Snippets from Previous Meetings
APPLE ROADSHOW
Joe Adams gave a report on the recent "Power to Burn" Apple Update held in Christchurch on 6 March. He gave a brief outline of the new Macintosh models which were displayed, and showed a poster of the "Flower Power" and "Dalmatian" iMacs, which now incorporate CD writers. The new Titanium laptop computer was very impressive (albeit expensive).
Joe mentioned a potential problem affecting DVD-CDs: there are different encryption codes for different parts of the world, and the problem is apparently destined to become worse, rather than improve.
MacOS X, the latest Macintosh operating system, was explained at the Roadshow, and Joe referred to a recent newspaper article (appended at the end of these minutes) to highlight some of the points made.
ALADDIN SOFTWARE
Our user group has registered with the Aladdin software company, and they have sent us three of their programs to review. Tony gave a brief outline of each program, and it was decided that some members would try them out and present a review at the next meeting. Our group can use the software as we see fit (suggestions: as lucky prizes, or for raffles). The programs are:
- SPRING CLEANING: Checks the hard disk for unwanted aliases, duplicates, cookies, histories, cache files, read-me files, etc, and frees up the surprising amount of memory that they use. [Dave Morrow to review]
- DRAG STRIP: Installs a panel of icons on the desktop which enables instant access to applications and files on the hard disk. [Barry & Wilfrid Robinson to review]
- STUFFIT DELUXE: Top-of-the-line program for compressing files for optimum use. [Kim Robertson to review]
MACTROPOLIS
15 members are now connected to Mactropolis, with gives access to its bulletin board. Several more have expressed interest in having it installed on their computer... this facility is available to all (financial) members.
The committee has now held two successful on-line meetings using the Mactropolis Chat facility, which has saved time and travelling... the mechanics of on-line typing 'talk' take a little getting used to!
QUESTIONS & (SOME) ANSWERS
The usual discussion session was held to share problems and enquiries, with some answers and possible solutions being suggested. Topics covered included:
- the need for rebuilding the desktop regularly
- 'port unavailable' alerts appearing when changing printers
- modem settings which revert for no apparent reason
- the need of placing commas between e-mail addresses in a list
- partitioning of the hard disk during initial installation
- problems with cables when networking between iMacs and iBooks
- CD drives which don't always read CDs: may need cleaning with a CD cleaning disk.
STARTUP PICTURE
Barry explained how a chosen picture or photo can be displayed onscreen during startup, instead of the progress strip which normally appears. This is done by using the Graphic Converter application:
- Open the picture in Graphic Converter.
- Click on 'File/Save As'.
- In the Format menu, select 'Startup Screen'
- Put the icon of the saved file in the System Folder.
NB This startup picture does not replace the usual desktop picture.
SCANNING BASICS
Tony introduced a small group to the use of a scanner for getting
pictures into the computer. A brief demonstration was given of the
scanner, its software, choice of resolution and descreening, and some of
the uses of scanned pictures.
NETWORKING
Kim led a group session on how to network computers to share
applications and files from one machine to another. Connections,
settings, Appletalk and Ethernet were explained and demonstrated.
Next meeting is onFriday 27 April - 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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