Newsletter of SeniorNet Napier Incorporated

Volume11 Number 6 September 2009

Web Page - www.napier.seniornet.co.nz

Selecting/clicking below, on any
underlined article will take you there

From the President
Members Meetings
Enrolments
Where is the Mouse Pointer
Reading an Attachment
The Life of USB Flashdrive
Open Office Vs Microsoft Office
Saving in Word 2007
Time for a Smile
A Warm Welcome to All our New Members
Notices
Emergency Contact Details
Getting Help from SeniorNet Napier
Newsletter Closing Date
Next Committee Meeting
Classes Offered by SeniorNet Napier

From the President

I can't believe that Spring has at last arrived. What a pleasure it has been in recent weeks to drive down to the Learning Centre and see all the blossom on the trees, the lambs in the paddocks and the willows turning green again. I hate Winter and I hate being cold, so now roll on Summer and lower power bills.

As you will know, we held an 'Open Day' on August 15th and with the fantastic help of members distributing Flyers to homes and in the shopping areas we had a most successful day. In fact the most successful ever and as a result we signed on over 30 new members. Whilst this is a great achievement and one deserving of thanks to all involved it does raise a problem. All of these new members will be wanting to take the Introductory courses and eventually move on to the Word Processing courses in either XP or Vista. We have a wonderful team of Tutors and Assistants who contribute a great deal of their time but this may not be enough. Hopefully some of those students who have recently completed courses will consider putting their names forward as Assistant Tutors. You can be assured that as an Assistant Tutor you will gain useful knowledge and experience.
The fifth session of the year has just started.

On a sad note you will have learned that Vicki Johnston, our Life Member, died at the end of last month almost a year since she opened our new Learning Centre. Vicki was a founding member of SeniorNet Napier over 10 years ago and made a valuable contribution to our branch as a Committee member and as a Tutor. She will be sadly missed.

As there has been a slight imbalance in the number of computers available for tutoring we have now purchased an additional computer with Vista and Word 2007 installed. This now gives us 5 computers with XP and 5 with Vista and avoids us having to bring the laptop out of the cupboard as a stand in.

On Tuesday, 15th September, we hosted an all day Regional meeting to which we invited Gisborne and Hawkes Bay branches of SeniorNet and which was attended by 47 people. In the morning we welcomed Grant Sidaway and Jude Mitchener from the SeniorNet Federation. Grant gave us all the latest developments at the Federation followed by a presentation on Tutoring Techniques with regard to Senior students. In the afternoon there were presentations on 'Skype', by Norman Richardson from Hawkes Bay SeniorNet, and on 'Speech Recognition' by myself. A very enjoyable meeting

Ila McInnes, our Membership Secretary for many years and previously the Branch Secretary has resigned to persue other interests. Ila was one of our founding members over 10 years ago and since then has worked hard within our branch and will be missed by all of us.

At a Committee function, Ila was presented with a printer as a token of our thanks.

Enjoy your computing

Gordon Brown

To All of Our Members
who are unwell and/or in Hospital at the moment,
a Cheery Hullo,
and our Sincerest Condolences to those
who have recently lost someone
near and dear to them.

From all at SeniorNet Napier

REGIONAL MEETING

SeniorNet, Napier is Hosting
A Regional Meeting
at the Taradale Town Hall

on Tuesday, 15 September, 2009

The timetable is as follows:-
10.00 a.m. Morning tea
10.30 - 12.30 p.m. Working session
12.30 - 1.30 p.m. Lunch break
1.30 - 3.30 p.m. Working session
3.30 - 4.00 p.m. Afternoon tea and farewell.
Grant Sidaway - Executive Officer of NZ SeniorNet and
Selwyn Jebson - Central North Island Committee Member will attend.

Grant has a very interesting Training Module
which has been developed for SeniorNet
by a professional educator
and is specific to Seniors teaching Seniors.

Hawke's Bay and Gisborne SeniorNets
have also been invited and each will give a
presentation of approximately 20 minutes
with 20 minutes question time.

If you would like to attend this meeting, please email
Gordon Brown egbrown@clear.net.nz phone 835 6756
or Dorothy nlumsden@xtra.co.nz phone 836 6584

no later than Friday, 4 September please,
as number attending is required for seating purposes.
This is a well worthwhile meeting to attend -
so please make every effort
to be there on Tuesday, 15 September.

Members Meeting

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

On How to Manage Your Computer

In St Andrews Hall Atawhai
on
13th October at 2.00pm

Cost: Just $10.00 per person
which includes a Manual.
Please pay at
the door on the day
Refreshments
will be served
following the meeting

Peter Ashley has kindly agreed to repeat his
Frequently asked Questions
' FAQ’S' Presentation
Peter will provide answers
to a multitude of questions
and perhaps answer some of those that
haven't been asked yet,
A 32 page Manual full of notes/hints
will be provide to all
who register for this Workshop

 

Please register your intention
to attend before
Saturday 3rd October
so that we can have
sufficient Manuals printed.
To Register : Phone Dorothy 836 6584
or email nlumsden@xtra.co.nz

A Reminder of this notice
will be sent out later

 

 

Early Warning

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

at the Napier RSA
on Friday 27th November.
There will be a charge of $15 per head

Make a note of the date in your diary
This is just an early warning
that we have booked for our
Christmas Lunch
It may seem a bit early
to be telling you this
but we had to book in good time.
and we will send you a reminder
nearer the time with more details

 

Enrolments

Session 6
2nd November to 11th December
Please ring the Course & Tutor Co-ordinator,
Sue Gay, 844 4302 to enrol NOW
and to save disappointment.
Places are filling fast.

 

WHERE'S THE MOUSE POINTER?

Do you sometimes have trouble finding your mouse pointer on the screen?
Well, here's how to make it stand out when you press the CTRL key.
It suddenly comes up with some rings around it and shows you where it is on your screen.
This works in XP and Vista
1. Click 'Start' then Control Panel
2. Click on the Mouse Icon
3. Choose 'Pointer Options'
4. Select "Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key."
5. Click Apply

Now, when you can't see your mouse pointer,
Press the CTRL key and 'hey presto'
some rings appear and shows you where the pointer is.

READING AN ATTACHMENT

Viruses spread over recent times have frequently targeted email attachments.
To safeguard your computer from attack and infection, observe the following:

NEVER "open" an attachment directly.
If you are not sure that the message + attachment comes from
a reputable source, permanently delete the message.
If you suspect that someone else is using your friend's
email address to foist an infected attachment on you,
send a message to your friend, asking for verification,
before opening the attachment.

Always save it to Desktop.
Right click the file name in the attachments line and select Save.
In Windows XP click the Reveal Arrow beside the Save in box
to navigate to Desktop (Double click) and click Save to
save the file to Desktop under its own name.
In Windows Vista navigate to Desktop (in the left margin).
(Double click) and click Save to save the file to Desktop under its own name.
Press and hold the Windows icon (next to Ctrl on bottom
row of keyboard) and tap the letter D. This takes you
immediately to view the Desktop.
Find the attachment's name or icon and Right click on it.
Click on Scan with (your Anti-Virus program).
When scan is complete (if no virus detected)
click Finish.
Double click on the attachment's icon
on the Desktop to open the attachment to read it or view it.
This may seem a lot of hooha, but you can never tell when
a virus is lurking. Even emails that appear to be from your friends
can actually have been generated from their computer if they
have a virus, and your friends won't even know that it has been sent
- so:
ALWAYS SCAN ATTACHMENTS FOR VIRUSES BEFORE OPENING THEM

THE LIFE OF USB FLASHDRIVES

Will your USB drives last forever?
Well, no. But probably long enough for most of us.
All flash memory has a finite life, a certain number of read/write cycles the memory cells can withstand without becoming unreliable.

Two major kinds of memory-cell architectures are in use: single-level cells (SLC) and multilevel cells (MLC), which are the ones used in most inexpensive flash drives. MLC has an expected lifetime of about 10,000 read-write cycles, says Windows Secrets website.

If you're using a flash memory device just to carry files around, 10K cycles is more than you're ever likely to need. But if the flash memory is constantly attached to your PC and being used all the time as a kind of system scratchpad, 10K cycles may not be enough.
You can use a flash drive in this way with Vista's "ReadyBoost" feature to increase available memory and operating speed, but lab tests have suggested only very minor improvements result. The ReadyBoost system is sufficiently ineffectual to make it a much better idea simply to fit more RAM in the computer.

 

OPEN OFFICE Vs. MICROSOFT OFFICE - Which is better?

There are as many arguments for and against both suites as there are grains of sand on a beach!
I have used both programs and found things wrong with both, also some great things about both.
At the end of the day the question is which do you think is the best for you?
Without talking about the companies that makes the program or prices, just purely on the function of the program and nothing else.
But don't loose site of prices, MS can be purchased from $90 to $200 plus while OpenOffice can be a free download (It takes 90 minutes on broadband) or a $5 CD purchase.
If you want to be conventional and pay the price so be it. If you are considering upgrading from say MS Word 2000 or 2003, the transition to OpenOffice Writer is far simpler than the new look Word 2007. The interface is what you are used too, without having to re-learn too much. Sure with OpenOffice things are not in the same place or the icons are a little different. Also OpenOffice does not have all the "bells and whistles" but for most seniors it's quite adequate and it's free!!
You can still share files with friends using whatever version of MS Word they use.
You can still read your old Word files or any Word files sent to you. You can still send documents via email, scan in pictures, or convert a file to pdf.
So where is the catch? Well, there is not really one at all, it's all in the mind or pocket.
Do you want to conform to what other use or do you have a mind of your own?

SAVING IN WORD 2007

You may not have realised that when you save your document in Word 2007, it saves as a .docx. This format can only be read by another computer using Office 2007.
If you were to send it to someone with an older version of Office, they cannot read it. However, it is easily remedied!!
Simply go to the Office button - "Save as" option - and select the "Word 97 - 2003 document".
As you continue typing and "Save" ing your work,
(which of course you always do??) the document remains readable by Word 97 -2003.
This option is available in all of the Office 2007 programs

 

Time for a Smile

The sign at a
CHICAGO RADIATOR SHOP:
"Best place in town to take a leak."

Sign on the back of a Septic Tank Truck:
"Caution - This Truck is full of Political Promises"

Wrong Measurements.......Have you checked the sparkplugs?

 

 

A Very Warm Welcome

to all our latest 53 New Members
who are entering the world of
Computerised Information Technology.

 

Notice Board

Scroll Down to view all notices

Dates for 2009
CLASSES Offered by SeniorNet Napier

Session 6...................2nd November to 11th December

To All The Tutors & Assistants of the
Introductory Classes
and the 5th SESSION of 2009
7th September to 16 October
who have volunteered their services
for the third learning session of this year.
It is very much appreciated by all.

Without your willingness to help others, there would be NO SeniorNet.

Unable To Attend A Class

In consideration of other students please stay away from class if you have an infectious illness, such as flu,colds etc. You will still be able to complete your course when you recover.
Just phone and let your tutors know.

NB: If you are unable to attend your class please phone your Tutor in good time.

Reminder

For all classes booked between 1 June and 30 November, 2009, the charges are reduced from $40.00 to $25.00 for a 6 week course and from $25.00 to $15.00 for a 4 week course.

Wanted

Does anyone have a large 4 litre aluminium or enamel teapot which is
no longer used and could be looking for a new home?
The SeniorNet, Napier Centre would dearly like it.
Please email Dorothy:- nlumsden@xtra.co.nz
phone 836 6584. Thank you.

DO YOU FEEL CONFIDENT?

About assistant tutoring that is.

If you have been using Vista and Office 2007, have or have not done the courses, but think that you could assist others to learn, please consider putting your name forward.
With more newcomers now buying Vista, we need tutors and assistants.
It is not surprising that being in a group, discussing the same program will increase your own knowledge of it.
Please contact Sue Gay, Alan Overington or Bill Allan.

To ALL those members and other SeniorNet Branches
who made contributions to this Newsletter.
These are very much appreciated.

We would like to acknowledge items in this Newsletter which we have
plagiarised from the Newsletters of other SeniorNet

 

DISTRIBUTION OF NEWSLETTERS

Did you receive this Newsletter by post, but have an email address?
If you answered YES, it would be much appreciated if you would please help us save money by emailing your address as soon as possible to
or nlumsden@xtra.co.nz or egbrown@clear.net.nz

Those who do not have email will continue to receive by post.
When any member receives an email or change their present email address, please advise the Membership Secretary, Ila McInnes so your records can be updated.

Newsletters are now only published every 2 months there may be occasions when special notices may have to be sent out urgently. In view of handling & postage costs these will only go to e-mail recipients.

Can't open the Newsletter?

Ring or email Dorothy nlumsden@xtra.co.nzor Gordon.egbrown@clear.net.nz If you can't get either,
please contact a committee member.

Printing the Newsletter from your computer.

To save ink you may like to print it in "draft".
How? Go to File > Print > Properties > Print quality > click the down arrow and select draft > then print. If you only want to print off, say pages 1,3 and 7. Go to File >Print > in pages slot type 1,3,7 then OK
If you only want a portion of a page, highlight the
portion you want, again, click print and click selection
and that will be all you will get.
Again, if you have a problem please contact
Dorothy, Gordon Brown or a Committee Member.
We don't want you taking this desperate action!

 

Computer Problems!

Need a Nerd

Is Hawke's Bay's Mobile Technical Support Service for Businesses and Home Users and they sponsor SeniorNet Napier.
The Nerds come to you!
Phone 0800 63 33 26

 

 

Emergency Contact Details

We have never needed this – but your committee has approved the precaution of having a contact phone number and name of the person who could be contacted in the case of unexpected illness, clearly printed on the back of your SNN Membership name label.
Please write this contact info on your label at the next class or members meeting.

 

 

Disclaimer

Getting Help from SeniorNet Napier - Many of our members have benefited from advice and help given freely by our volunteer officers and tutorial staff. However, we ask all members to take note that our volunteers do not claim to be computer experts.
Any tuition, advice or help they provide to you is given in good faith, strictly on condition that you use such tuition, advice or help entirely at your own risk.

 

Napier Senetter

ARTICLES FOR NEXT NEWSLETTER
Closing date for material for the next Newsletter
Friday, 14th November, 2009

Please send contributions for newsletters to:
egbrown@clear.net.nz or nlumsden@xtra.co.nz

Any SNN member is welcome to contribute.

As Newsletters are now published every 2 months there may be occasions when special notices may have to be sent out urgently. In view of handling & postage costs
these will only go to e-mail recipients.

 

Next Committee Meeting

Tuesday 20th October 2009 at 2.00pm

 

 

 

Classes Offered by SeniorNet Napier

Dates for 2009 are:-

Session 6...................2nd November to 11th December

Depending on demand (usually minimum of 3 students) the following classes will be available.
Introduction to Computers and Windows (2 weeks) free to all members
Word Processing 1 A (6 weeks) $40.00 in Word & XP
Word Processing 1 A (6 weeks) $40.00 in Vista & Word 2007
Word Processing 1 B (6 weeks) $40.00 in Word & XP
Word Processing 1 B (6 weeks) $40.00 in Vista & Word 2007
Word Processing 2 (6 weeks) $40.00 in Word & XP
Word Processing 2 (6 weeks) $40.00 in Vista & Word 2007
Advanced Word Processing (6 weeks) $40.00
File Management (4 weeks) $28.00 in XP or Vista
Email - using Outlook Express (6 weeks) $40.00
Database - using Works (6 weeks) $40.00
Spreadsheets - using Works (6 weeks) $40.00
Drawing and Publishing in Word (6 weeks) $40.00
Students must have good mouse skills for D & P Word & must have completed WP2 in WORD
Scanning & Photo Editing (6 weeks) $40.00
PowerPoint (6 weeks) $40.00
Comput-a-Craft (1 x 2hr session) $10.00

It is expected that a good level of Word Processing is attained before taking the other course. This includes the Email course.
N.B You DO NOT have a firm booking in a class unless the COURSE FEE has been paid.
Please send payment with your course application form.
________________________________________________________
COURSE APPLICATION FORM (For all classes after 'Intro to Computers')
It is essential that you supply details of your Operating System and Word Processing programme below to assist our Course Co-ordinator

Name....................................................Member No..........................

Address................................................. Phone No............................

Course applied for.............................................. Session..............................

Operating System (Circle One)
Windows 98 ..Windows XP... Windows Vista..Other
Word Processing Program (Circle One)
Works Word ..Word 2000... Word 2003..Word 2007
Other
(The following 4 questions are asked because we now belong to the NZ Federation of SeniorsNets)
* Are you a New Zealand Citizen? /NZ Permanent Resident? Yes / No
* Circle the age group you are in 50 to 59 OR 60+
* Circle which ethnicity you belong to
European ..Maori.. Pacific Islander.. Asian
* Circle your answer. Are you Male or Female
N.B. This next question must be answered
Is there a time on any day that you CANNOT attend a class………………………………………………………………

Return with course fee of $. . . . . . . . Signed..................................

Date..........................
To: SNN Application,
21 Mission Road, Greenmeadows, NAPIER.
Please make cheques payable to: Senior Net Napier Incorporated

_______________________________________________________

Newsletter Editors:
Dorothy LUMSDEN - e-mail nlumsden@xtra.co.nz
Gordon BROWN - e-mail egbrown@clear.net.nz
Please send items for the Newsletter to the above.

 

Please support our Sponsors

Till Next Time
Keep Having Fun with Your Computer