| Subject/Title |
Meeting & Date |
Submitted by |
Back Door Found in Energizer DUO USB Battery Charger Software
Energizer Bunny's software infects PCs
|
General Meeting
on 03-15-2009 |
Les Stein |
"The pros and cons of switching to Windows 7" by Woody Leonhard
Features New to Windows 7
|
General Meeting
on 03-15-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
Minimum system requirements for running Windows 7
Do you need the "Windows 7" upgrade or the "Windows 7" full version?
How to Pay Less for Windows 7"
"Windows 7" pricing at Newegg.com
How to Perform a "Full Install" of "Windows 7" Using the "Upgrade Version" and Save $100
The actual steps for doing so are at Woody Leonhard's "SuperSite for Windows" blog and
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/howtos/how_use_your_windows_7_upgrade_disk_fresh_pc?page=0%2C1
and
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/10/27/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-and-product-key-on-formatted-or-empty-blank-hard-drive/
See also:
Microsoft confirms Windows 7 install trick is legal
See also: Windows 7 upgrade version: The dos and don'ts
How to Decide on the Edition of "Windows 7"
How to Decide Between the 32-bit and 64-bit Versions of "Windows 7"
Another cost-saving alternative is to install an OEM version of "Windows 7". See
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=1561
Microsoft's official documentation on upgrade paths between the various versions of "Windows Vista" to the various versions of "Windows 7" AND between the various versions of "Windows 7" to each other can be found at:
Windows 7 Upgrade Considerations"
and
Windows 7 Upgrade Paths
|
General Meeting
on 03-15-2010 |
Robert Thompson |
"Using Windows 7"
"Aero Troubleshooting for Windows 7"
|
General Meeting
on 03-15-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
"Windows 7" Upgrade Step-By-Step
|
Windows 7/
General Meeting
on 03-15-2010 |
Robert Thompson |
Microsoft: Don't press F1 key in Windows XP
Ignore sites that nag to press the Help key, says zero-day bug advisory
Microsoft to XP Users: 'Don't Press F1'
Critics Wary of Microsoft's Waledac Botnet Takedown
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 03-03-2010 |
Les Stein |
|
You can use a Yogan Universal Device Charger to power up any mobile device such as a cell phone. If the battery on your mobile device dies and you still need to make a call, you can use your hands to squeeze the "Yogan" device repeatedly. The "Yogan" has an internal battery that stores your squeezes in it's internal rechargeable battery. After about 5 minutes, you can stop squeezing and attach a cable from the "Yogan" to the power jack of the mobile device and it will power this device for a few minutes. If your mobile device is a cell phone, the "Yogan" will provide power to it long enough for you to make an outgoing call.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 03-03-2010 |
George Harding |
New "Tech Support" pages have been added to the TCS Web site.
Many of the virtual folders of these new Web pages provide information about Windows and hardware-related topics. To access these new pages, click on the "Tech Support" hyperlink near the bottom of the left vertical menu bar of any of the main pages of the TCS Web site. Alternatively, you can go directly to
http://www.box.net/shared/ff0p9m41h0.
We recommend that you select a "Sort by" of "Name" before perusing the pages of the "Tech Support" section of the TCS Web site.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 03-03-2010 |
Paul Scott |
Relative usage of various desktop operating systems
Relative usage of various Web browsers
Relative usage of various search engine Web sites
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 03-03-2010 |
George Harding |
How to Remove "Antivirus Live" and Other Rogue/Fake Antivirus Malware
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 03-03-2010 |
Ken Sandock |
You can use the free "CloseAll.exe" software application to close all open Windows in Windows.
If one of your open applications has a document file with unsaved changes, the application that it is associated with will not close until you decide whether to save those changes through a dialog box. In other words, running "CloseAll.exe" is equivalent to clicking on the "File" and then "Close" for each open Window individually.
"CloseAll.exe" is a portable software application. A portable software application is one that does not need to be installed on your Windows computer and one that does not need support from the Windows registry. Since it is a portable software application, you can carry "CloseAll.exe" around on a USB flash drive or a CD disc and run in from any computer that you use.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 03-03-2010 |
Bill Brownlee
|
Installing any version of Windows or any distro of Linux as a guest of "VirtualBox" hosted in "Windows"
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 03-03-2010 |
Robert Thompson |
Of the 8+ free software applications for backing up (imaging) a computer, the "best of breed" is "Macrium Reflect Free Edition".
For the past twelve months, computer gurus who write for computer publications have been raving about "Macrium Reflect Free Edition" ("Macrium"). See:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/157039/make_drive_imaging_easy_with_macrium_reflect_free.html
and
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-10369192-68.html
and
http://www.pcworld.com/article/168223/more_on_image_backups.html
You can download this great freebie at
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp
After you install "Macrium" into your Windows computer, you can use it to back up any and/or all hard drives or hard drive partitions. At a future point in time, the image files that "Macrium" creates can be used to restore your computer's entire Windows hard drive including the registry and any data that resides on the drive.
Detailed instructions for installing "Macrium" are available at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/macrium/1/1_installing.html
Detailed instructions for creating a Macrium "Rescue CD" are available at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/macrium/2/2_makingrescuecd.html
Detailed instructions for using "Macrium" to back up (image) a Windows computer are available at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/macrium/3/3_backingup.html
Detailed instructions for using the Macrium "Rescue CD" to restore the hard drive(s) or hard drive partitions of a Windows computer are available at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/macrium/4/4_restoring.html
A comparison between "Macrium" and "Acronis True Image Home 2010" can be found at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/macrium/5/5_comparison.html
A comparison between "Macrium" and "Clonezilla" can be found at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/macrium/6/6_comparison2.html
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 03-03-2010 |
Bill Brownlee
|
To change the default operating system for any Linux distro that uses "Grub 2" (such as Ubuntu 9.10), you can download, install, and use the "StartUp-Manager" application. See
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/StartUpManager
|
Linux SIG
on 02-28-2010 |
Dennis McCormick |
"Docupen" by Planon is a portable scanning device
Clickfree Transformer is a pass-thru USB device with bundled software in firmware for backing up all data files in a Windows computer to an external USB hard drive that you must provide.
"Clon" by Verbatim is an external hard drive with bundled "Nero BackItUp" software for backing up all data files in a Windows computer.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 02-03-2010 |
George Harding |
Silent Updates Boost Security (for Google Chrome relative to other Web browsers)
|
General Meeting
on 02-15-2010 |
Les Stein |
YouTube videos of the Yawcam Video Alarm presentation
taken with an Insignia 5MP Digital Camcorder
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 02-03-2010 |
John Smith |
With a free software application called "Yawcam" and some trial-and-error configuration, you can turn any computer that has a Webcam into a security alarm that sends photos of any unexpected events in your home or business to one or more e-mail addresses. If one of these e-mail addresses is one that belongs to your celllular phone, then you will be notified in a timely manner whenever an unexpected event occurs in your home or business. Step-to-step instructions for installing "Yawcam" are located at the "Video Motion Detection Alarm" folder at
http://www.box.net/shared/ff0p9m41h0
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 02-03-2010 |
George Harding |
Windows 7 RC nears auto-shutdown deadline, Microsoft warns
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 02-03-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
"Connectify" is a free software application that lets any "Windows 7" computer that has a Wi-Fi adapter act as a wireless access point for other computers. Even if your "Windows 7" computer has a single Wi-Fi adapter that is already acting as the computer's Internet connection, "Connectify" wil turn your computer into a wireless access point for other Wi-Fi-capable computers that are nearby. You can download "version 1.1" of Connectify for free at
http://www.connectify.me/
Step-by-step instructions for installing "Connectify" are located at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/connectify/connectify.html
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 02-03-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
Speeding up Windows 7
or
Make the Windows 7 Taskbar Work More Like Windows XP or Vista
Speeding up Windows Vista
or
Make Vista Look Like XP
Speeding up Windows XP
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 02-03-2010 |
Myron Dungey |
"7 Backup Strategies for Your Data, Multimedia, and System Files"
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 02-03-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
The next version of Ubuntu Linux will be version 10.04 with a code name of "Lucid Lynx".
This version will have "Long Term Support" of 5 years. See
http://www.ubuntugeek.com/what%E2%80%99s-coming-in-ubuntu-10-04-lucid-lynx.html and
http://fridge.ubuntu.com/node/1916
|
Linux SIG
on 01-24-2010 |
Dennis McCormick |
With the help of the Canonical company, the developers of "Ubuntu" Linux, Google are currently developing an operating system that is based on the "Google Chrome" Web browser. It is actually a super-lean, Internet-dependent distro of Linux. The "alpha" of "Google Chrome OS" is now available from two locations: "gdgt.com" and "hexxeh.net".
The gdgt.com version of the alpha of "Google Chrome OS" is available as a ".vmdk" virtual machine appliance file.
This "vmdk" file can be installed in to ways:
as a bootable USB flash storage device
and
as a virtual machine guest running inside "Sun VirtualBox".
The instructions for making a bootable USB flash storage device are located at http://discuss.gdgt.com/google/chrome-os/tips/Chromium-OS-on-ASUS-eee-PC-via-USB-in-three-easy-steps/
Instructions for running the bootable USB flash storage device.
The gdgt.com version of "Google Chrome OS" has extensive support for both Wi-Fi and wired ("Ethernet") network connections. It requires a 4-Gigabyte (or larger) USB flash storage device.
The instructions for creating a virtual machine "guest operating system" in Sun VirtualBox" is located at the "gdgt.com". To run the "virtual machine appliance" version, you can download and install "VirtualBox 3" for free at VirtualBox.org
The hexxeh.net version of the alpha of "Google Chrome OS" is a *.img file that can be used to create a bootable USB flash device. See
http://chromeos.hexxeh.net
At the present time, the hexxeh.net version has mininal support for Wi-Fi: If you are unable to make a Wi-Fi connection with it, try using it with a wired "Ethernet" network connection.
The hexxeh.net version requires a 2-gigabyte (or larger) USB flash storage device.
|
Linux
SIG
on 01-24-2009 |
Les Stein |
Ubuntu Netbook Remix and
Easy Peasy
are super-lean distros of Linux that are optimized for netbooks and low-end computers.
|
Linux SIG
on 01-24-2010 |
Myron Dungey
|
YouTube video of "Smart Computing" presentation by Jaime Link and Kyle Trapes
|
General Meeting
on 01-18-2010 |
Myron Dungey |
YouTube video of George Harding's report on the "2010 International Consumer Electronics Show"(CES)
"CES 2010 Notes and Analysis with Hyperlinks"
|
General Meeting
on 01-18-2010 |
George Harding |
YouTube video of Rick Rolland's report
on the "2010 International Consumer Electronics Show"(CES)
CNET videos taken at CES can be found at
http://ces.cnet.com/ces-videos
Keynote presentations can be found at
http://cesweb.org
|
General Meeting
on 01-18-2010 |
Rick Rolland |
User manuals for our SVGA projector can be downloaded from
http://www.optomausa.com/Product_detail.asp?product_id=389
|
General Meeting
on 01-18-2010 |
Rick Rolland |
Intermediate & Advanced Virus/Malware Fixes
|
Computer
Professionals
SIG
on 01-15-2010 |
Dustin Jones
and
Harry Elver |
Browser history viewers are a great tool for doing research on the World Wide Web
|
Computer
Professionals
SIG
on 01-15-2010 |
Daniel Vance
and
Harry Elver |
"Google Voice" is a feature-rich telephone management service. They can provide you with a free local phone number (in any area code you desire) or you can have them always ring one of your existing land-line or cellular phone numbers. An excellent description of "Google Voice" can be found at
http://askbobrankin.com/what_is_google_voice.html
The "Google Voice" service can be configured in one of four methods:
See http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/googlevoice.html
for details.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
Les Stein |
"Skype" and "MagicJack" are Internet-based alternatives to traditional "Plain Old Telephone Service" telephone lines.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
There have been many problems with Hewlett Packard.
"Pavilion" or "Pavilion Elite" computers that were sold in the latter half of 2009. The "lockups" or "freezes" do not appear to be dependent on any particular operating system. Hewlett Packard tech support has been unable to provide any end-user resolutions that resolve the problems. The big fix that resolves the problems is a replacement of the "Truckee" motherboard by a Hewlett Packard service center.
See http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/truckeeproblems.html for extensive discussions of these problems.
Hewlett Packard's documentation on the "Truckee" motherboard does not mention the problems. Many of the "Pavilions" and "Pavilion Elites" with this motherboard do not have the problems. No one knows what percentage of the Hewlett Packard computers with this motherboard have the above-mentioned problems.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
UPGRADING FROM "WINDOWS XP" OR "WINDOWS VISTA" TO "WINDOWS 7":
Windows 7 Upgrade--Almost Everything You Need to Know
Use "Windows Easy Transfer"("WET") to move data files and Windows settings. "WET" is freebie applet that is part of both "Windows Vista" and "Windows 7". It can be installed into "Windows XP".
Or use Laplink's not-free "PCMover" to reduce the amount of effort involved in performing a "clean install" upgrade of Windows 7. However, like any complicated software utility, there is a small possibility that "WET" or "PCMover" might fail. Some failures involve failure to move data files in certain locations. Other failures involve the failure to move some Windows settings. For some instances of failure of "WET", see:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76217291@N00/3492360092/
http://www.realgeek.com/forums/windows-easy-transfer-204202.html
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2111364,00.asp
http://www.resourcesforwebsites.com/windowseasytransfer.php
http://www.kombitz.com/2009/08/17/notes-about-windows-easy-transfer/
FAQ:
How to prep for an XP-to-Windows 7 upgrade
by Gregg Keizer
UPGRADING FROM ONE VERSION OF "WINDOWS 7" TO ANOTHER VERSION OF "WINDOWS 7":
Microsoft's information on "Windows Anytime Update" (between versions of "Windows 7") is at
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Windows-Anytime-Upgrade-frequently-asked-questions
To upgrade from one version of "Windows 7" to a higher up version, you have to use the "windows Anytime Upgrade" applet inside the current version of "Windows 7". If you attempt to run the "upgrade version" or "full version" installation disk of the higher version of "Windows 7" from inside your current version of "Windows 7", you will arrive at a information window that tells you that you have to use "Windows Anytime Upgrade".
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
George Harding |
When sharing files and printers between "Windows 7" and earlier versions of Windows, you cannot use "Homegroup". Here is how you can do it:
"Sharing Files and Printers Between "Windows 7", "Windows Vista", and "Windows XP"
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
George Harding |
If you are running "Windows 7" as your operating system,
create a system repair disk now, and add it to your collection of "just in case" tools.. The "Windows 7" installation DVD disk (that Microsoft provided) can also be used as a bootable "system repair disk" but it does not do as good a job as the actual "system repair disk".
Both the "full version" and "upgrade version" installation disks (from Microsoft) of "Windows 7" are bootable and can function as a "system repair disk".
If you are running "Windows Vista" or "Windows XP", the original installation disk (that Mirosoft provided) can be used as a "system repair disk".
Both the "full version" and "upgrade version" installation disks (from Microsoft) of Windows Vista" are bootable and can function as a "system repair disk".
However, only the installation disk of the "full version" of "Windows XP" can function as a "system repair disk". The installation disk of the "upgrade version" of "Windows XP" cannot be used to boot up a computer. If the computer is already booted up, the "upgrade version" of "Windows XP" can be used as a system repair disk.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
George Harding |
The "Microsoft Office 2010 beta" can be downloaded for free from
http://us2.office2010beta.microsoft.com/searchresults.aspx?keyword=office 2010.
Details about the different versions of this time-limited software can be found at
http://us2.office2010beta.microsoft.com/faq.aspx?culture=en-US
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
George Harding |
Openoffice.org is
a free, open source office suite consisting of a word processor called
"Writer", a spreadsheet called "Calc", a presentation application
called "Impress", and a database system called "Base".
"Writer"can open, create, and modify *.doc and *.docx files.
"Calc" can open, create, and modify *.xls and *.xlsx files.
"Impress" can open, create, and modify *.ppt and *.pptx files.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
Ken Sandock |
Nero 9 Lite is
a great, free software application for burning and copying DVDs and CDs
ImgBurn is
a great free software application for burning and copying DVDs and CDs.
It can also create *.iso image files of actual CDs, DVDs, and any files/folders on a hard drive.
Virtual CloneDrive is
a great free software application for creating a virtual CD or DVD drive from an *.iso image file.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
"Windows Activation"
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 01-06-2010 |
Bill Brownlee |
Jolicloud's "Jolicloud Express" is a super-lean Linux disto that will compete with "Google Chrome Operating System". The beta of "Jolicloud Express" is available for you to download and try.
|
Linux
SIG
on 12-27-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
"Splashtop" and "Hyperspace" are two technologies to provide computer owners with a super-lean Linux distro for quick, safe Web access without using the main operating system and hard drive of a personal computer. "Splashtop" has been available since the summer of 2008. Phoenix's "Hyperspace" is currently only available on some high-end "Intel" motherboards.
These two schemes for providing a minimalized Linux environment might compete with the emerging "Google Chrome Operating System". See http://blog.laptopmag.com/is-google-chrome-the-new-splashtop
|
Linux
SIG
on 12-27-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
A YouTube video by the president of LapWorks can be found at
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1214494414844901606#
|
General Meeting
on 12-21-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
Virtual Online Gifts Shared by Professional SIG Attendees
|
Computer
Professionals
SIG
on 12-18-2009 |
Harry Elver |
Dexim BluePack S3 for iPod/iPhone/Blackberry is an external battery pack that increases the duration of operation up to 10 hours talk time, 20 hours video playing time, and 80 hours music playing time.. It recharges the internal battery of your device while you continue to operate it.
"Tweakers" are tiny collapsible speakers for the iPod, MP3 players, and similar devices that produce surprisingly good sound. "Tweakers" are available in black and red.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
George Harding |
Free Wi-Fi hotspots in the Tucson, Arizona area
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
Daniel M. Vance |
"8 free software to image/backup/ghost your computer (free alternatives to Acronis True Image, Norton Ghost, etc.)"
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
George Harding |
Dual Booting Between "Windows 7" and "Windows XP", "Windows Vista", "Ubuntu 9.04", or "Ubuntu 9.10"
Information on "Grub 2", Windows Vista and 7's "bcdedit", and "EasyBCD" is also available.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
"Recuva" is a free software utility for recovering files that you have accidently deleted. In order to to do it's magic for you, "Recuva" has to be installed into your computer before you have your "Oops!" situation.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
"Rebit" makes software and external hard drives for automatically backing up ("imaging") your entire Windows hard drive.
The software-only version of "Rebit" only works with USB-connnected hard drives. It does not allow backups of Windows computers to hard drives that connect by means of Firewire, IDE, SATA, eSATA, or SCSI.
See:
http://www.rebit.com/faqs_purchasing.html#64
and
http://support.rebit.com/forum/topic/3rd-party-drive-firewire-support
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
George Harding |
"ClickFree" can be
used to perform automated backups of your computer's data files. Their
system does not load any software onto the hard drive of your computer. Their "Transformer" product lets you use your own external USB hard drive as the backup location. They do not have a product that works with SATA, eSATA, Firewire, or IDE hard drives
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
"Synchromat","GoodSync", and "ViceVersa" are three
additional ways to perform automated backups of your computer's data
files.
"Synchromat"
offers a free 30-day fully-functional trial of their software.
"GoodSync"
offers a free reduced-capability version of their software, which is
adequate for many computer users.
"ViceVersa"
offers a free 30-day fully-functional trial of their software.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
Free Storage on the World Wide Web:
Adrive--50 Gigabytes
Google docs
Skydrive--25 Gigabytes
Idrive--2 Gigabytes
Mozy--2 Gigabytes
My Picturetown--2 Gigabytes
Box.net--1 Gigabyte
DropBoks--1 Gigabyte
AARP.org.--1 Megabyte of photos & 1 Megabyte of videos
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
Les Stein |
Generic How-To for Installing Software Applications into a "Windows 7" Computer
|
Windows7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
George Harding |
Multimedia File Formats for "Windows Media Player"
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 12-02-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
YouTube video playlist of
"Backing Up Computers" presentation by Jon Griebel
|
General Meeting
on 11-16-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
YouTube video playlist of
"Green Screen Wizard" presentation by Ken Colby
|
General Meeting
on 11-16-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
"XM Radio" has a
home page
and a Wikipedia page
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
George Harding |
Antique modem still works!
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
Les Stein |
According
Windows 8 News & Tips both "Windows 8" and "Windows 9" are currently being developed by Microsoft
Windows 8 Center and Redmond Magazine have similar information
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
Get
IObit Security 360™ PRO with a 12-month subscription for free
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
George Harding |
Ctrl+Shift+Esc gets you to the "Windows Task Manager" faster than Ctrl+Alt+Delete
Another quick way to get to the "Windows Task Manager" is to perform a right click on gray space anywhere on the Windows "Task Bar" and then select "Start Task Manager" from the pop-up utility menu. All of these ways for getting to the "Windows Task Manager" work for "Windows XP", "Windows Vista", and "Windows 7"
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
George Harding |
How to make Windows XP last for the next seven years
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
Windows 7 upgrade paralyzes some PCs with endless reboots
Windows 7 upgrades can take up to 20 hours;
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
"Use any version of Windows 7 free for 120 days" or
"
How to install any version (or sku) of Windows7" or
"Tweak offers free trial of any Windows 7 edition"
explains how you can use a "Windows 7 RTM" (any version) installation DVD to install a free trial copy of any version of "Windows 7" into a computer.
As stated in these articles, do not enter in the 25-character "product key" (also known as an "activation key" or an "activation code") when you are installing "Windows 7" for a free 120-day evaluation.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
Robert Thompson |
You can do an "in-place upgrade" from "Windows 7 Release Candidate" to "Windows 7 RTM". An "in-place upgrade" preserves all data files, applications programs, and Windows settings without requiring you to use "Windows Easy Transfer" or third party utilities such as Laplink's "PCMover".
The instructions for performing an "in-place upgrade" from RC to RTM are located at
http://icrontic.com/articles/upgrade-the-windows-7-rc-to-retail/?utm_source=3features&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=homepage
A similar set of instructions is available at
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/howtos/how_upgrade_windows_7_final_rc
Note: When editing the two registry keys in the old "Windows 7 RC", do not put a space between "Home" and "Premium".
Please ignore any of the dire warnings that were issued by Microsoft about how such an "in-place upgrade" from "Windows 7 RC" to "Windows 7 RTM" is not possible.
You can delay buying a copy of "Windows 7" by continuing to use or by installing and using "Windows 7 Release Candidate" which is also known as "Windows 7 RC".
"Windows 7 Release Candidate" was offered to the public between May 5, 2009 and August 20, 2009. However, it will continue to be perfectly functional until March 1, 2010.
Between March 1, 2010 and May 31, 2010, "Windows 7 Release Candidate" will perform unannounced shutdowns every 2 hours. On June 1, 2010, all installed copies of "Windows 7 Release Candidate" will cease to function.
See
https://partner.microsoft.com/belux-fr/productssolutions/windows/wiwindows7
for details of the "Shutdown Schedule".
Until March 1, 2010, if you run "Windows 7 Release Candidate", Microsoft will continue to provide updates though "Windows Update"/"Microsoft Update". So if you install or have installed it into your computer(s), you can delay spending money on "Windows 7 upgrade edition" until April of 2010.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
George Harding |
Download and run the "Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor" to determine of any of the hardware and software components in your computer will have compatibility issues with "Windows 7"
Windows 7 Upgrade--Almost Everything You Need to Know
Use "Windows Easy Transfer"("WET" is freebie from Microsoft) or Laplink's not-free "PCMover" to reduce the amount of effort involved in performing a "clean install" upgrade of Windows 7. However, like any complicated software utility, there is a small possibility that "WET" or "PCMover" might fail. Some failures involve failure to move data files in certain locations. Other failures involve the failure to move some Windows settings. For some instances of failure of "WET", see:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76217291@N00/3492360092/
http://www.realgeek.com/forums/windows-easy-transfer-204202.html
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2111364,00.asp
http://www.resourcesforwebsites.com/windowseasytransfer.php
http://www.kombitz.com/2009/08/17/notes-about-windows-easy-transfer/
Every box of "Windows 7" has both a 32-bit installation DVD and a 64-bit installation DVD inside it.
However, you can only use one of these DVDs to install and activate "Windows 7" into a single computer, since you only get a single "product key" inside the box.
For details, see
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/windows_7_upgrade_guide_all_your_questions_answered
FAQ:
How to prep for an XP-to-Windows 7 upgrade
by Gregg Keizer
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
George Harding |
Laplink's PCMover software utility is a great, reasonably-priced way to help you migrate from "Windows XP.." to "Windows 7..". "PCMover" can move your software applications from your older copy of Windows to your new installation of "Windows 7". (Microsoft's free "Windows Easy Transfer" is unable to move software applications.) "PCMover" can move your data files and Windows settings to your new copy of "Windows 7..". "PCMover" is also useful for migrating from a "unlike" version of "Windows Vista.." to an "unlike" version of "Windows 7.."(which the Windows 7 installation program does not support for an "in-place upgrade").
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
George Harding |
Make Windows 7 or Vista Log On Automatically
How to Configure Windows XP to Log You in Automatically
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
The Windows 7 Party Song (YouTube video)
Chords and lyrics
(text)
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
Speeding Up a Dial-Up Connection
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
"The Top 50 Proprietary Programs that Drive You Crazy — and Their Open Source Alternatives
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
Les Stein |
"E-mail: From Basic to Advanced" taught by by Sara O'Neil on October 15th at the Oasis Institute of Tucson.
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
Removing a w32.sillyFDC Virus Infection
|
Windows 7/
Hardware
SIG
on 11-04-2009 |
George Harding |
TaxSlayer.com provides free and low-cost, Web-based Federal and Arizona State income tax preparation
|
Linux SIG
on 10-25-2009 |
Dennis McCormick |
Information on the life and artwork of Norman Rockwell:
http://www.windowsusers.org/conference/norman2009.wmv
http://www.americanartarchives.com/rockwell,n.htm
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/ARTrockwell.htm"
|
General Meeting
on 10-19-2009 |
George Harding |
Adding Hard Drives
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 10-07-2009 |
George Harding |
A "portable software application" is one that 1) does not write to or read from the Windows registry and 2) does not need to be "installed" into your Windows computer.
Portable applications can be placed on a USB flash drive or an external hard drive. You can use free, portable software applications to make your computer run faster. See:
http://onlinecollegedegree.org/2009/,
http://downloadpedia.org,
and
http://www.techsupportalert.com
"OpenOffice.org Portable" copied to any USB flash drive or external drive can be used to run "OpenOffice" applications on any computer without installing "OpenOffice" into the computer:
Step-by-Step Instructions
"OpenOffice.org Portable" written onto a CD or DVD can be used to run "OpenOffice" applications on any computer with a DVD/CD drive without installation "OpenOffice" into the computer:
Step-by-Step Instructions
You can make a self-contained CD that automatically autoruns "OpenOfficeCalc Portable" and opens up a spreadsheet when the CD is inserted into the DVD/CD drive of any Windows computer. This CD lets the end-user run "OpenOfficeCalc" without installing "OpenOffice" onto the hard drive of a computer. To make a prototype CD to try out this concept, please download all of the files and folders from here in native format or from here as a zipped file. After downloading, please burn these files and folders onto a CD or DVD. If you insert this CD into a Windows computer and it does not run "OpenOfficeCalc" and open up "TNSmembershiplist.xls" automatically, please open the CD in "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer" and then double-click on the "membershiplist.bat" file.
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 10-07-2009 |
George Harding |
Notes and hyperlinks from "Special Interest Web Sites" course taught by by Sara O'Neil on October 1st at the Oasis Institute of Tucson. This workshop focused on fun and games, leisure time and special-interest web sites with information on special interests (recipes/cooking, museum visits, music, travel, etc.), fun (coloring books, puzzles, and games), and leisure/play time (newspapers, magazines, travel, photography, etc.).
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 10-07-2009 |
George Harding |
PC Week's top-ranked free antivirus software: "Avira AntiVir Personal", "Avast Antivirus Home Edition", and "AVG 8.5 Free"
"Microsoft Security Essentials" is a free suite of antivirus/antimalware utilties that was released on September 29, 2009
Comparison of free and non-free versions of Avira Antivir
Comparison of free and non-free versions of Avast Antivirus
Comparison of free and non-free versions of AVG
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 10-07-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
Mark Russinovich of Microsoft mentioned "Windows 8" in an interview that was reported in March 2009
Job openings for "Windows 8" were found at careers.microsoft.com in April 2009.
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 10-07-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
"Acronis True Image Home 2010" was released on September 15, 2009.
See the news release for details.
Detailed list of how the different versions of "Acronis True Image Home.." differ.
A more detailed list of version "..2010" improvements.
Users manual (Acrobat PDF format) is available for download.
How to Back Up (or "Image") a Hard Drive with Acronis
How to Restore a Hard Drive with Acronis
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 10-07-2009 |
George Harding |
If you use Windows XP's "Wireless Zero Configuration" service or Windows Vista's "Connect to a Network" to configure the wireless (WiFi), you can use the free WirelessKeyView software utility to look up the security keys of all wireless networks which you haved ever made connections to. If you use the third party Wi-Fi management software that was bundled with your Wi-Fi adapter, you have to use the third party Wi-fi management software to view your security keys, if they provide you with this capability.
|
Windows/Hardware SIG
on 10-07-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
Step-by-step instructions for installing "Ubuntu 9.04" Linux into an existing "Windows" computer. I created a dual-boot computer, using a careful, conservative installation procedure that starts off with a total backup of the initial configuration of my hard drive using "Clonezilla", followed by a re-size of the Windows NTFS partition using "GParted".
|
Linux
SIG
on 09-27-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
Version 4.5 of the open-source "Parted Magic LiveCD" is now available for download. It contains updated versions of:
"Gparted" ("Gee" "Part" "Ed") to move, resize, or repair the volumes (primary partitions) on the hard drive of your computer, and
Clonezilla for backing up/imaging/achiving and restoring hard drives and hard drive partitions.
|
Linux SIG
on 09-27-2009 |
Dennis McCormick |
An articled entitled "Choosing the Best Antivirus for Your Ubuntu Box" provides links to four free antivirus untilities for Linux and explains why you might want to use them.
|
Linux
SIG
on 09-27-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
An informative presentation called "A Report
to the Taxpayers: The Use of Technology in Delivering Police Services" was delivered by James Wysocki. Wysocki is the Administrator of the Public Safety Division of the City of
Tucson. His aggressive, methodical use of technology has dramatically transformed the overall effectiveness of the Tucson Police Department. To get an overview of how they deploy technology, see his detailed bio in ZoomInfo, his pioneering implementation of the "COPLINK" computer network for information sharing between law enforcement agencies, and other synergistic information sharing systems.
A YouTube video playlist of the entire presentation is available.
|
General Meeting
on 09-21-2009 |
George Harding |
Drive Imaging--Almost Everything You Need to Know
How to Back Up (or "Image") a Hard Drive with Clonezilla
How to Restore a Hard Drive with Clonezilla
|
General Meeting
on 09-21-2009 |
Liz Orban |
Use Slysoft's free "Virtual Clonedrive" software utility to access the files and folders inside any DVD or CD .ISO (ISO 9660) file.
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 09-02-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
You can increase the speed/performance of an older computer by replacing Windows (98/ME/2000/XP) computer by installing Windows 7x.
Government Computer News Labs discovered performance improvements when Windows 98, XP, and Vista computers were converted to Windows 7RC. They did their testing on a pile of old clunker computers using Passmark's "PerformanceTest".
Advice about Using Windows 7 to "rejuvenate" an older computer with Windows 7x can be found in
Computerworld's "How Low Can You Go?" article, and at
PC World's "Windows 7 Hits a New Low" article.
|
Windows/Hardware SIG
on 09-02-2009 |
Bill Brownlee |
You can use the "Scanner and Camera Wizard" in "Windows XP.." and "Windows Vista.." to download photos from a digital camera.
Here are step-by-step instructions for Windows XP.
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 09-02-2009 |
Paul Scott |
How to use a free application called
PageDefrag to defragment the swap file(s) of any Windows computer.
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 09-02-2009 |
George Harding |
You can use a free "BitDefender Rescue CD" to scan any Windows computer for viruses, malware, and rootkits.
Download the iso image file from http://download.bitdefender.com/rescue_cd/.
Then, use your CD-burning software to create a bootable LiveCD. This LiveCD is based on Knoppix Linux.
To learn more about it, see
http://www.techmixer.com/bitdefender-rescue-cd-with-auto-update-virus-definition-features/
or
http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2008/07/17/bitdefender-offers-free-rescue-cd-with-ability-to-auto-update-virus-definition/
|
Windows/Hardware SIG
on 09-02-2009 |
Harry Elver |
"Lastpass" is a Web-based application that securely stores your passwords and other security information. "Lasspass" then automatically types your security information into the form fields that are displayed in your Web browser(s), and in your local software applications. "Lastpass" offers both "Free" and "Premium" accounts which can be used as an alternative to Roboform's "Free" and "Pro" versions.
|
Windows/Hardware SIG
on 09-02-2009 |
Harry Elver |
Temporary workaround for upgrading to Firefox 3.5 from within Ubuntu 9.0.4
|
Linux SIG
on 08-23-2009 |
Dennis McCormick |
According to the "Stat Owl" Web site, the usage market shares for desktop operating systems are: 91.03 percent for Windows, 8.25 percent for Macintosh/Apple, and 0.6 percent for Linux
|
Linux SIG
on 08-23-2009 |
Harry Elver |
Computer Guy's "Recipe for Spyware/Malware Eradication", Remote Support using gotoassist.com, and "Windows 7" news
|
Computer
Professionals SIG
on 08-21-2009 |
Harry Elver |
Members, family, and frends of PC user groups can use various discount codes to get super deals on software, consumable printer supplies, and computer books.
|
General Meeting
on 08-17-2009 |
George Harding |
YouTube video playlist of
GParted presentation by Dennis McCormick
|
General Meeting
on 08-17-2009 |
Dennis McCormick |
YouTube video playlist of
Mr. Bicep Presentation by George Harding
|
General Meeting
on 08-17-2009 |
George Harding |
You can use a
"SISO Tablo" Pen Input Device to transform your laptop computer into a tablet computer.
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 08-05-2009 |
George Harding |
Two "best of breed" assistive software applications for the handicapped are:
"MAGic Screen Magnification Software"
and
"JAWS for Windows Screen Reading Software"
Notes about Assistive Software
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 08-05-2009 |
Robert Thompson |
Use "Keepvid.com" or "Kissyoutube.com" to grab and save YouTube videos to the hard drive of your computer. See Brad Becker's description of "kissyoutube.com"
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 08-05-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
Use
PDF Creator which is a free, open-source application instead of buying "Adobe Acrobat Professional" just to get it's "Adobe PDF" printer
|
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 08-05-2009 |
Robert Thompson |
A "Clonezilla" LiveCD can be used to create "bare metal" backups and restores of entire hard drives or partitions within hard drives. "Clonezille" is a free, open-source alternative to "Acronis True Image Home 2009".
Clonezilla is given top billing in this article entitled "9 Free Data Backup and Recovery Utilities That Will Keep Your Important Data Safe" |
Linux SIG
on 07-26-2009 |
Dennis McCormick |
There are two ways to have Ubuntu 9.04 automatically mount a NTFS partition:
1) Method 1:
Edit the fstab file, as shown in
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1192745
(Read items #5 and #10 about how a bad Windows shutdown could hang up the startup of Ubuntu if you use the "edit the fstab file" method.)
and also see
http://www.krishnamoorthy.in/2009/06/mounting-windows-partitiosn-ntfs-fat-in.html
2) Method 2:
Install pysdm using the "Synaptic Package Manager"
See
http://maketecheasier.com/auto-mount-your-ntfs-partition-in-ubuntu/2009/04/14
|
Linux SIG
on 07-26-2009 |
Paul Scott |
The regular "Desktop Edition" of Ubuntu runs well on most Asus "EEE PC" netbook computers. Some "EEE PC" netbooks might run better with "Ubuntu Netbook Remix", a slimmed-down version of Ubuntu Linux.
|
Linux SIG
on 07-26-2009 |
Tede Seitz |
Photo of Dennis McCormick setting up five Linux computers
|
Linux SIG
on 07-26-2009 |
Liz Orban |
"Fun Web Sites"
Meeting Notes with hyperlinks
Playlist of YouTube streaming videos
|
General Meeting
on 07-20-2009 |
George Harding |
"Favorite Web Sites"
Meeting Notes with Hyperlinks
Playlist of YouTube Streaming Videos
|
General Meeting
on 07-20-2009 |
Rick Rolland |
www.wechoosethemoon.org
is a fun and interactive simulation of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon.
|
General Meeting
on 07-20-2009 |
Robert Thompson |
Tucson Computer Society's Web Site
(A playlist of YouTube streaming videos)
|
General Meeting
on 07-20-2009 |
Paul Scott |
| History of the TCS Web Site |
General Meeting
on 07-20-2009 |
Paul Scott |
"WildCharge" is an easy-to-use way to charge small electronic devices |
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 07-01-2009 |
George Harding |
Speed test of Internet access |
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 07-01-2009 |
Dennis McCormick |
| Marcia Roberts of the Tucson Police Department stated that the Athletic League of the Tucson Police League needs technical assistance/support for a future computer room for youth/children that will be built at 1001 N. Main Ave. This building is currently occupied by "Miss Cecilia's Child Care".
|
Linux SIG
on 06-28-2009 |
Les Stein |
"Picasa" is a free program for improving and organizing your digital photos
|
General Meeting
on 06-15-2009 |
Ed Maxwell |
| SpinRite v6.0 is a great software application for hard drive repair, maintenance, and data recovery |
Windows/Hardware SIG
on 06-03-2009 |
Steve Billheimer |
Before making hardware upgrades to your computer, use a free diagnostic called "Belarc Advisor" to analyze your computer.
Then, visit the following places to learn more technical details about your computer:
your computer manufacturer's Web site,
your motherboard manufacturer's Web site,
a free diagnostic called CPU-Z,
Wikipedia's List of Intel Microprocessors",
Intel's "Processors" pages,
and
Google |
Windows/Hardware SIG
on 06-03-2009 |
Robert Thompson |
| Videos of some of the informative presentations at the "SWCC" are available at the Web site of the "Winners" computer users group. |
Southwest Computer Conference(SWCC)
on 05-31-2009 |
George Harding |
HowTo: Using CUPS-PDF Printer Driver to Create PDF Files in Ubuntu Linux
HowTo: PPP Dialup Internet in Ubuntu Linux
Use "OpenDNS" for Safer Internet Access in Ubuntu Linux
Free Antivirus Software for Linux
|
Linux SIG
on 05-24-2009 |
Les Stein |
Analog-to-Digital Conversion of Audio
Additional Hints |
General Meeting
on 05-18-2009 |
Dennis McCormick |
| YouTube
videos of George Harding's presentation about "Google Earth" |
General
Meeting
on 05-18-2009 |
Les Stein |
| YouTube
videos of Dennis McCormick and Bill Brownlee's presentation about "Ripping with Audacity" |
General
Meeting
on 05-18-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
| Free and Low-Cost Training for Digital Photographers |
Digital
Imaging SIG
on 04-27-2009 |
Carter Harrison |
| HowTo: Using Samba in Ubuntu to Share/Serve Files to Windows Computers |
Linux SIG
on 04-26-2009 |
Les Stein |
| Notes
Taken at the Meeting |
Linux SIG
on 04-26-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
The "HowTo"
for upgrading from "KDE 3.5" to "KDE 4.0" for Sidux is located at http://sidux.com/Article501.html
However this upgrade often fails and a workaround is located at
http://www.freelists.org/post/hllug/Sidux-with-KDE-4-looks-great-but |
Linux SIG
on 04-26-2009 |
Dennis
McCormick |
MacBook
laptop procurement, configuration, and interoperability with Windows
via virtualization
|
Computer
Professionals SIG
on 04-17-2009 |
Harry Elver |
Video
clip (6 meg. wmv) with consultant Peter
Ireland explaining the "Conficker Worm" (KOLD Channel 13
"News at 5", March 31)
Please
read consultant Daniel M. Vance's
advice on the
Conficker Worm threat and use OpenDNS, a free
service that blocks the activity of computer worms.
Steve
Billheimer says: "OpenDNS
is configurable. Follow the directions and put it into your computer as
your DNS and then create an ID/password; then you can set the level of
filtering.." |
Windows/Hardware
SIG
on 04-01-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
| Notes Taken at the Meeting |
Digital
Imaging SIG
on 03-23-2009 |
Liz Orban |
| Information
about solar
position calculation, a graph of solar
position for Tucson, and instructions for
its use for improving your photographs |
Digital
Imaging SIG
on 03-23-2009 |
Carter
Harrison |
| Notes Taken at the Meeting |
Linux SIG
on 03-22-2009 |
Liz Orban |
| Microsoft's Virtual
Earth 3D (Beta) and Street
and Trips 2010 are great ways to add mapping and GPS
functions to your computer |
General
Meeting
on 03-16-2009 |
Rick Rolland |
| YouTube
video playlist of Rick Rolland's presentation about "Virtual Earth 3D
(Beta)" and "Streets & Trips 2009" |
General
Meeting
on 03-16-2009 |
Myron Dungey |
