Beginner Windows 9x/XP
 4 session course
Topics include an introduction to all parts of the computer, learning about the desktop, mouse features and operation, and features and operation of the keyboard. Also creating shortcut icons, using recycle bin, wallpaper and screen savers, toolbars and taskbars, drag and drop, using window features (minimize, maximize, resize, etc), control panel, accessing the different drives, and more. There is always time for questions and general exploration.

Intermediate Windows 9x/XP
 4 session course
Topics include organization of windows programs, creating and organizing folders, file extensions, saving files from Internet, folder and file views, formatting floppy disks, installing programs, download programs from Internet, HTML email, uninstall vs delete, scandisk and defrag, email attachments, and more. There is always time for questions and general exploration.

Advanced Windows 9x/XP
 4 session course
Topics include a review of the management of folders and files, an introduction to photo manipulation, introduction to web page creation, using the sound recorder, attaching recordings to emails, introduction to eyeball cams and Internet transmission, and an introduction to burning your own CDs. There is always time for questions and general exploration.

KCnet Users Group:  (formerly know as  "Senior Net Learners" most recently called "Advanced Class").  I  wanted to call this class "The Abusers Group", but Sue would not hear of that.  Attendees are persistent in their search for computer knowledge.  They ask great questions and present interesting challenges.  The cost for this class is $0.00 for members of KCnet and $2.00 per session for non KCnet members.  There is no set format for the sessions.  Occasionally we will take a specific subject and do a detailed study over a period of successive weeks.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  The folks that have been attending for awhile are always happy for a review and in most cases new or better ways to do things will surface.  Questions stimulate in-depth exploration with the usual result being an understanding of how and why.
We welcome new attendees from the Advanced sessions and our forever growing KCnet membership.  This is an advanced group and we cover a lot of territory. We are kind of free flowing.  You never know what will transpire.
It is not necessary for attendees to have their own computers but it sure helps with the learning curve.
KCnet Advanced Class computer knowledge and Advanced Class computer skills are necessary.

OTHER CLASSES:
CLICK HERE FOR ORIENTATION - BEGINNERS - INTERMEDIATE - ADVANCED
CLICK HERE FOR SCANNING - MAC- GENEALOGY - WEB PAGE - EXCEL - WORD - DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY - PHOTO MANIPULATION - OTHER SPECIALTIES

ICDL WORKSHOP
January 17 and 19 -- 9:00 -11:00 AM
Third and Fourth Sessions
Instructor: Wayne Smith

... we discussed another WMF attack.  If you haven't downloaded the Microsoft patch for the first WMF attack announced last week, you should do it now.  http://update.microsoft.com
A core function of the Windows operating system, explorer.exe, will crash a vulnerable Windows PC if a user views a specially crafted WMF image, according to the description. Explorer runs the Windows user interface, including the Start menu, taskbar, desktop and file manager.
Microsoft is aware of the problems, a representative for the software maker said in an e-mailed statement. The company had identified these issues before the report and is evaluating fixes for inclusion in the next service pack for the affected products, the representative said.
"Microsoft's initial investigation has found that these are not security vulnerabilities but rather performance issues that could cause an application to stop responding," the representative said.
Microsoft disputes that the flaws can cause Windows to stop responding, but said they may affect an application used to view a WMF image. Such applications include the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer.
"(The issues) may cause the WMF application to crash, in which case the user may restart the application and resume activity," the software maker said. The issues do not allow an attacker to commandeer a Windows system, Microsoft noted. 
Keep eyes peeled for the next patch and keep your antivirus software updated.  Your updated  antivirus program should neutralize any viruses associated with the flaw and Microsoft should issue a patch to fix the problem. 

... we looked at the top 10 downloads for the past week according to download.com.  Spyware and P2P programs filled the list.  The list can be seen at:  http://www.download.com/3101-20-0-1.html?tag=pop&tag=nl.e415

... we downloaded and installed a new program designed to help XP users with running processes.  The program identifies all programs running and suggests whether it is necessary to have the program open all the time.  It is called X-RayPC and can be accessed at: http://www.snapfiles.com/get/xraypc.html

... we reviewed an article by Bob Rankin of the Tourbus Newsletter about installing safety and security programs for our machines. 
It can be accessed at: http://www.askbobrankin.com/should_i_buy_anti-spyware_or_anti-virus_software.html

We did some other interesting stuff too, but you had to be there...
 

It was birthday week.  The only birthday we could sleuth out for January belongs to Tom Livingston, who after listening to the birthday song declared his yearly total to be 43.  Of course that was the best laugh of the day, he's been married that long.  We had many good snacks in addition to the traditional birthday cake.  Sue Clements made a very Tasty Baked Pineapple Dish.   Bev brought a very good Chocolate Pudding.  Jane Marasco brought some Cheesy Cheddar Fishes.  Kitty Laubscher brought a dandy Basket of Healthy Fresh Veggies.  Click on image to enlarge.

This class often becomes idea swapping and we learn by sharing our many experiences and I'll tell you all again, that really happened this week.
Thanks to all that brought in suggestions, asked questions, and helped with explanations.

Music Creation
Starting when four students register--call 893-8111 to register.
Participants should be able to play a piano/keyboard by sight or ear.
Instructors: Carsten "Jon" Ahrens & Mike Foust

Orientation to KCnet
One-Session Class – No Charge for KCnet Members
Third Wednesday of Every Month 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Instructor:  Bob Fenton

MAC User Group
Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month
Time is 4:30 PM
Instructor:  Clair Falls

For more class details and to register visit: http://www.kcnet.org/class/
Registration can be done online, simply click on the course you are interested in and enter the information requested.  Registration can be done via phone 893-8111.

A new update for Windows XP changes a setting in Outlook Express, causing some real frustrations.  If you are a dialup Internet user and you use Outlook Express, make sure a setting in Options, Connections does not have a check in front of “hang up after sending and receiving.”  This must be for people who ask for their email and leave their machine to do its thing – get the mail, send any mail that has been written while off-line, and then hang up to allow the phone line to be available.  This setting usually causes a high level of irritation by disconnecting the user from the Internet after getting mail.

A good web site to check weekly is at http://www.seniorcenter.net

There’s a good source for help on the Internet for non-profit groups at http://www.techsoup.org

Purchasing Microsoft programs at a greatly discounted rate is only one of the benefits.  Every once in a while, I read something on this site, that I want to pass along.  This is one of those times.

Michael Schrecker, who writes for TechSoup has the spotlight this week with instructions on How to Clean Your Mouse (can you imagine reading this 15 years ago?)

One of the most common desktop support issues I have encountered as a nonprofit consultant is a misbehaving mouse. I've watched people struggle for untold minutes with a troublesome mouse in order to perform the simplest functions. While a software bug, a virus, a broken mouse, or a frayed mouse cable can produce similar effects, most often the problem is the result of a dirty mouse.

Most of us are using an older mouse which contains a small rubber ball held in place by a set of rollers that detect the ball's motion as the mouse moves back and forth across a desk. If this is not what you are using, this information is not for you.
Over time, the small rubber ball in a mechanical, computer mouse picks up dust, oil, food debris, and other crud that accumulates on the rollers, interfering with their ability to register the ball's movement, and causing balky, jumpy, stilted, or erratic cursor movements onscreen.

So before you search your system for viruses or crawl under your desk to inspect the cables, try following these simple steps to clean your mouse -- an operation that requires little more than a fingernail. (The tip of a small flathead screwdriver or a wooden manicure stick will also work.)

First, to get at the rollers, open the bottom of the mouse by turning the collar on the bottom clockwise to disengage the tabs that hold it to the body. 

Once you have opened the mouse, turn it over. The collar and roller ball should fall out of the cavity.

With the collar and ball removed, you can see the rollers inside of the cavity. Most mice have three rollers -- two for sensing the ball's motion, and one mounted on a spring that pushes the ball into the other two sensors. 

It's easy to see the line of accumulated dirt -- and the source of the mouse's tracking problems -- stuck to the tension roller. To remove these deposits, use your fingernail, screwdriver, or manicure stick to scrape the roller in a side-to-side motion. With the tension rollers, it's often necessary to push the roller in a bit and then scrape.

Once you've removed the crud from the rollers, place the mouse on your desk and tap it to knock the remaining dirt out of the rollers and guts. It is sometimes helpful to blow into the cavity to fully release the debris lodged deeper inside.

To reassemble your mouse, place the roller ball back in the cavity and twist the collar back on. Your mouse should now function smoothly and easily. Perform this cleaning ritual once every month or two to ensure a healthy, happy mouse.

Until next week... !

KCnet Board Of Directors Officers:   President Bill Raco, Vice President Bob Rolley, Secretary Jon Ahrens,  Treasurer Don Miller and Past President Judy Yoho.   Other members of the board:  Carolyn Carl, R.  Keith Kelly, Paul Korn, Donna Lannan, Amy Lapriola, Tom Livingston,  Ray McGill, and Rich Wykoff.