| Meeting | Time and Date | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Photo Special Interest Group | Second Wednesday of each month, excluding July, August and December. The meetings are held at The Esso YMCA Learning and Career Centre, 660 Oakdale Avenue, Sarnia |
Digital SIG Leader |
| Windows Special Interest Group | Windows SIG meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month, excluding July, August and December. Meetings start at 7 p.m. The meetings are held at The Esso YMCA Learning and Career Centre, 660 Oakdale Avenue, Sarnia Visitors are always welcome at our meetings. |
Leader Windows SIG |
| General Meeting | General meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month, excluding July, August and December. The meetings are held at The Esso YMCA Learning and Career Centre, 660 Oakdale Avenue, Sarnia. The meetings start at 6:45 to talk, register and pick up newsletter. The meeting is called to order at 7:15 pm. |
The President |
| Executive Meeting | Meetings of the Executive are held at Loblaws on the Monday following the General meeting. There is no July, August or December meeting. | The President |
President's Perspective January 2010
First of all I would like to wish all of you a safe, joyous and prosperous new year. 2009 was a year of recovery for the finacial sector. In technology, the trend continued to smaller and faster with Netbooks, iPhones capable of navigation, 3D movies, and Windows 7.
For SCUG it was a year of change with myself becoming president again and a shuffle of the executive. Thanks to everyone who participates in club activities. Remember this is your club and the executive expect everyone to get involved and learn. Speaking of membership, we want this club to grow and to that end we are once again offering a membership drive. Stay tuned for more information.
It is with sadness that I announce that our founding member, Jim Verdon has passed away. Jim started this club at his store, Verdon Computers two decades ago. He will be missed.
Tonight Joe Black form Digital Friends is back. Joe gave us a presentation last season on e-waste recycling which was very informative. This time, his topic is “Computer Basics” as well as a “Question and Answer” session.
Suggestions are welcome for future meeting topics. Please contact me with your ideas.
PIERRE HOULE
President, SCUG.
President's Perspective November 2009
I would like to start by thanking everyone who participates in our club's activities: The executive who help guide club as well as members who come out to meetings, ask questions, make recommendations and participate! Thank you all! Remember this is your club. What you get out of it is directly linked to what you put into it. Participate and learn.
A special thank you to some special individuals who work be-hind the scenes: Bill Colotelo for his unwavering quest for a perfect sound system. He has spent hours of his time and gas. I think he has finally succeeded with the current system. Good work, Bill! To Paul Witheridge who once again audited SCUG's books, a thankless and tedious job. Thanks Paul for keeping us honest! To Ed Ginn our treasurer who has kept the books up to date and drafted our current budget despite having hip sur-gery. Thank you Ed!
With the explosion in availability of affordable digital cameras, it's no wonder there is such a surge of interest in photography and photo printing. To address this interest I have asked An-tony Chodas from Forest City Imaging in London to talk to us about the latest trends in digital photography and printing technology. Welcome Antony!
PIERRE HOULE
President, SCUG.
President's Perspective October 2009
Computers Do The Darndest Things
As a computer repair technician I'm continually surprised by the strange behaviour exhibited by computers. I would guess that 75% of the problems are brought on by the user. The other 25% are related to poorly written programs and hardware mal-function.
What problems does the user bring upon him/her self? Installing questionable soft-ware, opening questionable e-mails, going to questionable websites like file sharing sites, power-clicking (click 20 times when two will do), shutting down the computer incorrectly, to name a few.
How to alleviate user induced problems? Become educated! know the dangers of the Internet and learn proper computer use! Education is what this club is all about, so take advantage of club resources and learn!
Tonight, Mitch Garvis, a Microsoft MVP is sharing his knowledge of Windows 7. Please welcome him and learn!
PIERRE HOULE
President, SCUG.
President's Perspective September 2009
Welcome everyone to a new SCUG year! Now you will have to put up with my rantings on the
cover page of the newsletter for at least the next year. First of all I would like to thank Dorothy
Alexander for her hard work over the past three years as president. I have her example to follow.
She will still be on the executive but in a different capacity. Secondly I would like to welcome the
rest of the executive and applaud their willingness help guide the club to new adventures.
SCUG has been in existence for many years and we have lost some of our purpose. I hope we
can get back on track this year with interesting speakers and demonstrations.
Tonight's speaker is Andrew from Datatek. He is going to give up a sneak preview of the latest
version of Windows, Windows 7. He is very enthusiastic about the latest Microsoft operating system
and says it's far superior to Vista.
If you have any suggestions for meeting topics or anything else please contact
me at president@scug.ca
With your help, we can make this year a year to remember!
PIERRE HOULE
President, SCUG.
President's Perspective June 2009
TIME FOR A CHANGE
This will be my last President's Perspective. As I write this I reflect on the changes that I have seen happen in the past four years that I have been your president, as well as the five years before that when I was treasurer. Some happenings were good for the club. We celebrated the 25th Anniversary of SCUG, moved to a new location, more accessible for anyone with a disability, and received awards from APCUG for both the newsletter and the website. These are but a few.
This year, for the first time in many years, SCUG will be losing several executive members.…..all for a variety of reasons. It is indeed unfortunate that more members didn't step forward to run for an executive position. You gain valuable knowledge when you participate!
As I have stated in previous President Perspectives I feel it is time to get some new blood into the executive. It is my hope that our new executive will work as a team, weighing the merits of the old versus the new and then making informed decisions. While they explore new ideas they will also have the benefit of SCUG's Constitution (that was amended and approved February 28, 2007) to help them follow the policies, definitions and guidelines that are so important to keep SCUG moving in the right direction.
Speaking of changes have any of you tried BING, the new Microsoft search engine? This will replace MS Live Search. When you search with BING, for a camera as an example, it will bring prices, images, and reviews on a single screen and help you make decisions easier and faster than going from screen to screen. It no doubt will challenge GOOGLE, our old standby.
At our last General Meeting of this season we have as our guest STAPLES who will show you the new HP touch smart computer, a small mini net book, JVC Camcorder and some other new items of interest.
Hopefully all of you will have a great and safe summer.
Dorothy Alexander,
President, SCUG.
President's Perspective May 2009
WE LOVE BIG, BUT GET SMALL
Until recently we craved bigger, faster, gas guzzling cars. We ate triple bacon burgers with extra cheese. We wanted the biggest and best house. Computers got bigger, wages were up, people had jobs. But, opps we started to run out of money, the planet warmed up and people lost their homes and jobs.
Now we have tiny laptops, tiny meal portions, and tiny cars. WE ARE "WEE".
We crave the biggest, best, but small is the new reality.
All of this was evident in a recent holiday in the U.S.A. People were on street corners holding signs asking for work or food or telling the passing motorist they were homeless. A block later you encounter two Hummer vehicles. Signs on lawns showing foreclosures of homes were common place. In 1927 history states miniature golf was created; smaller, affordable cars appeared; and new smaller packaging was normal but that did not stop the great depression in 1930.
Let's hope that history taught us something and we can avoid a repeat of 1930.
For our May General Meeting we will have a live hookup with Pamela Tabak, the Computer Tutor, direct from Toronto. If you have a pressing question why not ask her for a solution?
In only four short weeks we will be having our election for the executive for the upcoming year. To date no one has approached Ian Hunt to volunteer. Remember if there are no volunteers there will be no SCUG. Do you part and step forward.
Until next time,
Dorothy Alexander,
President, SCUG.
President's Perspective April 2009
DO WE STOP GROWING OLDER BECAUSE WE USE THE COMPUTER?
Recently I went to a birthday party for a lady who was celebrating her 100th birthday. Her mind was amazing, recalling dates that ever her daughter did not remember. After dinner, each evening this lady plays mahjong on her computer for an hour, then she does crossword puzzles for yet another hour followed by reading one of the new current novels and turns in for the night between 11 and 11:30. Is she sharp - yes? She credits her fabulous memory to the fact that she keeps active doing the above things.
There is nothing that we cannot learn from using our computers. And at no age does this stop. The proportion of adults online tripled between 1995 (9%) and 1997 (30%), and kept on climbing rapidly to 63% in 2000. Since then growth has been slower, reading 73% in 2004 and 81% now. Senior citizen population may be near max for Internet use; 4 of 5 adults of all ages are now online. 184 Million U.S. adults are online from their homes, offices, schools or other locations.
A new Harris Poll, done on November 18, 2008 found the U.S. citizens Online are beginning to look more like the population of the country. Although senior citizens age 65 and older still lag, they are catching up and the difference is not so dramatic. While Baby Boomers (age 50 through 64) make up 24 percent of the population, they are 23 percent of the online audience.
Seniors who become adept at and use a computer appear to have fewer depressive symptoms than those older adults who aren't so technologically connected. That's the findings of a research study, "Depression and Social Support among Older Adult Computer Users", presented August 18 at the 113th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association.
So SCUG members keep on using your computer, even if it is just a game of mahjong!
For our April presentation we have as our guest, Larry Mobbs, president of COMP. He will show us Apple MobileMe and how it works to allow access to your computer worldwide.
Until next time,
Dorothy Alexander,
President, SCUG.
President's Perspective March 2009
Recently in the USA they held their presidential election. Both candidates were making promises on topics involving green-collar jobs. From the meeting with Prime Minister Steven Harper and President Barack Obama they both seem to be thinking along the same lines. These jobs would come about by harnessing renewable energy sources like wind and solar, ethanol production, green building, hazardous waste removal, recycling and consumer goods. The Americans even signed a Green Job Act in 2007 to accomplish this. Here in Canada there are wind farms being constructed, in spite of some people saying that they are hazardous to their health. In the Sarnia area there is a proposed ethanol plant on Huron Blvd. and currently there is an ethanol plant in Chatham and St. Clair Ethanol, on Hwy 40 at Rockaby Line which is owned Sun Oil. We have a solar farm under construction on Churchill here in Sarnia. All these things will make work on all skill levels. We all do our little part by recycling our waste products each week. Here is Canada the government has introduced a Home Renovation Tax Credit allowing you to improve your home, installing a new high efficiency furnace for example or new windows to maintain heat/cooling. For any amount over $1000.00 you get a 15% credit on your 2009 taxes to a maximum of $1350.00.
So what could be more appropriate for our presentation in March than to have Digital Friends as our guest. They are very involved in the computer recycling field.
As you are all aware we hold our elections in June - three months from now. Most of your current executive has held their positions for several years. Do you not think that it is time we had a change? Perhaps we do things you do not agree with or you think that you can make a difference. Please step up to the plate and run for an office. You will learn more by being involved.
Until next time,
Dorothy Alexander,
President.
President's Perspective February 2009
DO WE NEED THESE TOYS?
Jumping off the news pages in past weeks is some interesting new technology. Although, some are impressive and some not. We have all seen drivers talking on their cell phones and using their computer while driving. Is there a safer way?
A Canadian company (www.iland.com) has produced "iLane". This is a portable black box referred to as "car secretary". It connects wirelessly to your Blackberry, iphone, etc. and reads your email out loud; notifying you of pending appointments thus, allowing you to make hands free calls. This technology is controlled by voice commands. The cost for this feature is $599.00 + $7.99 month fee + $39.99 activation fee. Is this How to Work More? Do we really need to use these toys 24/7?
Ok, so you missed the last episode of your favourite TV program. No problem, you can view it on your computer. Right?.....Wrong! You go to a content provider such as hulu.com, CTV or Global only to find that these programs are only fed to the USA. This is called Geo-blocking or Geo-gating and protects their rights of distribution. This can be overcome by a grey or black market satellite dish, which is illegal. BUT - you can download "Hotspot Shield". The CEO, David Gorodyansky, and founder of the California-based Anchor-Free informs us that this will override this blocking and allow you to view the Geo-blocked content without them knowing that you are not in the USA.
At the General Meeting in February we welcome Pat Voegelin, Online Coordinator at Lambton College on Continuing Education.
Until next time,
Dorothy Alexander,
President, SCUG.
President's Perspective January 2009
Happy New Year. I hope that all your hopes and dreams will be fulfilled this year. There is so much talk of doom and gloom, in the world as we have known it, that we need to set reasonable goals to sustain us.
This is the time of year also to drop old habits that no longer work for us, and strive to make new ones. You should start by backing up your computer files before disaster hits and you loose them. You can either purchase an external backup, such as the Western Digital "My Book" that I bought, or store 2 GB with MOSY for free. (http://mozy.com/home). I am confident that there are many others that you can check out. Just do not wait for a power outage before doing something about it!
Unfortunately there have been mix-ups with SIG meeting times this past month. We apologize. Please take time to check the web site (www.scug.ca) as accurate dates are posted there. Last minute cancellations, due to weather or otherwise, are sent you via an email. Perhaps it is time for some new blood on the executive. Please give this some serious thought before the election process starts – WE NEED YOU!
On that note we will have Ian Hunt as our Vice President for the remainder of 2008 -2009. Unfortunately Bill Colotelo has stepped down due to family commitments. We wish him well. He will be missed.
The mild winter predicted by our weather forecasters couldn’t have been farther off the mark. Maybe they need new computers! This winter will no doubt go down with several records being set for low temperatures.
Even if you are not planning a trip you will enjoy the demo at the January General Meeting. Pierre Houle will show you how PhotoFinder GPS works to keep a log of everywhere you go; time, date and geographical information that embeds into the photos you take with your digital camera. This new phenomenon is called Geo-tagging. Pierre utilized this when he took over 9000 photos on his recent western trip.
Until next time,
Dorothy Alexander,
President, SCUG.
President's Perspective November 2008
WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW
Our computer club is made up of people from all walks of life, e.g. executives, labourers, homemakers, trades, doctor, crafters and professional people, to name but a few. But what you don't know is that we have many talented people in our midst. So starting this month I am doing a column for the newsletter called, "HIDDEN TALENTS". The first person we are featuring is Joe Zatylny, one of SCUG's senior members. I have another person selected for the January newsletter but I will keep you guessing who that person is till January, 2009.
Do you know someone who achieved something, or got recognition for doing something, that we do not know about? Please contact me – President
We are endeavoring to add more local interest in the newsletter. Greg West, our Editor plus the rest of the executive feel that the members are not involved enough in the club. Perhaps this will encourage you to come forth with an article of interest to the members. You don’t have to be an editor or journalist to do it – I am not in either category. We just want some down to earth, home grown articles for our newsletter.
As 2009 is not that far away why don’t you give some thought to running for a position on the executive? We could use some new people with new ideas to move SCUG forward. The same people cannot continue each year, without any participation from you the members, without getting stale at what we do! Some of us have been on the executive for coming up ten years (in fact some longer) and want a break! PLEASE STEP FORWARD.
At out November General Meeting we welcome Maryanne Buntrock of Canada Customs who will tell us how NEXUS impacts the Canada/US border.
November is our last General Meeting for 2008.
The executive and I would like to wish all of you a JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON with family and friends and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
See you in 2009.
Dorothy Alexander,
President, SCUG.
President's Perspective October 2008
NEW PLACE, NEW PRODUCTS
We seem to be settling into our new meeting place very nicely. At the Digital SIG we got a surprise, when we arrived, to see a free standing projection screen which they had located at ALC. This was especially nice since this was the first time using our new projector. I am sure all of you, that were there, would agree that there was a world of difference in the quality of the photos that Pierre showed us. It was nice to see such a good turnout to the meeting.
Last week I came across a new product called Softshell Computers. They are home based in London, ON. and owned by two young men. You no longer have to be a computer guru or typist to make the computer work for you. Perhaps you may want to go and have a look at their web site (http://mysoftshell.com/r/instit/aboutus.php). It was designed for those who had visual, stroke-related, arthritis, disabilities, or cognitive impairment. I invited them to come to one of our General Meetings but due to limited resources and man-power they had to decline at this time. Likely you know someone who could take advantage of this software.
Another new product that caught my eye is the POLAROID PoGo. Most of us have digital cameras which we take to various functions. This cigarette size package is a mobile printer that allows you to connect your camera into it and have ZINK Imaging (inkless) within seconds. Ten sheets of paper costs $3.99 or 30 sheets for $9.99. So you can immediately hand out prints to individuals right at the scene as you take them. Nice toy! Would not mind one of them in my Christmas sox!
At our General Meeting in October we have Greg West showing us “CLOUD COMPUTING”….what is it? Come to the meeting and find out!
Until next time,
Dorothy Alexander,
President, SCUG.
President's Perspective September 2008
Welcome to the new location for SCUG
Hopefully you all had an enjoyable summer and are anxious to get back to your computer.
SCUG is making major changes in our 26th year. Namely, we have moved all of our meetings, so they are under one roof, to the Adult Learning Center, 660 Oakdale Avenue, Sarnia. Also we have reinvented the Windows SIG, chaired by Bill Colotelo. This SIG will be manned by various individuals covering a multitude of different venues. Be sure to come out and see what this is all about. If you have any particular desire to have a certain program shown, or computer related item, we would like to hear from you. We are also entertaining other ideas to bring the club up to the 21st century and make it more interesting for you, our members.
I am aware that very few of our members use the SCUG website, which is very unfortunate. You no longer need to have a password to go there. It is much more user friendly. We would like to have photos submitted so that they can be posted as well. Why not go and have a look – http://www.scug.ca. Also while you are at it, join the SCUGLIST. There you will find answers to some of your computer problems. Dick Carpani, our webmaster, intends to invite all the members (not currently on the list) in the coming weeks. Then you simply reply to webmaster@scug.ca and you will be able to partake in the discussions.
Once we get established in our “new digs” we will likely have an auction sale to dispose of equipment that we no longer have a need for, e.g. 2 overhead screens, old INFOCUS projector and old SONY laptop. We will inform you when this will take place.
The September GM will have Pam Raisanen, from COMP, our sister club, showing you how Dreamweaver works. This is a very unique program with mega facets to it. It should be very enlightening.
Until next time,
Dorothy Alexander,
President, SCUG.
President's Perspective June 2008
Looking back on the past three years I have been president of SCUG, there have been many things that have taken place. For instance, we have celebrated our 25th Anniversary, we made a decision to move to better facility for our meetings, and now we can look forward to new and better things down the road.
Changes are happening now. A new Video Editing SIG is in the discussion stage, one that could be the first "JOINT" SIG between SCUG and COMP. There are also discussions about doing videos of our demonstrations and uploading them to our web site. With the combined knowledge of our members and those of COMP I am sure that this will happen.
We are going to try a new method for what was once our Windows SIG….yet unnamed. A new place, new ideas - all sitting on your doorstep. Perhaps some of you will contribute to this or other new ideas to make SCUG grow and help to move SCUG forward.
Personally I would like to thank our Vice President, Bill Colotelo who has worked hard behind the scene to get volunteers to run for your executive. Some of us opted to remain on board to follow through with these changes but have indicated they will not do so come September 2009. So start thinking of filling our shoes. I for one would not know as much about computers as I “think I do” if it were not for participating. You can too!
This evening I will do a demo showing you how to start enjoying your old 35mm slides once again. You may have read my article on this in the March newsletter. After some arm twisting and the show of interest I complied and agreed to do it.
Hopefully you all have a great summer and we will see you in September at the Adult Learning Center, 660 Oakdale Avenue, Sarnia. I will contact you once we know which night the General Meeting will be held.
Until next time,
Dorothy Alexander,
President.
President's Perspective May 2008
MAKING SCUG HISTORY
On April 30, 2008 SCUG made a historical decision! After holding our General Meetings for nearly 20 years at St. Bartholomew’s church we took a vote of the membership and have opted to move to the Adult Learning Center, 660 Oakdale Avenue, Sarnia, Ontario, N7V 2A9 commencing in September 2008. This decision was not taken lightly. The executive researched all available locations and found this the best match for our needs. There is lots of room for parking, no insurance to pay, or stairs to climb/descend and we will be able to have all of our SIG meetings at this location as well as the General Meeting. As some of our members have had problems with mobility I am sure this will be a welcome change.
Lots of goodies for us - e.g. the overhead screen is huge and is also automatically retracted; vending machines are nearby for your cup of java or can of pop; lounge area to converse with your friends prior to the meeting and during intermission. Plus Coffee Lodge, with free WiFi, is just around the corner for after the meeting get-together.
As of this writing the GM will be now held on the last Thursday of each month rather than the last Wednesday – BUT – this may very well change before this reaches the newsletter. The Digital SIG and the Windows SIG meetings will remain the same day, as you are used to, but at this new location.
This evening we have Mel Wright of the City Police giving us a presentation on the use of 911 and Computer Bullying which is so prevalent these days.
Until next time,
Dorothy Alexander,
President, SCUG.
President's Perspective April 2008
We are all creatures of habit! This is not necessarily good, because over the years our needs do change…..or circumstances change them for us.
The executive has asked the members to vote on a major change for SCUG. After 20 years, at St. Bartholomew’s Church, the club “may be” moving. Only you, the members, can decide if this change is for the betterment of SCUG. We have outlined our findings, both pro and con, and are stepping back so that we can have a democratic vote on this matter. It is most important that you exercise this privilege. What makes this club is the members. Without you there would be no club.
In this respect we are also asking you to step forward and volunteer for an executive position….or even the simple task of making coffee or setting up the chairs prior to the General Meeting. It does not take a lot of your time. By being personally involved you certainly get more out of the club than you do by not participating.
This evening we welcome Bruce Ritchie who will do a presentation on “Telling Your Story” and show you how he accomplished this with Movie Maker, Pinnacle, Adobe Elements and Power Point.
Next month we will learn about “bullying” from the City Police. Bullying can come in many forms either personally or computer oriented.
Until next time.
Dorothy Alexander,
President, SCUG.
President's Perspective March 2008
What tech product would you miss the most?
With the myriad of electronic tools in your household what one could you part with? For sure not the pacemaker that keeps your heart ticking when needed; not the smoke alarm that protects you and your family; nor your vehicle stability control and certainly not the television. Even the lowly seat belt would not be on your chosen list since it could save your life or that of a loved one.
Cell phones can be very annoying, especially when you see someone driving and using it, but if you have an emergency they prove to be invaluable. Phones today are not just phones either, they can be your camera, your GPS, and even a hand held PC.
What about your headphones which allow you to use Skype to talk to your friends without using Ma Bell? Laptops? Nah, who could live without that? Digital camera? Don't think so – how could you preserve that precious first step of a toddler?
I guess what it boils down to is that the more tech toys we have the harder it is to “go back” or get rid of any one of them. What did we do in “the olden days” when all these things were not available? We played Monopoly, Rummoli and Trivial Pursuit. What happened to these games? They are no doubt collecting dust someplace in your home because playing these is not vogue any more, unless of course, it is playing them online.
What tech product would you give up?
Until next time,
Dorothy Alexander,
President, SCUG.
President's Perspective February 2008
GREEN IT!
Go Green – NOT for St. Patrick's Day – but for the ENVIRONMENT. I am reading about “carbon footprint” all over the place. What is it? A carbon footprint is a "measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of green house gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide." It is meant to be useful to see how you are contributing to global warming. Once you calculate your personal “carbon footprint” you can make changes to the way you live. There is an excellent FREE site to use to calculate this. http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx.
Every time we turn on our computers, we add CO2 to the atmosphere. Among our household or “must have” toys the computer is one of the biggest culprits. Even when turned off, it sucks 28 watts of power. The Internet connection also leaks energy. Multiply that over the year, and you waste more than two months' worth of electricity. It is suggested that you should plug the computer, televisions and DVD player into power bars. When you aren't using them, turn the power bar off. So simple, but it can cut your electricity bills in half. Another suggestion is to only print what's necessary and to use "soft copies" for everything else. Let's all make a difference.
SCUG executive and COMP executive have entered into a mutual agreement. With one paid membership you can now attend the General Meeting at either computer group – Sarnia or Port Huron (SCUG or COMP). This places us into a better negotiating position to hose computer company presentations such as Microsoft. We will keep you posted.
This evening Greg West, our Newsletter Editor will show you how not to get lost with “MS Streets & Trips.” He will also give a short demo on his new Macbook. He will show how the Mac can run Windows Home, Windows XP Pro, and Windows XP Pro and Vista on the Mac in virtual file folders.
Until next time,
Dorothy Alexander,
President, SCUG.
| Here are some benefits of joining SCUG | |
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| Since 1982 members of the Sarnia Computer Users' Group have been expanding their computer knowledge by networking with other people who share their enthusiasm for solving their computer problems and learning more about the fast growing computer technology. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user you can benefit from the following: | |
| General Meetings: | Members learn from presentations, sharing ideas and networking with others with the same interests. |
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