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The Monthly Edition Of The k-Byte Newsletter |
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| V. 27, No. 1, January 2010 | Users Helping Users |
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The Monthly Edition Of The k-Byte Newsletter |
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| V. 27, No. 1, January 2010 | Users Helping Users |
Contents
Meeting Previews on Page 6
January: Windows 7
February: eReaders
Quote of the Month
I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations
James Madison [1788]
by Mike Morris, Front Range PC Users Group, http://www.frpcug.org/
It is time to talk to you about how to find "friends."
In parts 1 and 2 of this article I described the various privacy controls offered by Facebook and the Home and Wall pages of a Facebook account. Now I want to:
The process of becoming a Facebook account holder can start with an email. That is how I was introduced to Facebook. I received an email that my cousin had posted photos on his Facebook account and I was invited to become his "friend" so that I could see those photos. You can, of course, connect to http://www.facebook.com and sign up for an account.
If you receive an invitation, you don't have to respond. Whether or not you have a Facebook account, if you are invited to become someone's "friend," you can ignore the invitation.
If you have a Facebook account, and you are feeling lonely, there are (at least) 2 ways to find "friends," and both are available from your home page:
Here is a magnified view of the links on the home page. At the right side of the page there are 2 choices under "Connect With Friends": "Invite friends to join Facebook" and the "Friend Finder."
If you select the first option, an email message form is displayed:
Once you click on Send (correction, "Invite"), all you have to do is wait until the invitee responds.
If you choose the "Friend Finder" option, you see a page with 3 sections. The first section allows you to connect to your email account to find "friends." I haven't tried this. I suspect it will send out an invitation to everyone in my contact list. I am very definitely NOT going to do that (it is not an appropriate action, in my opinion, for anyone, but especially not for an OAG).
The second section offers "suggestions"—that is, other people with Facebook accounts. I don't know how Facebook identifies its suggestions. Perhaps it looks for "friends" in common. I say perhaps, because I have absolutely no clue who most of the suggestions sent to me are.
The third section looks like this:
You can search for someone using their email address. For example, if you enter an email address of someone you know has a Facebook account, you will be connected to a search results page that displays that person's name (and photo, if one has been uploaded). From there, you can connect to their Facebook account. As far as I can determine, you can't invite a person to become a friend using this method. You still have to use the "Invite friends to join Facebook" option. Searching on an email address in this search filed doesn't make a lot of sense to me. If you have reached this point:
Why not just use the "Invite friends to join Facebook" link?
If you search by name, and if the person has a common name (like mine), you will see several results. A search on my name yielded over 500 results. Perhaps there is security in a crowd.
I looked at the "Find current or past college classmates" link.
However, I didn't search for anyone. I have email addresses for those with whom I have kept in contact.
So far, I have explored just the basics of using a Facebook account:
There are many more features to this . . . application (?). That may explain its popularity. You can "talk" to many people at once (although you can simultaneously send an email to many people). You can act like you are in a real face-to-face group: post a message and all your "friends" will see it—and can respond if they choose to do so. Perhaps it makes sense to call Facebook a "virtual" telephone. However, don't expect anyone (especially anyone under 30 and even more especially teenagers) to discard their cell phones.
You can upload photos for all your "friends" to see—assuming that you want all of your "friends" to see those photos. There are other photo sharing web sites available, of course, including excellent web sites that are free. Or you can send photos as attachments to emails. But I suppose that's too old fashioned now.
You can use the "Inbox" feature of Facebook as a regular email application. Messages sent using this feature are private.
With so many alternatives, what explains the popularity of Facebook (or its competitors)? I have asked that question—Why do you like using Facebook?—of a number of people. For my 17 year old grand niece, I suspect she likes it because many of her peers use it—her answer to my question was: "it's addictive." Among the people I have asked are a college professor, a software developer, several medical doctors, stay-at-home moms, and others. All had difficulty articulating their answers to my question. I think I can distill their answers into this: it's the convenience factor. You have all of the communication features (email, photo sharing, etc.) in one application. That is, provided you are sitting in front of your computer. That may change as "smart" phones get smarter.
There is no doubt that Facebook, and other social networks, are popular. The latest claim from Facebook (December 2009) is that there are 350 million Facebook account holders. While I have difficulty understanding the attraction of something like Facebook to individuals, that number clearly explains why social networks are attractive to businesses—at least those for whom mass marketing is important to their success.
In fact, the social networking phenomenon has created a whole new set of advertising agencies. One of these is Ignite Social Media, http://www.ignitesocialmedia.com/ which claims to be "the original social media agency®." There is a lot of very interesting data in their 2008 report on social media http://www.ignitesocialmedia.com/2008-social-network-analysis-report/. For example, according to their analysis, at the end of 2008 (there is now a 2009 report available), Facebook was receiving well over 30 million "Daily Unique Visitors." That is a number that many businesses can't ignore.
Here is another number that surprised me: well over 40% of Facebook users are between the ages of 35 and 54 (according to that 2008 report). You can no longer claim that social networking is limited to the "younger set" (teenagers and college students). A very large percentage of those "Daily Unique Visitors" are adults with money to spend. That statistic is also why I used the plural (generations) in the title of this article.
That report also has information on usage by geographic location, gender, education and even income. The web site explains how this information is obtained, although it is still not clear to me how the income data is obtained.
The information in that Ignite Social Media report documents the remarkable global penetration of the social networking phenomenon into the general population.
For businesses, there are rules for successful advertising using social networks. There is independent research available on how businesses should use social networks. Connect to this social network research http://www.useit.com/alertbox/streams-feeds.html for more information on this topic.
I started this project for two reasons:
I think I have made a little progress with reason 1. I am not so sure about my progress with reason 2. I don't expect my new knowledge (however slight it may be) will affect my use of the traditional communication channels: telephone and email. But then, I am an Old Analog Guy.
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. If you have questions about a submission, please contact the editor for information.
Copyright and Trademark Information
k-Byte is copyrighted ©2010 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 MAC, Apple Computer and other trademarks occasionally mentioned in k-Byte are registered trademarks of International Business Machines, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Corporation, Microsoft, Dell Inc., Apple Computer 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 personal computers using any operating system: Windows, Linux or MAC, and digital hardware (such as music/video players, smart phones, etc.). Its purpose is to provide an educational and scientific forum of mutual benefit for members of the community regardless of knowledge level. FRPCUG holds a monthly meeting and conducts various special interest groups (SIGs) and seminars. Members have voting privileges, subscription to the 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.
The new officers of Front Range PC Users Group are:
President: Mike Morris
Vice President: Mike Loughlin
Secretary: Chuck McJilton
Treasurer: Chris Ingham
Congratulations to all. On behalf of the entire membership, the new officers offer a very special Thank You to the previous group: Rick Mattingly, Don Anderson, Jim Bragonier and Virginia Febinger. All of us very much appreciate your past service.
We will soon begin to "remodel" the FRPCUG website. Our goal is to make the web site easier to read, easier to use, and to provide additional content. Our plan is to implement the initial changes in time for the January General Forum Meeting.
You will not need to make any changes to your computer as a result of the web site changes unless you are using Internet Explorer 6. If you are, and if you wish to continue using Internet Explorer as your browser, you need to upgrade to at least Internet Explorer 7.
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January General Forum Meeting
We will meet at the Fort Collins Senior Center on: |
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Day
Tuesday |
Date
January 5th |
Time
7:00 PM |
| Meeting Agenda | |
| Time | Topic |
| 7:00 to 7:15 | Announcements |
| 7:15 to 8:00 | Open Forum |
| 8:00 to 8:10 | Break |
| 8:10 to 9:00 | Windows 7 |
To check on FRPCUG events in 2010 using a familiar graphical calendar format, connect to the 2010 Graphical Events Calendar
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February General Forum Meeting
We will meet at the Fort Collins Senior Center on: |
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Day
Tuesday |
Date
February 2nd |
Time
7:00 PM |
| Meeting Agenda | |
| Time | Topic |
| 7:00 to 7:15 | Announcements |
| 7:15 to 8:00 | Open Forum |
| 8:00 to 8:10 | Break |
| 8:10 to 9:00 | eReaders |
See you at the meetings!
Get full membership benefits. If you are not a current member, download and complete a Membership Application. Mail the completed application and your payment to the address listed, or better yet, bring the application to the next meeting.
The January meeting will provide our first look at the new Microsoft Windows operating system: Windows 7. Are there any new features? Can you upgrade from XP? Did Microsoft avoid the kinds of problems it encountered with Vista? Plan to attend the January meeting for answers to these and other questions.
eReaders for eBooks. What are they? That "e" translates to "electronic," and eReaders are hardware that allow you to read electronic books. Plan to attend the February meeting to see this hardware demonstrated, and learn more about eBooks.
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.
For a view of FRPCUG activities in 2010, in a traditional graphical calendar format, connect to the Graphical Events Calendar
Here is a summary of FRPCUG activities and other important dates for the next two months:
January 2010
1 New Year's Day Holiday
2 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
5 General Forum Meeting 7:00 PM
9 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
12 Digital Imaging SIG Meeting 7:00 PM
13 FRPCUG Board Meeting 7:00 PM
16 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
18 Martin Luther King Birthday Holiday
21 Technology SIG Meeting 7:00 PM
23 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
30 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
February 2010
2 General Forum Meeting 7:00 PM
6 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
9 Digital Imaging SIG Meeting 7:00 PM
10 FRPCUG Board Meeting 7:00 PM
13 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
15 Washington's Birthday Holiday
18 Technology SIG Meeting 7:00 PM
20 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
27 Shop Talk 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Up On the Desktop
Copyright © 2009 by Carrie Graves. All rights reserved.
Up on the desktop, reindeer paws
Out with a printer jumps Santa Claus
Down through the chimney with software toys
All for the computer guy's joys
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
Ho, ho, ho! Windows wouldn't go-o
Up on the desktop Click mousie, click!
Down through the chimney with "techy" St. Nick!
The Billie Gates Song
Copyright © 2009 by Al Legg. All rights reserved.
Oh, where have you been, Billy Gates, Billy Gates?
Oh, where have you been I T Billy?
I've been fighting innuendoes and complaints about my Windows
as I drive down The Information Highway
Oh, what do you drive, Billy Gates, Billy Gates?
Oh, what do you drive, I T Billy?
I drive Windows users nuts. Millions out there hate my guts
'cause of detours on The Information Highway
Do you need some washer fluid Billy Gates, Billy Gates?
Do you need some washer fluid, I T Billy?
No, it's crystal clear to me that it's mass stupidity
not the bugs or viral scum on my Windows
Oh, what should we do, Billy Gates, Billy Gates?
when our Windows are pitted and/or cracked?
You could hire some voodoo priests . . . to read entrails of wild beasts
or you could go out and buy a Mac (Trust me)
Send requests for copies/reprint or other permissions to kbyte(at)frpcug.org
Photo Gallery
This month's featured photographer:
Mike Morris using the FRPCUG GE A730 Camera.
Success at the Ol' Fishin' Hole
Camera Settings:
Mode = Auto, F Number = 5.79, Exposure time = 1/556.2 seconds, Focal Length = 10.00 mm
ISO = 80, White Balance = Auto, Scene Capture Type = Standard
Copyright © 2009 by Mike Morris. All rights reserved. Send requests for copies/reprint permissions to kbyte(at)frpcug.org
Pamela Tabak receives numerous computer-related questions via e-mail and during classroom presentations. She selects those she feels are of common interest to most members and forwards them to us for publication.
Pamela invites members to ask their questions at http://tinyurl.com/ask-pamela. More often than not you will receive and answer within 24 hours.
QUESTION: I have created a Distribution list in Microsoft Outlook and wish to remove a name. I highlighted the name and clicked on "delete" and the whole list disappeared. Why did this happen and how can I retrieve my list?
ANSWER: When you need to remove a name from a distribution list in Microsoft Outlook you will need to click on the "remove" option and not the "delete" option:
As you have already used the "delete" option you will need to search for your file. If you find it in the "recycle bin" you are able to "restore" it to its original location:
If you cannot find the deleted file you will need to make a new Distribution List.
QUESTION: I have a 20 page document in Word to which I have added a footer. I would like to change the footer on several pages but leave the rest as is. Can this be done or do all the footers need to remain the same?
ANSWER: When you change the header or footer for a section, Microsoft Word automatically changes the same header or footer for all sections of the document.
To create a different header or footer for a section, you need to break the connection between the sections. The document must first be divided into sections in order to create a different header or footer for part of a document.
Insert a section break where you want to start a new section that contains a different footer:
QUESTION: How do I insert a blank page between pages 5 and 6 in a Word 2007 document that contains 65 pages?
ANSWER: With your document open at the place where you wish to insert a blank page:
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FRPCUG CONTACTS
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Telephone Area Code 970
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| Title | Name | Work Phone | Home Phone | |
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FRPCUG Officers |
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| President | Mike Morris | 461-2002 | twriterext(at)gmail.com | |
| Vice President | Mike Loughlin | 416-5824 | mlough(at)frii.com | |
| Treasurer | Chris Ingham | 226-9055 | chris.ingham(at)hotmail.com | |
| Secretary | Chuck McJilton | 493-2987 | cdmcjs(at)gmail.com | |
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k-Byte Staff |
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| Editor-in-Chief | Mike Morris | 461-2002 | twriterext(at)gmail.com | |
| Features Editor | Mike Morris | 461-2002 | twriterext(at)gmail.com | |
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Other Contacts |
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| Membership Coordinator | Jack Linder | 663-2151 | jack(at)frpcug.org | |
| Technology SIG Leader | Chuck McJilton | 491-1011 | 493-2987 | cdmcjs(at)gmail.com |
| Digital Imaging SIG Leader | Mike Morris | 461-2002 | twriterext(at)gmail.com | |
| Publicity | Mike Morris | 461-2002 | twriterext(at)gmail.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 | |||
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.
