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	Dave	"						"
	Please remember to use your thinker, before you tinker!

A Periodic Newsletter for the Members of the Sarasota PC User Group

           February 29, 2004

     Click here to subscribe to Dave "Bytes
   (if you haven't already)

Here's A Windows Trick

One-Click Shutdown

Does it seem absurd that Windows makes you go into the Start menu in
order to shut down?
It's easy to create a shortcut button on your desktop. When it's clicked, it shuts down your computer.

Navigate to your desktop.
On the desktop, right-click and go to New, then to Shortcut (in other words, create a new shortcut).
You should now see a pop-up window instructing you to enter a command line path.
Enter one of these as the path:

Use this path if your operating system is Windows 95, 98, or Me:

C:\windows\rundll.exe user.exe,exitwindows


Use this path if your operating system is XP:

SHUTDOWN -s -t 01

Click the "Next" button.
Name the shortcut and click the "Finish" button.

Now whenever you want to shut down, just click on this shortcut and you're done. Also, if you want to make life better and faster, you can right-click the new shortcut you just made, go to Properties, and type in X (or whatever letter) in the Shortcut Key box.

Here's A Digital Photography Tip

Battery Life Boosters

Predicting battery life is a bigger challenge than taking good pictures, simply because the figure varies depending up on your particular camera, how much you review your shots on the LCD finder, how many pictures you take, what kind of media you're using, how much you use your internal flash, what type of batteries you're using, and what the temperature is (batteries drain faster in the cold).
If you're careful with the LCD screen and flash and keep the camera warm, then four AA batteries could last from 30 to 80 shots depending on the camera.

Here's how to maximize your battery life:

Short reviews: Most digital cameras let you set how long the LCD stays on for review after a shot is taken. Choose the briefest setting. You can always review an individual show for a longer period if need be.

Flash with care: Built-in flash units reduce battery life by half. Use an accessory flash if possible.

Battery choices: AA lithium batteries tend to last longer than other battery types, so if you use these, you can extend the active life of your shooting session before replacements are necessary. They also handle cold weather better. You should always carry at least one set of extra AA batteries (more if you shoot a lot).

Clicking on the WLSS Logo will take you to the

"Bits & Bytes"

site where you can listen to the most recent broadcast and our Commercial too !!!

Why not give the gift that keeps on giving all year round? I'm referring to a subscription to either Smart Computing or CPU Magazines. If you are a current subscriber and order a gift subscription, the folks at Smart Computing will add 2 additional issues to your current subscription at no charge. And remember that even gift subscriptions will be credited to the SPCUG account so that we can accumulate free subscriptions to give away to our membership.

To order call 1-800-733-3809 and be sure to give the following Code Numbers so that SPCUG gets proper credit.
Smart Computing (11607) CPU Magazine (272)

Got a question?   Why not "Byte" me?

While Wandering The Web

Watching Microsoft Like A Hawk

Watching Microsoft Like A Hawk is a topical link site that's extremely well done, for two primary reasons:

1. Smart people are involved. They are picking out the very best Microsoft stories published on a variety of professional publishing sites and less professional "beta" sites. The selection of the stories shows keen insight into Microsoft and what it's trying to accomplish.
The selection also creates at edginess that goes along with the site's name.

2. The site editor (editors?) cops just enough attitude in the blurbs that describe each story to make you smirk without going overboard. In fact, the only thing that may go overboard is the name Watching Microsoft Like A Hawk. But, then, the name worked.

If you're keeping an eye on the goings-on of Congress, meet your new pal, Thomas.
Thomas lets you follow bills as they move through the House and Senate, read and download the text of pending legislation, and monitor roll call votes. Thomas also has a sophisticated search engine that allows you to look for particular bills by name, number, subject, sponsor, and numerous other criteria.

Click the Banner to Visit Thomas

Here's An SPCUG General Meeting Reminder

The "Bytes" Beg, Bargain & Barter Basement

Got something "computer related" to sell? Looking for that rare peripheral? If it's computer related you can submit a short classified ad for exposure in Dave "Bytes". Be sure to include your name and e-mail address in the ad. You can also include a picture of the item. Now some would suggest that there be a charge for this feature but alas, since my bookkeeping skills leave much to be desired I've determined that this will be a free service to all SPCUG members in good standing.  "Bytes" is currently sent to almost 1000 homes in the area. Ad requests will be included as soon as possible. I assume absolutely no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of supplied info. All transactions are between consulting adults which leaves me entirely off the hook. Please let me know by clicking HERE when your merchandise is sold so that I can remove it from the listing. I will try to run each ad for a month.

Computer - Compaq Presario 2240 (w/Win 95, Word, Excel, Power Point) Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor Printer  HP DeskJet 672 C Printer (dual cartridge) Desk All for $200 or best offer Stephanie Paradis njparadis@comcast.net

	HP LaserJet 4000 series PCL 6 with duplexer and added memory Prints 17ppm at 1200 dpi Prints letter, legal, envelopes and handles card stock comes with all documentation & installation discs compatible with XP and earlier versions $450   Joy Erickson 955-0886  or ericgann@comcast.net
	New Kodak EasyShare zoom digital camera CX6230 2 megapixel resolution: 1632 x 1232 pixels Makes quality prints up to 8" x 10" Still in original box Works with EasyShare 6000 series dock that can be purchased separately Buy.com lists sale price at $136.99 -- will sell for $100   Joy Erickson 955-0886 or ericgann@comcast.net

New  --  Dell Personal All-In-One Printer A920

Print, copy and scan

Print speed 8 ppm color, 14 ppm blk

Scan depth resolution: up to 9600 interpolated
48-bit flatbed scanner

Compatible only with Windows XP or 2000

Required USB cable not included

Still in original box

Retail: $89 -- will sell for $60

Wanted

 Used video projector suitable for showing VCR or DVD movies.

Contact Gene Mathes at Mathes@OrangeAcres.net or phone 927-2707.

Click here to send your ad   

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Something for "FREE" from Microsoft !!

 

You might want to order the FREE MS update CD for W98, W98Se, WinMe, Win2000 & XP with **ALL** security updates through Oct `03. It's an ideal CD to have on hand if you ever have to format your drive or reinstall Windows.  And, it's really FREE ..... even shipping!!

 

"http://snipurl.com/MS_order"

 

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Dave's Cool Downloads

 

Weather Pulse 
 

Weather Pulse is a weather monitoring tool that that displays detailed weather information for selected US cities, as well as popular satellite images from around the globe. It includes weather alert options, 10 day forecast, hourly forecast, detailed forecast and more. The satellite images can be sent via email and also saved to file. Weather Pulse integrates all the information into a simple, easy to use interface and also provides a tray icon that displays the current temperature (we had to change the font settings for proper display). You can also add custom radar and weather images, view animated images and monitor multiple zip codes. A nicely done program that puts local and global weather information into easy reach from the system tray.

 

Special Note From Dave  ........

 

While I can't explain my fascination (bordering on obsession) with weather services (I currently have 6 installed on my computer)  I now declare Weather Pulse to be my absolute favorite.

No banners, no ads, no spyware. Plus you can also see video reports from the Weather Channel within Weather Pulse.

Why anyone would put something like this together and distribute for it for free completely baffles me.

 

Price: Free      Windows: 98/ME/NT/2000/XP      File size: 900 kb

 

Click Here to Download

 

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AM-Deadlink

Remove invalid links and double entries from your browser's favorites or bookmarks. AM-DeadLink shows which links are no longer valid and gives the option to delete them. You can back up your entire collection to a ZIP file.
The program works with Internet Explorer, Opera and Netscape

Requirements: Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP Cost: Free

 

Click Here to Download

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YOU CAN NOW EASILY LOCATE THE DOWNLOADS MENTIONED IN DAVE "BYTES" BY CLICKING ON THE BUTTONS ON  WWW.DAVEBYTES.COM Check regularly since I'm always adding new content Click HERE to submit your favorite Freeware or Shareware program

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Here's An "AOL" Tip

Locating Someone on America Online

Looking for someone? Try using AOL's Member Directory to search for the person's name or screen name. If the person created a Profile, then the member's information is indexed in the Member Directory. If the person doesn't have a Profile entry, you can't find the name by searching the Directory (in fact, you probably can't find it at all).

If the person you find through the Member Directory is currently online, a small red triangle appears next to his name in the Member Directory Search Results window. Double-click any entry in the window to see that member's profile, and then use the Locate button in the Member Profile window to see if they're currently in a chat room.

If you already know the person's screen name and you simply want to locate them, choose Member Online, enter your friend's screen name into the text box, and click OK. The system tells you whether your friend is currently online, and whether he's in a public chat room.

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Want to Join SPCUG or Renew Your Membership?

 

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Spyware, Spyware ... Everywhere You Look?

 

Pest Thousands of Reports WildTangent 503.6 Hotbar 213.5 Claria 194.9 KaZaA 137.9 GAIN 115.9 Download Accelerator Plus 106.7 eZula 106.7 Hitbox.com 69.5 CGI-Bin 68.9 Hi-Wire 51.7

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Pause For Thought

 

 

 

 

"A Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer is to computing what a McDonalds Certified Food Specialist is to fine cuisine."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Please Sign the "Bytes" Guest Book

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Here's A Windows XP Tip

You can assign a password to your user account to prevent other people from accessing the account. You will need to enter the password each time you want to use Windows. If you have a computer administrator account, you can assign passwords to all accounts. If you have a limited account, you can assign a password only to your own account.

To assign a password to a user account:

1. Click start to display the Start menu.

2. Click Control Panel to change your computer's settings. The Control Panel window appears.

3. Click User Accounts to work with the user accounts set up on your computer. The User Accounts window appears. If you have a limited account, skip to Step 5. If you have a computer administrator account, the accounts set up on your computer are displayed.

4.Click the account you want to assign a password to.
A list of tasks that you can perform to change the account appears.

5. Click Create a password to assign a password to the account.

6.Type a new password for the account.

7. To confirm the password, type it again.

8. Type a word or a phrase that can help you remember the password. (This information will be available to everyone who uses the computer.)

9. Click Create Password.

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Don't Be an Invisible Member Get Involved To inquire about volunteer opportunities Click Here  Remember.. "The more you put in.... the more you'll take out"

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Here's A Microsoft Word Tip

Creating Custom Bulleted Lists


Word comes with a number of fonts that contain nothing but unusual fonts. (These fonts usually end with "MT.") You can use these fonts to create cool bulleted lists that give your document a distinctive edge.
Here's how:

Create a document that uses Word's automatic bulleted list feature.

With your mouse, select the entire bulleted list.

Right-click the list and choose Bullets and Numbering from the shortcut menu.

In the Bullets and Numbering dialog box, click the Customize button.

Choose a custom bullet.

You can click the Bullet button to pull in additional funky bullets from other Word fonts like Wingdings, Almanac MT, and others.

Click OK. The bulleted list is reformatted with the new bullet style.

Cool and customized!

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Remember  Don't Let Your Membership Lapse contact:  membership@spcug.org

Looking for a SIG or Forum?

The best place to go is the SPCUG Event Calendar. 
Once there you can view everything planned for SPCUG members.
Want to register for a SIG? There is no better place to do that then at http://www.calsplus.com/spcug
This calendar is updated on a daily basis making it the most accurate way to see what's happening in the world of SPCUG.

Click here for the Dave "Bytes" Archives

P.S. Don't forget to say "Hi" at the meeting!!

Sarasota Personal Computer User Group, Inc
 
Phone: 877-SPCUG-HI

  To Send A Message To Dave Click Below

 Sign the "Bytes" Book

Website: http://www.spcug.org
© 2003. All Rights Reserved.  

 
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 l Dave "Bytes" Home Page l  Bits & Bytes Radio Show|
SPCUG Home Page | Officers | Newsletter | SIGs | Regular Meetings | Sarasota | Join NOW! |
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