NEXT MEETING ON THURSDAY JAN 29
Bring your camera, cable and perhaps your laptop.
Minutes for 19 JAN 2009
Members present were: Bob Asplund, Sue Boyle, Myrna Dirk, Darlene Femrite, Arlene Frolick, Marian Grider, Peter, Stanton Rickey, and RaeJean Warren.
This was a joint meeting on Monday night, across the street hosted by the Apache Wells Computer Club. The subject was advertised as Understanding Wi-Fi Connections, presented by the following representatives from Serving On-line Seniors (S0S): Pat Davis, Rich Davis and grandson Cory.
Unfortunately very little time was devoted to the advertised subject, however other valuable info was made available.
Rich refuted the common belief that simultaneous computers on the same Wi-Fi network would slow down individual performance. He said 15 or 20 computers could share the same signal with little noticeable degradation, however 100 might be bad.
He also stated that the fear of unauthorized hackers accessing data on a network was overblown hype. It takes hours of effort and special equipment to steal data from users.
The most common problem in setting up a Wi-Fi connection is failure to find the on/off Wireless hardware switch on laptops. It usually is a tiny slider and can be located on the front or either side of various machines. Often it is rather obscure and may lack a signal light. Ask Jim Albach if you doubt this.
After switch is on, identify the small icon on the lower right portion of the screen. If unfamiliar, find it by hovering your cursor over the several icons available to get a readout of their function. If there is a red X on the icon, right click to activate and see any Wi-fi transmissions within range.
Their signal strength is indicated by vertical bars. A padlock symbol indicates a secured network with password required to receive the signal.
Be advised that you are now connected by radio transmission to a router, not to the actual internet.
Once connected, then open your browser and you are surfing happily.
Speakers discussed 64 bit processors versus 32 bit. 64 bit requires a minimum of 4 Gigabytes of RAM memory, and are now appearing on high end computers. If purchasing a computer today you might consider that 64 bit will be the standard several years hence. Be advised that this contradicts the advice given by professionals in our previous minutes.
Some key features of the MS VISTA Home Premium Operating system were explained. Speakers extolled the virtues of VISTA, stating that it was much easier to operate than XP. VISTA can open stored programs by typing a KEYWORD in the lower left SEARCH PANEL.
The HELP feature is much improved. A SNIPPING TOOL was demonstrated. It is a SCISSORS icon. When activated you can capture portions of an image or text and SAVE, ANNOTATE, or SHARE by E-mail.
Pat Davis described the computer repair services available at SOS. Their Service and Training Center is located at 7435 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85207. Tel: 480-218-4960. Over several years they have built an excellent reputation for honest dealings, integrity and reasonable rates.
Their website contains helpful info and links to download desirable FREE programs like SPYBOT and AVG anti-virus. Go to: http://www.mesasos.com/
We WILL be meeting next Thursday 29 Jan 2009; 1:30 PM at our Village clubhouse.
Peter will demonstrate and discuss getting optimum performance from our digital cameras. Be sure to bring your camera, manual and camera cable. Consider bringing your laptop as well.
See you there,
STANTON RICKEY, Club President
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