Newsletter

Thanks to Matt McCann from Parsons Technology for an excellent presentation in February. Parsons not only supplied five great software packages for door prizes, but they offered significant discounts on their products to attendees. For example, we can get copies of both their Federal and State tax preparation software for only $18 plus S&H! We really enjoyed the meeting and look forward to a return visit in another year or two.

Our new Windows 95 SIG (Special Interest Group) started in January. Unfortunately, since we didn’t have the date set at our January meeting, there were only five attendees. Hopefully, more of you will check in at the next session. The meetings will normally be held on the last Tuesday of each. However, we were unable to get the meeting room for that night in March. So the next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 25, at 7 p.m. at MapleTronics in Goshen. Jeff Gowdy, of MapleTronics, will be leading the group. Our other two SIGs continue: the Internet SIG meets next at 7 p.m. on April 21 at the Chamber of Commerce building in Goshen and the Genealogy SIG, at the Elkhart Public Library at 9 a.m. on April 12.

At the February meeting, we tried to recruit a volunteer to write a short review of the meeting for the newsletter. Unfortunately, we got no takers... We’ll try again next month. I’d like to encourage you to consider writing a contribution for the newsletter. It could be a product review, an observation on computers or the industry, whatever you’d like to share with the EPCUG members. We have a great editor who’s willing to put it the time to organize and format whatever we throw at him (within reason, of course... ). But, it seems like the same few people do most of the writing. We’d really appreciate getting some ideas from a broader base of the membership!

We were more successful, at getting volunteers to act as greeters at the next meeting. We seem to get anywhere from 10 to 30 new attendees at each meeting. We’d like for the greeters to help say “Hello” to the new folks, and answer whatever questions they may have about EPCUG. We were grateful for the positive response, and we’ll see how it works at the next few meetings.

In March, we will be offering a copy Goldmine, of a popular Contact Management software package. We will be raffling it off to one of you who attends the meeting and is willing to write a review article. So, if you’re interested, be sure not to miss the March meeting!

And, as a final note on the local Internet scene, The Elkhart Truth now has its own site on the World Wide Web. Check them out at www.elktruth.com. Elkhart’s Chamber of Commerce is also on the web, now, at SIGS www.elkhart.org. Happy surfing!

See you on March 27, when we look at "What’s Broke(n)!"

So you’re trying to keep your hard drive in some kind of order by saving all your personal files from all your programs to one location (subdivided of course by categories or program files or both). But Notepad, Wordpad, PageMaker, and some others aren’t as nice as programs like WordPerfect which includes a place for you to specify where you want the program to go to open and save files. Each time you open or save, you have to change directories (and some of you first you have to specify which hard drive, then the directory). The program has no recollection of where you told it to go last time so it keeps defaulting to some stupid place (like the main Windows directory)! Well, sit back and relax, there is help available. Follow these steps for whatever the program, substituting the correct directories and names:

1. Choose Start > Settings > Taskbar 2. Select Start Menu Programs, and click Advanced.

3. Click the right mouse button on the Wordpad icon.

4. Select Properties from the drop-down list.

5. In the Properties dialog box, click the Shortcut Tab at the top, and, in the Start In text box, type the path to the folder you want to save your files in (For example, c:\MyFiles\Homework).

The next time you start Wordpad, the Open and Save commands will automatically go to:C:\MyFiles\Homework.

Note that if you have other shortcuts to these files (on your desktop or in specific folders) you will need to repeat this procedure on them also (begin with #3 instead of #1).

The March meeting is a very expanded version of our questions and answer period that we usually have at our EPCUG meeting. This is the meeting members of the EPCUG have most requested. When I put a list in the November newsletter about possible meetings for this year, I received 3 times more requests for this night than any other suggestion.

This is the "Bring It In, It’s Broken Night." The idea is that if you are having a problem with your computer, a panel of "experts" will go over the problem and give you possible solutions for you. If you have contacted me beforehand, we will look at the system itself if you bring it to the meeting. Some people have complained that they must contact me first and cannot just bring in their system. Think about that for a minute. We could have 40 to 50 computers brought in on that night and there is no way we can look at that many, or even fit them in the room!

I am asking that you contact me about your problem for several reasons. First to give me a change to contact our panel to see if anyone has an answer to the problem. We do not like to be stumped. The second is we do not want 10 computers with the same problem on the list. The last reason is so that we can keep a balanced program. I do not want only Windows 95 problems or only DOS problems.

The type of problem machines or programs we are looking for: (The list is in no particular order.)

1. Problems with their modem, internal or external.

2. Problems with a CD-ROM Drive.

3. Problems with video display.

4. Problems with memory. (Win3.x and Win 95 questions)

5. Problems with sound cards.

6. Problems with software.

If you want to bring in your computer, just contact me.

Daytime 1-616-684-8099 Evenings 1-219-533-7632 E-Mail jonslough@tln.net

April Meeting: In April, Power Quest will be here to demo their products. Bob Kanaley reviewed the Partition Magic software late last year in the newsletter. Their software allows you to setup hard drive partitions without having to reformat your hard drive or losing your data.

No answer to your question at the meeting? Help Line didn’t help this time? Q&A time run out before you got your question asked? Put your question here and it goes out to all members. Maybe the person with your answer could not make it to the meeting.

Do you know the answer to a question asked here? What about last month’s questions? We still don’t have them all answered.

Write your questions or answers and bring them to the meeting, or mail, e-mail, or call them to the editor. Please include your name and phone number even though we will not print it, just in case we need to clarify something. Be brief and clear with both questions and answers.

None. Everybody is very smart this month or maybe those who have questions just didn’t have time to send them in?

Q. Do I have to have a recycle bin on each of my hard drives, or can I have all deleted files go to one central bin?

A. All of the deleted files go to a central bin. The files actually remain in their original places on the disk that they were initially stored on- when you put them in the recycle bin you’re not deleting them from the drive. That only happens when you empty the recycle bin (unless you have the machine set to immediately delete the file(s) when they are first placed in the bin).

Reprinted with permission from Omri's Computer Humor Page by Omri Weisman WWW : http://www.cs.bgu.ac.il/~omri E-mail : omri@cs.bgu.ac.il

If you’ve never used Quicken before and are reluctant to because there just seems to be so much to learn, I highly recommend you put aside your hesitations and get Quicken Deluxe Version 6 on CD-Rom. If you are already using Quicken, I recommend an upgrade for you. I believe you will be pleased with the improvements that have been made.

For beginners to Quicken the multimedia assistance and features make learning the program a breeze. For example, when you first start Quicken, it walks you thru setting everything up from making a checking account to including your mortgage. Then each time you open Quicken to pay bills, but don’t quite remember how to go do it, just move your pointer over the ‘Bills’ icon at the bottom. An automatic pop-up menu appears for bills with the choices of 1. Write a check to print. 2. Record a paid bill. 3. Schedule a future payment. Of course, these features and icons can be hidden for the more experienced user, or after you are familiar with how to do things.

Selecting ‘Write a check to print’ opens the checkbook and displays a small macro player. Pressing play begins step-by-step audio instructions that begin by telling you an overall description of what you’re going to do. Then the instructions tell you what the first step is and to press the tab key after you’ve done it. Upon pressing the tab key, the next step then sounds out and you’re told to press the tab key when that step is completed. This listen, type, press tab, listen series, continues until your check is filled out, categorized and recorded. Recording a check wrote at the grocery store is just as simple and so are the many other things you can accomplish with Quicken.

Wish you knew where your paycheck goes each week? Wonder how much you waste or why you don’t seem to be saving any money? Try setting yourself up with Quicken and track your everyday expenditures. You might discover how you can save for that special goal. Whether you utilize Quicken’s budgeting features or just set yourself up with a cash account and monitor your spending, you will find Quicken a great tool to beating the high cost of living off your doorstep.

Probably one of the biggest improvements with this edition for me was the increased field lengths, even though sadly enough, they still are not long enough. I have several payees that do not fit, and I can’t just change the name of my bank! Abbreviations are ok, and using them sometimes works, but I don’t like having to do it so often. I do like the new layout, I was not impressed before with the ‘Homebase’ feature which was ever present. There are some changes in the calender which improved that area, and enhancements on the way you enter new payees, especially for recurring bills, that I really appreciated. The ability to sort the register by date, check number, order entered, or amount is great, but why not also by payee? I like being able to do this right there in the register, but some times I want to do it by payee also. Some added color and font options were added. This is nice for those times when you want to at least look at something pleasant, even if you can’t feel pleasant about what you’re doing.

Working with your investments is easy with Quicken’s free online stock and mutual fund quotes, and the Asset Allocation Graph will help you keep an overall view of how your portfolio is doing.

A Home Inventory program is included to help you make sure you have enough insurance if something happens, and that you can give the adjuster a listing if it does. Another added feature to the Deluxe Version of Quicken 6 is the address book, which links to Quicken and automatically exchanges information between the two programs. This is nice for when you want to send a letter to a payee, or contact one when you’re not in Quicken.

For those small business owners who think this is just a personal finance program, check this out. Quicken will track payroll, accounts receivable/payable, and cash flow, and do your profit & loss statements and comparisons, balance sheets and more. This is not just a personal finance program.

Intuit’s Quicken 6 Deluxe CD-Rom Version for Windows 95 is an excellent program for both individuals or small businesses, whether you want to do a little or a lot with your finances, you will find it all with Quicken!

I would especially like to thank Parsons Technology for making my job in the Resource Center easy this past month. All the programs I featured were from them. I have always found Parsons to be a quality company with reasonable prices. But when I first visited their site a few months ago, I felt like I was being rewarded for being a good client. They really have some nice programs and they’re not crippled or timed shareware or demos, they are real quality programs. If you missed any of them at the meeting last month, I will have copies of all of them again, or you may download them yourself from their site at www.parsonstech.com for free.

QuickVerse Library - Is a STEP-compatible book reader. Standard Template for Electronic Publishing guarantees compatibility with every software product carrying this logo, including all the titles in the QuickVerse Library. Add any STEP-compatible software title to your QuickVerse Library no matter who publishes it! Expand your Bible study reference library with any STEP-compatible book, including these free ones from Parsons:

A’ Kempis’ Imitation of Christ - Next to the Bible itself, The Imitation of Christ is probably the best-known and best-loved book of Christianity! Written by Thomas A’ Kempis (1380-1471)

Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s Morning & Evening Devotional There’s no better way to start and end your day than with the wise counsel and insight of Charles Spurgeon! Cherished by Christians everywhere, you can use this classic in the QuickVerse Library and enjoy a morning & evening devotional for each day of the year!

The Practice of the Presence of God - Learn the secret of daily moment-by-moment fellowship with God from the timeless writing of Brother Lawrence.This collection includes Brother Lawrence’s letters, maxims and discussions of conversations recorded by his friends. For nearly 300 years, this classic has given instruction and encouragement to countless readers who have learned to love and trust God each day.

The Religous Affections - another STEP-compatible book.

Easton’s Bible Dictionary - A readily understandable view of the Bible! Makes such subjects as doctrine, history, biography and archaeology readily understandable to the layperson and the student.

Other Free Full Featured Programs:

ALARM 95 - Organize everything going on in your world With Alarm 95. An schedule reminder (can be used for one-timers, daily, weekly, monthly, etc., recurring appts, times up or countsdown! Interest Vision Professional - A powerful, easy-to-use financial calculator!

Medley Images - This file contains 50 free images designed for use with Announcements 5.0 or any program that imports WMF, PCX and BMP image formats. Make Your Own T-shirts and other Tips & Tricks for Announcements and More Free Clipart from Parsons

Sound Adventures - Bring your PC to life with Parsons’ Sound Adventures sampler! Featuring over 60 .WAV-file sounds in 14 categories

FreeSaver - Install FreeSaver and plug into the world of .AVIs & scrolling marquees! Designed to play any. AVI file you download including cartoon images, computer animations, movie clips sports videos, and 4 free extra AVIs included from Parsons: Morph.avi, Rocks.avi, Pte.avi, Quarter.avi

Greetings 2.0 - A dynamic design program which includes 62 eye-catching graphics, and will have you creating personalized thank-you cards, party banners, sales poster and much more in no time at all!

Interested in one of the following programs from Parsons but not sure it fits your needs? Try them out with these demos.

Family Origins for Windows DEMO - Track up to 50 family members with this outstanding demo program and find out exactly how much fun preserving your family’s unique heritage can be!

Medical Drug Reference for Windows DEMO - Sample the reliable, in-depth information this important reference program places at your fingertips!

QuickVerse for Windows DEMO - Experience QuickVerse 4.0’s ease of use first-hand! See how it enhances your Bible study efforts as it guides you through the Book of John!

Membership Plus 3.0 for Windows DEMO - Easily organize and manage your membership database!

Swing Maker for Windows DEMO - You’ll never tire of watching this single animation of ‘The Pro,’ our unique computer model with the perfect golf swing!

St. Joseph County Public Library has monthly programs on the Internet and other special related topics. They are usually 90 minutes with a lecture and an online demonstration. Librarian Michael Stephens is in charge of the Internet training and development for the St. Joseph County Public Library.

The Internet Connection
Basic Introductory Class Second Monday every month 7:00 p.m.
March 10, 1997
April 14, 1997
May 12, 1997
Special Topics on the Internet
Fourth Monday every month 7:00 p.m.
March 24, 1997 - Job Searching on the Internet
April 28, 1997 - Advancing Along the Web

All dates, times and topics above are subject to change. For questions about the Internet classes, send e-mail to: m.stephens@gomail.sjcpl.lib.in.us

Main Library 304 South Main St. South Bend, IN Phone: 282-4625

I would need to ask that question many, many times before finding out who sent/gave me some of the disks I have in the resource center with information, shareware, etc, on them. It’s not so much concern over a virus or need to ask "What is this?" But, sometimes I would just like to say "Thank you" for some great program or piece of information, and of course, there are times when I would like to ask a question or such.

My point is that anytime you give me a disk whether it has shareware or information, please be sure to put your name either in a text file on the disk or at least on the label (really the text file with a short description would be the greatest). And now on to better things, like free software and demos!

For those of us that have full Internet access and the time to spend looking, there are many companies that offer their programs to the general public just as a thank you for dropping by their site. I’m not talking about the shareware that quits working after 30 days or sends up a nag screen every time you do something in it. I’m talking full working copies that are very good quality. It is impossible for one person to track down all the free programs and demos that are out there, so I would like to ask for some help from some of those 'surfing members' that I know we have. If you find a site that is offering a really nice program that is free for the visit, or maybe it’s one you need to call or send for, but the idea is the same, please send me an email so I can share it with the rest of the club. Who knows, you might get word on something that’s just what you wanted but didn’t know was out there!

Also, again I am asking for people to write short reviews (just a paragraph or two) on shareware, or at least recommend some programs. I guess I should just feel comfortable that no one is complaining about my selections each month. But sometimes, I just feel like a few suggestions or requests might help me build a better group of programs for you to try out each month. Give it some thought could you, and let me know what kinds of programs you would like to see featured - games, utilities, business, whatever, just give me some opinions. Thanks.

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February Door Prize Winners

Lois Vawter - Family Origins Deluxe
Jennifer McGuire - Family Origins Deluxe
Elizabeth Fox - Quicken Family Lawyer
Marcus Nisly - Address Book
George Fridley - Address Book

Thanks for Prizes Goes to Parsons Technology

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