Snippets from Previous Meetings
Tony read a letter from Brian Henderson (AUGC, Sec.) suggesting a possible visit to Timaru by some members of AUGC to meet with AMUG members and maybe hold a Saturday workshop to share expertise. Members present agreed that this was a good idea, and suggested that Geraldine (rather than Timaru) could be a suitable venue. We will make further arrangements with AUGC.
FOR SALE
Sheryl has a variety of Mac computers (including a 6360 with 14" monitor), printers, scanners, etc for sale. She also displayed a several new software titles, both educational and games. Contact her if interested:
APPLE ROADSHOW
Several members gave some feedback on the recent Apple Roadshow, which provided an update on new models, system software and pricing deals. The latest developments in Bluetooth and Airport were explained. Roger won a prize again.
NEW MACINTOSH PRICES
Sheryl reported that Apple have twice reduced their prices during February (mainly because of the currently strong value of the $NZ), and most models are cheaper than theyÕve ever been: eg. an entry-level iMac now costs $1585 + GST. ÊA good time to purchase!
HANDY TIP
To restart MacOS X from MacOS 9, select Special/Restart and hold down the X key until the 2nd startup 'chord' sound is heard, then release the X key [easier than changing the Startup Disk in the MacOS 9 Control Panels].
SESSIONS
PROBLEM TIME
Several members raised problems which they had encountered, leading to discussion and some suggested solutions. Some problems included:
- Glitches using Microsoft applications (Outlook Express/Internet Explorer/Word, etc): Sheryl suggested that some problems can be fixed by using utilities which come with these applications: First Run (which installs initial settings) or Self-Repair (which checks for damages files and fixes them). Updates for these applications are also available on the Microsoft website.
- Safari, the new web browser for MacOS X (10.2) is small and fast, but doesn't seem to like loading pages from some sites, eg. online banking.
- Netscape in MacOS 9 has some problems with freezing: downloading ÊVersion 7 will help to solve this.
- Some computers wonÕt "sleep"properly: this can be caused by viruses.
MACBASICS
Apple Menu
Tony explained how the Apple Menu (up to MacOS 9) can be customised by creating aliases of frequently-used applications or documents and placing them into the Apple Menu Items folder (in the System Folder). This enables fast access to these items.
Favourite items can be caused to appear first in the Apple Menu by renaming their aliases to include a space or bullet-point (option 8) in front of the name, which will cause the item to appear first in the list.
GIMP-PRINT
Kim introduced us to this open-source application which the developers describe as "High quality drivers for Canon, Epson, Lexmark, and PCL printers". ÊGimp-Print contains over 190 printer drivers for Macintosh, and thus enables a variety of printers to be used. ÊIt also enables greater control over print settings than with original printer drivers, eg. ÊMacOS X does not allow Epson printers to print close to the edge of the paper, but this can be achieved with Gimp-Print.
Visit http://gimp-print.sourceforge.net/index.php3 for further information.
DIGITAL CAMERAS
We had a general discussion about some aspects of digital cameras and their uses. Tony had a Canon Powershot A40, and its associated software (ImageBrowser), available for demonstration. We also had a brief look at the iPhoto application contained in MacOS X.
REMINDER
Next AMUG Evening meeting is on Friday March 28 at 7:30 pm
ALL WELCOME - BRING A FRIEND
Please Note:For those who are organised enough to make diary entries well in advance, please note that the usual April meeting (which would have fallen on 25 April ANZAC Day) will be deferred for a week until Friday 2 May.
Next AMUG Daytime Meeting is on Monday 17 March at 10:30am, at the home of Elizabeth O'Brien, Please phone Barry (03) 688 3612, prior to the meeting.
[Committee Meeting on Mactropolis: Tuesday 18 March at 9:00pm
Regards to all.....
Tony Climo
Secretary, Aoraki MacIntosh Users Group