PRESENTATION MATERIALS
All these articles were written by PCS members and have been consolidated
here by subject matter. Many of the items below are notes or other
materials which were handed out or presented at various meetings.
POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS
Some of these items have been provided in the form of PowerPoint
presentations. If you don't have PowerPoint on your computer
(sometimes included with Microsoft Office), you can download a free viewer
from Microsoft
here. If that link has changed, simply Google "powerpoint viewer"
to find the correct one. If you already have PowerPoint Viewer, please
be aware that Microsoft has updated it in order to display PPTX files (a
newer format) as well as the previous PPT and PPS formats. It's
difficult to tell which version of viewer you have because they're both
listed as "PowerPoint Viewer 2007" and have the same file size. The
link above will send you to the correct Microsoft webpage to obtain the
updated viewer.
BOTTOM LINE: If you already have PowerPoint Viewer on your computer but
can't open a PPTX file with it, simply obtain and install the newer version
of Viewer from Microsoft
here.
CATEGORIES
Audio
Courier Articles
Email & Spam
Hardware
Internet
PCS Stuff
Photography
Presentation Tips 'n' Tricks
Security & Malware
Software
Special Topics
Tips 'n' Tricks
Vista
Websites
Windows 7
AUDIO
Audio Books 101 by Ray Carlson
Here is Ray's presentation about the sources for obtaining free
or low-cost audio books, an introduction to DRM (Digital Rights
Management) issues and sources to obtain information about
various MP3 players.
PowerPoint file
Audio Books by Ray DeCosta
A presentation about various aspects of putting audio books on
your MP3 player. Topics include books available on CD as
well as those available from the Prescott Public Library's
arrangement with
OverDrive Books. Through the
services of OverDrive, you may download books at home using your
Library card.
PowerPoint file
Setting up CDex to Rip Music by Ray DeCosta
This presentation will show you how to setup the free ripping
program CDex to rip music from your CDs for use in your MP3
player. You will need to download both the presentation
and one of the audio script files to properly view the
presentation.
Presentation: PowerPoint
file
Associated audio script:
PDF file
or DOC file
COURIER ARTICLES
Newspaper Q&A Articles by PCS staff
PCS has developed a partnership with
"The Daily Courier", a
daily newspaper in general circulation in Prescott, Arizona and
the surrounding cities of Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and
Dewey-Humbolt. As a result, PCS members have been writing
a general interest computer-related Q&A column for inclusion in
The Courier. Link
Reading Articles in the Daily Courier by Ray DeCosta
To view back issues of the Daily Courier, you will need to
access their website. Unfortunately, a direct link to
their published pages could not be established. Please
make a note of the date and page number of publication and then
go their
online newspaper
section. If you are unfamiliar with the use of
this section, you should check out these directions.
Link
EMAIL & SPAM
Dealing with the CableOne Spam Filter by Ray Carlson
This article tells you everything you need to know in order to
fine tune the settings on your CableOne spam filter.
Link
Email Etiquette by PCS Staff
This is a great article about what to do (and NOT do) with email
when you send or receive it. If everyone followed these
Tips 'n' Tricks, the world would be a much nicer place.
Link
Email Virus Scanning by Carver Smith
There's no need for you to scan your outgoing email for viruses
because the recipient's email provider will normally do that
before it is processed. In fact, if you do scan before
sending, you run the risk of creating difficulties for your own
system.
Link
The Economics Of Spam by Bob Ellis
Does it pay for spammers to send out millions of emails and only
get a miniscule number of actual purchases? When you
crunch the numbers, it simply doesn't make any economic sense.
But if their goal is to infect your computer to create a botnet
(an automatic spam sender) to create even MORE spam, that's a
different story. Bob explains all in this presentation.
PowerPoint file
Which Email - Web Based or Computer Based by Jim Perry
Do you REALLY know how your email works? Jim explains the
differences between the two major email systems (IMAP and POP3)
and how to effectively utilize each one. The pros and cons
of each system are enumerated. Jim also discusses the
hybrid system which attempts to bridge the gap between the two
systems as well as proper password discipline and the use of
password managers such as RoboForm and KeePass.
PDF file
HARDWARE
Buying a Laptop by Phil Ball
Phil discusses the pros and cons about buying a laptop for your
next computer. He compares laptops to desktops so you may
make a wise buying decision.
Link
Netbook Computers by Bob Simpson
Thinking about buying a netbook computer? Just check out
Bob's presentation on the subject.
PDF file
Routers 101: Introduction to Routers by Ray DeCosta
A very basic glossary containing common terms related to
routers. PowerPoint
file
INTERNET
Free and Useful Programs by JB Burke - Vol. 1
Here's a copy of JB's handout "Cool, Useful, Fun Freebies" from
his Advanced SIG presentation.
DOC file
Here's a list of the fun sites he visited at the end of that
presentation.
DOC file
Free and Useful Programs by JB Burke - Vol. 2
More free and useful programs from a second Advanced SIG.
DOC file
More fun links demonstrated at that second Advanced SIG.
XLS (Excel) file
Free FireFox Addons by Jim Perry
Jim has put together an extensive list of free FireFox addons
which can make your Internet surfing a lot easier and safer.
Check it out and see which ones interest you.
PDF file
Getting to the Net: The Dynamics of Internet Protocols
by Bob Simpson
When you click on a link on your computer screen, what actually
happens? There are all kinds of acronyms such as DNS, open
DNS, dynamic IP address, static IP address, DHCP, MAC address,
router, subnet mask, default gateway, et al. What does all this
mean? How does the signal get from a computer to the Internet,
to the web, get an address, and return the information to the
computer? Bob Simpson, who operates RLS Web Design and Computer
Consulting, has given us his recent presentation to simplify and
demystify all these technical acronyms and explain what actually
happens.
PDF file
Google Apps by Jim Perry
Jim discusses all the different add-ons that are available with
Google: GoogleMaps, GoogleMail, GoogleDocs, GoogleStorage,
GoogleCalendar, etc. The list just goes on and on.
PDF file
Google Searches on Steroids by Andy Reti
Here is Andy's handout regarding some advanced methods of
searching on Google. His Tips and Tricks with give you
some quick and efficient ways to find what you're looking for on
the Internet, convert dimensions, currency, etc. from one form
to another or find local businesses.
PDF file
Internet Fun by JB Burke
This is the handout for JB's "Fun Stuff on the Internet". This
item has a long list of fun (and time-wasting) websites for you
to peruse.
DOC file
Internet Potpourri by Bob Ellis
Bob covers a multitude of topics in this presentation including
Security & Privacy, Cookies, Net Neutrality and Internet TV.
PowerPoint file
Internet SIG Notes by JB Burke
JB's notes and links to items discussed at his Internet SIG.
Link
Microsoft's Faulty .NET Framework Update for FireFox
Add-on by Bob Simpson
Here's some info about that FireFox Add-on which Microsoft has
apparently added to your system without your permission.
Link
Screen-Free Computing Using Speech by Susan Gerhart
Susan discusses how computers may be used to assist the visually
impaired. The world of screen readers, books and
newspapers are now open to people with little or no sight.
There is some really amazing technology available and it is all
accessible over the Internet.
Link
PCS STUFF
PCS History by Andy Reti
Andy has written a comprehensive history of PCS and it's posted
here for all to read.
Link
PCS Open Source CD by Andy Reti
The Prescott Computer Society is pleased to offer its members a
special CD with 129 open source computer programs. These
programs are designed to protect your computer and help make it
more secure, add functionalities, manage, maintain and convert
files and test the speed of your Internet connection.
PDF file
So You Want To Become A SIG Leader by Andy Reti
If you are interested in becoming a SIG (Special Interest Group)
leader, Andy has written a great article on the subject.
And even if you're not, it provides a good look at how our
meetings are run.
Link
PHOTOGRAPHY
Demystifying Resolution by Ellen Tyler
Here is Ellen's handout "Images: From Scan to Output in 8 Basic
Steps."
PDF file
Organizing Digital Photos by Bob Ellis
Bob describes a novel way of organizing your photos so you can
actually find what you're looking for. This method turns
the file name into a way to "tag" your photos for later easy
retrieval.
PowerPoint file
Using Layer Masks by Phil Ball
This article by Phil discusses using the FREE add-on from
Hidden Power
which allows you to have the functionality of layer masks of big
Photoshop in your Photoshop Elements v5.
DOC file
PRESENTATION TIPS 'N' TRICKS
PowerPoint Source Materials by JB Burke
A good source for PowerPoint information, help and cheat sheets.
XLS (Excel) file
Presentation Tips by Ray DeCosta
Here are some useful tips on how to give a presentation at the
Prescott Public Library (and elsewhere). Even though you
may not have access to the projector until just before your
presentation, there are several points you can take care of in
advance to make sure that everything goes smoothly. OK -
goes as smoothly as possible!
Link
Working with the PCS Laptop and the Library Projector by
Andy Reti
Often, it can be difficult getting the PCS laptop and the
projector to play well together. This write-up will give
you a pretty good idea how to avoid problems in this area.
PDF file
SECURITY & MALWARE
Malware by Ray Carlson
This is the source material for Ray's General meeting
presentation and will lead you to numerous websites.
DOC file
Malware Threats by JB Burke
JB discusses the various types of malware and the numerous FREE
programs you can use to remove them or keep them off your
computer. He also tells you about some hints that will
show if you might be infected.
PDF File
Security for Your Computer by Jim Perry
Security is a somewhat hazy area for many computer users - they
know they should do something about it, but they're not sure
exactly what. For complete security on your computer, you need a
combination of a firewall, virus protection, and malware
protection. You also need to keep your software up to date, both
Microsoft and programs from other vendors that may have security
fixes to supply. This presentation explains each of these
security requirements and recommends *free* software for you to
use to protect your computer.
PDF file
Video Tutorials by Carver Smith
Carver has done an excellent job demonstrating how to install
and/or use these malware removal tools. He has used the
FREE program Jing to capture the video directly from his screen
and audio from his microphone. It's a quirky little
program, but it does the job at the right price. You can
obtain Jing for yourself
here.
MalwareBytes - Installation and running
Link
MalwareBytes - Running and removing malware
Link
Spybot Search and Destroy - Running the program
Link
SOFTWARE
Evernote by Jim Perry
Here is Jim's presentation on Evernote. By using this
great program, you can file just about every kind of information
imaginable and, more importantly, find it again later! You
can store your info on the web so it's accessible from anywhere
and it can even be synchronized between different devices.
And in addition, it's FREE!
PDF file
SPECIAL TOPICS
Computers and Public Policy by Bob Ellis
Bob Ellis has presented an abbreviated version of his talk on
Computers and Public Policy. Bob issues an invitation to
anyone who knows of an organization that would be interested in
a version of his presentation to contact Bob.
Link
Fair Use Review by Bob Ellis
Here's a presentation about the copyright issues that surround
us today as well as some of the legalities of copying music that
you have legitimately bought.
PowerPoint file
TIPS 'N' TRICKS
A Unix Command Line Interface for Windows by John Carter
John has written a very extensive article about using Cygwin to
run Unix commands on a PC. This will free you from some of
the restrictions of Windows' command line interface and allow
you to write scripts to automate your processes.
DOC file
Acronis/True Image Tips 'n' Tricks by Gene Barlow
For those of you who have purchased an Acronis program (Disc
Director or True Image), Gene Barlow of User Group Relations has
sent me a newsletter regarding some Tips 'n' Tricks about
updates and getting these programs to work with Win7.
Link
Burning CDs by Ray DeCosta
This is a basic introduction to the terms and procedures used in
the burning of CDs on your computer. Ray suggests some
easy methods of dealing with the complexities between burning
programs and ways to reduce the difficulties you may encounter
to a manageable level.
PowerPoint file
Buying RAM for Your Computer by Ray DeCosta
Here's an easy-to-understand article on how to determine how
much and what kind of RAM you may (and should) install in your
computer. Link
Clean Your Computer by Ray DeCosta
Ray has provided some basic information regarding how to use
Task Manager and Msconfig to trim some of those unneeded
Processes from your computer. Included are sources for
other useful programs that will inspect your computer for
programs that run when you boot and prevent them from starting
if you wish. In addition, there are some suggestions on
how to take screenshots to send to your computer buddy for
analysis.
PowerPoint file
Related Topic:
Using Process Explorer by Carver Smith
Carver has listed some Tips 'n' Tricks for using Process
Explorer on its own and as a substitute for Task Manager.
Link
CComputer Tuneup by Bob Simpson
Bob showed us how to use readily available free programs to scan
our computers for malware, update security programs and drivers,
conduct download and upload speed checks and other equally handy
items. Link
Free Help Sites by PCS Staff
Here's a list of some free help sites that should get you
started on your quest for knowledge.
Link
Free Programs by Ray DeCosta
Here's a collection of links to useful programs that actually
work as advertised. Many of our SIG leaders discuss and
use these programs in their presentations. And the best
part is that they are all FREE! Well, what did you expect?
Link
Installing RAM in your Desktop Computer by Ray DeCosta
And here's how to install that new RAM you so carefully bought.
Link
Recycling by PCS Staff
Here's some suggestions for getting rid of your old computer
equipment without simply tossing it in the trash. There
are places which will either re-use or recycle what's of no
longer use to you.
Link
Slide Scanning by Ray DeCosta
A short presentation describing the important things to look for
when converting slides to images and ultimately to a video.
PowerPoint file
VISTA
Vista for Beginners Lecture Series Class Notes by Phil
Ball These are all in DOC format (Word files)
Lesson 1 - The Basics of Using
a Computer
Lesson 2 - Actually Using Your
Computer
Lesson 3 - Storage of Our
Documents
Lesson 4 - Windows Accessories
Lesson 5 - Installing
Additional Programs
Lesson 6 - Connecting to the
Internet
Lesson 7 - Safety and Security
on the Internet
Lesson 8 - Maintaining Your PC
for Efficiency and Safety
WEBSITES
Why You Should Have a Personal Website (and how to do
it) by Bob Ellis
As the title suggests, Bob explains why you need your own site
and how to get there with readily available tools, some of which
are FREE.
PowerPoint file
WINDOWS 7
Moving from XP to Windows 7 by JB Burke
JB's notes from his New Development SIG where he discusses the
easy way to move from XP to W7.
Link
Also, here's his presentation from that SIG, "How to Get to
Windows 7 From Good Old XP"
PDF file
Upgrading to Windows 7
In this article, Phil discusses his adventure while upgrading
from Vista to Windows 7. He gives you some great tips and
tricks about how he did it and what to look for along the way.
Link
Windows 7 by Bob Simpson
Want to know all about Windows 7? Here is Bob's
presentation showing everything you need to know about versions,
features, installation and prices.
PDF file
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