We had a good meeting yesterday evening. We also had a down pour of rain show up and we played musical tables some.
Some of the subjects we cover were Picasa, Defrag, Scan Disk, Firewalls, Anti-Virus software and a bit on Craigslist.
Our next meeting will be on Oct 8th. I won't be able to organize this meeting or attend it. I'll be out of town. Howie kindly agreed to fill in for me and two other members (Dianne and Michelle) offered to help her. Thanks ladies.
I'll see everyone at the end of the month. Have a wonderful month.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Our next meeting is Sept 24, 2009
Location and Time of Meeting: Chocolate Cafe in Greeneville, TN and meeting starts at 5:00 pm.
Meeting Topics
I'm planning on covering some basic tips with Craigslist and Picasa 3. I was going to go over Outlook, but Outlook is a full blown electronic organizer. Before going over Outlook, I need more feedback from Larry before I put together something on Outlook. I need to know if he is just interested in learning more about email side of Outlook or all the major functions of Outlook (Contacts, Calendar, etc..). After I receive feedback from Larry, I'll schedule Outlook for one of our future meetings, unless Larry decides after watching the video links in this post, that he doesn't need to go over Outlook at one of our meetings. Here are some YouTube video links for using email in Outlook:
I hope you guys had a chance to read my previous post and the online article about Craigslist. If you didn't, here is a brief description of what Craigslist is. Craigslist was created by Craig Newmark and it has become one of the most popular sites on the Internet. It was started in San Francisco in 1995. It offers job listings, personal ads, ads for cars, pets, and all sorts of other choices. The website is built around communities. Craigslist estimated worth is over 10 million dollars.
Here are some video links I found on YouTube:
Picasa 3
Picasa is free software from Google that helps you manage all of your digital photo collection. You can organize and view all your photos in one place. You can even create online photo albums for your family and friends and it is all free. How cool. Let's take a look at some YouTube videos to give us an idea of what Picasa can do for us. Here are some links:
See you all at the meeting tomorrow evening.
Meeting Topics
I'm planning on covering some basic tips with Craigslist and Picasa 3. I was going to go over Outlook, but Outlook is a full blown electronic organizer. Before going over Outlook, I need more feedback from Larry before I put together something on Outlook. I need to know if he is just interested in learning more about email side of Outlook or all the major functions of Outlook (Contacts, Calendar, etc..). After I receive feedback from Larry, I'll schedule Outlook for one of our future meetings, unless Larry decides after watching the video links in this post, that he doesn't need to go over Outlook at one of our meetings. Here are some YouTube video links for using email in Outlook:
- MS Outlook E-mail Email Sorting and Grouping Messages: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znlqspkkskw
- MS Outlook E-mail Email Advanced Sorting Capabilities: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOYZj0-yewg
- MS Outlook E-mail: Creating Moving Managing Folders and Subfolders: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EOdGQ6GVW8&feature=related
- MS Outlook Creating and Using E-mail Signatures: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzfRTWhAZrE&feature=channel
- MS Outlook E-mail: Creating a Group Distribution List: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fwT-9rJstw&feature=channel
- MS Outlook Setting and Using E-mail "Rules": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRn4LCMfV-o&feature=channel
- What is Craigslist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--_5VCRGcl0
- Craigslist Humor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpj7ORQhwDk&feature=related
- Craigslist Posting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NTbhRkSomw&feature=related
- Craigslist Tips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AW7GUpTGQo
Picasa 3
- Overview of Picasa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rskC6c_5L1M
- Picasa Web Albums: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teeGF-w5Cpw&feature=PlayList&p=4E95A9A720187FD2&index=7
See you all at the meeting tomorrow evening.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tid Bits on a Friday
New Computer
It has been a busy week. My main computer had died on me about a month ago, due to a power surge. The mother board and the power supply got fried. My computer was 5+ years old, so it was time for a new one. But like a lot of things, it came at a bad time. But I managed to work out a trade for a brand new computer, and I really love my new computer.
I have my new computer about 90% setup at this point. So, I'm able to do most of things I did before and a few new things. My new computer is running Windows VISTA Ultimate, which so far I really like. I haven't really used VISTA very much. My old computer was running Windows XP Media Center, which I also really liked. It worked great for me.
So, I'm learning new and fun stuff with VISTA, which not only helps me to accomplish what I need to, but I plan on sharing some of the things I learn with you all. So, stay tuned for those tips, because I'll start posting some of the tips and maybe we can go over some of them at our meetings.
Once I got my new computer and started setting it up, I decided that I wanted at least one good reference book on Windows VISTA, so I drove into Johnson City one day this week and I picked up a book at Books-a-million. Here is the title of the book I picked up: "Windows Vista Inside Out" by Ed Bott, Carl Siechert, and Craig Stinson. It is a big reference book and should make good reading on those nights I have trouble sleeping..
CraigsList
I also picked up a couple of magazines. One of the magazines I picked up was "Wired". There was a really interesting article in it about Craig Newmark, the creator/founder of Craigslist. I would highly recommended reading it, since a lot of us are using Craigslist and it may be one of the topics at our next meeting. To read the article online, go here: http://www.wired.com/entertainment/theweb/magazine/17-09/ff_craigslist.
Creating Your Own Handwritten Font
I picked up another Magazine, "Windows Magazine" the Fall 2009 edition and found several interesting articles in it, but one that I thought the group might be interested in was titled "Turn Your Handwriting Into a Font You Can Use" by James Stables. This sounded interesting and fun.
In this day and age when so much is typed and not handwritten, you can find yourself longing for a more personal touch and maybe to stand out a little in the pack. I read the article and the process for creating your own handwritten font, and it is simple.
There is a web site called yourfonts (http://www.yourfonts.com) and they have a simple process for creating your own font. All the instructions and the process is on their web site, so I won't go over them here.
I would like to say that once you have created your own handwritten font and installed it on your computer, remember that if you create an email using your new handwritten font and you send your email out to a friend, your friend won't see the text displayed in your new handwritten font, unless they install your new handwritten font onto their own computer.
What would work just fine is if you type up a letter in Word using your new handwritten font and then printed out your Word document. It would be printed using your new handwritten font, since you have it installed on your computer.
If you play around with creating your own handwritten font, let us know by posting something on the blog or emailing us your new handwritten font so we can install it and check it out. Have fun.
It has been a busy week. My main computer had died on me about a month ago, due to a power surge. The mother board and the power supply got fried. My computer was 5+ years old, so it was time for a new one. But like a lot of things, it came at a bad time. But I managed to work out a trade for a brand new computer, and I really love my new computer.
I have my new computer about 90% setup at this point. So, I'm able to do most of things I did before and a few new things. My new computer is running Windows VISTA Ultimate, which so far I really like. I haven't really used VISTA very much. My old computer was running Windows XP Media Center, which I also really liked. It worked great for me.
So, I'm learning new and fun stuff with VISTA, which not only helps me to accomplish what I need to, but I plan on sharing some of the things I learn with you all. So, stay tuned for those tips, because I'll start posting some of the tips and maybe we can go over some of them at our meetings.
Once I got my new computer and started setting it up, I decided that I wanted at least one good reference book on Windows VISTA, so I drove into Johnson City one day this week and I picked up a book at Books-a-million. Here is the title of the book I picked up: "Windows Vista Inside Out" by Ed Bott, Carl Siechert, and Craig Stinson. It is a big reference book and should make good reading on those nights I have trouble sleeping..
CraigsList
I also picked up a couple of magazines. One of the magazines I picked up was "Wired". There was a really interesting article in it about Craig Newmark, the creator/founder of Craigslist. I would highly recommended reading it, since a lot of us are using Craigslist and it may be one of the topics at our next meeting. To read the article online, go here: http://www.wired.com/entertainment/theweb/magazine/17-09/ff_craigslist.
Creating Your Own Handwritten Font
I picked up another Magazine, "Windows Magazine" the Fall 2009 edition and found several interesting articles in it, but one that I thought the group might be interested in was titled "Turn Your Handwriting Into a Font You Can Use" by James Stables. This sounded interesting and fun.
In this day and age when so much is typed and not handwritten, you can find yourself longing for a more personal touch and maybe to stand out a little in the pack. I read the article and the process for creating your own handwritten font, and it is simple.
There is a web site called yourfonts (http://www.yourfonts.com) and they have a simple process for creating your own font. All the instructions and the process is on their web site, so I won't go over them here.
I would like to say that once you have created your own handwritten font and installed it on your computer, remember that if you create an email using your new handwritten font and you send your email out to a friend, your friend won't see the text displayed in your new handwritten font, unless they install your new handwritten font onto their own computer.
What would work just fine is if you type up a letter in Word using your new handwritten font and then printed out your Word document. It would be printed using your new handwritten font, since you have it installed on your computer.
If you play around with creating your own handwritten font, let us know by posting something on the blog or emailing us your new handwritten font so we can install it and check it out. Have fun.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Bing.com, Finding Work, and Business Networking Tips
What is Bing.com
I thought I would share a few tips of interest this morning. First, have you heard of bing.com? It is a new search engine by Microsoft. One of the cool features to bing.com is that everyday the back ground image for the bing.com web page changes and if you move your mouse cursor around the image, you'll find easter eggs (bits of information about the image appear with links). It is a fun way to learn about places all over the global. Check it out. Here is a link for more information and videos about bing.com: http://www.discoverbing.com/behindbing/about.aspx.
Finding Work
The next tip I want to mention is about finding a job. There are lots of web sites out there, and it is hard to know where to begin. As many of you know, I'm currently looking for work. I recently posted my resume on Monster.com and I have to say that most the inquiries that I have received about potential work have come from Monster.com. So, it worth taking the time and setting up a resume on Monster.com. Consider setting your resume to public viewing, so that any potential employeers can contact you. I have mine setup to be viewed by anyone.
Business Networking
The other tip for finding work and making good business contacts is professional networking. There is a service out there called LinkedIn.com. This service is like a social network for working professionals. They offer two types of services, one is a free service and the other is a paid service. You can sign up for a free account and start networking right away. You can always upgrade your account to a paid service when you are ready.
LinkedIn.com has a feature called "groups" and you can join groups. It is good to try and join a group that is related to your field of business. I actually joined a group called "Linked Asheville". I went to one of their meetings and I had a really good time meeting and talking with other business professionals in the Asheville area. I passed out a lot of business cards that evening.
The groups inside of LinkedIn have discussions areas, job postings sometimes and general news. You can start your own discussions in the groups you are a member of. It is a good way to network on a professional level and to let people know about your business.
You can also setup your resume so that it is displayed as part of your profile. You can ask that other folks to write up recommendations for you. LinkedIn is a great business tool. You can look at my LinkedIn profile to get an idea of what one looks like. Here is my link: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylittlejohn and you can sign up for a LinkedIn account by going to this link: http://www.linkedin.com/.
For those of you looking for work or just wanting more exposure for your business, I hope these tips are of some help.
Have a great day.
I thought I would share a few tips of interest this morning. First, have you heard of bing.com? It is a new search engine by Microsoft. One of the cool features to bing.com is that everyday the back ground image for the bing.com web page changes and if you move your mouse cursor around the image, you'll find easter eggs (bits of information about the image appear with links). It is a fun way to learn about places all over the global. Check it out. Here is a link for more information and videos about bing.com: http://www.discoverbing.com/behindbing/about.aspx.
Finding Work
The next tip I want to mention is about finding a job. There are lots of web sites out there, and it is hard to know where to begin. As many of you know, I'm currently looking for work. I recently posted my resume on Monster.com and I have to say that most the inquiries that I have received about potential work have come from Monster.com. So, it worth taking the time and setting up a resume on Monster.com. Consider setting your resume to public viewing, so that any potential employeers can contact you. I have mine setup to be viewed by anyone.
Business Networking
The other tip for finding work and making good business contacts is professional networking. There is a service out there called LinkedIn.com. This service is like a social network for working professionals. They offer two types of services, one is a free service and the other is a paid service. You can sign up for a free account and start networking right away. You can always upgrade your account to a paid service when you are ready.
LinkedIn.com has a feature called "groups" and you can join groups. It is good to try and join a group that is related to your field of business. I actually joined a group called "Linked Asheville". I went to one of their meetings and I had a really good time meeting and talking with other business professionals in the Asheville area. I passed out a lot of business cards that evening.
The groups inside of LinkedIn have discussions areas, job postings sometimes and general news. You can start your own discussions in the groups you are a member of. It is a good way to network on a professional level and to let people know about your business.
You can also setup your resume so that it is displayed as part of your profile. You can ask that other folks to write up recommendations for you. LinkedIn is a great business tool. You can look at my LinkedIn profile to get an idea of what one looks like. Here is my link: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylittlejohn and you can sign up for a LinkedIn account by going to this link: http://www.linkedin.com/.
For those of you looking for work or just wanting more exposure for your business, I hope these tips are of some help.
Have a great day.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Notes from our Sept 10, 2009 Meeting
We had a really good turn out. We had 9 people showed up (10 counting me) and 8 of them were new members. This is great.
We talked about many things, Skype and web cams, what is WIFI, what new computer to buy, email, Internet service and some topics for future meetings.
I'll try to setup a poll of topics for our next meeting, so everyone can vote on what they would like to see cover.
I had my main computer crash and die on me and I just received my new one on Friday, so I'm in the process of setting it up, so bear with me. I'm running a bit behind.
I'm really excited about the turn out at our last meeting and I'm looking forward to our next next meeting on Sept 24, 2009.
We talked about many things, Skype and web cams, what is WIFI, what new computer to buy, email, Internet service and some topics for future meetings.
I'll try to setup a poll of topics for our next meeting, so everyone can vote on what they would like to see cover.
I had my main computer crash and die on me and I just received my new one on Friday, so I'm in the process of setting it up, so bear with me. I'm running a bit behind.
I'm really excited about the turn out at our last meeting and I'm looking forward to our next next meeting on Sept 24, 2009.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Sept 10th is our next Meeting
Our next meeting is on Sept 10, 2009 starting at 5:00 pm. We will be meeting at the Chocolate Cafe in Greeneville, TN.
We will be going over how to use a Web Cam with Skype. Skype is a free service for using video and voice on the internet. It is a great tool for staying connected to family, friends and for business meetings/conferences. We could even use it for our group if we wanted.
To get a head start, please check out this good video I found on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=466Ra0s6RUY. This video will explain the basics for installing Skype, creating an account and basic usage.
You can also check out Skype’s Help web page for more details about how to use Skype. Here is the link for Skype’s Help web page: http://www.skype.com/help/guides/.
After watching the video tutorial on Skype, make note of any questions you may have and we'll try and answer them.
I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow evening. Until then, happy Skyping - smile.
We will be going over how to use a Web Cam with Skype. Skype is a free service for using video and voice on the internet. It is a great tool for staying connected to family, friends and for business meetings/conferences. We could even use it for our group if we wanted.
To get a head start, please check out this good video I found on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=466Ra0s6RUY. This video will explain the basics for installing Skype, creating an account and basic usage.
You can also check out Skype’s Help web page for more details about how to use Skype. Here is the link for Skype’s Help web page: http://www.skype.com/help/guides/.
After watching the video tutorial on Skype, make note of any questions you may have and we'll try and answer them.
I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow evening. Until then, happy Skyping - smile.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Making your own movies/videos
Hi. You know, it is good to learn the computer things that we need so that we can perform all the tasks required by us to get by, but all work and no play can lead to a pretty boring day. Life hopefully contains a good balance between work and play.
On that note, I was doing a little playing this morning. Microsoft has a new software tool called "Windows Movie Maker". It was really easy to use. I made a quick movie from photos on my hard and I even added a song as background music.
You can also add movie clips that already exist on your hard drive to the movie you are creating. You can even edit the movie clip you have added to your new movie. Pretty cool stuff.
Once your movie clip is created, you can publish (make it available) it to YouTube or burn it to a CD/DVD.
If you want to learn more about Windows Movie Maker (WMM), check out the video clip from Microsoft that shows an overview of WMM. Here is the link: http://www.moviemakerpreview.com/. There is also a link on this web page for downloading the software.
If you are looking for something fun and easy to learn that you can dazzle your family and friends with, check out Windows Movie Maker. If you make a movie, consider sharing it with group.
Happy movie making..
On that note, I was doing a little playing this morning. Microsoft has a new software tool called "Windows Movie Maker". It was really easy to use. I made a quick movie from photos on my hard and I even added a song as background music.
You can also add movie clips that already exist on your hard drive to the movie you are creating. You can even edit the movie clip you have added to your new movie. Pretty cool stuff.
Once your movie clip is created, you can publish (make it available) it to YouTube or burn it to a CD/DVD.
If you want to learn more about Windows Movie Maker (WMM), check out the video clip from Microsoft that shows an overview of WMM. Here is the link: http://www.moviemakerpreview.com/. There is also a link on this web page for downloading the software.
If you are looking for something fun and easy to learn that you can dazzle your family and friends with, check out Windows Movie Maker. If you make a movie, consider sharing it with group.
Happy movie making..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)