December 2008

Written by Bayle Emlein

December 5, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. by President Chuck Horner. The scheduled presenter from iambic cannot come, however he is willing to send Agendis, the iambic flagship product, to all attendees. An e-mail sign-up was circulated.

The January main meeting will take place on January 9th, the 2nd Friday of the month. Hayward Adult School is closed on January 2nd.

There will be a cookout at the Clubhouse tomorrow.

SIG Announcements:

Jan Fagerholm reported that in November, the Linux SIG looked at how to look at another computer from the one you’re on, known as remote access in Windows. Linux, Windows, and Mac computers can be viewed from the Linux platform. There are enough people who like penguins that the December Linux SIG will take place on the last Saturday in December. Verne Perry uses the new release of Ubuntu, version 8.10, in his business and will be solicited to present it.

Del Parton reminded everyone that the Hardware SIG will meet tomorrow evening (as usual, the night after the Main Meeting) at the Smith’s. Starting time is 8:00 P.M., official ending time is midnight. Bring your hardware, software and as much documentation as you can find.

Other Announcements:

Jan Fagerholm explained the PCC election process for the 5 Board of Directors members and how they appoint the Executive Committee that conducts the everyday activities of the club. He introduced the candidates and outlined contributions each has made to PCC. Ballots were distributed, marked in secret, and collected for counting.

Presentation:

Chuck presented a number of tips. To save a bit of space in the width of Excel columns, Replace (510) with 510- Change the format of the contents to Text or General first so that Excel doesn’t try to do arithmetic with phone numbers. Right click on a cell to bring up a menu of formatting options, including Remove Hyperlink.

In Vista one can copy all or part of a graphic using the Snipping Tool. The path to get the utility is: Start > All Programs > Accessories > Snipping Tool. For ever after, launch the Snipping Tool from the QuickStart tool bar, surround the portion of the picture you want with the crosshair cursor, copy, paste.

Bud Gallagher noted that ASAP has over 400 free add-ons for all version of Excel. Google ASAP to find them.

Jan showed off his multi-use iGo power brick from iMobility. He then presented several Google tips. Google Pack integrates most common software needs, except Java, and manages updates automatically. Go to the Google home page, go to the bottom of Get More to find Google Pack. Google Book Search has many online books in searchable form. Patent Search could be helpful for inventors and Product Search is for shoppers. Scholar looks for academic papers on the particular topic of your choice. Google Chrome is a slim, fast browser.

Everyone has used Google Earth. Have you been to Google Mars yet? Goog-411 ties in closely to Maps and other mobile services. Sending out for pizza has never been easier.

After the Break:

The results of the election were announced. Congratulations to the 2009 PCC Board of Directors: Chuck Horner, Bayle Emlein, Elsie Smith, Jan Fagerholm, and Del Parton.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M.
The next meeting will take place at the same location on January 9, 2009.