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The Monthly Edition Of The k-Byte Newsletter |
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| v. 26, n. 1, January 2009 | Users Helping Users | ||
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The Monthly Edition Of The k-Byte Newsletter |
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| v. 26, n. 1, January 2009 | Users Helping Users | ||
Happy New Year to all FRPCUG members and their families. | 
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Meeting Previews on Page 6:
 Quote of the Month Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow; The year is going,let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true. Alfred, Lord Tennyson [1850] Get Unleashed With Wireless USB by Vinny La Bash, Sarasota Personal Computer Users Group, Inc., http://www.spcug.org, vlabash(at)comcast.net USB technology has been around long enough for folks to feel comfortable with it. It's the best kind of technology you can find. Plug it in, and it works. Sometimes device drivers need to be installed, but every day we move further away from "Plug and Pray" to true "Plug and Play". It's something like electricity. It's everywhere, but you simply don't notice it. USB displaced an antiquated technology which was quite limited in the number and kinds of devices supported, and often resulted in software or memory conflicts which were maddeningly difficult to resolve. USB has now evolved to a point where devices that attach themselves to your computer can now connect wirelessly instead of with a cable. You can't throw away all your cables today, but total wireless connections may be closer than most folks think possible. The latest USB wireless application is based on Ultra Wideband technology. This was developed specifically for transmitting information over very short distances using radio waves. It is at least as fast as wire based USB which can move data at a rate of 480 Mbps. Don't try locating your keyboard, mouse or printer more than ten feet away from the computer however, as transmission speeds slow down considerably. If you place your peripheral devices at distances of twenty or thirty feet, you may experience speeds less than 100 Mbps. There are several manufacturers offering wireless setups, and new offerings appear almost daily. If you would seriously like to reduce the clutter of wires around your computer, look for a wireless hub with multiple radio frequencies to avoid interference with other wireless transmissions. You don't want your mouse pointer zipping around the screen as you're typing on your keyboard. Making the switch to wireless is not free, but it won't cripple your budget. Stick with quality manufacturers like Belkin. Check with the manufacturer of your PC or laptop. Their wireless products are more likely to be designed to integrate with their own products. Because the technology is wireless, there is some preparation necessary on your part, but it's relatively easy if you're careful when following the installation directions. A wireless kit will have a USB hub as a central control point. Your peripherals connect to it through USB dongles that attach to a free USB port on your PC. Communications software controls activity between the adapter and the hub. The software is basically an application that manages data flow between communications links. The future of wireless appears bright. Major players such as Dell, Toshiba, and Lenovo are now offering wireless USB in there latest machines. It shouldn't be long before you see integrated USB wireless in all desktops and laptops. Will wireless USB replace Bluetooth? It doesn't appear likely because the two technologies are designed for different purposes. Wireless mice, mobile telephones, headsets, and keyboards are probably destined to stay within the Bluetooth realm because they have very low power consumption and transfer speeds. Bluetooth shines in this area. Wireless USB is best suited for applications requiring high data transfer speeds and high power requirements. Streaming video, printer jobs, and large file transfers are best suited for Wireless USB. Any application with high throughput is a good candidate for wireless USB. The two technologies will probably coexist until some kind of connection standard emerges, but if your devices are wireless, does it make any difference to a user if the mouse is not connected to Bluetooth or not connected to USB as long as it works as expected?  Published monthly, k-Byte is the official newsletter of the Front Range Personal Computer Users Group (FRPCUG): our mailing address is PMB 152, 305 W. Magnolia, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521. Opinions expressed in k-Byte are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the group or its members. Publication of information in k-Byte constitutes no guarantee of accuracy. Use of any information found in this publication is at the sole risk of the user. Neither k-Byte, nor its officers, nor its editors or contributors assume any liability for damages resulting from use of information in this publication. Submissions Articles, letters and short items of interest on computer-related topics are welcome and encouraged. All items submitted for publication are subject to editing. Send your contribution to the editor via e-mail attachment or submit on disk. If you have questions about a submission, please contact the editor for information. Copyright and Trademark Information k-Byte is copyrighted ©2009 by the Front Range Personal Computer Users Group. The k-Byte logo and the Front Range PC Users Group logo are Trademarked by the Front Range PC Users Group. Unless otherwise noted, other nonprofit users groups may reprint or quote from any articles appearing in k-Byte without prior permission, provided that: a) proper author and publication credits are given; b) that a copy of the publication in which the article appears is sent at no cost to k-Byte at the above mailing address, or emailed to contact(at)frpcug.org; and c) any additional instructions/restrictions contained in the article are followed. User groups wishing to exchange newsletters with FRPCUG are invited to send a copy of their newsletter together with an exchange request. Disclaimer IBM PC, OS/2, Compaq, HP, Dell, UNIX, Windows and other trademarks occasionally mentioned in k-Byte are registered trademarks of International Business Machines, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Corporation, Microsoft, Dell Inc., or their owners respectively. Neither FRPCUG nor its newsletter k-Byte are connected in any way with any manufacturer or seller. Acceptance by FRPCUG of donated products or services from suppliers, or inclusion of a supplier in the FRPCUG Partner list does not imply that any continuing financial support is received or expected by FRPCUG. Nor do such activities imply an endorsement of either the supplier or product or service. Such information is made available to members as a service. Use of any product or supplier found in this publication, or any FRPCUG publication, is at the sole risk of the user. About FRPCUG FRPCUG is an independent nonprofit computer society, so incorporated with the State of Colorado and open to anyone interested in Windows, or UNIX/LINUX microcomputers. Its purpose is to provide an educational and scientific forum of mutual benefit for members of the micro-computer community. FRPCUG holds a monthly meeting and conducts various special interest groups (SIGs) and seminars. Members have voting privileges, subscription to k-Byte newsletter, and access to SIGs and selected seminars. Annual dues are $25 for individual/family membership ($20 for students) and $50 for corporate/group membership. by Rick Mattingly and Mike Morris, http://www.frpcug.org Case of the Missing Hardware: Solved Consider this: you have just purchased a new flash drive, or scanner, or printer or any other USB (Universal Serial Bus) piece of hardware. You plug it in to your computer. You hear the musical tone that is associated with connecting a USB device. A message is displayed that says something like "New hardware found and is installed and ready to use." Only it isn't. You can't find it in Windows Explorer. What has happened? The most likely answer to that question is that there is an error in the drive letter assignment (a message to that effect may also be displayed). Here is how you fix that (based on Windows XP). Start by right clicking on the My Computer icon (either on the Desktop or in the Start Menu). |
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From the menu that is displayed, click on "Manage." |
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That opens the Computer Management window. In the left panel of that window, under Storage, click on Disk Management. Disk Management maintains traffic for all USB devices connected to the system, not just storage devices. |
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| The new device will probably be listed in both the upper and lower right side panels. Sometimes the new device in conflict will not display properly in the Disk Management upper right panel. In this event you would need to scroll through the devices in the lower right panel and find the likely culprit. In this case the suspect entry will typically not even have an actual drive letter assigned in the entry. If it is a storage device, such as a flash drive, the capacity will be displayed in the entry, adding further confirmation that this is the proper entry. |
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In the lower right side panel, right click on the "missing" device. From the menu displayed, click on "Change drive letter and paths..." |
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Click on the "Change" button. |
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Select a letter from the drop down box. Suggestion: Pick a letter towards the end of the alphabet. That will help to prevent future conflicts. Click OK, then on OK again. Close the Computer Management window. The new hardware with the new drive letter will show up in Windows Explorer when you open it (if you left it open, click on View/Refresh). |
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The Case of the Missing Hardware has been solved. And, note that any changes made within Disk Management are logged and the system will remember the corrected device designation in the future. All USB devices are "smart" and internally present a unique serial number to the system upon boot or hot connection. This unique serial number is matched within the Disk Management database allowing the system to remember each device in the future. by Mike Morris, Front Range PC Users Group, http://www.frpcug.org ZoomWare is described by its developer as "...an affordable and easy to use magnification program for your computer...(that) provides a gentle boost of magnification...." Full US retail price is $149 for an electronic download or $175 for a shipped box (including shipping). A free evaluation copy was provided by the developer, Ai Squared (http://www.aisquared.com), via the Association of PC Users Groups (APCUG). ZoomWare has its own web site, http://www.getzoomware.com/. Check the system requirements before purchasing this product, or downloading a trial version. For Windows XP, a 1 GHz Pentium 4 processor, Windows XP SP2 and 512 MB RAM are required. Vista requires even more capability. I installed ZoomWare on a Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop with a 1.5 GHz Pentium M processor, 2GB of RAM, and Windows XP/Pro SP3. With two minor exceptions, installation is straightforward. The first exception is that the Microsoft product .NET Framework is installed along with the ZoomWare application (for anyone interested in more information on the .NET product, connect to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.net_framework). I call this a minor exception because it is a surprise. The installation of .NET occurs first in the installation sequence, although it is transparent to the user once the installation is complete. Expect installation times of several minutes for both .NET and ZoomWare. The second minor exception is that upon the first launch, ZoomWare is enabled. That is a little disconcerting, and probably confusing for the casual and/or inexperienced computer user. A better approach, in my judgment, is to leave ZoomWare off upon first launch.  Once installed, the program is, indeed, easy to use. You enable (or disable) the zoom feature using the center button. You zoom in or out using the buttons on either side of the enable button. When zoomed in, you move the mouse to see different parts of the display. Here is a view of my desktop without any zoom (ZoomWare disabled).  Here is a view of my desktop with (first level) zoom.  When you zoom in (and not before), you have three view choices:
Here is a sample of part of this review with zoom:  Perhaps it is not clear from that sample that zoom has been applied. Only the first magnification level was applied (there are 4 levels-1.25, 1.5, 1.75 and 2) There are a variety of "Enhancements" available: |
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Pointer:
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Cursor: Note the middle option adds colored triangles to the cursor (with several color choices). |
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Note that, unlike most other programs, there is no menu visible. There is, however, a menu, which is displayed when you click on the Menu button: |
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So much for the mechanics of using the program. I have a number of, admittedly subjective, observations to offer. So far, based on limited testing, I have found no conflicts with other applications. The display performance seems to be slower with ZoomWare enabled (even without zoom applied). I have not (and cannot) measure the difference, but the conclusion remains. Using the zoom feature takes a little practice. Not surprisingly, there is an interaction between the zoom feature and the scroll bars of any application. Moving the mouse changes the visible portion of the display (and therefore, depending on mouse movement, the scroll bar(s) may not be visible). That can be discouraging-especially to inexperienced computer users-at least until they get used to the display changes that are tied to mouse movement. Perhaps the more important issue is whether an application such as ZoomWare can (or should) take the place of using the zoom feature built into almost all applications today. Or, whether it should take the place of the Windows accessibility options (one of which is a screen magnifier of limited capability)-or both. The answer to that question will require a judgment by the user. ZoomWare offers a trial period, and I strongly recommend that any potential user take advantage of that offer. Based on my experience with computer users that have some level of visual impairment (including myself), I estimate that the usefulness of a program such as ZoomWare will depend on: 1. Degree of visual impairment. If the impairment is simply mild near- or farsightedness, with no other medical issues (color blindness, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc.), perhaps an inexpensive set of reading glasses is an acceptable (and less expensive) solution, together with the computer's operating system accessibility features. 2. Knowledge Level. For new or inexperienced computer users that also have some mild visual impairment, a program such as ZoomWare may be the necessary stimulus for that user to expand their computer knowledge-and, in fact, stimulate them to use the computer where they would not otherwise do so. Under these conditions, the zoom feature is much more likely to be effective, in my judgment, when used with one of the ZoomWare cursor enhancements (and possibly one of the color and/or pointer enhancements). That leaves open the question of the remainder of computer users with mild visual impairment. The one difference between using an application's built-in zoom feature (and/or operating system accessibility features), and using a program such as ZoomWare is that ZoomWare allows the user to magnify selected areas of a display in combination with additional visual enhancements. Only the individual user can decide if that is worth $149. In the past, screen magnification software was expensive. For those needing more than the "gentle magnification" provided by ZoomWare, it still is. A search using Google and the exact phrase "screen magnification software" provided over 18,000 results. Connecting to just a very few of those links will verify that statement. Even at $149, ZoomWare is a bargain compared to the earlier screen magnification programs, although ZoomWare offers fewer features and a smaller magnification range compared to those earlier programs. Here are three web sites (there are probably more) that will help you determine if a screen magnification program will be useful to you. They provide descriptions of screen magnification software, including advantages and disadvantages. These web sites are definitely worth viewing for those considering the purchase of screen magnification software: 1. Tech Connections: Computer Magnification http://atwiki.assistivetech.net/index.php/Computer_magnification. This document is dated 2001, but has a valid discussion of advantages and disadvantages of different screen magnification technologies. 2. American Foundation for the Bind: Magnification Programs http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=4&TopicID=31&DocumentID=1387 for the Computer Screen. 3. RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) UK: Screen Magnification Software http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/PublicWebsite/public_screenmagnification.hcsp. My conclusion is that ZoomWare works as advertised. Is the software useful? Any potential user will need to make that evaluation using a trial version and the information in the web sites listed above. 2008 Graphical Events Calendar January General Forum Meeting We will meet at the Fort Collins Senior Center on Tuesday, January 6th 7:00 PM Meeting Agenda: 7:00 to 7:15 Announcements 7:15 to 8:00 Open Forum 8:00 to 8:15 Break 8:15 to 9:00 Screen capture/recording software February General Forum Meeting We will meet at the Fort Collins Senior Center on Tuesday, February 3rd 7:00 PM Meeting Agenda: 7:00 to 7:15 Announcements 7:15 to 8:00 Open Forum 8:00 to 8:15 Break 8:15 to 9:00 Remote Networking/Virtual Servers See you at the meetings! Get full membership benefits. If you are not a current member, download an application from http://www.frpcug.org/memberap.htm Future General Forum Meeting Notes At the January meeting, member Rick Mattingly will demonstrate screen capture (SnagIt) and screen recording (Camtasia Studio) software from Techsmith. Screen capture utilities provide a snapshot of exactly what you see on the screen. Screen recording utilities record on-screen activity. Both can be used for training, presentations and much more. Plan to attend the meeting to find out just how useful this software can be. At the February meeting, member Calvin Cline will present "Remotely Administering Our Network & Virtual Servers." Or, "How I Can Do My Whole Job From My Recliner." You'll see how secure access is made to workstations, servers and routers at a small company, as well as a tour of the virtual servers and workstations, and more. Future SIG's, Seminars, and Other Meetings Digital Imaging SIG The Digital Imaging SIG is a forum for discussion of digital imaging hardware and software. The meetings are held every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Senior Center Lobby. The meeting format is informal, using the Shop Talk sessions as a basis. For more information, contact Mike Morris at twriterext(at)gmail.com. New Technology SIG The New Technology SIG provides advance support for all PC related operating system and telecommunication issues. The meetings are held at 7:00 PM on the third Thursday of each month at Bluebird Manufacturing Inc., 1421 Webster Avenue, in Fort Collins. For more information, contact Chuck McJilton at 970-493-2987. Shop Talk One-on-one assistance. Drop in to the Senior Center lobby on any Saturday (holidays excepted) from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Board Meeting FRPCUG's executive board meets on Wednesday of the week following the General Forum meeting. All members are welcome and are encouraged to attend. These meetings are held at 7:00 PM in the Staff Board Room of the Fort Collins Senior Center. January 2009 6 Happy New Year 3 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM 6 FRPCUG General Forum Meeting 7:00 PM 6 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM 13 Digital Imaging SIG Meeting 7:00 PM 14 FRPCUG Board Meeting 7:00 PM 16 New Technology SIG Meeting 7:00 PM 17 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM 24 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM 31 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Febuary 2009 3 FRPCUG General Forum Meeting 7:00 PM 7 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM 10 Digital Imaging SIG Meeting 7:00 PM 11 FRPCUG Board Meeting 7:00 PM 14 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM 19 New Technology SIG Meeting 7:00 PM 21 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM 23 Presidents Day 28 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM |
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Photo Gallery This month's featured photographer: Mike Morris, using the FRPCUG GE A730 Mode = Auto F number = 4.72 Exposure Time = 1/206.8 seconds ISO = 80 Focal Length = 6.10 mm. Scene Capture Type = Landscape Down on the Farm, Long Ago Copyright © 2009 by Mike Morris. All rights reserved. Send requests for copies/reprint permissions to kbyte(at)frpcug.org |
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 The Fort Collins Senior Center The Fort Collins Senior Center is located at 1200 Raintree Drive. This site is situated at the northwest corner of the Shields and Raintree Drive intersection, on the north side of the Raintree Shopping Center, and just west of the bank building on the corner of Shields and Raintree (see map at right). Check the marquee at the main entrance for directions to the specific meeting room. |
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| FRPCUG CONTACTS | ||||
| Telephone Area Code 970 | ||||
| FRPCUG Officers | Name | Work | Home | |
| President | Rick Mattingly | 613-8968 | rickmatt(at)q.com | |
| Vice President | Don Anderson | 498-3534 | 482-0943 | doande(at)gmail.com |
| Treasurer | Virginia Febinger | 498-2127 | gingercln(at)comcast.net | |
| Secretary | Jim Bragonier | 484-9061 | james.bragonier(at)comcast.net | |
| k-Byte Staff | ||||
| Editor-in-Chief | Mike Morris | 461-2002 | twriterext(at)gmail.com | |
| Features Editor | Mike Morris | |||
| Other Contacts | ||||
| Membership Coordinator | Jack Linder | 663-2151 | jack(at)frpcug.org | |
| New Technology SIG Leader | Chuck McJilton | 493-2987 | cdmcjs(at)gmail.com | |
| Digital Imaging SIG Leader | Mike Morris | |||
| Publicity | Mike Morris | 461-2002 | twriterext(at)gmail.com | |
| Door Prize Coordinator | John Goldey | 221-0877 | johngoldey(at)juno.com | |
| FRPCUG Fax Line | 493-1408 | |||
| FRPCUG Home Page w/E-Mail | http://www.frpcug.org | |||
| FRPCUG Officer E-Mail | board(at)frpcug.org | |||
| Library Request E-Mail | library(at)frpcug.org | |||
| Membership in the Front Range PC Users Group is $25 per year for individuals and $50 per year for companies. | ||||
| Mail your completed application and payment to: | ||||
| FRPCUG | ||||
| PMB 152 | ||||
| 305 W. Magnolia | ||||
| Fort Collins CO 80521 | ||||
| or join in person at the monthly meeting on the first Tuesday of each month. | ||||
