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VOL XXIV ISSUE 1— JANUARY 2010 - ROGUE AREA SENIOR COMPUTER ASSISTANCE LEAGUE
RASCAL OFFICERS* &
SUPPORT STAFF
WHAT’S UP in 2010?
President
rascalpres@rascal.cc
*Galen Garretson 472-0019
Vice-President
rascalvp@rascal.cc RASCAL aims to offer courses which keep up with
*Ron Willing 474-2993 current trends and also to offer basic instruction
Secretary for members new to computer use.
rascalsecretary@rascal.cc
*Velma Gustafson 472-0233 Take a look at just some of what is coming up
Treasurer early in this new year:
rascaltreasurer@rascal.cc
*Naomi Carlson February
Education Director January
rascaleducation@rascal.cc Excel, Beginning
*Lou Garrotto 955-1950 Email Basics
Membership Director Introduction to Computers
rascalmembership@rascal.cc Internet Basics Photo & Document File Management
*Patricia Hentges Introduction to Computers PowerPoint Basics
Communications and Vista Basics
Facilities Director Windows Live Mail
rascalcomm1@rascal.cc Windows 7 Basics Windows Media Player
*Murray Johnson 291-8684 Word 2007, Beginning Windows 7 Basics
Administrative Assistant
vadagnan@uci.net One of our highly regarded teachers, Tom Crittenden,
Vivian Dagnan 582-0824 will be out of our area for much of the year but
Community Relations
Bob Cartmell 476-9437
he will be here in March to offer some great new classes, such as:
W
Data Base
rascalmembership@rascal.cc indows 7 for XP and Vista Users: A timely class for those
Mark Simonds
Audrey Williams 955-4720
who are thinking of upgrading to Windows 7, or for those who
Betty Buskirk 474-1381 have this operating system on their computer and want to feel
Facilities more comfortable with it. Tom will review what is new in Windows 7, how
Henry Cotter 471-0750
Historian
to do old tasks, where to find things, and how to take advantage of the new
Vivian Dagnan 582-0824 features. For beginners, he will modify his handouts to cover the beginning
Hospitality tasks in both Vista and W7.
T. & B. Buntin 472-1549
Mary Hoffman 479-5119
Human Resources Tom adds: “The more I use W7, the happier I am with it. My poor wife has
Lannie Harkins 479-5174 my hand-me-down Vista PC, but I will upgrade it for her when we return this
Membership Greeters
Marie Hutchins 476-3783
Spring.”
Newsletter See Tom’s article on “What’s New in Windows 7?”
editor@rascal.cc in the November 2009 issue of this newsletter.
Joan McDowell 472-0377
S
Social Director
Jeannette Daily 471-1904 andboxie Isolation Software: This program helps to protect your PC
Speaker Scheduler from malware while you are surfing and downloading files. It works
Ken Mitchell 476-1883
Sunshine - Artistic Design something like a mini Virtual PC so that your browser or email
Lee Cathcart 479-5778 downloads are isolated from the rest of your PC. Sandboxie builds a box
Webmaster where you can run your browser or email inside. You can download and
rascalwebmaster@rascal.cc
Ginny von Gal 218-6633 look at files (pictures, etc.) while keeping them isolated. If you wish to save
a file (after viewing it in Sandboxie), it’s only a click away.
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Some class formats will remain the same, such as
RASCAL EDUCATION Microsoft PowerPoint. This is due to the amount of
HAS SURPRISES information and necessary hands-on time required to
develop skills for using the program.
for YOU in
The NEW YEAR Several new classes are in development for free
~ by Mike States programs or applications being offered by Micro-
soft or included with Windows 7 or Vista. Future
topics will include: Gadgets, Photo Gallery, Writer,
Word Pad and Note Pad, Windows Live Essentials
Our Education Director for 2009 and her team of and Windows Accessories.
instructors (including myself) have been busy These new topics and other classes already being of-
working to develop classes and formats that reflect fered should provide something for almost every
club member requests and our busy lives. With the member’s interest. If you don’t see what you want,
New Year many members may find a new com- contact the Education Director or an instructor. You
puter with the new Windows 7 operating system can also use the comments area on the instructor re-
under the Christmas tree. With this in mind, new view form at the end of a class to request other classes.
classes and re-designed formats will be offered.
RASCAL offers some of the best community educa-
Beginning in January and February, RASCAL tion, low-cost computer training courses available. It
will be offering classes on Windows 7 Basics. works because the membership works at it. In-
Since the Vista operating system is currently in- structors are wanted and needed. Step up to the chal-
stalled on the computers at the RCC and Business lenge. You can make a difference. You’d be amazed
Development Center computer labs, these classes at how good it makes you feel.
will be limited at this time to a lec-
ture/demonstration format. The instructors teaching
this and other lecture courses encourage those with
laptops or notebook computers with Windows 7 to WATCH for THIS NEW
bring them to class. CLASS in FEBRUARY
Instructed by Judy Engel
The class format for Windows 7 Basic and Vista
Basics has changed. There will be only two ses-
sions rather than the usual four, and each session
will be three hours long. This is being offered in Photo & Document
order to make it easier for participants to schedule File Management Class
their time.
If you think of a pile of files (documents or pictures)
The new format will focus on the core elements of on a table top, you can imagine how difficult it
these two Windows-based operating systems. would be to sort through that pile in order to find a
These classes will lay the groundwork for working particular document or picture. This is why we've
with and using other program applications, allow- used filing cabinets in the past to organize our files
ing users to better understand what, how, and why a into folders.
computer does what it does.
Well, your computer has many documents and pic-
What is coming is a new approach to teaching tures located in the filing cabinets named My Docu-
tighter, program specific courses. For example, in ments and My Pictures. To keep things organized
the past, Beginning Email and Internet was one you must create folders to hold those documents and
course. It has now been designed as two separate pictures.
courses. Email Basics will focus on the essentials
common to virtually all email applications. Inter- In this class you will learn how to make Folders to
net Basics will focus on the tools and essentials organize your documents and pictures so that similar
used to navigate the World Wide Web. The separa- items are kept together making them easier to find.
tion of topics will allow participants to focus on You will also learn how to move files from one
their interests and needs. folder to another, make sub folders within a folder,
and how to delete unwanted folders.
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The Q & A Show
Featuring Media Players & YouTube
The following questions appeared recently on The close the converter box. After the download is fin-
RASCAL-Technical Help List Serve which is ished, you will see a message telling you that the files
open to all members by subscription. If you would have been converted. Now you may close the con-
like to participate with your questions or just learn verter box. From the Start Menu, go to My Docu-
from others, go to our website at www.rascal.cc ments, then My Videos. Double click on the video
and click on Help * ISP. and watch it whenever you like and as many times as
you wish.
Q: What do I need to do to download a video
from YouTube and save it on my computer? It
Q: Which is the best media player software?
takes too long to download each time I want to
view it. I am using Windows XP and the Win- A: This depends upon what you want from the
dows FlashPlayer. player and how you intend to use it. The site below
describes and compares three major players and what
A: I have successfully downloaded video clips they do best: Real Player, Windows Media
from YouTube using the Real Player rather Player, and VLC Player.
than Windows Flash Player. Here is my sug-
gestion: http://blog.taragana.com/index.php/archive/windows
-media-player-versus-vlc-player-versus-real-player/
Before you do any of this, you have to have Real
Player on your computer with the latest updates. I
had an older version of Real Player on my PC and Q: What is the difference between Real Player
it would not play the video clip. I uninstalled the SP and Windows Media Player 11? I have in-
older version and installed the newest version by stalled both in the past and have downloaded differ-
typing Real Player into Google and downloading ent clips onto both of them. Is there an easy way to
the free version : Real Player SP 12.0.0.297. transfer files from one program to the other if I
When going through the steps on the set up of choose to use only one?
Real Player, be sure to check the box where it A: The short answer: No one, single multi-
says to enable “download this video.” If you media player program can do it all. There are
don’t check that box, you won’t be able to too many different multi-media formats for any one
download any videos. program application to handle and do a good job.
Now you are ready! After viewing the film clip on And, no, there isn’t a quick and easy way to convert
YouTube, hover your mouse just above the video. one video file format to another.
A button appears to download this video. Click The expansion on this answer (below)
that button and the Real Player Downloader pops does not appear on the ListServe.
up. You will see the title of the clip(s) you want to
download. You may download more than one clip The long answer: Both Real Player SP and Win-
at a time. Click the “Convert All” button. dows Media Player will play and allow you to
download, edit, save, modify, and convert audio
The Real Player Converter box comes up show- and video media imported from websites such as
ing the title of the film clip(s). Next choose YouTube. Real Player has more utilities for doing
“Convert to,” then click “Computer to,” then this than does Windows Media Player (WMP).
click “Computer PC or MAC” from the drop- Understanding and being able to use all of Real
down menu, then click O.K. Just below you will Player’s features and functions does require a mod-
see the “Save In” area; choose “My Videos.” est learning curve. Clicking the Help button on its
Now click on the green “Start” button. The main menu bar provides an extensive internet-based
movie will then download to My Videos on your resource.
computer. It will take a minute or two, so don’t
continued on page 4
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THE Q & A SHOW — continued from page 3
CURIOUS ABOUT CHROME?
Windows Media Player is somewhat limited by the
types of files it recognizes and can play, such as Google says the following in describing its new
MP3, WAV, WMA, WMV, etc. Media files not browser:
recognized by WMP have to be converted in order
Chrome is a browser that combines a minimal design
to be utilized. WMP does not have a file converter
with sophisticated technology to make the web faster,
utility. While Real Player can convert most media
safer, and easier. Use one box for everything; type in
files to a suitable format for WMP, it is often a
the address bar and get suggestions for both search
time-consuming process.
and web pages. Thumbnails of your top sites let you
What I found while experimenting with Real Player let you access your favorite pages instantly with
is that it can play almost any media format found on lightning speed from any new tab. Desktop shortcuts
the internet, including Microsoft format WMA and allow you to launch web apps straight from your
WMV files. For this reason alone it has become one desktop.
of the many tools I use for processing audio or
video media files. As for Windows Media Player, Following is a CHROME review from CNet.com
it is still my default media player. The reason is www.Cnet.com
~ by Seth Rosenblatt
simple: WMP is an integrated part of Windows and
does what it does well. Both Real Player and
Windows Media Player have their uses. So I will Chrome is Google’s attempt to make the web browser dis-
continue to use both until something better comes appear and to focus on the applications and pages users are
along. viewing, rather than on the border with its tools. Some of
Chrome’s basic underpinnings are quite novel, but people
If you are looking for a simple, easy-to-use, pro- will recognize other features as they exist in other open-
gram for downloading YouTube files or similar source web browsers on the market today.
content, you might try YouTube Downloader, Chrome is blazingly fast and is easily the quickest browser
available for free at Download.com. This applica- available. Based on Webkit (the same open-source engine
tion can be configured to save or convert multi- that powers Apple Safari, Google’s Android mobile plat-
media files to several different formats. Be sure to form, and several other web-browsing tools), Chrome’s
read the CNET editor’s review and watch their short interface is a drastic departure from other browsers. In-
video first. stead of the traditional toolbar, Chrome puts its tabs on top.
~ Mike States Moreover, the tabs are detachable: “tabs” and “windows”
are interchangeable here. Detailed tabs can be dragged and
The YouTube Downloader dropped into the browser, and tabs can be rearranged at
any time. By isolating each tab’s processes, when one site
The direct link to this free download is: crashes, the other tabs do not.
http://download.cnet.com/YouTube-
The search box and the address bar have been fused into a
D o w n l o a d e r / 3 0 0 0 - 2 0 7 1 _ 4 - hybrid “Omnibox,” which includes suggestions for URLs
10647340.html?tag=mncol CTRL-click will take culled from your browser’s history and search suggestions
you there if you’re reading this on the RASCAL from your search engine. It also remembers site-specific
website. You may go there also by this route: search engine results. There’s also Application Shortcuts,
a feature that lets you create desktop icons for web-only
Download.com | YouTube Downloader. For
applications, such as Gmail or Calendar. The stealth mode,
more information, scroll past the “Download Incognito, lets you surf without the history recording cook-
Now” button to the CNet Editors’ review and ies. With version 3, themes have been introduced to
open their video. Read also the Publisher’s de- Chrome and users can reskin the browser with more than
scription just below. 30 choices—not quite the depth of Firefox, but they don’t
Click Download Now and follow prompts. Read seem to negatively affect performance. A developer’s ver-
sion of Chrome supports extensions, which haven’t made it
closely and uncheck all boxes except the Desktop
into this stable release yet. If you’re addicted to web apps
Icon option. After installation close all programs and a need for speed, though, Chrome just might be the
and restart your computer. shine your browsing experience has been looking for.
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Course Descriptions - January/February 2010
JANUARY FEBRUARY
EMAIL BASICS EXCEL, Beginning
(PRE-REQ: Introduction to Computers and/or (PRE-REQ: Beginning Windows or equivalent; ability
XP/Vista/Windows 7 Basics.) Create, send, and to load data from a folder; basic math.) Learn to locate
and name the elements of this spreadsheet program, with
receive email over the internet. Participants are ex-
emphasis on the Standard, Formatting, and Formula menu
pected to complete assigned exercises. bars. Apply basic number and cell formatting, simple for-
INTERNET BASICS, mulas, open and close workbooks correctly, print, and save
to a drive. Students with XP on their laptops should
Using Internet Explorer
bring their laptops to class. Bring a flash drive or two
(PRE-REQ: Introduction to Computers or Begin- 3.5 floppy disks or a CD to class to save class examples.
ning XP/Vista or Windows 7 Basics.) Learn to use
the internet: including security guidelines, changing a INTRODUCTION to COMPUTERS
homepage, using search engines, etc. (PRE-REQ: REQUIRED for FIRST TIME COM-
PUTER USERS.) A fun class. Learn the proper method
INTRODUCTION to COMPUTERS to turn a computer on and off. Learn to use the mouse and
(PRE-REQ: REQUIRED for FIRST TIME COM- keyboard. Get acquainted with hardware, software, and
PUTER USERS.) A fun class. Learn the proper computer vocabulary.
method to turn a computer on and off. Learn to use
PHOTO & DOCUMENT FILE MANAGEMENT
the mouse and keyboard. Get acquainted with hard- (PRE-REQ: Introduction to Computers.) One two-
ware, software, and computer vocabulary. hour session. Learn to organize your files and folders.
VISTA BASICS POWERPOINT BASICS
(PRE-REQ: Introduction to Computers.) This (PRE-REQ: Introduction to Computers or Beginning
class is a continuation of basic computer skills. XP or Vista or the equivalent.) Learn this program’s
Learn the difference between system software and layout and primary tool functions, organization, and slide-
application programs. Learn how to use the basic show concepts.
controls, menus, icons, and toolbars on various win- WINDOWS 7 BASICS
dows and the desktop. Windows XP users are wel- (PRE-REQ: Introduction to Computers and XP or
come to take this class. Vista Beginning.) Learn the basics of Microsoft’s newest
operating system.
WINDOWS 7 BASICS
(PRE-REQ: Introduction to Computers and XP WINDOWS LIVE MAIL
or Vista Beginning.) Learn the basics of Microsoft’s (PRE-REQ: Beginning Windows, Beginning Email.)
newest operating system. Learn the difference between Outlook, Outlook Express,
Windows Mail, and Windows Live Mail (WLM) WLM is
WORD 2007, Beginning a free download for either XP or Vista. Explore
(PRE-REQ: Beginning Windows.) Learn to navi- downloading and installing WLM, its email account setup
gate the newest version of this word processing pro- and basic functionality. Class includes how to integrate
gram. Get acquainted with the Ribbon which takes your Hotmail, Gmail, and AOL mail accounts into WLM.
the place of the menu bar. Enjoy easier tool applica- Set up the WLM manager and back up WLM.
tions, and more colorful and interesting graphic edit- WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER
ing. (PRE-REQ: Introduction to Computers or Beginning XP or
Vista or Windows 7 Basics. Bring to class: (1) a commer-
cially recorded music CD; (2) a 1 gig or larger USB Flash
Drive; (3) projects to save to this Flash Drive; (4) one blank
THE SCHEDULE of EVENTS, CD-R media disc for making a custom audio CD..) Learn the
MEETINGS & CLOSURE DATES for primary features and functions of this free program included in
all Microsoft’s current operating systems, with regard to music
2010 and video file management. Learn how to play and copy (rip)
will appear in the February newsletter. music, create playlists, and create custom music. Topics include
media management and creating custom audio CD’s.
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ARE YOU THINKING of BUYING A NEW COMPUTER or
UPGRADING to WINDOWS 7?
You may be aware that the price range for the Windows 7 Operating System is from $120 for a Home
Premium upgrade to $320 for a fully licensed copy of Windows 7 Ultimate.
Some say that good, legal options are available so that you don’t have to pay that much. For details go to
www.ZDNet.com; click on News & Blogs and select Ed Bott, the author of “Seven Perfectly Legal Ways to
Get Windows 7 Cheap.”
The chart below is from this site and lists Windows 7 Installation Choices and Features available to: (1)
OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers); (2) a System Builder; (3) upgrades you may install from
your computer; (4) retail upgrades; and (5) a retail “Full Package Product” you receive when you pur-
chase a new computer.
1 1
2 2 3 4
1 - Choice must be made at time of 3 - Must reinstall original Windows 7 edition, then
purchase /installation. re-run Anytime Upgrade.
2 - Reinstallation procedures vary by manufacturer. 4 - Requires telephone activation.
THOUGHTS on CHANGE
“If you’re in a bad situation, don’t worry, “Decide what you want. Decide what you are
it’ll change. If you’re in a good situation, willing to exchange for it.
don’t worry, it’ll change.” Establish your priorities and go to work.”
~ John A. Simone, Sr., Contemporary Writer ~ H.L. Hunt, Entrepreneur, 1889-1974
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Need Help? - Dial-A-Helper
“Seniors Helping Seniors”
Support for simple computer problems is available by telephone or email.
Some Dial-A-Helpers listed below may charge a nominal fee for in-home service.*
On-line help can be accessed from the Technical Help ListServe.**
GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING
Most Areas of Computering APPLICATIONS & OTHER SPECIFIC HELP
*Bob Booth 474-2993 robtb@rio.com
Tom Crittenden [phone n/a] TD1@back40software.com
ACCESS
*Galen Garretson 472-0019 galencg@clearwire.net Mark Simonds 955-4810 mark@msimonds.org
*Chris Oman 474-0161 coman@budget.net
Len Richardson 866-2541 len_r@yahoo.com DIGITAL CAMERAS & PHOTOS - For Beginners
Gerry Tank 476-7667 badger1gt@charter.net Nancy Kain 955-4800 nankain@rascal.cc
*Wally Zittle 476-9800 wzittle@charter.net Ken Mitchell 476-1883 ks4lb444@rascal.cc
EXCEL
BEGINNER’S HELP Ron Willing 582-9694 rwilling@charter.net
GENEALOGY
Laura Dunwald 479-9076 beagenie@charter.net Laura Dunwald 479-9076 beagenie@charter.net
*Judy Engel 476-9018 judyengel@msn.com
Ginny von Gal 218-6633 skipjack317@clearwire.net GRAPHICS
Bill Porter [phone n/a] silverfox@uci.net
Ken Mitchell 476-1883 ks4lb444@rascal.cc
Gordon Rendall 955-1000 grandpaw5@q.com INTERNET, General
Gerry Tank 476-7667 badger1gt@charter.net Laura Dunwald 479-9076 beagenie@charter.net
Marv Wilson 471-1867 mwlw86@charter.net
MACINTOSH OS
DeVerne Jacobsen 479-3262 jdgwen@qwest.net
VISTA - Intermediate or Advanced
OUTLOOK EXPRESS, Beginners
Tom Crittenden [phone n/a] TD1@back40software.com Lou Garrotto 955-1950 loug47@grantspass.com
*Wally Zittle 476-9800 wzittle@charter.net Jean Kraft 664-8197 hikraft@charter.net
QUICKEN
WINDOWS 7 George Steffensen 474-4305 stefff@peoplepc.com
*Bob Booth 474-2993 robtb@rio.com WEB PAGE HTML BASIC
Tom Crittenden [phone n/a] TDI@back40software.com Mark Simonds 955-4810 mark@msimonds.org
*Galen Garretson 472-0019 galencg@clearwire.net WORD PERFECT & MS WORD (for beginners)
*Chris Oman 474-0161 coman@budget.net Karen Janssen 956-6067 ilea@terragon.com
*Wally Zittle 476-9800 wzittle@charter.net
**EXCHANGE COMPUTER RELATED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
The free-to-all RASCALs Technical Help ListServe is here to help all members with any
problems they may be having with their computer.
For information on how to subscribe go to our website: www.rascal.cc and click on Help * ISP.
Smartwire is The RASCAL Internet 301 NE 6th Street at ‘E’, Grants Pass
Service Provider & Telephone: 955-6930
Website & ListServe Host
www.rascal.cc/main/ 7
RASCAL Non-Profit
Organization
COMPUTER CLUB U.S. Postage
PAID
214 SW 4th STREET Permit #22
Grants Pass, OR
GRANTS PASS, OR 97526
Return Service Requested
PLEASE NOTE: Your month of membership renewal is located in the upper right corner of your mailing label.
Please mail yearly dues: $15 Single Membership, $20 for Couples, $100 Single Lifetime; $150 Couples Lifetime,
to the RASCAL address listed above, or submit at a General Meeting.
RASCAL meetings are held in the Floral Building at the
KEEP in TOUCH Fairgrounds in Grants Pass. Weekly meetings are on Tuesdays,
except holidays. The General Membership meets from 9:30 a.m.
to 10:30 a.m. The Beginner’s Meeting is held from 10:40 to 11:30
Let RASCAL know when you change (or to 11:45 for Q&A). All members are welcome to attend both
your e-mail address, your telephone meetings. Come early for coffee and chat with friends.
number, or your residence address. We also invite you to visit our website:
Contact the Data Base Manager at w w w .r as ca l . cc
<rascalmembership@rascal.cc> for up-to-date information about our club, our members, classes,
meetings, and links to other websites. Our website is managed by
Ginny von Gal and hosted by Smartwire Internet.
BIT OF A RASCAL STAFF
RASCAL regrets the
Editor………………………...………….……….….........................….Joan McDowell
passing of e-mail: editor@rascal.cc
Assistant Editor…………………………..……….……….………….…….Nancy Kain
Mary Porter, Columnists……………….…..….Bob Booth, Vince Ceriello, Tom Crittenden,
…………………………...…………...Laura Dunwald, Galen Garretson, Jane Frincke,
a RASCAL member ………………………………..……….Patricia Hentges, Nancy Kain, Phyllis Wilkey
Copy Editors…..…………….……......Laura Dunwald, Jane Frincke, Patricia Hentges,
and the wife of ………………….……………….……..….…………. DeVerne Jacobsen; Nancy Kain
Photos……………..……………….………...….Merle Glenn, Nancy Kain, Bill Porter
instructor, Bill Porter. Graphics Artist……....………………….……….………….....……....Patricia Hentges
Printing……………….…….……………....….……......….......MacGraphically Yours
Seventh & ‘L’ Streets, Grants Pass
We extend condolences to ____________________________________________
family and friends. We reserve the right to edit and/or omit submissions.
Items received after the newsletter deadline may appear
in the next issue.
VOL XXIV ISSUE 1— JANUARY 2010 - ROGUE AREA SENIOR COMPUTER ASSISTANCE LEAGUE
