PC Club of Charlotte
Bytes and Bits
June 2008 issueWarm enough for ya?
JUNE 12th MEETING PROGRAM
SPRING (and FALL) COMPUTER CLEANING
The steps we will discuss should be taken regularly (depending on how much one uses a computer - from twice a year to every week or two). We will demonstrate the following steps:
Disk Cleanup: Delete unnecessary files that needlessly take up millions of bytes (characters) of space on the Hard Disk.
Shrinking the Recycle Bin and scaling back 'System Restore' space: With today's multi-billion byte Hard Drives, the space allocated to these functions by default is far too great.
Deleting Update Backups: that also take up unneeded disk space.
Defragmenting your computer: We'll show the location of Windows Defragger and suggest commercial alternatives.
Cleaning up the Registry: BE VERY CAUTIOUS. DAMAGING THE REGISTRY CAN PERMENENTLY MAKE YOUR COPY OF WINDOWS UNUSEABLE. We will talk about backing up the registry.
Join us for this informative meeting!
The June PC3 Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 12th at
Little Diversified Architectural & Consulting 5815 Westpark Dr. Charlotte, NC 28217
The meeting begins promptly at 7:00pm. (Doors do not open before 6:45).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter from the President
BOOT ME UP!
Remember when you had to wait for your television to warm up before you got any picture? Then they came up with “solid state" technology that was active as soon as you gave it power. I remember the first cassette recorder I encountered that it didn’t even have a power switch: as soon as you pushed the 'Record' or 'Play' Button: it was 'on'.
Now, there is a serious delay after I push the power button before I can see anything on my TV and even longer before I can turn the volume down or change the channel. Same for the stereo (now called a “sound system”). And a DVD Player not only has to find all its circuits; then, it has to decide that the disc is a video and read the programming that controls the menu. How many more household devices can you list that are now more computer than toaster? Many of them are driven by a general-purpose CPU that you might have found in a PC of years back.
The (unverifiable) adage used to be that a “modern” (turn-of-the-century) car has more computing power than the Apollo spacecraft. I can document that a half-decent phone has far more power than I had on my desk only a few years ago; although the input and output media suffer.
GIMME POWER
Meanwhile, equipment vendors are skimping on the capabilities of peripherals. Five years ago, we ran our manufacturing plant with a pretty basic $400 laser printer. Now I have to replace that model with a $600 printer that still needs a supplemental $400 circuit board to print our barcodes. And that printer has such a heavy-weight driver install that I assume it makes the PC do more of the work than its predecessor.
I bought a networked webcam. The imaging part is basically the same as the $19.99 USB model you use to chat with the grandkids, but it has both a wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi interface. Except that it doesn’t. Unlike a laptop, the interfaces aren’t active simultaneously – it’s either/or. And configuring
it to work with more than the most basic network or one that doesn’t match the manufacturer is like pulling teeth and crossing your fingers. They opted not to include the networking electronics and software that has been reduced to pennies in PCs.
And that DVD menu that is slow to come up. $10 dollars worth of memory in the player would probably make it snap.
(MARKETING) POWER TO SPARE
The new iPhone is scheduled to come out this month. It’s by far the coolest and most talked-about digital toy of the year. How hot is it? Apple sold about 5.4 million in its first 9-1/2 months:
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=318051&source=NLT_PRN&nlid=2941 That’s about the same number of Blackberries that RIM sold, despite the fact that 8.5 million people already had one:
http://www.rim.com/investors/pdf/RIM08AR_FINAL.pdf Oh, and the global cell phone industry – about 1 billion units in 2007. That’s new and replacement phones (including my client who had to replace his 3-week-old phone when it lost an argument with a competitor’s 4-iron), not the total number of subscribers. Kinda makes you wonder how 5.4 million adds up to so much ink.
Remember that members are always encouraged to contribute their input at the Monthly Board Meeting. We usually meet for dinner on the fourth Monday of the month. The last word on any of our meetings is at the calendar at
http://pc3.org/EventCalendar/month.php.
Bill Barnes
President
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Web Design SIG
Levine Senior Center
TBA
MS Office SIG
Levine Senior Center
Tuesday, July 15 - 6PM
"WORD Intermediate" (Segment 3)
For the times and locations of all meetings: go to
http://pc3.org/EventCalendar.
The Event Calendar is the most reliable source for late program changes
(including cancellations).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How file fragmentation occurs on Windows XP / Server 2003
This intriguing white paper looks at how Windows XP/Server 2003 handle free space and how to address fragmentation problems through regular, automated file defragmentation. (Diskeeper)
Overview:
A while ago there was a little research project to find out exactly how fragmentation occurs on Windows XP. It was sparked by some users at a past trade show that mentioned that having all the free space defragmented prevented newly-created files from fragmenting, and it wanted to research if that was actually true.
Well, it turns out that Windows XP/2003 fragments files whether or not all the free space is defragmented. On an active volume, with a dynamic operating system and dynamic utilities, the disk volume free space situation is constantly changing. This, in conjunction with the algorithms used to allocate the free space, defeat the very best efforts of any defragmenter the very next time a person goes off and surfs the web.
(From PIR)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Board Meeting Minutes
Personal Computer Club of Charlotte
May 28, 2008
Submitted by Dr. Paul Reiss, Secretary
Attending: Bill Barnes (President), Jack LaPointe (VP & Membership), Paul Reiss (Secretary), Warren, Loren, Terry, Dewey & Jim Antley.
Meeting was called to order at 5:43 P.M., by President Bill Barnes.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Loren moved and Warren seconded that the previous minutes be accepted as circulated. Passed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Publicity- Loren: Announcements continue to be sent to several media outlets every month. The Charlotte Observer and Creative Loafing consistently publish our material. Loren words them as generically as possible to minimize deadline problems.
Membership Development- Jack: Several possibilities were discussed. Members are urged to bring friends and contacts to general meetings.
Newsletter- Warren: Have you tried a new program or visited to a good web site? Write it up and send it to
editor@pc3.org . Deadline is June 3rd. It will be sent the week of the General Meeting.
Treasurer- Barbara was unable to attend but she will meet soon with Pam to get the checkbook and folio of recent records.
Terry Bozarth reported on our status as a non-profit organization. Last month, Bill tried to file a Form 990N online and found that our EIN was not eligible. Terry eventually talked to an IRS agent and found that our EIN is no longer listed. We must file for a new one. We meet the description of a 501-3c non-profit corporation in Publication 557, so we will apply with that designation. Ted Hessberg was involved with the original application and Bill & Terry will meet with him soon for assistance with the process.
Levine Center- Warren:
8 people are taking the Beginner’s course and have been through 6 of the 8 class sessions. Barbara & Terry have been a great help as coaches. Terry complimented Warren on the excellent job he does with the handouts. Loren & Jim agreed to fill in as coaches when needed.
Tyvola Center- Warren: The 6-week course (4 Internet; 2 e-mail) has finished. It may start over on July 10th.
Bill thanked Warren for the excellent job he is doing with all the classes, but said that he doesn’t want Warren to burn out. He suggested that another instructor or two be found to help with the load.
SIGs:
The Word SIG is continuing.
Web Design- Dewey & Bill: The next meeting will be at the Levine Senior Center on the 1st Wednesday, July 4th.
Proposal from Jim Antley for new SIG based on a book entitled Don’t Make Me Think (one chapter a month). It discusses making websites user-friendly and easier to use. It was suggested that Jim give a presentation at the SIG when he is ready.
Business:
Programs
May – Q&A – Thanks, Dewey. Q&A’s are very well liked and we will have more.
June – Computer Spring (and fall) Cleaning – Paul will discuss many of the built-in and other utilities to help keep your computer cleaned out and working its best.
July – Computer Communication beyond email
Skype – Cliff Johnston
IM – We need Volunteers who often use Instant Messaging for a short demo.
Web meetings: VYEW and others – Volunteers are also needed. Discussion of methodology.
Other business
Alternative locations for Board meetings. Next month’s location to be announced.
See map at
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=107588564568323308230.00044c449e8b0635dd12d,
View the survey at
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p97EbZ77CX26M3tjKf6U-Cg Motion to Adjourn by Dewey, 2nd by Loren at 7:20 P.M.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
Windows XP users can now download Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) via Windows Update or the Microsoft Download Center. Windows XP SP3 includes all previously released updates for the operating system, in addition to a small number of new updates. It will not significantly change the Windows XP experience.
In TechNet Magazine this month, Raymond Chen’s article "16-Bit Icons Are So Passé" looks at why Windows Vista doesn't support 16-bit icons and wonders whether anybody has even noticed.
June 18
That’s the last day to buy Windows XP pre-installed on a Dell computer!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAUL'S RECENT COMPUTER PROBLEM FIX
From:
helpdesk1@sandhills.comTo:
PIREISS@aol.comSent: 4/8/2008 10:32:56 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: tech response computer infected
Dear Dr Paul,TO#581758
Thank you for your recent inquiry to Smart Computing regarding our Tech Support Service. This email is sent in regards to your Tech Support question.
Download and run the following.
Smitfraudfix
http://siri.geekstogo.com/SmitfraudFix.php Download and run Superantispyware in safe mode. Make sure that you download the free version for home users.
www.superantispyware.com (Best anti spyware program out. Picks up rootkits, smitfraud, some Trojans, and does an overall better job.)
Please let us know if the information we provided for your question solved the problem. Please reply to this email, or feel free to contact us at our toll free number (800) 368-8304.
Best Regards,
Help Desk 1
Web Services for Sandhills Publishing
800-368-8304
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOP 10 ANTISPYWARE APPLICATIONS REVIEWED
Interest in 'Spyware' and 'Malware' has been up among the members. The top 10 Antispyware applications were recently reviewed by C-Net:
CNET Top 10 Antispyware apps March 2008 - CNET reviews
(Thanks for the GET: Dewey Williams).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ten Great FREE Utilities for Your Network
Dewey Williams also found this great article for people that have a network--any size.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9058842&source=NLT_AM&nlid=1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CYBER SECURITY TIP
Effectively Erasing Files
Before selling or discarding an old computer, or throwing away a disk
or CD, you naturally make sure that you've copied all of the files you
need. You've probably also attempted to delete your personal files so
that other people aren't able to access them. However, unless you have
taken the proper steps to make sure the hard drive, disk, or CD is
erased, people may still be able to resurrect those files.
Where do deleted files go?
When you delete a file, depending on your operating system and your
settings, it may be transferred to your Trash or Recycle Bin. This
"holding area" essentially protects you from yourself--if you
accidentally delete a file, you can easily 'Restore' it. However, you
may have experienced the panic that results from emptying the Trash
Bin prematurely or having a file seem to disappear on its own. The
good news is that even though it may be difficult to locate: the file
is probably still somewhere on your machine. The bad news is that even
though you think you've deleted a file: an attacker or other
unauthorized person may be able to retrieve it.
What are the risks?
Think of the information you have saved on your computer. Is there
banking or credit card account information? Tax returns? Passwords?
Medical or other personal data? Personal photos? Sensitive corporate
information? How much would someone be able to find out about you or
your company by looking through your computer files?
Depending on what kind of information an attacker can find, he or she
may be able to use it maliciously. You may become a victim of identity
theft. Another possibility is that the information could be used in a
social engineering attack. Attackers may use information they find
about you or an organization you're affiliated with to appear to be
legitimate and gain access to sensitive data.
Can you erase files by reformatting?
Reformatting your hard drive or CD may superficially delete the files -
but the information is still buried somewhere. Unless those areas of
the disk are effectively overwritten with new content, it is still
possible that knowledgeable attackers may be able to access the
information.
How can you be sure that your information is completely erased?
Some people use extreme measures to make sure their information is
destroyed, but these measures can be dangerous and may not be
completely successful. Your best option is to investigate software
programs and hardware devices that claim to erase your hard drive or
CD. Even so, these programs and devices have varying levels of
effectiveness. When choosing a software program to perform this task:
look for the following characteristics:
* data is written multiple times - It is important to make sure that
not only is the information erased, but new data is written over
it. By adding multiple layers of data, the program makes it
difficult for an attacker to "peel away" the new layer. Three to
seven passes is fairly standard and should be sufficient.
* use of random data - Using random data instead of easily
identifiable patterns makes it harder for attackers to determine
the pattern and discover the original information underneath.
* use of zeros in the final layer - Regardless of how many times the
program overwrites the data: look for programs that use all zeros
in the last layer. This adds an additional level of security.
While many of these programs assume that you want to erase an entire
disk, there are programs that give you the option to erase and
overwrite individual files.
An effective way to ruin a CD or DVD is to wrap it in a paper towel
and shatter it. However, there are also hardware devices that erase
CDs or DVDs by destroying their surface. Some of these devices
actually shred the media itself, while others puncture the writable
surface with a pattern of holes. If you decide to use one of these
devices: compare the various features and prices to determine which
option best suits your needs.
_________________________________________________________________
Authors: Mindi McDowell, Matt Lytle
_________________________________________________________________
Produced 2005 by US-CERT, a government organization.
Note: This tip was previously published and is being re-distributed
to increase awareness.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPCOMING MEETING PROGRAM TOPICS
June - Paul on Spring Cleaning
July - Communication beyond E-mail with Cliff Johnson showing off 'Skype'.
August – Another 'Q&A' from Dewey
See you at the Meeting on Thursday!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORT OUR CLUB
AND ITS MEMBERS!
Please click on a Link:
Internet Backup Service
Member's Network
Lower Prices on Internet Phone!
Industrial Controls & Computer Engineering
