A chromebook is an inexpensive, simplified laptop. It runs one program, the Chrome browser, plus a file manager for local file management.
A chromebook has removed the ability to run other installed programs, like Microsoft Office, other browsers like Firefox, bad virus programs, antivirus programs to fight the bad virus programs, backup programs, crap cleaners, printer drivers, installed Adobe programs like Photoshop, etc. etc. Continue reading
Rick’s Presentation material on Web & Email Security can be down-loaded HERE
Do you know how much electricity you use in your personal office or home? Do you know how much energy your desktop computer or laptop uses? Will you save more electricity by turning off your computer at night or shortening your daily shower by five minutes? Discover some counter-intuitive facts about saving energy, money and the environment.
Presented by Rich McCue of UVic, Tuesday Oct 25th, 2pm at Silver Threads, Les Passmore 286 Hampton Road, Saanich. Here is a MAP
Optional lunch of soup and sandwhich for $7 is at 1pm. Choose which sandwich (salmon, egg, or chicken salad) in your RSVP to BigBlueSocial@gmail.com for lunch and/or presentation.
Even if you are only coming to the presentation please RSVP by Sunday, October 23rd so that we will know which room to set up.
In this post I’d like to talk about Windows Remote Programs (commonly known as remote desktops).
First what are Windows Remote Control Programs/services and why would I want them on my computer? This service is also known as Windows Remote Terminal ( if using the native Windows Program) or also collectively known as Remote Desktop. These services are targeted toward providing access from a distance for Windows users. This is ideal for businesses, especially if you have a centralized file storage but have employees /volunteers who have to work on a number of machines not in one location. Because the technology was developed specifically by Microsoft, it has a great deal of compatibility with Windows and takes advantage of some special Windows only features. You can expect this system to work with both 32 bit and 64 bit applications.
Also you will be able to access all of your programs and files from afar, or from a main unit on your local network and you can expect full functionality of commonly used programs. It is worth noting that Microsoft’s software suite is not as specialized as some other remote desktop software such as Remote Utilities. In general, unless you work remotely most of the time, you won’t even notice that these features are missing. A number of Remote Control Desktop applications do not require licensing or a fee to install ( as long as it is used for private use, and not for commercial use), making them a great free utility.
As mentioned earlier there are many different RCD programs available for free and even more to purchase.
I prefer to use Team Viewer 11. It is very easy to use and to install. Once installed on all the computers you wish to have it on, you set up your account (on the main computer) and get the free license to add up to 10 computers for free.
When used properly it will allow the network administrator (or the class teacher/instructor) to maintain control over all of the computers in the network. For example if a member on lab 6 was having a problem, the instructor/admin could log in to the computer having a problem, from his own computer and, assist that person. Also if being taught to make changes to windows, the instructor can at the end of the class/session check to make sure all computers have been reset to their original state, so the next person does not have problems with the local computer.
Tagging files is an alternative to, and enhancement to, creating a folder structure for you photos and files.
Tags are non-hierarchical
Tags are meta data
Metadata is kept in Picasa database, not in the photo’s Exif fields. All your tagging work is lost if you move to another organizer like Windows Photo Gallery.
Do you need desktop apps, or are online apps sufficient? And why might you want to use online apps instead? I am at the corner of Calle de La Portes de Jesus, in the city of Palma, Spain, writing this with only my laptop, and it is just a cheap 2.5 pound chromebook at that. Admittedly, I am sitting in the cafe across from the Movistar cell phone store, so the wifi is better than some places, but most every bar and hotel has free wifi of some sort.
So do you need to carry, or even own, a computer that runs desktop apps?
On Tuesday, September 27th, at 2pm at Silver Threads Pasmore Center I will present the choices of using online apps vs desktop apps for common tasks, e.g. email, photo editing, word processing, spreadsheets, travel maps, making phone calls, etc. The slide show is here Continue reading
Thursday, August 18th, 2015 from 3pm to 6pm, Photoshoot of Gardens at 2pm.
At the Government House Bandshell on the east lawn, 1401 Rockland Avenue. If you require seating, please bring your own chairs. Click here for map.
Activities:
The club will supply Cake / Pop / Ice / Plates.
Click to see what people are bringing so far.
This event replaces August’s monthly meeting.
Sat. Aug 20 10am. Attend the FREE APCUG conference at the clubhouse or from the convenience of your own home! All you need is your computer, tablet, etc. and Internet access.
Register at: http://bit.ly/APCUG_8-20_VTC
The sessions are 50 minutes in length and offer attendees the opportunity to ask questions via Q&A; the questions are answered by the presenter at the end of the presentation or via e-mail if there isn’t enough time after the presentation.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows10upgrade
The free Windows 10 upgrade offer may technically be over, but it isn’t 100% gone. Microsoft still provides a free Windows 10 upgrade to anyone who checks a box saying they use assistive technologies on their computer. This offer will end at some point, but Microsoft hasn’t announced when.
An email has been sent to confirmed attendees. There are no more seats available for the July 21st, Thursday 2:00 pm presentation to club members AT Island Savings Credit Union Mayfair Branch (map) on “Internet References for Financial Planning”, by Credential Securities’ Travis Koivula (B.Eng, CFP, CIM, FCSI, CSWP) Senior Advisor, Financial Planning.
RSVP to BigBlueSocial@gmail.com. Seating is limited to ISCU’s large board room, Douglas and Tolmie. No lunch, but cookies and coffee will be available. Note: this is NOT taking place at our club nor at Silver Threads.
Disclaimer: Island Savings Credit Union is the club‘s financial institution. No club member is receiving any financial benefit for arranging this presentation, or for any future relationship attendees may have with Credential Securities. Only first names from RSVPs will be shared with Travis.
