CrossRidge Technology Club

The meeting was facilitated by Dr. Harold "Bud" Cothern, who introduced himself, his background and interest in forming the group. Bud explained that his vision of the Club was to expose the group to various topics of interest about technology. He further qualified the purpose as not being like a classical teaching model (absence of lab, time, software for everyone, etc.)

The evening's main presentation was on "Phishing, Spoofing, Spamming and Security Issues for You." This was done as a PowerPoint presentation (available for download here or for viewing online here) Bud followed up by showing how to view the headers (source) of an email to see who it is actually from and also suggested using a WHO IS site to test the sender's address to see if it is legitimate. You can do this by domain name lookup or by IP address lookup.

Then Bud used an article by Dave Methvin from the February 2007 issue of PC Today entilted, "The Well-Tuned PC: A Better Vista Than Vista" as a basis for understanding of whether PC users should upgrade or not to VISTA. He then demonstrated some of the features in XP mentioned in the article and also showed the "Vista-like add-ons covered. (Bud also added a few others as well.) Since XP will continue to receive 5 more years of support from Microsoft and because of the potential for upgrade issues and costs, the general feeling was to proceed with caution. Certain XP legacy software drivers, programs, and peripherals may not work
Here are the things mentioned in the article and/or by Bud:

Cobian Backup | CCleaner | Disk defragmenter (C:\ WINDOWS\System32\Disk Defragmenter)
PC Performance (Control Panel>System>Performance options>custom unclear most checks--see article)
Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor (from Microsoft):
Window Blinds
Desktop Sidebar ( Bud)
Yahoo Widgets (Bud)
Boot Skin (Bud)

He then presented some wireless networking teaser demos to the group
Airport Express Bud told how this inexpensive wireless router (less than $100) connects to your cable/DSL provider's modem to create a simple wireless network in your home. You can also use it to join an existing wireless network and extend its range, connect most USB-enabled printers to it for remote printing using Bonjour for Windows (Macs connect automatically). Bud demonstrated how you can connect your stereo or powered speakers to it and stream music or other computer sounds using iTunes (free ) or Airfoil software ($25). Separately, he also demonstrated how an iPod can use a small FM transmitter like the iTrip to play the iPod's songs on the radio (your car or home stereo).

He also used his bluetooth cell phone to connect to the Internet (this is not the recommended way to do this but we do not have an internet connection at the Pavilion to use) and demonstrated Slingbox TV, a special router ($169-$249 depending on model) you connect to your home service which not only allows you to watch your home television from virtually anywhere in the world, but also allows you to view any cable subscriptions, special programming, or sports packages you may have - at no extra cost. If it’s on your home TV, it’s on your computer and phone – with no monthly fees. If you are on a wireless/broadband connected network you can view a steady uninterrupted stream with perfect clarity.

The meeting ended by handing out a sign-up sheet and a call for a list of possible topics for the future. Bud asked members to email him topics. Possible future topics suggested at the meeting included the following:
Ripping CDs to mp3 format
Converting your vinyl records to mp3s
Buying and selling on eBay
Detailed demonstration/overview of VISTA
iTunes/iPod
Bluetooth devices

Bud said he would share all information via email and would set up a website. The meeting was then adjourned. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 7 pm in the Celebration Room of the Pavilion.

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		A Site for Members of the CrossRidge Technology Club
		CrossRidge Computer Club Meeting -- March 11, 2007 The meeting was facilitated by Dr. Harold "Bud" Cothern, who introduced himself, his background and interest in forming the group. Bud explained that his vision of the Club was to expose the group to various topics of interest about technology. He further qualified the purpose as not being like a classical teaching model (absence of lab, time, software for everyone, etc.) The evening's main presentation was on "Phishing, Spoofing, Spamming and Security Issues for You." This was done as a PowerPoint presentation (available for download here or for viewing online here) Bud followed up by showing how to view the headers (source) of an email to see who it is actually from and also suggested using a WHO IS site to test the sender's address to see if it is legitimate. You can do this by domain name lookup or by IP address lookup. Then Bud used an article by Dave Methvin from the February 2007 issue of PC Today entilted, "The Well-Tuned PC: A Better Vista Than Vista" as a basis for understanding of whether PC users should upgrade or not to VISTA. He then demonstrated some of the features in XP mentioned in the article and also showed the "Vista-like add-ons covered. (Bud also added a few others as well.) Since XP will continue to receive 5 more years of support from Microsoft and because of the potential for upgrade issues and costs, the general feeling was to proceed with caution. Certain XP legacy software drivers, programs, and peripherals may not work Here are the things mentioned in the article and/or by Bud: Cobian Backup \| CCleaner \| Disk defragmenter (C:\ WINDOWS\System32\Disk Defragmenter) PC Performance (Control Panel>System>Performance options>custom unclear most checks--see article) Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor (from Microsoft): Window Blinds Desktop Sidebar ( Bud) Yahoo Widgets (Bud) Boot Skin (Bud) He then presented some wireless networking teaser demos to the group Airport Express Bud told how this inexpensive wireless router (less than $100) connects to your cable/DSL provider's modem to create a simple wireless network in your home. You can also use it to join an existing wireless network and extend its range, connect most USB-enabled printers to it for remote printing using Bonjour for Windows (Macs connect automatically). Bud demonstrated how you can connect your stereo or powered speakers to it and stream music or other computer sounds using iTunes (free ) or Airfoil software ($25). Separately, he also demonstrated how an iPod can use a small FM transmitter like the iTrip to play the iPod's songs on the radio (your car or home stereo). He also used his bluetooth cell phone to connect to the Internet (this is not the recommended way to do this but we do not have an internet connection at the Pavilion to use) and demonstrated Slingbox TV, a special router ($169-$249 depending on model) you connect to your home service which not only allows you to watch your home television from virtually anywhere in the world, but also allows you to view any cable subscriptions, special programming, or sports packages you may have - at no extra cost. If it’s on your home TV, it’s on your computer and phone – with no monthly fees. If you are on a wireless/broadband connected network you can view a steady uninterrupted stream with perfect clarity. The meeting ended by handing out a sign-up sheet and a call for a list of possible topics for the future. Bud asked members to email him topics. Possible future topics suggested at the meeting included the following: Ripping CDs to mp3 format Converting your vinyl records to mp3s Buying and selling on eBay Detailed demonstration/overview of VISTA iTunes/iPod Bluetooth devices Bud said he would share all information via email and would set up a website. The meeting was then adjourned. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 7 pm in the Celebration Room of the Pavilion.
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