August 1, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:34 P.M. by President Chuck Horner.
General Announcements:
Tomorrow at 12 noon the Clubhouse will hold a ceremony to acknowledge those who help out with refurbishing and recycling, and other community projects. There will be a cookout also. Arleen Ong promised hot dogs, hamburgers, and related items. Sally Holt said that there will be entertainment–come and see what it is.
Last month Chuck went to the Microsoft Mobile Wireless Computing SIG. Since there hasn’t been a whole lot going on with Palm for the last 2 years, Chuck and Dan Dolgin will be merging their SIGs so that both groups can know what the other is doing in the Mobile world. They will meet the 3rd Monday of the month in the Hayward Adult Choral Room. They will be exploring all kinds of ultra-mobile devices, including but not limited to: OQO.
Betty Leslie is well enough to be back at tonight’s meeting. Sally Holt noted that chair cushions, purchased on sale, take the focus off the metal chairs in the meeting room.
SIG Announcements:
Del Parton reminded everyone that the Hardware SIG will meet tomorrow evening (as usual, the night after the Main Meeting) at the Smith’s. Starting time is 8 pm, official ending time is midnight. Bring your hardware, software, and as much documentation as you can find. Surprise them, bring the manual. You can get personal help with your own computer, or just watch and learn from others and be glad it’s not your problem.
Bud Gallagher reminded the group that the New User SIG is still on extended vacation. He noted that at the last meeting Diane George did a bang-up job of demonstrating the PCC Forum. More people need to go to forum.pcc.org, sign in and add their commentary.
Jan Fagerholm announced that the Spectacular Linux SIG will meet as usual on the last Saturday of the month, at 2:00 P.M. In July they had a spectacular time with 12 members looking at the newish KDE desktop. The perpetual Apache Server project got another glance. Jan is looking for a video adapter for the XO (One Laptop Per Child) system. The next spectacular Linux SIG will unfold on August 30. The topic has not yet been released by the vendors. Stay glued to your Inbox for late-breaking announcements.
Other Announcements:
LinuxWorld starts next Monday, at Moscone. The exhibits run Tuesday through Thursday. Expect interesting things to show up at the Linux SIG.
Image Trends software would be happy to set up any member with a Presentation In A Box. In exchange for learning enough about their package to present it at a meeting, the member would receive the software. Contact an EC Officer if you’re interested or want more information.
We are looking for suggestions for meeting presentations. Please let any EC Officer know if you have any suggestions or requests.
In honor of tonight’s 20th Anniversary celebration, Chuck got one big thermos each of regular and decaf coffee at Saxby’s. Think about stopping by if you’re near the eastern end of the Dumbarton Bridge. They’re at 26003 Eden Landing Road.
Chuck will be running for the Hayward school board. Since Hayward Adult School is part of the system, we can look forward to more news on this front.
Presentations:
Andy Marken:
Andy presented two Cyberlink graphics editing products. Their MediaShow 4 makes it easy to turn photos into slide shows and video slide presentations that look really movie-like. It’s easy to add skins (looks), clean up distracting noise, and make your stills look like a movie. The hardest part is deciding which photos to use. MediaShow 4 has an Apple-like look and feel.
PowerDVD 8 lets users exchange information on movies. You can share movie information at MoovieLive.com. Keep track of your movies and remixes and the comments of other visitors. See how others edited their movies–and they can learn from you. Create a playlist from thumbnails. The original movie is not changed by edits. Instead, the thumbnails point to different scenes. PowerDVD makes it easy for like-minded fans to share.
The Web site videospin.com provides free tutorials to download. Andy has some videos and samples. Contact him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you’d like one.
Diane George:
Diane took us through a sentimental journey through the last 20 years of PCC. PC Community was originally named PC Clubhouse. The first meeting took place in the George’s rec room on July 22, 1988 with 14 members in attendance. Three original members are still active, and in attendance tonight: Charles Dumm, Diane, and Bill George. Thirty-something SIGs and 7 meeting places later, here we are.
Diane played a slideshow of retrospective photos through the break, which started with a cake and candles.
Tonight’s Tip:
The format of SD cards has changed. Not all cards work in all cameras. Go to Crucial.com to find out which components will work together. One can run CHKDSK on a scrambled memory card and maybe repair it.
Other Announcements:
Hayward Adult School fall enrollment is now open. There are many IT classes. The best bargain in town. Another good deal: Hayward Clean Green community clean up days that provide a green bag for each participant and various other amenities depending on the sponsor each weekend.
Andrew Tews pointed out that Vista is an operational operating system, suggesting that people look at the system and not the name of the company on the license. Bill George noted that the Apple has better default security.
Bruce Hevelin distributed copies of Pinnacle DVD MovieMaking Magic to those who wanted one.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 P.M.
The next meeting will take place at the same location on September 5, 2008.
