Friday, January 29, 2010

Enriched! by Geeks On Tour

The much anticipated week with Geeks on Tour has come and gone! We have been left with increased understanding of Safe Computing, Picasa and Google Earth. Attendance at these classes was outstanding. Our sincere thanks to Jim and Chris Guld, Mr. and Mrs. Geek, for spending the week at HTR.



Sixteen computers, with one or two participants each, spent one six hour day in Computer Boot Camp taught by Geeks On Tour educators Jim and Chris Guld. Participants now have a Boot Camp disc with many tutorial videos and a workbook.


Each may now move at his pace through the videos as learning is increased.


Boot Camp discs may be purchased at www.geeksontour.com. Look in the left pane for “Buy our stuff.”


HTR is featured on the  http://www.geeksontour.com/ personal blog. See the left pane with the red heading and select Geeks’ personal blog. Scroll down and read the entry for January 27, 2010. You may even see your picture there.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Welcome Geeks On Tour to HTR

The week has arrived to welcome Jim and Chris Guld of Geeks On Tour!



These personable and informative computer educators will present three classes.


On Monday, January 25, 2010 at 10:00 AM they will present Safe Computing.


Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 1:00 PM Picasa from Google will capture your attention to do many things with your own pictures.


Finally on Thursday, January 28, 2010 Google Earth will be explored pointing out much information you will be able to use to explore your surroundings and adventures.


All classes are in the Leisure Center. There is a $2 charge. Each class by the Gulds has a generous and informative handout.


Join us in dining with Jim and Chris on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the Golden Corral on Highway 27 in Leesburg. The meal will be in the private dining room, Dutch treat. No sign up……..just show up at 5:00 PM.


Computer Boot Camp, to be taught by Jim and Chris Guld, is full.

Learn more at http://www.geeksontour.com/.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Digital Pictures 1/20/2010

Tom Roule will present pertinent information on digital pictures on January 20 at the weekly Wednesday Class at 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Learn how to get your camera pictures uploaded to your computer. Understand how to find those pictures in your computer.


Tom has a prestigious background working with Kodak Corporation. You will learn how to judge picture size, where to save it on your computer, and how to understand changes you may make to the photos. Tom will provide information on understanding the camera you have or wish to purchase.


Bring your cameras and your computers. This class precedes the presentation of Picasa for working with pictures on January 25. Picasa will be presented by Chris and Jim Guld, www.geeksontour.com , on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2010.


Class fee is $2.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Jan. 13, 2010 Class: Security

The January 13, 2010 class topic will be security. It will be presented by John Cuthbert.



John will discuss the importance of keeping a computer protected from virus and malware invasions. Learn ways to determine if a computer has a virus. Hear the reasons for having spyware and a firewall and their functions.


Learn how to locate free and safe downloads to protect your computer. Hear about a site that will test your system. Find out about a safe search engine. At the conclusion those needing to obtain a virus protection will be assisted.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Sign Up Dates for Boot Camp

Sign up dates:
Computer Boot Camp

Leisure Center


Jan. 11, 10:00- 12;
Jan. 13, 1:00-3:00 PM,
Jan. 14, 10:00 12.


Computer owner must sign up.
Pay on Jan. 25
to Geeks on Tour...12:00—2:00 PM.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

January 2010 Newsette

January brings much excitement to HTR from the Computer Club. The regular 1:00 PM Wednesday classes will be: January 6, Q and A discussion, January 13 Security and a download, January 20 Digital Pictures, and January 27 Picasa.

In addition to the regular Wednesday classes Geeks On Tour will be at HTR to present three classes. January 25, Monday, is Safe Computing at 10:00 AM; January 27, Wednesday, is Picasa at 1:00 PM; January 28, Thursday, at 10:00 AM is Google Earth. Jim and Chris Guld, www.geeksontour.com, are computer teachers and full time RVers. They will make available their video tutorials for sale. Each of the computer classes has a $2 fee.


Also, Geeks on Tour will hold a Computer Boot Camp. Maximum boot camp size is 20 computers with two people using one computer. This six hour session will be on Tuesday, January 26 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 and 1:00PM – 4:00 PM. Computer Boot Camp will be in the new trailer. The cost for one computer, 2 people, is $60 for the six hours of training. Each computer will get a disc of instructions along with a workbook. You may read about the Geeks on Tour at www.geeksontour.com . Jim and Chris Guld are computer educators traveling the USA and teaching.


You are encouraged to take this opportunity to attend the Geeks On Tour seminars for $2 each and or sign up for Computer Boot Camp at the charges above. Notices for sign up will be posted on the outside sign, in the computer blog (www.htrcomputerclub.blogspot.com) and on the bulletin boards. Fees will be paid directly to Chris Guld, Geeks on Tour.


The bank of computers in the Leisure Center has been established by the computer club. Computer Club volunteers maintain the operation of them. Expenses of paper and ink and equipment are funded by donations and the $2 fee for the regular classes. You may express your appreciation for the use of the computers and printer via the donation slot in the wooden cabinet. The printer should be used for essential printing.

Friday, December 4, 2009

December 9 and 16, 1:00 PM Class:

Two classes in December will be directed to folks who are just learning to use a computer.

Using the Geeks on Tour Boot Camp disc we will work together to understand the mouse and its functions, what and why are windows, write a letter, save it to documents, and copy, and paste information. The class will view tutorials for other “essential” tools to successful computing.

These classes will be hands on and will move at the pace of the majority of learners. Club members will be there to assist.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

December 2009 Newsette

The Computer Club is working on plans for the 2009-2010 season. Again help will be offered on Monday mornings at 10:00 AM until noon in the Leisure Center. Regular class sessions will be Wednesdays at 1:00 PM in the Leisure Center. The Wednesday classes are $2.
The last week in January Geeks On Tour, Jim and Chris Guld, will be in the park to present three seminars: Safe Computing, Picasa and Google Earth.


In addition they will hold a limited number Computer Boot Camp. Maximum boot camp size is 20 computers with two people using one computer. This six hour session will be on Tuesday, January 26 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 and 1:00PM – 4:00 PM. Computer Boot Camp will be in the new trailer. The cost for one computer, 2 people, is $60 for the six hours of training. Each computer will get a disc of instructions along with a workbook. You may read about the Geeks on Tour at www.geeksontour.com . TheyJim and Chris Guld are computer educators traveling the USA and teaching. The opportunity to host them may not happen again. You are encouraged to take this opportunity to attend the seminars for $2 each or sign up for Computer Boot Camp at the charges above.


You may see any Computer Club officer to sign up for Boot Camp. Class limit is 20 computers with two people using one computer.


To know information of HTR classes please follow the club site www.htrcomputerclub.blogspot.com.


The dry erase board in front of the Leisure Center will post class topics.


Officers of the computer club are George Younkin, president; Jim Faubert, vice-president; Gloria Klingensmith, treasurer; and Roxie Marston, secretary.

       

Sunday, November 8, 2009

HTR presenters to be live at Google Nov. 13, 2009 at 1:00 PM EST.

Geeks on Tour will be live online at Google in Mountain View, California on Friday, November 13 at 1:00 PM EST.

Chris Guld will be presenting Picasa along with a member of the Google Staff. You may join them. It is one hour long and it's free.


Please take a moment now to register for the event.  Copy and paste this link to register:  Look for Register at the bottom to receive an E mail from Google to join this Webinar.
https://googleonline.webex.com/mw0305l/mywebex/default.do?nomenu=true&siteurl=googleonline&service=6&main_url=https%3A%2F%2Fgoogleonline.webex.com%2Fec0600l%2Feventcenter%2Fevent%2FeventAction.do%3FtheAction%3Ddetail%26confViewID%3D612950816%26siteurl%3Dgoogleonline%26%26%26

This free webinar will be tailored to Picasa newcomers. You will learn quick and easy ways to crop, add effects, change the coloring and improve your photos. Afterwards listen to a Q and A time.


While at Googleplex Chris will join a panel to discuss with Google what users want by way of support from Google. To learn more about this invitation go to www.geeksontour.com and in the left side bar click on Geeks Personal Blog. Here Geeks share their excitement of flying to California to the Googleplex.


Computer educators Chris and Jim Guld of Geeks On Tour will be at HTR the week of January 25 to present 3 seminars and a Computer Boot Camp for those first 20 computers that sign up. More information to come.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Welcome 2010 Computer Club

Welcome back! Your HTR Computer Club blog is gearing up for a productive year. Former presenters are being contacted to be given time to share with you their variety of expertise. If you would like to make a presentation for a Wednesday class please contact Roxie at MarsCreate@aol.com.

The video below was made with Photo Story 3 which is a download from Microsoft. It was uploaded to You Tube for our blog.





Coming to HTR!!! www.geeksontour.com


We will have the unique opportunity of having Jim and Chris Guld of Geeks on Tour in our park the week of Jan. 24, 2010. These folks are dedicated to Computer Education. They will present three seminars: Safe Computing, Picasa and Google Earth/Maps.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Burial for Roger Legere

Beverly and Roger Legere

The burial for Roger Legere will be on May 21, 2009,
in South Portland, ME.
Roger lost his battle with cancer on January 15, 2009.
He did not return to HTR for the '08-'09 season.
Roger was president of the computer club from its beginnings.
His kindnesses and friendliness to all
will long be remembered.
You may send cards to
Beverly Legere and family
346 Woodford Street, Portland, ME 04103.
Visit the Carying Bridge Site for information:

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Phishing attacks get personal

By Kim Komando 12/27/2008

You know to watch for phishing attacks. You’re cautious and use a good spam filter. But phishing messages still get through. And these messages are more dangerous than ever.

According to Cisco, almost 200 billion spam messages are sent daily. They have one thing in common. They want your money. Few are legitimate.

Most computer users can spot phishing messages. Unfortunately, cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, too. Targeted phishing attacks account for 0.4 percent of spam messages. That may seem minor. But it’s 800 million messages a day.

For example, you receive a message purportedly from your ISP. It greets you by name. Your billing information is outdated. You must click a link to update your information.
This is the type of targeted attack you will see in 2009.

Spear phishing on the rise
Small phishing attacks don’t receive much publicity. And personal information increases recipients’ trust. So, small, targeted attacks are often more lucrative than large ones.

Criminals can pull information about you from public sources. Or, someone may be tricked into disclosing it. Either way, it is used to tailor the messages.
You won’t see a long list of recipients in targeted attacks. You may also notice a difference in the sender’s address.

Criminals used to spoof e-mail addresses. Spoofing is a quick, easy way to cover tracks. But spam filters can spot questionable e-mail addresses.

Criminals now create new accounts with reputable providers. Or, they hack users’ e-mail accounts. This helps criminals get past spam filters.

People who do business with financial institutions are still prime targets. But small or regional institutions are also targeted, along with ISPs and alumni organizations.

Phishing messages generally request your personal information. They may also instruct you to install a security update or browser plug-in. Do that, and kiss your personal information goodbye.

But you may not need to take action. Perhaps you haven’t installed updates. Criminals reverse engineer updates to understand the flaws they fix. Then they start probing machines for it.

Keylogging software could be installed on your machine. Or, your computer could be added to a botnet.

Criminals get social
Criminals aren’t just targeting e-mail accounts. They’re also turning to social-networking sites.

For example, a recent worm infected Facebook users’ machines with malware. Compromised accounts were then used to send spam.

There’s also the case of College Prowler. It created more than 300 Facebook user groups. The company was probably gathering information for marketing purposes.

College Prowler may be legitimate. But this case underscores one thing. Marketers and criminals alike will do anything to get your data.

Be vigilant
Your best defense is vigilance. Only a company run by dummies would request personal information via e-mail. So it is unlikely, but possible.

Let’s say you get such a message. Hold your mouse over any links. You’ll get the real e-mail address. So, does your bank have a server in Bulgaria? Probably not. Better delete that nice e-mail.

You could receive a message purportedly from your boss. Why would he need your Social Security number at 3 a.m.? And why does he want you to reply to Outer Mongolia? At the least, talk to him before answering.

Standard security measures are still important. Keep your antivirus and anti-spyware software updated and running. Install Windows updates when they’re released. Criminals are exploiting disclosed bugs faster than ever.

Use a spam filter. You’ll find links to free spam filters and security software at Komando.com/news.

But remember, you’re never 100 percent safe. Approach requests for personal information carefully. Don’t let criminals take advantage of you.

And do your friends and family a favor. Forward this column to them now. Wish them a less spammy 2009!

Copyright 2009 WestStar TalkRadio Network. Reprinted with permission. Nofurther republication or redistribution is permitted without the writtenconsent of WestStar TalkRadio Network. Visit Kim Komando and sign up for herfree e-mail newsletters at: www.komando.com

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Newsette: April and March 2009

April Newsette 2009
The Computer Club has completed a successful year! The goal to make classes interactive was achieved and topics were varied. Classes have been presented for beginners, Skype, Security, GPS, blogs, free word processing, keyboard shortcuts, online tutorial help, digital cameras, managing pictures and social networking.

Thanks to presenters John Doyle, Jim Faubert, John Cuthbert, Jane Low, Charles Marston, Roxie Marston, Tom Roule, Dona Muller, and Tom Fanniff.

Monday Help sessions have been attended well. Thanks to each helper who came in to provide their expertise.

A bank of four online computers for public use and a printer have been maintained by club officers. The club blog, www.htrcomputerclub.blogspot.com has been frequently visited. Computer information will continue on this blog after you are gone from HTR.

Recycling of electronic equipment is encouraged. You may recycle through the Internet at
http://www.myboneyard.com. At this site you state what you have to recycle, receive a prepaid postage label and receive money on a Visa Prepaid Card.

The Computer Club officers are George Younkin, president, Jim Faubert, vice president, Gloria Klingensmith, treasurer and Roxie Marston secretary.

Computer classes and help sessions will begin in December 2009
.


March Newsette 2009
This is a successful year in providing Internet access, maintenance, and instruction or help by volunteers from the Computer Club. Thanks to all volunteers who come in to assist with the Help sessions on Monday mornings. Presenters spend time preparing instructions for classes on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, Wednesday for a 2 hour session. These sessions are $2 each. There is a no charge Q and A session for an hour on the 1st Wednesdays. For help or use of the computers and printer there is a donation slot in the cabinet door.

Check
www.htrcomputerclub.blogspot.com for class topics, computer tips and helpful information. If you wish to be included in the notification of new information on the site send an E mail to: MarsCreate@aol.com; subject: computer club sign up. Anyone may receive these notices or go directly to the site. There is no sign in on the site.

The sign in front of the Leisure Center also announces the schedule.

We appreciate your electronic donations! We will evaluate them for use. If deemed unusable we will take them to a large recycling center at Tavares, Managed Asset Recovery Services, 510 E Alfred Street, Tavares, FL , 352-343-0934.
www.marsllc.net.
No electronics should go to the landfill. By the way…leave us a note with your name and address. We’d like to thank you on behalf of park residents and visitors.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

HTR Computer Club History

Submitted to Park History Booklet 2009
The Computer Club was begun in 2000 with an information meeting on the marina patio. There were no computers but there was a lot of interest. Present were Al Weed, Tom Fanniff, Roger Legere, Gloria Klingensmith, and Dona Muller. Tom taught and attendees took notes. Roger Legere conducted the meetings. The next year the club moved to the Leisure Center. (John Doyle was also at the meeting.)

Prior to this in 1996 Penny Durst formed a Computer Users Group that met in the Leisure Center. There was much interest in this new wave of technology. Penny taught classes and was instrumental in getting one computer to use in teaching.

In 2000, the club began to present classes and help sessions. Volunteers continue to do this in 2009. With the formation of the Internet the Computer Club has expanded its lesson topics to meet resident and visitor needs. The club has a website at
www.htrcomputerclub.blogspot.com

The club maintains a bank of online computers, a printer and WiFi for park residents and visitors. Holiday Travel Resort and the Resident’s Fund have provided telephone lines. WiFi came to the Leisure Center in 2006 with installation help by computer club members. Volunteer computer members and the park extended WiFi to the Ken Jones Post Office and restaurant in the 2008 season.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Social Networking Class

Social Networking will be the topic for computer class on March 25, 2009. Face Book, Twitter, U-Tube will be discussed by Dona Muller, Jane Low, and Tom Fanniff. Class time is 1:00 PM in the Leisure Center.

This ends the 2008-2009 computer class season.