Get out of the house and away from your computer!
Just
a quick reminder to turn off the computer and get out of the house for
a while.
Summer is here! Take some time to enjoy it.
If you are looking for things to do, check out the WelchEvents Mailing List. I regularly post neat events from around the Southland, usually 1-2 weeks before they occur.
Click the link above to see the most recent postings, or join the list yourself. New events automatically arrive in your Inbox. You can also see photos from part events on the Events page on WelchWrite.com.
Our books are available!
A great gift idea for all graduates, regardless of their final career choice!
From Rosanne Welch and Dawn Comer Jefferson...
In the news...
Learn why antispam laws may make things worse
“…The net effect of more legislation instead of direct action is that junk e-mailers will devise even more desperate methods or move to areas that don’t have antispam laws. Principal junk e-mailers are already primarily offshore, using leagues of hijacked broadband computers all over the world to send their unwanted e-mail. So antispam laws will likely leave them unaffected.” [Lockergnome Tech News Watch]
Apple patches vulnerability in Safari
Apple Computer Inc. issued a software update yesterday to fix a reported security hole in its Safari Web Browser. [Computerworld News]
W32.Korgo.A is yet another worm, like Sasser, which exploits the Microsoft LSASS Windows vulnerability. If you haven’t done so yet, get a patch for that hole here [Lockergnome Bytes]
Microsoft's Office 2004 for Mac OS X holds appeal for business Mac users
"The latest Macintosh edition of Microsoft Corp.'s Office suite does text, e-mail, spreadsheets and presentations with aplomb. Then again, so did its previous versions. The big hook for the new version, Office 2004 for Mac, is its improved business-friendly tools, so Mac users can share and manage data just as easily as people who run that other, more dominant operating system (hint: Microsoft also makes it)," Matthew Fordahl writes for The Associated Press. "Office 2004... [MacDailyNews]
Apple Mac OS X 10.3.4 - Fixes network issues and more. [MacUpdate - Mac OS X]
Seven new viruum have been unleashed on us. VBS.Powcox@mm is a VBS (Visual Basic Script) worm which e-mails itself to everyone in your Outlook Express address book. Why haven’t you started using Thunderbird instead of LookOut? There are a pair of Kibuv worms - W32.Kibuv.C and W32.Kibuv.E which use IRC, FTP and other exploits... [Lockergnome Bytes]
Computer Discussion Group at the Sherman Oaks Branch of the LA Public Library
If your friends or co-workers would like an example of how I teach and coach computer users through large and small issues, I recommend they stop by some evening. This is probably the best way to get to know me and my methods.
Each class starts with a a short presentation on some interesting technology, web site or software, but then quickly becomes an energetic question and answer session, where I answer the questions that are most pressing in the minds of the attendees.
The next meeting is June 10th at 6:30 pm.
Currently scheduled for 2004:
June 10 & 24
July 8 & 22
The Sherman Oaks Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library is located at 14245 Moorpark Street Sherman Oaks, CA -- Telephone 818-205-9716.
Remember
to update operating systems and anti-virus programs
Anti-Virus
The beginning of each month is the perfect time to ensure that your operating system (Windows/Macintosh OS) and anti-virus software are up-to-date. Your anti-virus software cannot protect your computer from the latest viruses without these updates. Updates are released at least once a month, unless a new virus is dangerous enough to justify an immediate update.
Operating System Updates
For Windows (98, 2000, XP), there should be an icon labeled Windows Update in your Start Menu
For Macintosh OS 9 systems, check Apple Menu, Control Panels, Software Update
For Macintosh OS X systems, check System Preferences, Software Update
Most systems can be set to automatically check for updates directly from the Internet, as well. If you want to learn how to set up automatic updates for these programs, drop me an email or give me a call.
Microsoft Office...on the cheap!
I have needed to upgrade my Microsoft Office program
for some time, but the cost for a new version of Office is nearly $300.
I couldn't justify the cost when I don't use most of the programs included
in the suite of Word, Entourage, Excel, Powerpoint (and Access, for Windows
users.)
The recent issue of Wired reminded me that there is another option, Microsoft's
Office Student and Teacher Edition. We qualify for this software since
Rosanne is currently enrolled in her Master's program, but even if we
didn't, Microsoft requires no qualifying documentation to insure that
you are a student or a teacher. Office S&TE is available from Amazon.com
for $129.99, a significant price reduction from the list price ($300)
or even the upgrade price ($240) of a full copy of MS Office.
If you are looking to upgrade, or buying a new machine, this is your best choice to get the leading software suite at a fraction of the normal cost.
Never lose a golf ball again
Even if you might shank a few balls into the wood, Radar Golf will help you find them again...saving precious penalty strokes.
An RFID chip embedded in the balls responds to a tracking device that allows you to locate the errant ball anywhere.
The balls are not yet on sale, but you can reserve your Radar Golf today.
Software Updates
Macintosh
Addicitive game with no score and no winner. Create ball drops that make their own odd music as they bounce. You can alter walls, friction, gravity and the number of balls to keep things interesting. (Windows/Mac)
Warning: Dangerous timewaster!! [Cool Hunting]
The personal and home project manager adds better stability and performance, improved export, improved calendar display, and better support for all currencies. [MacInTouch: Mac news, information and analysis]
About the Mac OS X v10.3.4 Update (Combo)
This software updates Mac OS X v10.3, 10.3.1, 10.3.2, or 10.3.3 to version 10.3.4. [Apple Computer Knowledge Base Changes]
Dossier 1.0.1 - Personal/workgroup information management app. [MacUpdate - Mac OS X] Very Nice. Like a sharable-Stickies program with a lot more features. Demo.
Palm
Dynamically ordered ToDo list driven by goals [VersionTracker: PalmOS]
Personal information manager [VersionTracker: PalmOS]
Windows
WinStars - 1.031 Complete planetarium [VersionTracker: Windows]
New ad/spyware killer released. The latest free version of Spybot: Search and Destroy has been released, according to our security forum regulars. Version 1.3 is available at Download.com or Major Geeks. Users in our forums have been tinkering with, and giving their thoughts on t.. [Broadbandreports]
Software Updates of all sorts
Interesting
Web Sites
Lockergnome points over to a large collection for Microsoft Word tips that should answer some of your more esoteric questions (and even a few of your basic ones.)
Librarian in Black points over to a list of the Top 100 Library Books.
From Family First The faucet drips. The roof leaks when it rains. The front porch railing needs fixing and the screen door squeaks. If any of these ring a bell with you, then today's FamSite will be one that provides some needed help for you. Called DoItYourself.com, this site is a Web-based home improvement and repair site. From the smallest problem to the largest renovation, this is the place to go for the answers. There are online forums to exchange information with other users, information on how to estimate a repair, a Q&A section on basic information on do it yourself projects, as well links to literature, services, and media. There is even a newsletter that you can subscribe to. [DoItYourSelf.com, continued][Lockergnome Windows Fanatics]
Looking for new anti-virus software, a Palm PDA or books? Check out Douglas Recommends...
It contains direct Amazon links to some of my favorite Books, Hardware and Software. These are the items I find myself constantly recommending and I wanted to share them with you. I will be adding new items regularly, so check back often.
If you are looking for a recommendation on anything particular, let me know and I will add it to this page.
WelchWrite Merchandise
Products available from Cafepress
I have added a new store to my Cafepress collection. It contains products with this picture, from my recent trip to Sicily.
Check out the wide selection at:
http://cafeshops.com/mossyrock/
Additional stores are also open at:
http://cafeshops.com/welchphotohttp://cafeshops.com/welchsun/
If you are shopping for holiday presents through Amazon.com, you can use the WelchWrite Bookstore. Simply click on the link below to start your shopping and WelchWrite receives a small portion (around 5%) of each sale.
Career-Op, now in its 6th year, is my weekly column on high-tech careers. In Career-Op, I address some of the particular issues of working in high-tech and also general issues that we all face in our careers. You can find the latest column, and a complete archive of past columns complete archive of past columns.
Latest ColumnCareer-Op: Return to the Fold
Douglas E. Welch, ComputorEdge MagazineIf you are working as an independent high-tech consultant, there may come a time when, due to financial pressures or personal preference, you need to “return to the fold” of a classic corporate job. While the reasons for your return might be varied, there are a few ways to insure that your return is as painless and productive as possible. In your time away, you have surely expanded your education and experience. Both of these can be instrumental in easing your re-entry back into the corporate world. What will hinder you is that nagging feeling of having failed at going it alone.
My weblog, My Word with Douglas E. Welch, is a daily gathering spot for all the information I come across in my travels. There I announce new software updates, post photos, highlight interesting news stories, book recommendations and LA Events. You can check it out at: http://www.welchwrite.com /blog/
A Recent Entry:
I came across a reference to this site, Magnatune.com via another interesting weblog, Church of the Customer.Magnatune.com applies the concept of "shareware" to music, allowing you to download and listen to music before you decide to buy.
Here is the blurb from their site:
We're a record label. But we're not evil.We call it "try before you buy." It's the shareware model applied to music. Listen to hundreds of MP3'd albums from our artists. Or try our genre-based radio stations.
If you like what you hear, buy our music online for as little as $5 an album or license our music for commercial use.
Artists get a full 50% of the purchase price. And unlike most record labels, our artists keep the rights to their music.
Founded by musicians, for musicians. No major label connections. We are not evil.
While I can't bear out their claims, I did find some great music on the site. I was wandering through their classical section, but they have a wide variety of music available.
A Gardener's
Notebook is a daily
weblog of the trials and tribulations of a part-time gardener. It includes
notes on what is blooming, what I am planting and what is struggling.
It also contains links to new (or newly found) gardening books and more.
Spend some time in my garden! http://welchwrite.com/agn/blog/
A Recent Entry:
Gardenia scenting the air...
The Gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides) throughout the neighborhood, and in my own backyard are blooming like crazy this week.
Click for larger imageI have always liked their creamy whiteness and incredible smell. As much as I would like to, though, I don't dare bring them inside. I once put a bloom in a vase on my desk and within 2 hours I had developed a tremendous sinus headache. I don't have many allergies, but the gardenias send my nose into fits. I guess I will just continue to enjoy them outside, though.
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Contact
Information
I am available for assistance via telephone,
cell phone, e-mail and instant messaging.
The fee for assistance via these methods is my basic hourly rate, pro-rated
by the minute.
Contact Numbers:
Office 818-781-6955
Cell 818-601-0051
Email douglas@welchwrite.com
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