Windows 8, Explained - at our next BGAMUG Computer Club Meeting this month.

Our next BGAMUG Computer Club meeting is on August 28th.

Join us for a talk about the new Windows Operating System, Windows 8.

Joe will explain about some of the new features of this system. He likes it, and thinks you will, too.

As usual, visitors are welcome at the meeting, which is on Tuesday, August 28th, at 6:30. We meet at the Bowling Green Technical College. Just scroll down at our website to see the map.

Click here to get this blog via email.

See you online!

Betsy S.
Webmaster, 2012

Join BGAMUG on Facebook

See the BGAMUG website

Have a great week, and thanks for stopping by the BGAMUG Computer Club blog!

Our last meeting... and an update for our next BGAMUG Computer Club meeting

Hi, all!

Our BGAMUG Computer Club meeting on Tuesday, July 24th, went well. I did a short presentation on External Hard Drives, and Jerry also did a presentation on files to show how to select them for backing up. I took a couple of photos of the meeting. Here are a couple:

From our last posting:

In August, Joe will talk about Windows 8.

In September, the BGAMUG Computer Club will have a Special Auction. Things we need are both computer or digital related items, plus donated items with a life or usefulness.

So members, future visitors, and donors, please look around your house for items to bring to the September meeting to raise money for the Club.

All items given will be donations for the club. Afterwards, if your item has not sold, you will have the option of taking it back or the Club may donate it.

Joe says if you have something to donate that needs work, contact him, and he might be able to fix it by that meeting. You have to call him right now though.


I love auctions, so I will be looking forward to that especially. Plus I am curious to find out how Windows 8 works.

I put more photos on our BGAMUG Facebook page. Just click here to see them.


Later!


Betsy S.
Webmaster, 2012

PS Thanks for coming by!


Join us at The BGAMUG website
and Like us at BGAMUG on Facebook.

Upcoming programs and events for the BGAMUG Computer Club in Bowling Green, Kentucky for 2012

It's a Cat's Life or Catbook Pro by A. Davey on Flickr.

I got an email from our former President today, reminding me of future events for the BGAMUG Computer Club. Come to a meeting to meet him!

And our newest President too. Guests are always welcome, and might win a prize too! Plus they can learn about their computers there.

BGAMUG Meeting Topics coming up:

This month (July) I will be doing a short presentation on External Backups. (Save those files!) I have some experience LOSING files, so I made it a project to find an online service that helps me keep my files safe. I will talk about my experiences with different programs and which one I like best.

In August, Joe will talk about Windows 8.

In September, Jerry will have a Special Auction. Things we need are "mostly computer or digital related items, but any donated items with a life or usefulness are acceptable." So members and donors, please look around your house for items to bring to the September meeting to raise money for the Club.

I hope you all are having a great week!


E. Sheppard
BGAMUG Webmaster, 2012

PS I want to give a shout out to our great Newsletter Editor, Sharon. She puts up with late submissions, too many emails, and much more. Thanks, Sharon!

Join us at these other sites:
Our website
Join us on Facebook!

art from Clker.com

Come join BGAMUG online! We are on Facebook, on a blog, and on a website.

Hi, BGAMUG Computer Club members and friends.

Are you on Facebook? We have a BGAMUG page there. Just go there to Like it. Here is that address: BGAMUG on Facebook. We now have 44 members. If you are not yet a member, we could LOVE to have you there.

art from Clker.com

One of the conversations there is about the infamous July 9th story about the "Internet Doomsday" experienced by some computer users. The FBI had a hand in this story, which I find interesting.

We also post funny cartoons there too. These are my personal favorites! You can comment there easily and it's fun to have conversations there on Facebook.

Of course, this blog you are reading today is also a BGAMUG Computer Club destination.

Club members, you can post here on this blog too! Just let Betsy know and she will make you an administrator. You can also have this blog delivered to you via email.

Just add your name to the "Subscribe by Email" area to the left or subscribe to the feed if you would prefer.

Have you been to the BGAMUG website lately? We have copies of the BGAMUG Newsletter there.

I hope you are doing well this week! And don't forget to attend our next meeting on July 24th. Betsy will be talking about saving your computer files externally.

See you there!

E. Sheppard
BGAMUG Webmaster, 2012

Join us at these other sites:
Our website
Join us on Facebook!

art from Clker.com

What kind of computer do you use? What kind will you use later on?

The future of computers - how about an "All-In-One"or an Eyeglass Computer?

Just curious, but what kind of computer do you use? Do you own a laptop, a desktop, or maybe just a smart phone?

Web browsing - from the free Clker site.

It seems there are so many kinds of computers you can own nowadays. People are no longer stuck with just a desktop computer. They can be more mobile and go online with their phones or tablets too.

It used to be IBM vs. Mac. Now there are fast computers with many brand names, and even Apple has its Pro versions, laptops, tablets, (iPads) iPods, and iPhones. Other companies all have their favorites in all sizes and types.

It seems like everyone wants to have one of everything. For me, I'm mostly happy just with a regular desktop right now. My laptops seem to wear out easier, and the iPad is great, but not as versatile as a "real" computer.

What do you think? Will the desktop computer eventually turn into a dinosaur? Perhaps we will all have portable computers that grow or shrink screens depending on how we plan to use them that day. They will all have phones in them, and all have an option to switch on "Everywhere Wireless" probably for a fee.

You will be able to connect your TV to online shows (probably for free) and multitask when something good is on by using the portable screen and phone at the same time you are recording the other good show on another channel.

Many of these things are already possible. Even the mini-computer glasses to use while doing cleaning or the dishes at the same time you are watching your favorite show have already been invented - at least, the technology is there.

I think it's going to be fun just as soon as everyone can afford the technology, and learns how to use it. It is going to be so fun.

What do YOU think will be popular in, say, 10 years from now? 20?

E. Sheppard
BGAMUG Webmaster, 2012




Join us at these other sites:
Our website
Join us on Facebook!

Our Last Meeting and Presentation at the BGAMUG Computer Club in Bowling Green Kentucky

Hi all!

I took a few pictures at our last BGAMUG meeting (last week).  We had a presentation by Joe Easterling about Speech to Text programs you can use on your computer.

I did get to take a few pictures at the meeting. Some I cropped. Here they are:

These are just a few of the pictures I took. Our newsletter editor has these and some more, and some may be in the next BGAMUG Newsletter.

Have a great 4th of July!

E. Sheppard
BGAMUG Webmaster, 2012

Our website
Join us on Facebook!

No Genealogy SIG this Tuesday

Just a heads up: we won't be having a Genealogy Sig meeting at 5:30 Tuesday.

But we WILL be having a BGAMUG meeting, regular time, 6:30 p.m.

See you there!

Betsy Sheppard

Webmaster, The BGAMUG Computer Club 2012

All for now,
Betsy Sheppard
Webmaster, 2012
The BGAMUG Computer Club (website)

Join us on Facebook! (Be "Like" Member #44)

Are you a club member and writer? You can write for the BGAMUG Computer Club News

Writing for the BGAMUG Newsletter

Have you ever wanted to be a writer? Do you have some programs or games you like that you would like to share with other computer users?

Then you can write for the BGAMUG Computer Club News, fellow BGAMUG members.

Think of something YOU know about - a hobby, a fun game, what YOU like to do online. The possibilities are endless. Somebody in the club will have a lot of fun reading what you have to share.

Or sketch a photo, scan it, and send it for the Newsletter too.

This neat pen photo is from the opencage.info site.

So... think about it, BGAMUG members. I know I would love to hear about a game or hobby online I can look at.

Other people: have you read a BGAMUG newsletter lately? There are some issues online. Here they are: BGAMUG News Archive.

Read one and leave a comment.

Thanks.

Betsy Sheppard

Webmaster, The BGAMUG Computer Club 2012

All for now,
Betsy Sheppard
Webmaster, 2012
The BGAMUG Computer Club (website)

Join us on Facebook! (Be "Like" Member #44)

What is a BGAMUG? The Meaning Behind our Name...

BGAMUG Computer Club recently updated its name.

Lots of people already know the BGAMUG Computer Club in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It was started back when Bulletin Boards were in style. It used to be the latest thing, years ago, and helped people connect.

This club is expressly for people who want to learn about their computer. I know I have learned so much at the BGAMUG meetings. I have also had a lot of fun at their events.

Some people don't know that BGAMUG (the original club name) means the Bowling Green Microcomputer User Group.

There are many User Groups in the country, and BGAMUG Computer Club is made up also of computer users from all over.

Do you live in the Bowling Green, Kentucky area? Do you like to learn about your computer? Then the BGAMUG Computer Club may be the club for you.

We love visitors! Come by and see what we are all about. We help people learn about their computers, and learn how to protect their information and find neat things online.

Later!

Betsy Sheppard

Webmaster, The BGAMUG Computer Club 2012

All for now,
Betsy Sheppard
Webmaster, 2012
The BGAMUG Computer Club (website)

Join us on Facebook! (Be "Like" Member #44)

Read a BGAMUG newsletter

Great ideas from the Officer's Meeting tonight

Hi, all! This is a report from the BGAMUG Computer Club meeting tonight.

Photo by photosteve101 on Flickr. (his blog)

We have some great ideas for presentations for the months coming up at the BGAMUG meetings.

June: Voice Recognition software and how it works (Joe)

July: Windows 8 - what makes it tick (Joe)

August: Backups - including connected hard drive backups, online backups and external services (Ray and Betsy)

We may also have another fun computer-related AUCTION fundraiser too, maybe in September. So get together that computer hardware, computers, games, and other things people would like to bid on.

Think: digital cameras, ipads and ipod accessories, computer cleaners, games for newer computers, mouse pads, screen cleaners, computer books, computer tables, covers, iphones, iphone covers, etc. etc. - - tech and computer-related things - maybe something new you haven't used.

We are ordering NEW Door Prizes for next meeting that people will really like - and they should be there by next meeting, which is June 26th. Members and Guests to Be: put this date on your calendar. 

We also talked about BGA-Bucks (remember those?) and all the places we have met as a club in the past.

It was nice to chat with the other BGAMUG members tonight.

All for now,
Betsy Sheppard
Webmaster, 2012
The BGAMUG Computer Club (website)

Join us on Facebook! (Be "Like" Member #44)

Read a BGAMUG newsletter

The Domain Registry of America - help mail or a scam?

The Domain Registry of America is... a scam. 

They send notices to you if you have a blog or site, and let you know that it is time to renew - WITH THEM.

They make it sound like they already own your domain or site and they are the "officials" in charge.

Their prices are expensive too. They make it seem like you MUST register again with them, even if you already have a web host or provider.

Don't believe these letters. You do NOT have to register your domain name or site with them.

I have never liked these letters, which my mother and I both have received in the past.

I ran across a great posting about this Domain Registry of America scam today. They are not doing things that are against the law, they just are right on the line, so be warned ahead of time.

Here is that great article:

The Domain Registry of America scam (from the SpinWeb site). I am signed up to their mailing list, so that is how I can across it.

I hope you are having a fun and productive week. I personally was doing yard work this morning. It was already getting hot!

Betsy Sheppard
Webmaster, 2012
The BGAMUG Computer Club (website)

Join us on Facebook! (Be Like Member #44)

Read a BGAMUG newsletter

Yay! I found an old email that helped me. Some advice on getting your computer data back on a newer computer.

Just saying...

I found an old email that helped me. My hard drive went south on me, but The Place downtown helped me save it. Thank you, The Place!

Ah! This altered art is by Vicci at the moon stars paper blog.

Anyway, I have been busy putting programs back ON my next computer lately. This was mostly pretty easy this time, as I have all most of my programs in the same location.

Also, I had unlimited email on my Yahoo mail account. Thank goodness! Unfortunately, for a while I only had the titles of those messages. Then this week I was able to open them and use them.

It is a mystery to me where the message insides (actual messages) have been all this time.

On the good side, because of a program called BackBlaze, I was able to get back my photos and other research.

Note to others: make sure when you have a problem, you go to BackBlaze and start a retrieval. Do NOT request another hard drive backup of your computer, because BackBlaze will back up what is THERE on your hard drive. 

If you do not have anything on the hard drive any more, or are working from another computer, you could lose your original backup from the old one in favor of the almost-empty hard drive of the new one. Just saying.

I could have made this mistake, but was lucky and didn't. My advice to anyone (including myself) is to just be careful and push the right button is all I am saying.

I used MyOtherDrive before, but that site did not work so well with Macs. I was not able to access some of my files because of that.

Now all Mac computers have access to "The Cloud" and also to a service called Time Machine, which I may eventually switch to. But for now, BackBlaze is doing great for me.

Not my computer... zoom? Hmmm. photo by dmealiffe on Flickr

Anyway, now I can update the BGAMUG site, and did that today. I like having things back to normal! Have you ever had your computer go down? I miss mine when I don't have it! And now I'm happy to have my computer back.

Betsyanne
Webmaster, 2012
The BGAMUG Computer Club
Bowling Green, Kentucky

Join us on Facebook!
Visit our website!

Some more helpful sites:
The Place at beautiful Fountain Square, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Yahoo
BackBlaze
MyOtherDrive

And leave a comment too. I would love that.

You can see the original of the Altair photo at the Fotopedia site.

Your personal invitation to join the BGAMUG Blog and the BGAMUG Facebook page.

THIS IS YOUR PERSONAL INVITATION TO JOIN THE BGAMUG BLOG - AND FACEBOOK PAGE.

I am going to send an invitation out to join this blog, and to join our Facebook group for anyone in the club who wants to join. I will put it in an email (if I already know you pretty well in the BGAMUG Computer Club) or in the newsletter (for people I want to get to know soon!)

But for now, you can join by following the instructions here.

You can join by subscribing by email or in a reader. These choices are at the left here on the blog site. Here is what they look like: (except for the tools symbol at the right of each; these are my symbols for being in "edit" mode).

This is a screen shot of the section you want to find.

If you are subscribed to Google, you can also join with Google Friend Connect. Scroll down a bit further, and you will see the button to use for this.

 When you are connected, it's more easy to find other blogs you like, make friends with other readers, get computer tips and ideas, and get the blog postings and/or Facebook news delivered right to you in your email inbox. You can adjust when you get your messages in your privacy or account settings too.

AND TO LINK UP TO FACEBOOK:

#1: Get a Facebook account (easy - - just go to Facebook.com and sign up...)
#2. Edit your privacy settings (pretty easy - - go to your Privacy Settings area)

This is what mine looks like:

Just scroll down with the arrow by "home" to fix the Privacy settings for yourself.

#3. Be a Friend of the BGAMUG Facebook group. (After you sign up...) You just hit the "Like" button for this. Here is an example of a page you can "Like" (I am not a member, but to "Like" the BGAMUG Facebook group, you can now see where the "Like" button is - it's at the right side of your screen, underneath your name.)

 See you soon - all over, I hope!

Questions? Just call me (members) or email me (anyone) and I will step you through it. I would love to have more online members of both sites.

Betsy S.
Webmaster and Moderator
The BGAMUG Blog
BGAMUG on Facebook (the BGAMUG Facebook Group)
The BGAMUG website - for the BGAMUG Computer Club, Bowling Green, KY.

PPS It is perfectly OK for fans or prior members to sign up too, or computer users from anywhere.

Our BGAMUG Membership meeting for May 2012

Hi, all!

I liked our meeting. We had a few of our officers there, and had some new visitors too.

Jeri told us about her favorite apps for her iPod. I can't wait to check them out. I think there will be more than a few members who will decide they want to try out an iPhone or iPad this year. Many of the apps can be used on an iPod and iPhone too, plus your computer, I found out.

I took lots of notes, and plan to try out some of the apps for myself soon.

I enjoyed the Geneology SIG (Special Interest Group) too. My next step for this group will be to make a couple of Research Folders so I can be better organized while looking up names.

Our next meeting will be on June 26th. Joe E. will be talking about voice commands for computers. Sounds interesting!

Thanks for a wonderful meeting, Jeri.

We missed everyone who could not make it. See you next time!

Betsy S.
Webmaster, 2012
The BGAMUG Computer Club
Our website
Our Facebook page

In praise of backups! And when the BGAMUG News will be posted online.

Hi, fellow computer users plus BGAMUG friends and members.

The newest BGAMUG News is out. I would direct you to the web page, but I need to redo my website connection which I will do next week.

I have been replacing programs all week and then some. And some I had to completely replace.

So don't worry... if you are a member, you have your newsletter via email. And I will post the latest newsletter online at the website asap, as soon as everything is back in order.

Thank goodness for backups. I have been able to do most everything, with one exception. Corel Draw, one of my favorite programs, is no longer available for Mac, unless you put another program on your computer that runs Windows. I am not sure I want to do that or not.

So... I am using Illustrator for now. All the buttons are in different places. Ack! But it is a good program and I already have it.

So... be looking for your May newsletter, BGAMUG members and fans, on the site or with a link sometime next week. I hope you have a great week on your computer.

E. Sheppard Webmaster, 2012 The BGAMUG Computer Club.

Checking in - my new iPad, and changing technology

Hi, all!

I am writing this short posting on my iPad. It replaces a notebook computer that I used to use at the Pots Place downtown when I was there.

Today is Second Saturday and I am trying this new iPad out. I added a keyboard from RocketFish that uses the iPad inside of it, so I can use a regular typewriter keyboard on it. This saves me a LOT of time, since my tapping skills aren't as good as my TYPING skills.

One thing I have noticed is that I need to insert the paragraph symbol or all my type mixes up together. When I do my Blogger blog on my regular computer, I have a choice of whether or not to use html.

I will have to find out how to insert photos here next.

But it's fun to be able to do a posting on the fly.

I have a feeling using an iPhone will be different too. There is always a learning curve!

Betsyanne BGAMUG Webmaster, 2012

PS See you at the next BGAMUG meeting, Tuesday, May 22nd, at 6:30. Find out more at the BGAMUG site here:

http://www.bgamug.org/

Like the BGAMUG Computer Club Facebook page

You are invited to join the BGAMUG Computer Club on Facebook. 

Like The BGAMUG Computer Club Facebook Page. to receive fun computer cartoons, notices of club meetings, reviews, neat computer links and tips, information about new gadgets for your computer, and more.

Just go here and Like this Facebook page: The BGAMUG Computer Club Facebook Page. There are 43 members right now. Become #44.


And while you are at it, become a member of this blog by clicking the  "Join this site" button right under the BGAMUG logo here on the left side. 

See you here - and there!

Betsyanne

BGAMUG Webmaster, 2012
Our web page

Genealogy and the BGAMUG Computer Club

The original of this photo is from jczart on Flickr.

We have a great Genealogy group (SIG) at the BGAMUG Computer Club. The Genealogy SIG (Special Interest Group) meets an hour before the regular meeting at 5:30.

We discuss all things Genealogy. Our club leader, Jeri, is a long-time genealogist who does professional work.

If you want to learn how to start in Genealogy, or how to use the many new resources online, it's a great group to join.

Just saying! I have already learned a lot and am making a Genealogy Lesson folder. And hey, the price is certainly right.

Our next Genealogy SIG meeting is at 5:30 on Tuesday, May 22nd, at Building F of the Bowling Green Technical College.

Guests are welcome.

Later,
E. Sheppard
Webmaster, 2012
The BGAMUG Computer Club
Our Facebook page

Helping your family when you are gone - your will, etc.

Be Ready - the BGAMUG Computer Club Presentation Roundup from last night's meeting.

Jazz Funeral, Leatherhead Crematorium, Surrey by Dr Neil Clifton

I really liked this presentation. I generally learn something from each one, but this presentation was more timely than many. Ray even played a Goodbye presentation slideshow with music that he made and said he would help any member who wants to make one for themselves, to play for their loved ones.

The main point of the presentation was to be ready - - to be prepared for your own death, so as to make it easier for  your family. Also, one member brought up, you can plan ahead so things are done as you wish. If you want a certain casket, for instance, you can pick one out ahead of time.

Last wishes - your preferred service, what you want to say to your loved ones, who you want to get what when you are gone, etc., etc. - - these are all things we seldom talk about.

Ray gave everyone there a CD with all kinds of useful forms to fill out. A will form was included, as well as a Living Will form. Ray and other members said that a form could be filled out, then it could be signed by the two required witnesses, and notarized. This form could then be checked out by a lawyer (which I will be doing).

One member mentioned a lost will - - it was not where the person said it would be, in a lock box. Another person said that a will had an Executor AND a back-up Executor, but both died before the person in the will. Both of these things made things harder for the families, I expect.

You are saving time and money, plus aggravation on the part of the families to make sure everything is done and put in a safe place, and people notified of where you are keeping this information. And no matter what age you are, putting this off can really backfire if something happens to you, and you are not ready with the forms and planning you need to do NOW.

New technology makes it much easier to leave a video/digital message for your family too, using slides and music with meaning for you.  Plus this will be a great memorial for your family to have of you. I like this idea.

Thanks, Ray. This (a new will and now a video/digital message for my family) is also on my list now. The forms you gave will really help too.

Being prepared - a Scout motto, but very apros pos. I plan to get these things done in the next couple of months.

Later!
Betsyanne
Webmaster, 2012
The BGAMUG Computer Club

Join us for our meeting on Tuesday April 24th

Original Photo (before cropping & editing) is from Turtlemom Nancy on Flickr.

The Future - - it is uncertain. And who knows how long anyone has on this earth?

I know I personally have been thinking (hard!) about the future lately. With two deaths in the family already this year, I know someday I will also be gone, and I want to be prepared.

My husband and I are re-doing our wills this year, and need all the advice we can get. Luckily, Tuesday's meeting will help me get some tips on preparing that will. Other legal issues will also be covered.

The presenter is  our own Ray E. I will be bringing some paper and a pen for notes.

Join us! We will meet at 6:30 at Building F at the Bowling Green Technical College.

See you there!

Betsy S.
Webmaster, 2012
the BGAMUG Computer Club
Our BGAMUG website
Bowling Green, Kentucky

Some fun computer advice and tech sites

Hi, this is Betsy, your friendly neighborhood webmaster for the BGAMUG Computer Club.

Today I have a few links to sites you may like. My favorite is #1, the techie site Mashable, where you will find some of the latest gadgets, talk about social networking, and lots more. I use it a lot.

#1. Mashable - I check here a lot for neat tweets about technology. I think you'll like it too. Many different authors and tech experts combine here on this site.

#2. Tips from Ask Leo: http://ask-leo.com/.
Also, here is Ask Leo on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/askleofan
Leo has tips for all, but mainly for Windows users.

#3. YMLP - Your Mailing List Provider - I wound up using this mailing list provider after trying out several others. I like this one because it has many of the higher-end features (like templates and campaigns) of the more expensive providers, but doesn't cost as much.

#4. Backblaze - my latest online backup. Backblaze is a cloud application that copies your files in an online backup. The service has unlimited storage for only $5.00 a month. This is not a misprint. I like it because I take a lot of photos. Now they have even gone down to #3.96 per month.

#5. SelfPromotion - a great website and blog submission site. It is preferred to contribute here. You can submit your sites here and the owner will also do this every once in awhile too. There is much information here about gaining readership.

Do you have a favorite tech site that you love? Add it here as a comment.

Betsy S.
Webmaster
The BGAMUG Computer Club
Bowling Green, Kentucky

Join us April 24th - and about free computer classes

New art! I will probably change it again.

Our next meeting 

We at the BGAMUG Computer Club have a great presentation planned for our next meeting on April 24th. It's all about making wills and how to plan ahead for your family.

For some of us, this presentation is very timely. I know I have put redoing my will on my Must Do Soon List.

 As usual, guests are very welcome at the BGAMUG Computer Club meeting! Tell them Betsy set you.  

Free Computer Classes 

I list all the free computer classes each week on my Betsyanne site "From the Garden Spot plus BG Events." 

You can check there to find free computer classes offered by the library each week.

I hope everyone is having a great week!

Betsy S.
Webmaster
The BGAMUG Computer Club

PS Check out more about our next meeting here on the BGAMUG website.

PPS And join us on Facebook too - see you there. 

Ideas for BGAMUG Computer Club Presentations

I have been thinking about presentations and what would be fun to talk about, or for others to talk about. We've had a lot of really good presentations last year and this year. Some of the recent ones have talked about Genealogy sites, iPhones, Tablets, email, and how to protect ourselves from viruses and other computer hazards.

Somebody else doing a presentation

I have some other ideas. You can vote on the ones you like the most.

Well, that's about it for today.

I will be calling some people soon that I have heard from online to see if they want to do a short presentation next month.

The presentation THIS month (on will resources and other legal issues for the future) is on Tuesday, April 24th at 6:30. Click here to go to our website to find out more.

As you might now, guests are very welcome at our meetings. Come by and say hi!

All for now,
E. Sheppard
Webmaster and Blog poster, 2012
Bowling Green, Kentucky

FYI: This computer art original is from the free art Clker site, and the Learn About Your Computer was added with Corel Draw.

About our last meeting Tues. PM - learning about tablets and iPhones

I enjoyed our last BGAMUG Computer Club meeting Tuesday evening. 

We got to touch Jerry's tablet computer, and see how photos are easy to view. There are many kinds of tablets to choose from, and Jerry shared the story of getting his on sale. (I will add the name as soon as I can find the notes!)

Jeri showed us her iPhone, and explained it has two different cameras on it - one in front and one in back. I liked this feature.

Both people said they carry a tablet with them instead of a laptop when they go on vacation. A tablet is lighter and easier to carry.

People can upload photos many ways on a tablet too. Professional photographers may need to ask what is compatible with their tablet.

People talked also about Kindles. The latest Kindles will also take you online more. AND you can get many free ebooks to read on them.

I personally have a Kindle 3 which I won in an online contest. I like it, but it is darker than I like, so I will be adding a light to it soon.

Do you have a Kindle, a SmartPhone, iPhone, or tablet? Learning how they work, and trying out neat apps can be very fun. Plus, (as Jerry or Jeri said) you can keep up with your sons, daughters, and grandchildren if you learn how to use these new computers and phones.

Betsy S.
Webmaster, 2012
The BGAMUG Computer Club

Like us here on Facebook too.

A note about the Picnik site - rescue your photos!

Picnik is making changes - download and save your photos now.

Some people use the Picnik photo editing site. It has a lot of free features, and you don't have to buy the program to use it for editing your photos.

BUT it is moving to Google+. So, if you have any photos there, now's the time to take them off the site (this month).

Learn more: Rescue your files from Picnik.

(A heads up.)

E. Sheppard
Webmaster
The BGAMUG Computer Club

Our next meeting program for the BGAMUG Computer Club - come visit!

The BGAMUG Computer Club in Bowling Green, Kentucky has a great program planned for Tuesday, March 27th at 6:30 at the BG Technical College. It is all about tablets and I-Phones.

Learn about this new technology and how YOU can use it in your daily life.

Art via Sharon with thanks.

This map shows where to go for the meeting:

I hope to see you there. :-)

Betsy
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Webmaster for BGAMUG, 2012

Join us at our next meeting. Guests are welcome

Come join the BGAMUG Computer Club to learn about Tablets and iPhones next meeting on March 27th at 6:30.

Guests are welcomed with a smile.

We meet at the Bowling Green Technical College. There is a map of how to get there at the website. Just scroll down to see it.

I hope to see everyone there.

Betsy S.
Webmaster 2012
The BGAMUG Computer Club
Bowling Green, Kentucky

Keep Safer on your Email and Facebook

There have been some glitches in Facebook and email accounts lately of my friends and acquaintances. And I personally have had a website hacked. It was such a pain to fix.

Of course, I have noticed problems in others' Facebook accounts for awhile (years, really). I don't know whether people have the same password for different sites, or click on links, etc.

I don't understand the reasoning behind hackers' taking over other people's accounts - - perhaps they are trying to get access to money or just want to show that they CAN hack into somebody's account. To help protect against glitches and hackers, some safety measures I personally like are:

1. Changing my password to my email provider and my Facebook every so often,

2. Letting others know if I notice a problem with their postings (often, a link posted with no explanation),

3. Not opening a link if I don't know that it is safe. Better to go to the site in person if there is a question.

4. Not joining too many Facebook applications. These can have rights to mess with your Facebook account and mess it up. But there are some I do like, like MyCalendar Birthdays, Networked Blogs, Photos, and Notes. FYI: I used to play Farm Town, Hatching Eggs, Top Friends, and some other popular games, but I don't play them much anymore. They take up time I use for other things. But they were really fun for awhile, and I didn't have any problems with them. But that doesn't mean they aren't risky. I don't know.

 5.  Copying the "rescue" links from Facebook and Mail just in case. For instance, a link for Yahoo is account compromised link , and one rescue email to report hacking at Facebook is http://www.facebook.com/hackedhttp://www.facebook.com/hacked.

I hope you don't need these help links. But today I wanted to share what I do to help stay safe.

E. Sheppard
Webmaster
The BGAMUG Computer Club

Bowling Green and area libraries free computer classes for March

Here are some upcoming FREE computer classes offered at library locations in and near Bowling Green, Kentucky. This list if from the ALIVE mailing I got today.

These classes are at different times, and are all free. You must pre-register to attend them. 


There are more free classes for February listed on the Moon and the Willow Tree blog Events page here.

"Upcoming Library Classes

Computer classes March 2012 Main Library

Call 781-4882 to reserve space

Introduction to Computers and the Internet

Thursday, March 1: 6-7 p.m.

Facebook for Beginners

Monday, March 5: 6-7:30 p.m.

MS Publisher

Tuesday, March 6: 2-3:30 p.m.

Introduction to Genealogy Resources

Wednesday, March 7: 10 a.m. - noon

Job Hunting Online

Wednesday, March 7: 6-7 p.m."

There are also classes at other library sites.

Check out the list from the library site: http://www.warrenpl.org/Adult-Events.html

And here is the ALIVE website: http://www.wku.edu/alive/.

Thanks, BGAMUG members!

You really came through.

 I had some visitors from BGAMUG to my mother's Celebration/Gathering after her death on February 1st. The Celebration Gathering was on Saturday, two days ago.

What a great surprise to see my friends from BGAMUG. I really appreciated that. That was such a great thing to do. They also wrote my column for the BGAMUG Newsletter.

These BGAMUG members also saw my Mom's pottery, and the great video that my daughter and her husband made for her.

Having those caring BGAMUG members visit me on that day really helped me get through it. Thanks, BGAMUG members!

You know who you are. Pat yourself on the back today. Or have that piece of cheesecake. Or do something else wonderful for yourself.

Betsy

My Mom's Remembrance Pages
The Pots Place pages (Mom helped start the Pots Place)

Mom's video of parts of her life is here:

Spam - just what is it... and how can you fight it?

SPAM... 

This neat SPAM can picture is by dok1 on Flickr.

Does getting a lot of spam in your computer inbox just drive you crazy?

Join us at the next BGAMUG Computer Club meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Bowling Green Technical College Building F for a presentation all about SPAM to find out more.

Some questions to be addressed are: What can we do about spam? And is it all about advertising?

Find out how to fight spam in YOUR inbox.

Guests and visitors are welcome. So come on by!

Betsyanne

Webmaster
The BGAMUG Computer Club
Bowling Green, Kentucky

PS You can find a map to the meeting right here on the BGAMUG page. Just scroll down to see it.

I like the Live 365 radio station.

Have you tried listening to it yet?

You can listen while working, or you can plug in your remote earphones to listen to this radio station too.

The really cool thing about Live 365 is that you can have your own radio station here. You can also play YOUR kind of music. There are a lot of different styles of radio stations to pick from, including the usual jazz vs. rock vs. Hip-Hop-Rap, etc. and also talk radio and New Age.

I like the idea of having my own radio station. This would be very fun to do some day. I will definitely put it on my list.

It's fun to experiment and listen to different styles of music here. I also enjoy the talk radio shows.

Let me know your favorite online station, or how you like this one.

Later!

I'm off to think about listening to Live365.

Betsy S.
Webmaster
The BGAMUG Computer Club
Bowling Green, Kentucky

Gene Iglehart helps get computers ready for Ecuador

The Ecuadorian Flag - via Clker.

Member in the News!

Our member Gene Iglehart is in the news again, this time in a Bowling Green Daily News article.

I shared this on Facebook at the BGAMUG page (click to go there), but thought other BGAMUG members would like to hear about it.

Here is a quote from the article quoting from both Mr. Iglehart and Lynn Hartley, C.I.O. for the City of Bowling Green, Kentucky.

"For three months, Igelhart worked to get the computers into a condition in which they would be functional for the youth in Ecuador.

“To me it’s a privilege and an honor,” Igelhart said.

Hartley applauded Igelhart’s efforts. “He stays busy and is a big inspiration to see how involved he is in the computer,” Hartley said."


Here is that article:

Work by WKU Students, city, provides computers to Ecuador community.

Good job, Gene, and everyone involved in this worthwhile project!

E. Sheppard
Webmaster
The BGAMUG Computer Club
Bowling Green, Kentucky

Our regular January meeting is next Tuesday Jan. 24, 2012

Heads up!

Our next BGAMUG Computer Club meeting is Thursday, January 24th, at 6:30. See the BGAMUG website for the map and other information.

See you there!

Betsy Sheppard
BGAMUG Webmaster, 2012

Other Computer groups in Kentucky A - Kentucky groups

BGAMUG is a well-known computer club in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Their website is really cute. :-) It will be updated this year too probably and made more easy to navigate.

This interesting photographic mosaic is by photo by oztenphoto on Flickr

Some other computer clubs in Kentucky have some interesting websites too. I think it would be fun to visit some of these other clubs sometime. In the meantime, I think I can get some good ideas for the website from their sites too.

Here are a few other computer clubs and User Groups with websites and links to explore.

1. The Central Kentucky Computer Society
(Lexington) They have a page for Joe's Top 50 Tips here.

2. The Richmond Computer Club (a smaller site)

3. The Computer Club for Seniors (in Lexington at the Public Library) I think this one is just starting up.

4. KIPCUG - the Kentucky-Indiana Computer User Group in Louisville, Kentucky. This club has removeable bumper stickers and custom mugs for the group.

I know there are more sites - I'll just have to find them. It might be fun to list Nashville clubs next. Nashville is not far from here.

Oh - and check out APCUG on Facebook - they have some neat events listed here. They are also on Twitter. (BGAMUG is a member of APCUG.)

All for now - Happy Computing!

Betsyanne
BGAMUG Webmaster, 2012

Your oldest computer... the games on it were fun!

Do you still have your oldest computer?

It's fun to compare them now. I loved the games I could play on my oldest computer. The games kept improving through the years. I still love some of the older games.

Here is a photo of an IBM portable. Of course, this used two floppy drives.

Photo by Hanan Cohen on Flickr.

Do you remember your old computer? It boggles my mind how far computers have come, and how many things I can do with my computer now that I was not able to do in the past.

But the old ones were still fun... I liked the text adventure games best.

Here are some text adventure game sites - you can play many of these right on the sites.

Web Adventures
Adventure Games Live
Here are some later Indiana Jones games (some of these are great!)
What are your favorite older games? List them as a comment.

Later!
Betsyanne
Webmaster for BGAMUG 2012
The BGAMUG Computer Club

Fun computer humor sites and cartoons - I like them!

Computer, Geek, and Internet humor - I love it.

I love computer humor, AND the About.com site. I also love fun computer cartoons and jokes.

One of my favorite silly computer jokes is the one with the CD holder that somebody thinks is a coffee cup holder. It is hilarious! Jerry told it at a BGAMUG meeting once.

I was looking for a funny computer and internet site and found some good links at About.com's Computer and Internet Humor site.

OOPS - This cartoon is from free-cartoons.sangrea.net

I will definitely be back here. Today I tried the "computer strip" joke at the site, and then briefly glanced at the I Kiss You site (pretty old now, and I did not see the movie - I wonder where he is from...), and also the Funny Sites of the Day (last one is 2009 - this needs updating!)

Further clicks brought me to the Web Humor pages, which are more recent.

The site mentioned the Daily Cute site, is it ever cute! It is full of very cuddly and sweet animal pictures, which I like anyhow.

I do know about the Daily Kitten, which is a place that definitely makes you smile every visit.

I hope this posting brings a smile too!

Betsy Sheppard
WebMaster 2012
The BGAMUG Computer Club

Burning a CD. :-) Ar Ar Ar...

PS I used to know a fabulous newsgroup that was really funny. Everyone shared their latest jokes. Anyone else know some good humor sites?