chesapeake pc users group, inc. the printer · 2009-05-20 · chesapeake pc users group, inc. vice...

THE PRINTER May 2007 ChPCUG dues are $40 per year http://www.chesapeakepcusersgroup.org/

THE PRINTER Chesapeake PC Users Group, Inc.

VICE PRESIDENT’SCORNER

Remember May 5-6, 2007 are the days. Ifyou haven’t already ordered all the bits & pieces,you might want to pay for that overnight shipping.The Technet Plus can be ordered for download, soyou don’t have to wait for your copy of Vista to arrivein the mail.

Two-fer May?? Two, count ‘em, two big meetings in May

The May 2nd meeting, Jen Clausen fromSmart Computing will come out all the way fromthe mid-west to discuss Smart Computingpublications. This is an excellent presentation and Ihope that we have a big turn out. I’m sure she willhave many items to give away and discuss how theirpublication functions.

The following week, May 9, Gabe Goldbergfrom APCUG (the Association of PC Users Groups)will be at the meeting discussing some of the benefitsfrom APCUG and other topics for senior computerusers. We are a member of APCUG (there is a linkon the home page and notice the symbol on the frontof this newsletter). Take a look at page 10 for somespecial offers from Alpha Five on their Version 8databases. One of the benefits of our membershipin APCUG, is that offers like this one are made

available to user group members. I’ve been told thatbesides bringing us a great presentation on whatAPCUG can do for you, he will be bringingfreebies, too!

Early meeting in JuneThe main meeting will take place on the

June 6th. This is due to the school closing. Butdon’t worry, there will be plenty of great things tosee and talk about at this meeting.

A few people will be showing off their newlybuilt PCs from the May workshop and maybe sharingsome Vista experiences.

CyberDefenderFREE 2.0™The fine folks at CyberDefender will be sending usa “presentation in a box” on their security suite,CyberDefenderFREE 2.0™. Several of the mainplayers at CyberDefender came from Pandasoftware, so I would be expecting good things fromthis anti-virus/anti-spyware suite. They’ve promisedto send along some goodies to give away at themeeting.

Back in session in SeptemberBack by popular demand, Michael Alloy

will demonstrate how to rip music from your CDs. Many people have asked how this is bestaccomplished, and on September 12, Michael willshow you how.

I hope eveyone enjoyed the “mini” demonstra-tions at the April meeting! It’s great to see ourmembers taking an active roll in meeting pre-sentations and we’re looking for some more!

Spring is finally here!

DIY Vista Computer BuildMay 5th & 6th

I hope everyone can make it to these lastthree excitng meetings of the season!

OFFICERSPresident

Mike Young...........................................(410) 551-4411president @chesapeakepcusersgroup.org

Vice PresidentMike Regimenti..................................(410) 974-0649

vice-president @chesapeakepcusersgroup.orgTreasurer

Karl Richmond....................................(410) 268-3860treasurer @chesapeakepcusersgroup.org

Secretary (Acting)Kris Johnson..........................................(410) 544-8706

secretary @chesapeakepcusersgroup.orgPublisher/Editor

Mike Regimenti..................................(410) [email protected]

CHAIRPERSONSPrograms Chairperson

Craig Barlow.......................................(410) 266-6829programs @chesapeakepcusersgroup.org

Education ChairpersonSam Shepherd.....................................(410) 647-6077

education @chesapeakepcusersgroup.orgMembership Chairpersons

Margaret Duggan..............................(410) 647-2722membership @chesapeakepcusersgroup.org

Public Relations ChairpersonKris Johnson........................................(410) 544-8706

[email protected]

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGS)New Users Group

Sam Shepherd.....................................(410) 647-6077MidShore Computer Users Group SIG

Lee Wickline..........................................(410) 745-9932mscug @chesapeakepcusersgroup.org

Technology SIGMike Regimenti..................................(410) 974-0649

[email protected] Refurbishing SIG

Fran Damratowski..............................(410) [email protected]

WebmeisterMike DeLucia....................................(410) 721-2991

webmeister @chesapeakepcusersgroup.org

http://www.chesapeakepcusersgroup.org/ ChPCUG dues are $40 per year THE PRINTER May 2007

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cont’d from page 7

ing Windows XP and you have two ports on yourvideo card (or two video cards), it’s easy to do witha few simple settings in your display propertiesmenu. You will then be able to run two differentprograms at the same time and easily drag itemsfrom one monitor screen to the other. Your cursorwill readily mouse from one monitor to the otheralongside. It can double your productivity and al-low you to see and do things you did not know werepossible.

Over all, upgrading to an LCD monitor willgreatly enhance your computer experience and en-joyment. It’s way more than worth any effort or ex-pense involved.

This article has been provided to APCUG by the authorsolely for publication by APCUG member groups. Allother uses require the permission of the author (see e-mail address above).

Upgrading to an LCD Monitor - cont’d

Editor: Herb has written a great article to guide youin selecting a new LCD monitor for your DIY VistaCapable PC. A pair of 24” LCDs will definetely lookcool sitting on your high tech computer furniture oryour old rolltop desk, but there are special consider-ations to be considered and price should be just asmall part of that decision.

THE PRINTER May 2007 ChPCUG dues are $40 per year http://www.chesapeakepcusersgroup.org /

3

File Extensionsby

Fran DamratowskiHave you ever wondered what the three alphanumeric extensions at the end of a file name mean? (MS-DOSrequired filename limited to eight characters for the base or root name and three characters for the extension.Windows 95 and above, no longer have that limitation.) The three or more letters or numbers are a way forthe computer user, software, and operating system to differentiate between and identify the program used tocreate a file (document, spreadsheet, database, etc.). We are all familiar with .exe for an executable file, .txtfor a text document, and .pdf for a PDF file. There are many other file extensions. The same file extensionmay be used for more than one program. There is no standard or organization for creating file extensions.

If your file extensions are hidden see the March issue of The Printerfor instructions related to making them visible.

.c: C/C++ program file

.cab: cabinet

.cac: dBASE IV executable file

.cal: HP PhotoSmart 850 digital camera firmwareupdate; Creatacard Calendar Project.cam: Casio QV digital camera image.cap: capture.cas: Casio program.cat: catalog.cb: clean boot file.cbd: WordPerfect Dictionary file.cbl: cobol.cbmv: Comic Book Millennium Comic Bookcollection.cbt: Computer Based Training.cc: Trojan Spymaster; KODAK Color ControlProfile; C++ Program File.ccj: Crossword compiler.cck: Corel Clipart format.ccx: CorelDraw file; clipboard file.cda: compact disk audio; CD audio trackshortcut.cdb: The Cleaner Trojan Database.cdbk: SPSS database file.cdc: Nero CD cover file.cdf: comma delimited format.cdm: Click’N Design 3D CD label.cdr: Corel draw; Raw Audio-CD data.cds: United States Postal Service ComputerizedDelivery Sequence

.cdt: Corel draw template

.ce: Computer Eyes, Digital Vision

.cem: Computer Graphics Metafile

.cft: flow chart

.cg3: Dungeons & Dragons Character File

.cgm: computer graphics metafile

.ch3: Harvard Graphics Chart

.chp: DVD chapter file

.cik: Norton CleanSweep installation log

.cin: Digital Moving Picture exchange bitmap

.cit: Norton CleanSweep installation log

.clp: clipboard

.cls: JavaScript class

.cmd: command

.cmp: JPEG bitmap

.cmr: MediaPlayer movie

.cmx: patch file

.cnf: configuration

.cnt: contents

.cod: FORTRAN compiled code

.com: command

.conf: Linux Configuration file

.coo: cookie file

.cor: Protein structure file

.cpl: Corel Color Palette

.crd: card file

.csd: embroidery design file

.csh: Photoshop custom shape

.ctp: American Greetings CreataCard

.ctt: MSN Messenger saved contact list

.cur: cursor

Here is a sampling of the C list of some of the extensions and the file types they represent.

http://www.chesapeakepcusersgroup.org/ ChPCUG dues are $40 per year THE PRINTER April 2007

4

Wednesday, May 2nd, 7:00 PM

Severn River Middle School (Large Group Room)

241 Peninsula Farm Rd., Arnold, MD

Chesapeake PC User Groupwww.chesapeakepcusersgroup.org

For Info Call: 410.544.8706


5

What To Expect From A Presentation

Computers can sometimes be a cruel game of hide and seek. Smart Computing knows how you feel

so ready or not here we come! This month, we are on our way to visit your user group to bring the

helpful information and user-friendly tools available from Smart Computing and SmartComputing.com

to life. Smart Computing is more than just a magazine. We want to help you put an end to the nerve

racking games of computer hide and seek!

What can you expect from a Smart Computing presentation? You should and can expect the

very best Smart Computing has to offer through a personal visit. With our top-notch presenters and

valuable give-a-ways, your meeting with Smart Computing is sure to be one of the most enjoyable and

informative meetings of the year!

Your presenter will walk you through the most recent issue of Smart Computing and introduce you to

the helpful and timely information found in each monthly issue.

We will also give a demonstration of SmartComputing.com to show how you can put these powerful

tools to work for you! These tools include Search All Articles, My Personal Library, the Q&A Board,

and the Tech Support Center.

In addition, everyone can expect to receive a goodie bag complete with the newest issue of Smart

Computing, a Smart Computing pen, and a 2007 calendar mouse pad! Great door prizes will be given

away at the meeting as well.

Believe us when we say you don’t want to miss this meeting!

Smart Computing User Group Program � (800) 334-7458 � [email protected] � http://www.smartcomputing.com/usergroups


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Actually, I was happy with my high quality CRT(cathode ray tube) monitor. It was with consider-able reluctance that I recently decided to get withthe modern era and upgrade to an LCD. It has beenquite a learning experience. Looking back, I realizethat there are a number of very important practicalconsiderations of which I was unaware in making thechange and in making a choice. Perhaps I can passalong a summary of them along with some insightgained by hands-on experience to make the experi-ence a little easier for you than it was for me. Youneed to do your homework both before and duringyour investigation. Here are some of the most im-portant things you should know.

An LCD monitor offers considerable advantagesin upgrading from a CRT. It is infinitely lighter andtakes up much less desk space than a CRT. It usesthe smallest fraction of electricity by comparisonand is devoid of radiation concerns. When properlyinstalled, its display may prove brighter, sharper andprovide superb color.

SIZE:In any size range, an LCD will display more view-

able screen than a similarly sized CRT. I decided ona 19 incher, the size of my CRT that I was happy with.Seventeen may work for you if that’s what pleasedyou on your CRT. Over 19 for average use is bothtoo much screen and excessive cost for most people.

ORIENTATION:Most prefer a normal tall screen (portrait view)

for average usage. Wide (landscape) screens areavailable at greater cost in the same size range andare not recommended unless you have special needfor that display. Some makes offer a swivel screenthat you can change from tall to wide and back again

instantly. You will pay considerably more for thisfeature when it is available.

COST:Has been decreasing from a few thousand some

short years ago to a few hundred today. A quality17 inch LCD can be found today for under $200,and a 19 incher for less than $300. If you have awatchful eye, special sales are common and offersubstantial saving.

BRAND:There is a very significant display quality to be

gained in better models of better brands. The mostcommon best quality brands usually topping the re-view lists in computer publications are LG, NEC,Viewsonic, Dell and Samsung. Different models inthe same brand provide different features. Checkthem out carefully on their respective websites and“Google” for reviews. You need to do your home-work both before and during your shopping experi-ences if you want the best for your buck.

WARRANTY:Better brands provide a 3 year replacement on

defective monitors. Don’t settle for a one year war-ranty!

VIEWING ANGLE:Unlike a CRT, an LCD’s view falls off sharply at

the sides when you are not positioned in front ofyour monitor. In practical usage, this should notbeat all a problem. Your view will be just fine whenyou are normally seated at your screen, with morethan sufficient leeway from the norm.

RESPONSE TIME:Usually indicated in the advertising of better

models. A faster response time is better—it indi-

Upgrading to an LCD Monitor

cont’d on Page 7

byHerb Goldstein

Software Evaluation Chairman and Reviews EditorSarasota PCUG, Florida


7cont’d on Page 2

cates how quickly the screen can refresh a videoimage. If an LCD’s response time is too slow, thedisplay’s pixels won’t be able to keep up with theinformation sent from the computer’s graphics card,and you may see ghosting and digital noise as a re-sult. 8ms or better response time is common onquality LCD’s and is preferred! The lower the re-sponse time, the less of a blurring effect is pos-sible on the screen.

ANALOG VS. DIGITAL:Video cards can provide outlets for two differ-

ent monitor display types, analog and digital. CRTmonitors are cabled to your video card with an ana-log (15 pin) cable. LCD’s usually provide the samecable and connection but will provide a significantlybetter display when attached via a digital (VDI-D)to a digital port on your video card. Better LCD’sprovide both digital and analog connections. So dobetter video cards. If your card doesn’t have a digi-tal port, you can either replace the card with onethat does, or you can add an additional card. Easy todo. Just plug it into a PCI slot and your computerwill recognize it. You are really better off in manyways with a better card.

If need be, you can run your LCD with the sameanalog connection as you used for your CRT previ-ously, but a digital connection will give you betterresults.

NATIVE RESOLUTION:LCD monitors will provide their best display

when run at their “native resolution” which varieswith the size of the monitor. For a 19 incher, thenative resolution is 1280x1024. The resolution ofa display can be changed easily by right-clicking onan empty area of your desktop and selecting “prop-erties,” and “settings.” The same can be accom-plished through your Control Panel in your StartMenu. Normally the correct choice will be made

automatically by the installation software that ac-companies your new monitor.

When you change your most common CRT set-ting of 1024x768 to 1280x1024, everything, includ-ing all your icons and fonts, will suddenly appearmuch smaller. Your LCD display however will be-come infinitely sharper. If you find it strange to youreyes, you can easily change your display propertiesto provide larger fonts. Additionally, many programslike word processors permit you to change your textto any size you wish while maintaining its quality,regardless of screen resolution.

Running at native resolution (your choice to door not, but very highly recommended) will make yourscreen display smaller but you will be able to ac-commodate more viewed area on a page. It may bestrange somewhat to your eyes at first, but thegreatly increased sharpness and over-all quality ofyour LCD display will more than make up for it, es-pecially if you are using digital rather than analogdisplay.

AUTO-DISPLAY:Most quality LCD monitors will automatically

install at their best display settings when you plugthem in. However, they will also provide easy toadjust menu settings for most of their values thatpermit you to easily adjust the display to what ismost pleasing to your eyes. They most commonadjustment people make is for brightness. MostLCD monitors tend to be too bright unless adjusted.LCD screen illumination is entirely different andbetter than that from a CRT.

RUNNING MULTIPLE MONITORS:What’s to do with your CRT now that you have

your new LCD? One of your choices may be to keepit and run two monitors side-by-side. If you are us-

cont’d from Page 6Upgrading to an LCD Monitor - cont’d


8

If you scan a photo from a newspaper or magazine, then examine the results on your computer screen,you may see a criss-cross pattern of fuzzy lines over the entire print. If you print the scanned photo, you mayalso see such a pattern. This happens because pictures in newspapers and magazines are printed in a “half-tone” mode.

The halftone process was invented when it was desired to print black-gray-white photographs using aprinting press that used only single-color black ink. In this process, the photo is divided into a pattern ofsmall squares, then each square is replaced with a black “blob” of a size proportional to the average shade ofblack in the square. For example: a white square remains white; a light gray square becomes a small blackblob; a dark gray square becomes a larger black blob; a black square remains black. The gray shades werecalled “half-tones”, which explains the name of the process. Originally, the conversion was done by re-photographing the picture with a camera that contained a wire screen. then developing the picture in a high-contrast mode. Nowadays, the process can be accomplished on a computer.

If the density (squares per inch) of the scanned picture is not an exact multiple of the pixel density ofthe scanner, computer screen, or printer, an interference pattern occurs. They may also appear if the originalphoto is slightly rotated after scanning.

Colored pictures from publications may also give you interference patterns. For these, the halftoneprocess uses filters to split the image into more than one black-gray-white photo, with each photo represent-ing the intensities for each color. In each resulting halftone, the blob pattern is slightly offset from that ofthe other halftones. The picture is reproduced by printing the same paper once for each halftone, in thecorresponding color. The printing press does not print one color on top

Scanning Published Photosby

Irving Elliott,Twin Cities PC User Group, Minnesota

The author, Irving Elliot, can be reached at: [email protected] from APCUG with the author’s permission for publication by APCUG member groups.

This article has been provided to APCUG by the author solely for publication by APCUG mem-ber groups. All other uses require the permission of the author (see e-mail address above).


9

At last months meeting I gave a mini-talk on the relatively new world of audio and video podcastsavailable free via the internet. I noted how using iTunes (free D/L from our home page link) I subscribed toa number of podcasts which are both entertaining and educational. Our esteemed editor asked if I could writea follow-up article on some of my favorite podcasts – and here they are (in no particular order). I selectedthree technical and three photography related sites. As I noted in my talk there are literally hundreds availableon a wide variety of topics.

The Daily Giz Wiz : (http://gizwizbiz.com/) This is a daily 15 minute hysterical dialogbetween Leo Laporte (of the ScreenSavers & Call for Help) and Dick DeBartolo (MADmagazine’s gadget guru). It’s audio only and guaranteed to put a smile in your day.

Cranky Geeks : (http://www.crankygeeks.com/) John C. Dvorak of CNet conducts aweekly roundtable with notable industry leaders to discuss the latest news & trends. It’sa video podcast (about 30 minutes) that is light in tone and very informative.

DL.TV (Digital Life TV) : ( http://dl.tv/ ) Patrick Norton & Robert Heron (both formallyof the ScreenSavers) host a 45-minute video weekly podcast that also looks technologyproducts from Hi Definition TV to the latest processors and video cards.

Photoshop TV :( http://www.photoshoptv.com ) Scott Kelby, Dave Cross and MattKloskowski (“the Photoshop Guys”) from NAPP (the National Association of PhotoshopProfessionals) conduct a weekly, 40-minute clinic on Photoshop tips and tricks.

TFTTF (Tips From The Top Floor) :( http://www.tipsfromthetopfloor.com/ ) ChrisMarquardt, a German photographer presents a weekly (sometimes audio and sometimesvideo) podcast on digital photography tips and tricks. As you can see, podcasting is aninternational phenomenon.

Favorite Podcasts - Meeting Follow-upby

Mike DeLucia

cont’d on Page 11


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Dear User Group Member: Alpha Software, one of the original software companies, has been developing database software as anindependent software company for 25 years.We have a customer base of over 1 million customers and have always worked closely with user groups. Infact, the original Boston Computer Society was where we got our start!To celebrate 25 years of building powerful, yet easy and productive database software, we would like to dosomething special for user group members.We have just launched Alpha Five Version 8 – which is the most exciting new product we have ever released. http://www.alphasoftware.com/AlphaFive/ProductTour/Features_00.aspIn conjunction with our exhibiting at the upcoming SW Computer User Group Conference, we are making1,000 copies available at very special pricing to User Group members to thank you for the role that UserGroups have played in our history and growth.Alpha Five Version 8 is the first all-in-one solution that lets anyone build both web 2.0 and desktop databaseapplications with full reporting, security and connectivity to any SQL backend or to the built-in Alpha databaseengine. Alpha Five Version 8 comes in three editions

Desktop – SRP $199, User Group Members Only Pricing - $29.95(Builds Windows desktop single user applications)Professional – SRP $249 User Group Members Only Pricing - $39.95(Builds Windows desktop multi user applications and web applications using Alpha Five’s DBF databaseengine)Enterprise - SRP $349 User Group Members Only Pricing - $49.95Builds Windows desktop multi user applications and web applications using Alpha Five’s DBF database engineor against any SQL database)To take advantage of this special opportunity: Please email [email protected] with the words Alpha User Group Special in the subject line(we will then get back to you with a secure ordering URL dedicated to this special “thank you to UserGroups” offer). This offer is only valid for user groups. We must have all the information shown below.

Please sure to include:Full Name,Address,Telephone,Email Address, Street Address,City,State,ZIP,Chesapeake PC Users GroupMike Regimenti, APCUG RepPlease include which edition of Alpha FiveVersion 8 you want.

Hope to see you in San Diego!Sincerely,

Richard RabinsCo Chairman and Co FounderAlpha Software Inc.www.alphasoftware.com

APCUG does not endorse any company offering discounts, but makes these offers available as aservice to our members.


11

And last but not least:

Revision 3’s Pixel Perfect : ( http://revision3.com/pixelperfect ) Bert Monroy isan amazing graphic artist who uses Photoshop to create images from scratch. Hisvideo 15-20-minute weekly podcasts are a tour-de-force through Photoshop. He’s agreat teacher and amazing to watch.

Well, that should get you started. You can subscribe to all of the above podcasts for free via the iTunesStore. I included direct links to the individual podcast sites in case you want to learn more about them. Thesites usually contain links to items discussed in the podcasts, previous episodes, as well as discussionboards for follow-up questions and comments. Enjoy.

cont’d from Page 9Favorite Podcasts - cont’d

Editor: I went on line, downloaded the latest version of iTunes, and subscribed to some Podcasts on Adobe’sInDesign CS2 software. There are literally 1000s of Podcasts available. The hardest decision is pickingwhich Podcasts not to watch.

More Favorite Podcasts articles to follow!

Hi Michael, As you might already know Patrick Hinojosa, AlanWallace and I made a switch last year from PandaSoftware to a new security company –CyberDefender Corporation.

At CyberDefender we have security specialists thatcan give the general public tips on how to surf safeon the internet, keep their computer malware free,and how to protect their identities.

We are really excited about the products we arepromoting and wanted to see if our new solutionswould be of interest to you and your group.

1.) We are now offering the first all Free InternetSecurity Suite –CyberDefenderFREE 2.0™

2.) This is the first Suite that can work alongsidesuites from competitors – giving users asecond layer of protection – especially forviruses and spyware

Our Free product is ad supported – but for $11.99you can get rid of the ads – both a quite affordableand both offer the exact same protection.

Thanks! Carolina SanabriaPR ManagerCyberDefender [email protected]

O: 310.826.1781 ext. 203C: 310.800.6392F: 310.826.1635

CyberDefenderFREE 2.0™

Editor: Unfortunately, the folks fromCyberdefender were already booked for a com-bined three user group presentation in Virginiaon June 6th and can’t make out meeting. For ourJune meeting, they will be sending a “presenta-tion in a box” plus some goodies to give away.


The Next Regular Meeting will be atThe Severn River Middle School

Wednesday, May 2nd 2007Wednesday, May 9th 2007Meeting will be held in the

large meeting room.It starts at 7:00 P.M. with club business

and a short discussion period.

There will be two presentations in May:May 2nd - Smart Computing

with Jen Clausen

May 9th - APCUGwith Gabe Goldberg

Members and their friends are welcome tocome, ask questions and become enlightened.

How to Find: Severn River Middle School

SRMS is close to the Arnold, MD campus of theAnne Arundel Community College. From Annapolis andparts south, take Rte 2 (Ritchie Highway) north about 3miles from the intersection of Rt. 50, turn right on Col-lege Parkway. At the first light, turn left on PeninsulaFarm Road. (Of course, if you are coming from pointsNorth, you would turn left on to College Parkway) abouta half-mile down the road the large SRMS school build-ing, set back off a large two level parking lot, will be visibleon your right. Park here and go to the main entrance.Signs will be posted to direct you to the Large GroupRoom where we will be meeting.

How to find: The Technology SIG, A ChPCUG Spe-cial Interest Group**Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7:00 P.M.

The meetings are held at the SRMS in the Library.

Note: The date above your name on the mailing labelis the expiration date of your membership. Contact theMembership Chairman (page 2, column 2) to update.

FIRST CLASS

INSIDE THIS VERY ISSUE! Vice President’s Corner File Extensions “C” Smart Computing Alpha Five Offer Upgrading to that LCD Mike D’s Favorite Podcasts ... and a little more!

1783 Forest Drive #285Annapolis, MD 21401

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chesapeake pc users group, inc. the printer · 2009-05-20 · chesapeake pc users group, inc. vice...

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