Computer Info – May 1, 2002

 

This Week’s Program

            John Watkins will be hosting the meeting again this week.  The topic will be Viewers and why we need them.  Also he would like you to provide him with lots of questions.

 

Special Notice

            The library will be replacing the carpeting in the main library area during the first two weeks of May – therefore, they will be moving all of the books to the auditorium.  So, there probably will be no meeting on May 8th and May 15th   (timing of when the carpeting is delivered determines whether the dates are correct or not.

 

Windows XP

Program Compatibility Wizard

            The Program Compatibility Wizard is a feature of Windows XP that allows programs written for older versions of Windows to possibly run under Windows XP.  The programs often run slower in this  mode.

            To run the Program Compatibility Wizard, go to START – PROGRAMS – ACCESSORIES – PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD or right-click on the icon that you use to run the program in question and choose PROPERTIES and then the COMPATIBILITY tab.

            If compatibility problems prevent you from installing a program on Windows XP, run the Program Compatibility Wizard on the setup file for the program. The file may be called Setup.exe or something similar, and is probably located on the Installation disc for the program.

System Restore

            To locate and run System Restore, go to START – PROGRAMS – ACCESSORIES – SYSTEM TOOLS – SYSTEM RESTORE.  This will start the System Restore Wizard.    Your computer will create a System CheckPoint  - you can create a manual checkpoint – or automatic restore points (those that are created by a software program when you install it or a driver is added). 

            This is also where you come when you have a problem with your operating system and you would like to go back to a time when your operating system was working great.

            System Restore also backs up operating system files – it does not back up your data files or your program files.

Viewing File Extensions

            To turn on your file extensions, open MY COMPUTER – choose TOOLS – then FOLDER OPTIONS.  Click on the VIEW tab.  Remove the checkmark from HIDE EXTENSIONS FOR KNOWN FILE TYPES.  The default seems to be to leave them turned off, but I believe that it is better to be able to see that it is a DOC file rather than a TXT file, etc.

The old FIND screen

            Well, in Windows XP, FIND was changed to SEARCH – and they have added in a few extra clicks to get to the ALL FILES AND FOLDERS.  .  From the START button – click on SEARCH – then FILES AND FOLDERS – then on ALL FILES AND FOLDERS.

            If you would like it more the way it use to be – you can make a few changes to the SEARCH PREFERENCES.  This gives you the ability to remove the animated character at the bottom of the search screen or change the animated character.  You can also change the FILES AND FOLDERS SEARCH BEHAVIOR from STANDARD to ADVANCED.  This will take you right to the search ALL FILES AND FOLDERS and not make you decide between Documents – Pictures – All Files and Folders.

Task Scheduler

            Only it is known as Scheduled Tasks in this version of Windows.  It is found under START – PROGRAMS – ACCESSORIES – SYSTEM TOOLS – SCHEDULED TASKS. 

 

Virus Program

            Here is a anti-virus program to try.  It is being used by one of the group who said that it has done a good job at stopping viruses from getting into his computer.  It is called AVG and can be found at Web Attack (  http://www.webattack.com   ).  It is a free program and the updates to it are also free.

 

W32.Klez.gen@mm

            We have received this worm/virus many, many times in this past week.  It is a good thing that we have our virus definitions up to date. 

            This is a mass-mailing email worm that uses random subject lines, message bodies, and  attachment file names (randomly named file with .bat, .exe, .pif or .scr extension).  It also chooses an email address from your computer to place in the FROM field – therefore making it seem that it came from someone else’s computer.  It might even be FROM postmaster@your isp. 

            The worm exploits a vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express in an attempt to execute itself when you open or even preview the message in which it is contained. Information and a patch for the vulnerability are available at

                         http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS01-020.asp.

            This worm overwrites files and creates hidden copies of the originals. In addition, the worm drops the virus W32.Elkern.3587

            This worm/virus is spreading so rapidly.  Please be sure that your virus definitions are up to date!

 

            In Netscape 4.72, you can possibly determine who is actually sending you the message – by going to VIEW – PAGE SOURCE – and reading the top line where it says RETURN PATH.

 

MAX files

            Have you received a MAX files as an attachment and wondered what to do with it?  MAX files are created in PaperPort and the files are not viewable in your normal graphics programs or viewers.  Of course, the best way, would be for people to send files in standard formats – but, this is how you can view the picture.

            Download the PaperPort Viewer from  http://www.stack.com/#paperport  (scroll down and select the PaperPort Viewer).  This does a nice job of viewing the files.

 

Web Sites

Digital Photography Review

            This is a good site that has reviews for most of the latest digital cameras including a gallery of pictures taken with the cameras.

                        http://www.dpreview.com/

Short Courses

            Learn about what to look for when buying a digital camera – how to use a digital camera – there is even an introduction to digital video.

                        http://www.shortcourses.com/