CyberCoyote -- November 10, 2005

NOTES and NOTICES

Computer Kindergarten has started -- Thursday mornings, 9 - 11 AM in the Chaparral Rm. Chuck Tomlinson is conducting the sessions now, and Mary Ann Kircus will take over in January.

After our short business meeting next Thursday, George Jester will talk about using Microsoft Streets & Trips coupled with GPS.

The list for the class on the "Windows Registry", scheduled to start Dec 5 is full. We're handling class seats a bit different this year. For example, there are 15 seats for this class. There are more than 15 names on the list. The first 15 who pay the treasurer will get a seat. We'll have another class later if there is enough interest.

You may not be a geek, but you may be fond of one. Your geek might like what O'Reilley Publishing has offered at a discount to HTCC members.
http://cybercoyote.org/club/temp-make

TIPS and TOPICS

We had a good Q &: A session today, with lots of participation. Here are some more details on a couple of the questions:

The harder the processor works the more heat it generates, so a heavy task like defrag will make it get hot. It may have also accumulated "dust bunnies". Taking a laptop apart is not something for most people. However, you can often remove just the air intake and clear the accumulation. You may be able to clear it by just applying the vacuum cleaner externally.

You could also use a laptop stand to keep it (and your lap, if you use it that way) cooler.
http://www.raindesigninc.com/ilap.html -- one I'd like
http://cybercoyote.org/url/147.html -- more ideas

Q: What are drivers, and where can I get updated ones?

Drivers are software that communicate between the operating system (Windows) and hardware. Sometimes, when you update Windows or a program, the associated driver may no longer work, for example, the driver for a game that relies on graphics may be effected. You can often find updated drivers at the website of the hardware manufacturer or the game distributor. In this case it could be either site -- you need to investigate. There are also sites that archive all kinds of drivers, and you might find what you need there.
http://driverguide.com/
http://driversplanet.com/
http://driversplanet.com/

INTERNET CLASSES

There was solid interest at the meeting today for Internet classes. I'm going to use a different approach to them this season. Instead of open workshops, we'll have short -- two session -- classes on specific topics. Here are a few possibilities:

1. Creating a personal website without a lot of fuss or muss.
2. Downloading, installing and optimizing Firefox.
3. Deploying a robust security system for your computer.
4. Getting free from spam.
5. Finding places on the Internet that match your interests.
6. Tapping into the new Web: maps, search, feeds, blogs, networks...
7. Finding, downloading, installing and using the best free software.

OK, that's what came to mind. I need to know which ones you want and which ones I've overlooked. Let me know your thoughts. Which (5 or so) topics appeal the most to you, or what other topics would you like to see covered? My email address is -- don't everyone assume some other member will respond for you. :-)

DIVERSION

Northern Lights seen from above.
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap051105.html
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Polar_aurora
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Polar_aurora

I know you can walk and chew gum at the same time. Your right foot may not be as smart as you think though. Try this simple test to find out.
http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2005/2005-11-03.htm#10