Snippets from Previous Meetings
LIGHTNING PROTECTION
Kim showed an internal iMac modem which had been destroyed by lightning strike during a recent severe electrical storm, and the need of disconnecting BOTH power AND phone lines during thunderstorms was emphasised. While power surges due to lightning are infrequent in our area, we have recently seen that it can happen, with expensive results. Kim also showed a phone-line surge protector (available from Magnum Mac, Chch - $70), which earths the phone line to prevent damage.
QUESTIONS & (SOME) ANSWERS
A worthwhile discussion session was held in which problems and enquiries were shared, with some answers and possible solutions being suggested. Topics covered included:
- connecting to a Mactropolis chat session
- difficulty opening some Excel files
- problems encountered with Eudora and First Class as default internet applications
- difficulty opening some e-mail attachments in ClarisWorks
- some pitfalls associated with attachments in general
SCANNER
Tony suggested that some members might appreciate the use of a scanner at some meetings, as not all have access to one at home. A scanner will be available at the March meeting, if anyone wants photos or documents scanned into their computer, or saved on disk.
MAC MADE EASY
Barry showed a copy of 'Mac Made Easy' magazine which he had purchased locally. In both content and format this magazine is very helpful on a number of aspects of Mac operation, for both beginners and more advanced users.
LIBRARY BOOKS
Barry apologised for not having listed the Macintosh-related books from the Timaru Library, as he had intended to do. A helpful selection is available for borrowing.
CALENDAR
Dave M showed his calendar made on using ClarisWorks. Dave's calendar is in A4 vertical format, which allows for both photos and sizeable digits in the date rectangles.
APPLE ROADSHOW
Barry brought members' attention to the Apple Computer 'Power to Burn' roadshow being held in Christchurch during the afternoon of 6 March. Presentations will include the new Titanium PowerBook, the 733MHz Power Mac G4, iTunes, iDVD and Mac OS X. The venue is the Hotel Grand Chancellor, 161 Cashel Street, Christchurch
Visit http://info.apple.co.nz/roadshow/ for further information and to register.
iTUNES - MUSIC ON YOUR MACHINE
Kim gave a demonstration of the recently-released iTunes freeware application, which enables music CDs to be quickly loaded on to the computer, and then tracks can be played and edited. A drawback is that it requires Operating System 9, which only members with new machines are likely to have .
USING E-MAIL
Tony led a group session on various aspects of e-mail operation, using both Netscape and Outlook Express. This briefly covered topics such as inserting and attaching files, group lists, text clean-up (removing quoting and rewrapping).
SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
- Mactropolis: further explanation and instruction on use of our bulletin board. Also possible use of a daytime Mactropolis chat session for members unable to attend our evening monthly meeting.
- Digital Imaging: another session from a local expert on using digital cameras.
- AppleWorks/ClarisWorks: further capabilities of these useful applications.
- MacVisits: possible tours to local businesses which use Macintosh computers.
- Graphic Converter: explaining what this versatile program can do.
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REMINDER
Next meeting is on Friday 30 March - ALL WELCOME
- BRING A FRIEND
Bring any photos or documents you would like scanned.
Bring your computer if you would like Mactropolis (bulletin board)
software installed.
(Committee Meeting on Mactropolis: Tuesday 20 March 7:30pm)
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