MIKE'S COMMENTARY
THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE
NEWS & NOTES BY SUE FOUST
MIKE'S COMMENTARY
THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE
NEWS & NOTES BY SUE FOUST
MIKE'S COMMENTARY AND SOME BITS OF WISDOM
If you are reading this before Saturday evening you can still plan a trip to Timonium, MD for the...
Greater Baltimore Hamboree and Computerfest
March 25-26, 2006
8am-5pm Saturday
8am-3pm Sunday
Outdoor displays open at 6am each day.
YOU'RE INVITED To the 35th Annual Greater Baltimore Hamboree & Computerfest, one of the largest events of its kind in the country. Three buildings and 5 acres comfortably under roof, hold over 1,100 display spaces. Dealers, manufacturers and flea marketers display a wide range of Amateur Radio gear, computers, electronics, and related items, both new and nearly new.
More info, directions to the Maryland State Fairgrounds, etc.
http://www.gbhc.org/NEW THIS YEAR: Special Consumer Flea Market
in the HOME ARTS Building
More info? Send an email mfoust@kcnet.org
Look around for Sue and me when you make it to the Show. We'll treat you to a famous Maryland Style CRAB SOUP - right there on the Fairgrounds.
BTW, bring cash, the Fairground ATMs usually empty out by 10:00 AM. Some vendors accept credit cards. Price haggling is encouraged.
KC Techno-Teen Computer Camp Are you looking for something fun and educational for your kids this summer?
KCnet has the answer - KC Techno-Teen Computer CampThis is a week long interactive, technology based Day Camp for middle school aged kids ( kids from 10-16 will be considered, depending on ability). A light lunch is provided each day. Camps are scheduled twice during this summer.
SESSION 1 -- June 26 - 30
SESSION 2 -- August 8 - 12
Camp Hours -- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PMDay Campers will learn how to use computers to create their own animated characters, design MS PowerPoint presentations, and edit and manipulate digital photos. In addition they will learn how to take apart and rebuild a computer, then compete in teams to see who can “build the box” the fastest. KCnet camp instructors will cover copyright information and policy, emerging technologies (what's new in the computer/gadget world) and how technology is used in the community. Popular features from past camps and scheduled for this year are a surprise activity and a presentation for parents at the end of camp.
The cost of KC Techno-Teens Computer Camp is $50 per session for early registration, and $75 for late registration. Early registration for session 1 is due before May 15, and late registration is due before June 10th. Early registration for session 2 is due before July 1st, and late registration is due before July 15. To register, please call (570) 893-8111 or email education@kcnet.org
Special April Offerings at KCnet
ICDL WORKSHOP
KCnet offers workshops on computer skills necessary for the workplace (ICDL). These workshops include instruction in 4 categories of computer skills: Fundamental Concepts of Information Technology, Using the Computer and Managing Files, Word Processing, and Internet and Email. Individuals who complete the workshop successfully will receive an International Computer Driving License (ICDL) starter certification, and the opportunity to complete a full ICDL certification.Currently there is an ICDL workshop in operation. Interested applicants can sign up for the next ICDL workshop by calling KCnet at 893-8111. The registration fee is $100 and includes all materials and testing fees. Advanced registration is required.
The ICDL certification program is designed to show employers that a potential or existing employee has the basic computer skills necessary to perform daily computer tasks. ICDL is comprised of seven modules that demonstrate competency in the following areas: Fundamental Concepts of IT, Using the Computer and Managing Files, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Presentations, and Internet and Email.
Upon completion of each training module, the candidate will take a proctored exam. Failed tests may be retaken as often as necessary. Once all tests have been passed, the candidate receives ICDL certification. The ICDL is an internationally accepted certificate. It can simplify employment procedures and assures the employer that the applicants and/or staff have the necessary level of knowledge and competence to use common computer applications.
This workshop counts as 24 credit hours of ACT 48 continuing education credits, the full ICDL training and certification counts as 42 credit hours. ICDL certification is also worth 7 credit hours transferable to almost any college or university.
PC Basics/Beginner Windows
A PC Basics Course at Keystone Community Network (KCnet) will be held April 13, 20, 27, nd May 4 -- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. 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 task bars, 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.
Total cost for the 4-session course is $30 for KCnet members and $35 for non-members. Class periods are 2 hours and include question and answer time. Class sizes are limited to 10. Advance payment and preregistration are suggested. You may register by calling (570) 893-8111 or visit www.kcnet.org/class.
A 4-session Microsoft Excel Basic course will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays April 3, 5, 10 and 12 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
The course will covers such topics as setting paper size, margins, columns and tabs, formatting text, text alignment, bulleted and numbered lists, inserting objects, using the spelling and grammar check, creating an envelope and more. Class members will copy and paste, insert pictures, and learn to create tables. Some knowledge of how to use a computer is required for this course.
Total cost for the 4-session, 8-hour course is $45 which includes a $15 text book and reference materials. Class periods are 2 hours each with time for questions and answers.
Class size is limited to 10. Advance payment and registration are necessary. You may register by calling (570) 893-8111 or visit www.kcnet.org/class.
Internet and Email
A 4 session course will be held at KCnet April 11, 13, 18 and 20 from 10:00 AM - Noon.
Topics include using the browser to find information on the Internet, web and email addresses, sending and receiving email, forwarding and replying to email, bookmarks, using the address book, and more. There is always time for questions and general exploration. Class size is limited to 10. Advance payment and registration are necessary. You may register by calling(570) 893-8111 or visit www.kcnet.org/class.
Microsoft Excel Basic
A 4 session Microsoft Excel Basic course will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays April 18, 20, 25, and 27 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
The course will covers such topics as entering and editing labels, values, and formulas in a worksheet, using functions like SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX to perform calculations, preview and control Page Setup options for a worksheet, and creating and modifying charts based on information in the worksheet. Some knowledge of how to use a computer is required for this course.
Total cost for the 4-session, 8-hour course is $45 which includes a $15 text book and reference materials. Class periods are 2 hours each with time for questions and answers.
Class size is limited to 10. Advance payment and registration are necessary. You may register by calling (570) 893-8111 or visit www.kcnet.org/class.
KCnet will also be offering a Intermediate Windows Class. The class is 4 sessions, April 04, 06, 11 & 13 -- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. 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.
Class sizes are limited to 10. Advance payment and preregistration is required. You may register by calling (570) 893-8111 or visit http://www.kcnet.org/class.
Networking 101 -- Small Business Networking
Do you want to set up a small network in your home or office? Do you have computers at every desk and wish you could share one or two printers among several users? Would you like to share files with others in your office?
KCnet will hold a 2-session seminar to help you explore basic networking concepts, Monday March 27 at 9-11 AM and Wednesday March 29, 9-11 AM. Coffee will be served each day at 8:45 Classes will be held at the KCnet Building at 18 East Main Street, Lock Haven.
Network technicians will discuss equipment and software needed to set up a simple home or business local area network. Your network can be wired or wireless that will connect to the Internet, sharing files and printers between two or more computers (PCs).
There will be structured learning but the technicians will keep some time open to answer your networking questions. This class's target audience are users who are comfortable with their PC and its operating system and who want to improve their office efficiency to take better advantage of having multiple PCs.
The charge for the 2 sessions is $20 and reservations are required. Coffee and donuts will be provided. Call 893-8111 to make your reservation today.Keystone Community Network is a non-profit community technology center located in downtown Lock Haven. KCnet is an equal opportunity service provider.
KCnet's Helpdesk is available Please call 893-8111 for a technician.
Experts
say...Caffeine is bad for you...
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KCNET CLASSES
| Internet and Email
4 session course Topics include using the browser to find information on the Internet, web and email addresses, sending and receiving email, forwarding and replying to email, bookmarks, using the address book, and more. There is always time for questions and general exploration. PC Basics/Beginner Windows 9x/XP
Intermediate Windows 9x/XP
Advanced Windows 9x/XP
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.
OTHER CLASSES:
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| Networking 101 / Small Business
Networking
Two Sessions March 27 & 29 -- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Coffee will be served each day at 8:45 Instructor: Ron Calhoun PC Basics / Beginner Windows
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| KCnet Users
Group: Every Wednesday The starting time is 9:00 AM on this Wednesday, March 29. We meet in Computer Lab 1 (The Big Room). Leadership is Mike Foust and anyone that wants to jump into the fray. Quite a day this past Wednesday. We got rollin' with some pics sent by Advanced User viewers and others gleaned by Mike. We then settled into our seats and took another wild tech ride. Among the many 'puter topics covered we... ... talked about critical updates from Microsoft.
The list was far greater than discussed last week in class. Access
New information from Worldstart about March
security patches:
Believe it or not, March has been a pretty busy month for critical updates. It has also included the most severe rating vulnerability a program flaw or malware can achieve. Microsoft’s monthly update came out on the 14th and it addresses a critical flaw that affects a number of different MS Office components, as well as, seven versions of MS Works. In addition to the Critical Office vulnerability, Macromedia’s Flash Player has a critically rated vulnerability as well. If an unpatched Java player runs a specially crafted swf file (Flash file type), it could allow an attacker a level of authority in a system that would scare anyone. Microsoft’s March security patch addresses a vulnerability that is present in several versions of Microsoft’s Office suite (complete list of affected Office versions below). If this vulnerability is successfully exploited, it can give an attacker all the permissions they need to control your system. By opening a specially crafted malformed file in any of the affected Office programs , the system will grant the attacker the same rights as the current user. If the user is logged on under an Administrator Account, the attacker will have permissions in your system to install programs, view and change or delete data. They will also be able to create new accounts. You don’t have to be a security expert to know that this is bad news. On the flip side of the coin, those who use the more secure practice of logging on as an Administrator only when needed and using a Limited User Account when it is not, can significantly lower the payload of a successful attack. Here’s a complete list of the Microsoft products that are affected by this vulnerability: Affected Software: • Microsoft Office 2000 Service Pack 3
• Microsoft Office XP Service Pack 3
• Microsoft Office 2003 Service Pack 1 or Service
Pack 2
Affected Microsoft Works Suites: • Microsoft Works Suite 2000
• Microsoft Office X for Mac
Non-Affected Software: • Microsoft Office Excel 2000 Viewer
You can find the link to any patch you may need here. As for the Adobe Macromedia Flash Player flaw, it also has a critical rating. There have been security bulletins posted on both Adobe’s and Microsoft’s Web sites describing the severity of the vulnerability. The Java Player which allows users on the Web to view animations, movies and other rich content can be used to breach your system's security. By using specially crafted swf files (file format that Flash Players read) an attacker can take advantage of this dangerous security hole and that’s all it takes. Once in a system, an attacker can execute arbitrary code using e-mail or your web browser, among other applications. The update for the Flash Player can be found in the link below and will update your version from 8.0.22.0 to 8.0.24.0. This patch of course will secure the security hole allowing you to enjoy all of those great Flash files without wondering who’s creeping around your back door. Download the update for Adobe’s Macromedia
Java Flash Player here: http://www.macromedia.com/support/flash/downloads.html
... viewed some videos featuring Bill Gates
at the Microsoft Mix 06 Conference held last week. Take a peek,
... did some chatting about your PC and its ability to handle Vista. Vista by the way will not hit the stores until January 07. http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9590_22-6050116.html?tag=nl.e589 Also take a look at the interface planned for
Vista to rate your computer's ability to handle the new Vista OS.
... Played with a tip from Worldstart. It involved placing a shortcut on the desktop for your favorite screensaver. This trick allows one to click on the screensaver shortcut at any time thus launching the screensaver at will rather than by a specific time of no activity. We did some other interesting stuff too, but
you had to be there...
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.
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OTHER KCNET
CLASSES STARTING SOON
Call KCnet 893-8111 to register
| Investing Class
This group is temporarily canceled Restart to be in April 2006 Group Leader: Howard "Bud" Casselberry Music Creation
Orientation to KCnet
MAC User Group
For more class details and to register visit:
http://www.kcnet.org/class/
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NEWS AND NOTES WITH SUE FOUST:
 Networking
101 -- Small Business Networking
When setting up a small business or home network, a little planning can save you big headaches later. How do you choose between wired or wireless? Should the whole family or office personnel share one printer or does each need their own? And how can you keep the neighbors from tapping into your private data? Whether you're building your first network or are looking to improve the one you already have, you'll find a wealth of ideas for creating a network that's custom-designed for you and your household or your business in this KCnet special event. Networking 101 will be the topic for 2 breakfast seminars, Monday, March 27 and Wednesday, March 29. Coffee will be served each day at 8:45 and the seminars will start with serious discussion at 9 AM, ending at 11 AM. The first day will be an introduction of networking concepts and equipment needed. A list of web sites that are helpful will be distributed. Participants will learn how to connect 2 computers (PCs) and share a broadband connection between the two. The second day of the seminar will cover wireless networking concepts and hardware required. There will be a demonstration of setting up a wireless network and instructions on how to make it work in your home or small business. There will be 3 network administrators available to answer questions. Ron Calhoun is the seminar coordinator. The seminar will be held at the Keystone Community
Network (KCnet) Learning Center at 18 E. Main Street, Lock Haven.
Advanced registration is requested. Cost is $35. There is a
$5 discount for KCnet members. To register, call KCnet at 893-8111.
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. |
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