*CyberCoyote - December 7, 2006*

NEWS, NOTES and NOTICES

*Basic Windows XP Class*
Gail King will teach a basic class in Windows XP on Jan 8, 10, 12, 15 and 17. The time is 1:00 - 3:00. The fee for the 5 sessions is $10.
http://cybercoyote.org/classes/classes.shtml

*Software Workshop*
Phil Spohn will lead a new style of workshop that begins on January 10th. The time will be 9:00 - 11:00. The format is hands-on learning. The focus is finding, downloading, installing, and learning to use (free) software that participants want to use. The workshop will continue on Wednesdays, and possibly Fridays. The participants will decide just what they want to do as the sessions go along.
http://cybercoyote.org/classes/workshop.shtml -- details

*SnagIt*
Kathy Jacobs gave a dynamic presentation of "SnagIt" today. She is an author, and Vice President of the Phoenix PC User Group. Using SnagIt, you can create screen captures, then easily add text, arrows, or effects, and save the screen capture to a file or share it immediately by e-mail or instant messenger. It makes complex image manipulation easy. TechSmith, the producers of SnagIt also offer Camtasia, the complete solution for recording and editing high-quality training videos, presentations, and screencasts to share on the Web, CD-ROM and portable media devices.

SnagIt is surprisingly affordable. Members of the club can get a discount too. You can get SnagIt for $29.95 until the end of June by using SNUG for the promotional code when you purchase SnagIt online. (Many people picked up trial CDs today, so if you borrow one, you wouldn't even have to download it.) Camtasia looks like a fantastic video program if you need it's features. It is $269 using the PRESBN05 (that's zero-five at the end) promotional code. Phil Costello won both programs as a door prize today, but he very graciously donated them to the club for our computer. Thank you Phil. :-)
http://www.techsmith.com/ -- TechSmith
http://cybercoyote.org/links/005.html -- Kathy's books

TIPS, TOPICS and TWEAKS

*Update: Installing IE7 and other woes*
This is another take on installing IE7, including problems that people are having with IE7 after they install it.
http://www.ie-vista.com/known_issues.html

*Dual Hard Drives in a Notebook?*
Last week at the club meeting, I learned that HP sells notebooks with dual hard drives. You can get them with dual 80 GB and dual 100 GB drives. Toshiba, and no doubt others sell them too. Who'd a thunk it?
http://cybercoyote.org/links/003.html

COMPUTING

*How to Use Windows XP*
From Microsoft: "Here's your one-stop shop for learning how to use the features and technologies that come with Windows XP."
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/default.mspx

*Free online storage from AOL*
AOL bought Xdrive, and made it available for anyone to use. You can store up to 5GB of files -- documents, photos, music, etc. -- on Xdrive. It's a great way to backup your files at a separate physical location. You upload and download them through your browser, or by using the Xdrive desktop program. -- sign up
http://www.xdrive.com/

ECLECTIC

'Win-dows Vis-ta!'
It took Microsoft's Steve Ball and his team 18 months to develop the sounds for Windows Vista. Incredible. :-)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15656246 -- story and sound clip

*Potato Chips for the Ears*
(See if you can listen to just one.)
http://www.coverpop.com/whitney/index.php?var=v0
http://www.coverpop.com/whitney/index.php?var=v17 -- don't miss

*Cornered*
http://cybercoyote.org/links/004.html

*Speed Gliding* [best with broadband]
Beginning to feel a little blase about hang gliding? Try speed gliding -- it should perk you right up. :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut1kGmOhzWQ