is often the answer; George has good results from the ink cartridges sold by PrintPal at http://www.printpal.com/vm.html

J Monitor issues: many PC repair shops do not offer mnitor repair; some TV shops will repair monitors.

George and Bill were authoritative, patient, and helpful. They received comments and answered questions until 10:30AM. They were thanked and applauded; then we adjourned.

Next Meeting: February 19--Brad Geres on Computer Security.

Minutes for the past year are posted at http://www.always-online.com/nbcug/minutes.html. The monthly member list will be sent out in a few days.

Recorded by Dan Edwards -  danedwards@XXXcoastalnet.com (remove XXX).  These minutes are consistent with Windows 98SE and Internet Explorer 6

NBCUG Meeting December  2004

Meeting was cancelled due to proximity to Christmas