Fresno Personal Computer Users’ Group General Meeting
March 6th, 7:30 PM
The Program Is:
Color Management for Digital Cameras
by Ray Arth
Color is mysterious, and the human eye "sees" differently than our electronic assistants. This means that obtaining predictable color reproduction in the digital darkroom can be a challenge, because each device--digital camera, scanner, monitor, or printer--responds to or produces color differently. To get predictable results, we need color management.
Ray Arth, is the Department Chair Photography/Graphic Communication at Fresno City College, and he will be speaking to us in March on the topic "Color Management for Digital Cameras" and more specifically, on an "Adobe Photoshop Color Managed Workflow". He will explain what is involved in color management, why it is so important, and how to be successful with it.
His full range of topics will include:
- What is color management?
- Why do we need it?
- The difference between profiling and calibration.
- Monitor calibration.
- Why you need a "working space".
- Photoshop's Color Settings Dialog Box.
- Soft Proofing and Gamut Warnings.
- Printing with profiles.
Come, listen to Ray Arth's presentation!
Bill's Tricks & Tips
Private Character Editor
Yet another utility included with Windows XP that is hidden from GUI view...Private Character Editor. The description follows:
Using Private Character Editor (PCE), you can create up to 6,400 unique characters (such as special letters and logos) for use in your font library. PCE contains basic tools for creating and editing characters, along with more advanced options.
The utility has an embedded help file, so you can go through it to figure out how to use it. To access the program, type "eudcedit" at the Start Menu / Run line.
No Recent Documents History
In Windows XP Pro, you can make it so that Windows does not keep a running document history. Go to Start > Run and then type "gpedit.msc" and enter. Now go to User Configuration - Administarative Templates - Start Menu and Taskbar. Double click "Do not keep history of recently opened documents" and click on "Enabled". Hit OK. Then you are done.
My Computer Toolbar
With Windows XP, if you click and drag the 'My Computer' icon on the desktop up to the top of the screen and release, it creates a 'My Computer' toolbar that provides easy access to My Computer icons such as C:; My Documents and the Control Panel. If your desktop doesn't have the My Computer icon, you can also drag it from your Start Menu up to the top and get the same end. You can also right-click the 'My Computer' toolbar and change it's settings like 'auto-hide' and 'always-on-top'.
Remove Login for Windows XP
Many Windows XP users are the only users on their computer, yet they are asked for a password every time they boot. This can be annoying for newbies because they don't want the login, but they get a message every few weeks saying their password is about to expire and that it must be reset. There is a way to get rid of this. If you wish to get rid of the login for all users on the machine, then go to the Start Menu > Run and type "control userpasswords2". Select the user account you wish to log into automatically and then un-check the option that says "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer". After saving changes, your computer will now auto-login and you will not have to click through a log-in screen.
With this option fixed, you might not even want the Welcome screen. If you want to boot the PC and have it take you directly to the desktop, then go to the Control Panel > User accounts. Then click on "Change the way users log on or off". Un-check "Use the Welcome screen". Click "Apply Options".
FPCUG News
February was a busy month for the FPCUG! February's main event was a visit by Dave Whittle who showed us easy ways to create custom media events with personal photos and mp3s using programs such as (muvee™ Technologies), (3D-Album), (iSeeMedia), and (Zip*Linq ). During his visit, Dave mentioned how impressed he was with the great questions our members asked and interest shown in his products.
While Dave was busy impressing us with his good stuff, an election was held to determine the next body of FPCUG officers. The results are as follows:
| President | Bill Myers* |
| 1st VP | Dean Mason |
| 2nd VP | Jo Townley* |
| Secretary | David Smith* |
| Treasurer | Wilda Moller |
| 1. | Regles Bellamy |
| 2. | Gary Gipson* |
| 3. | Monica Braun |
| 4. | Brian Fulk* |
| * New In Office | |
The FPCUG would like to welcome Ben Lutes of Cynergy Computing as a new supporting business member.
On a serious note, we are reminded by the people at the church, whom we rent our space from, to not park motorcycles on the sidewalk.
Finally, thanks to Dean Mason, Max Robinson and Don Cummins for their article contributions this month. Although Don will continue to be our APCUG contact, he no longer be the program director. However, he has thoughtfully left us with a year's worth of upcoming events scheduled, and is willing to help the new program director to learn the ropes. Thanks to Nancy Mason for her contribution of content resources, and Jo Townley for her submission of the FPCUG Board Minutes for our information. Contributions from the members help keep our newsletter fresh and interesting, not to mention, helps prevent early burnout for the new editor.
Disk of the Month
Active KillDisk 3.1 Build 2151
Requires: Win All
Active KillDisk is a quality security application that destroys data permanently from any computer that can be started using a DOS bootable floppy disk, USB Flash or CD-ROM. Access to the drive's data is made on the physical level via the Basic Input-Output Subsystem (BIOS), bypassing the operating systems logical drive structure organization. Regardless of the operating system, file systems or type of machine, this utility can destroy all data on all storage devices. Thus it does not matter operating systems and file systems located on the machine, it can be DOS, Windows 95/98/ME, Windows NT/2000/2003/XP, Linux, Unix for PC. Active KillDisk Professional conforms to US Department of Defense clearing and sanitizing standard DoD 5220.22-M. You can be sure that once you wipe a disk with Active KillDisk, sensitive information is destroyed forever.
AI RoboForm 6.6.1
Requires: Win All
AI RoboForm is a one-click web form filler and password manager with some serious Artificial Intelligence inside.
AR RAM Disk
Windows OS: Windows NT/2000/XP
Description: The AR RAM Disk is a freeware driver for Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP. You can use this driver to create an additional drive in the physical memory of your machine. This drive can be used for storing temporary files, which can increase your system performance.
ATITool 0.0.25 Beta 10
Requires: Win All
As the name implies ATITool is an overclocking utility designed for ATI video cards.
Audacity
Windows OS: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
Other OS: Macintosh OS 9/X; Linux; Unix
Description: Audacity is a free audio editor. You can record sounds, play sounds, import and export WAV, AIFF, Ogg Vorbis, and MP3 files, and more. Use it to edit your sounds using Cut, Copy and Paste (with unlimited Undo), mix tracks together, or apply effects to your recordings. It also has a built-in amplitude envelope editor, a
BHT Lite 2.0
Requires: Win All
BHT Lite stands for BencHTools Lite. A computer technician's workbench is herein referenced to as a bench, where all computer work is done. Every good tech is only as good as the tools he/she uses, and how he/she uses them.
CallingID 1.2.0.21
Requires: Win All
Lets you see the owner of the site you are accessing, where it is located and whether it is safe for sending personal information. Automatically detects, warns and helps you avoid phishing sites Verifies safe sites. Executes 52 verification tests on each page you visit and provides you with simple easy, to understand risk assessments.
CallingID Review:
Well, I installed the above program. It puts a bar on your web browser. You can choose between a short bar and a long bar. I chose a long bar. I just found out my favorite anti-virus program is from the Czech Republic (AVG). I found out that Yahoo.com is located in Sunnyvale, CA.
Now when you get that email that says go here to verify your e-bay account you can actually find if its e-bay or not. I'm pretty sure it won't be e-bay but you get the idea.
The program was very easy to install and use. After it's installed it'll take you to the home page with some nice instructions.
This program will now go onto my Ultimate Utility CD where I keep my most powerful and useful utilities.
This fine program is one of many on March's CD of the month. If you can't be at the meeting just send $6.00 with your name and address and we'll be happy to send you a disk.
Core FTP LE 1.3c Build 1443
Requires: Win All
Core FTP Lite - a free FTP Client with SSL/TLS, SSH/SFTP, site to site transfers, dragdrop, browser integration, user-friendly interface(s), FTP/HTTP Proxy, Socks 4/5 support, remote file searching, queue manager, auto retry and resume of transfers, transfer bandwidth control, htaccess editing, advanced dir listings, queueing of multiple FTP transfers on multiple sites, sessions, start, stop, and resume of FTP transfers, advanced directory listings, .htaccess editing, auto s/key support, keep alive, auto-reconnect, file permissions (chmod), and much more!
Dimension 4
Windows OS: Windows 95/98/ME/NT4/2000/XP; Windows Server 2003
Description: Dimension 4 is the fastest and easiest way to synchronize your PC's clock for Windows-based operating systems. Once Dimension 4 is installed, you'll most likely forget that it's even running. It's that automatic. Dimension 4 will monitor your Internet connection and automatically adjust your PC's clock when you're online at an interval you specify.
Codec Pack All In 1 6.0.2.9
Requires: Win All
Codec Pack All in 1 is a collection of codecs that will help you play almost any DivX movie. All you need to see DivX movies: DivX, XviD, AC3...
Download Express 1.9.337
Requires: Win All
MetaProducts Download Express (DE) is a Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP program that allows you to download individual files from the Web and FTP sites at the maximum possible speed. Multiple channels technology significantly reduces download time. Download Express is a small (less than 400 Kb) Browser plugin application. Currently it supports Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 and higher. By default, Download Express intercepts all clicks on files with extensions: 123, ARJ, CAB, CDW, COM, DOC, EXE, JAR, LHA, MP2, MP3, MPE, MPEG, MPG, PDF, PPT, RAR, RTF, TAR, XLS and ZIP. Download Express has the auto-learn feature. It will ask you about including filename extensions when you add files with a new extension using browser click hot keys. When you cancel, Download Express opens a file window for unwanted file types and asks if you want to exclude this extension from its file types list.
EaseUs Disk Copy 1.0
Requires: Win All
High-speed sector to sector disk copy software for hard disk. EaseUs Disk Copy utility offers a very fast and easy way to copy all or part of a hard drive to another hard drive.
By the way = you have to set this one up yourself, or bring a floppy to the meeting and I'll create it for you.
EVEREST Home Edition 2.20
Requires: Win All
EVEREST Home Edition is a freeware system information, system diagnostics and benchmarking solution for home PC users, based on the award-winning EVEREST Technology. It offers the world's most accurate system information and diagnostics capabilities, including online features, memory benchmarks, hardware monitoring, and low-level hardware information.
EVEREST Review:Lavalys EVEREST is designed to run on 32 and 64-bit Microsoft Windows operating systems, and it fully supports Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Me, NT 4.0 SP6, 2000, XP and 2003. EVEREST has exceptionally low system resource requirements (minimum 486 processor with 32 MB RAM).
Wow, this is great news if you have Windows 95. I will say this if your still using Win 95 and its working for you don't upgrade.
After I installed it I started the help file and the above is part of the help file. I then went to the Computer summary and found things about my motherboard I never knew anywhere else. I don't know that it makes any difference but you never know. For an example this is what it showed on my motherboard
| Field | Value |
| Motherboard Name | Intel Maryville 2 D850EMVR (5 PCI, 1 AGP, 4 RIMM, Audio) |
| Motherboard Chipset | Intel Tehama i850E |
| System Memory | 512 MB (PC1066 RDRAM) |
| BIOS Type | AMI (04/17/03) |
Let's look at the above. Everything in black speaks for itself. It's the parts in blue that's interesting. When I clicked on it, it gave me a choice of product info or driver download.
On the menu bar on the top is favorites. If you click on it, it shows web at the bottom of the list. When you click on it there is a subject of overclocking. This is a word for gamers and anyone who wants to push their machine to the limit. It lists a lot of sites that are dedicated to just this subject.
All in all, I'd say this is a great program to have in your utility arsenal.
GSpot
Windows OS: Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP NOTES: A no install version is available.
Description: GSpot codec information appliance establishes what video codecs (audio and video) are required to play an AVI file. Determines whether these codecs are installed on your system. Isolates problems associated with these codecs. Simple operation - Basic use: "File > Open", then read results Identifies download induced problems (truncated files, "cooked" files, etc.) Shows framerate, duration, aspect ratio, bitrates, AVI structure info, and more. Displays and allows editing of RIFF info (title, etc); displays "hidden" ASCII info. Drag and Drop and "Send To" support, multi-file (batch) processing support Copy/Paste or text export GSpot information - format is user configurable. Built-in database of 350 video and 150 audio codec types Advanced UI including "dual-mode" and hyperlinked "persistent" tool tips Full support for OGG media files as well as AVI stream formats Identification (only) of non-AVI files (.mpg, .mov, .qt, .rm, .swf, .wmv, .asf, etc.) Supports VFW, ACM, DirectShow and DMO codec types (audio and video)
Karen's Replicator 3.31
Requires: Win All
Automatically backup files, directories, even entire drives! Karen's Replicator copies selected files from one drive/folder to another. Source and Destination folders can reside anywhere on your network. Files larger than 2 GB are supported.
MemTest 3.3
Requires: Win All
MemTest is a RAM reliability tester. It evaluates the ability of your computer's memory to store and retrieve data accurately. A correctly functioning computer should be able to do both these tasks with 100% accuracy day in and day out. A computer that fails these tests, perhaps because of old hardware, damaged hardware, or poorly configured hardware, will be less stable and crash more often. Even worse, it will become even less stable over time as corrupted data is written to your hard disk.
RegDelNull
This command-line utility searches for and allows you to delete Registry keys that contain embedded-null characters and that are otherwise undeleteable using standard Registry-editing tools. Note: deleting Registry keys may cause the applications they are associated with to fail.
Usage: regdelnull
This means you have to run from the command line.
Rootkit Revealer 1.6
Requires: Win All
RootkitRevealer is an advanced patent-pending root kit detection utility. It runs on Windows NT 4 and higher and its output lists Registry and file system API discrepancies that may indicate the presence of a user-mode or kernel-mode rootkit. RootkitRevealer successfully detects all persistent rootkits published at www.rootkit.com, including AFX, Vanquish and HackerDefender.
SensorsView 1.1
Requires: Win All
SensorsView is a freeware program that monitors temperature of CPU, motherboard, hard disks, voltages, and fan speeds. This program informs you about critical values of any parameters of your system (e.g. about overheating the processor or a stop of fans). You can set a threshold and correction for each parameter.
SilentNight Micro CD/DVD/ISO/Audio Burner 4.1.2
Requires: Win All
This is a standalone CD/DVD/ISO/AUDIO burner, and ISO creator that is quite easy to use, is small, no installation is needed, just one single file, and it has its own ASPI layer build in. It also has a powerful search tool. This burner is under constant developement and all users are invited to join in with suggestions, corrections and translations to new languages.
SmartBarXP 1.0.201
Requires: Win 9x/ME/2K/XP
SmartBarXP is a bar that runs down the side of your screen, and can be configured to display interactive panels known as 'panes'. These panes include media players, slideshow and image viewing panes, a virtual desktop manager, and live news, weather and stock feeds to mention but a few. The panes can be repositioned on the bar, and scrolled if the bar becomes too full. The bar can also be host to extra sections, which include a recycle bin, explorer shortcuts, and taskbar replacement sections (start button, taskbar buttons and system tray sections).
UNOFFICIAL Windows98 SE Service Pack 2.1a
Requires: Win 9x
From authors website:
Microsoft has never released a service pack for Windows98 SE. But I made a Service Pack for Windows98 SE users. It contains all Windows98 SE updates from Windows Update site and more.
APCUG Corner
At the 2006 APCUG meeting in Las Vegas, Adobe gave a presentation on Adobe Premiere Elements 4 which was released in the fall of 2005. From what I learned, this is the product that the general user should
Some feel use only a Sharpie Marker on the disk. However, there is now a pen that is made specifically for writing on disks that is safe.
The way to check your CD/DVDs is to hold them up to the light and if you see any spots on the disk. This is the start of the disk going bad and it is time to copy the disk. Those spots are only going to increase in size and number.
Photo FAQ
How do I know what print size I can get from a particular image? Which resolutions are recommended for various sizes of prints?
Your maximum print size will equal the image’s resolution, divided by the color printer’s resolution. For example, if you take a photo with a 1,152 x 864 resolution (common for older 1MP [megapixel] cameras) and need to print that photo using a 200dpi (dots per inch) color printer, the largest print size should be about 5.8 inches (which is 1,152 divided by 200) x 4.3 inches (864 divided by 200).
In order to make larger prints, you need images in higher resolutions, which is precisely why 5MP, 6MP, and even 8MP cameras are appealing. Higher resolution imaging allows for many more pixels per image. Thus, a 4MP camera can typically take snapshots at a resolution of 2,240 x 1,680, resulting in an 11.2- x 8.4-inch print (roughly equivalent to an 8.5- x 11-inch print) using a printer capable of 200dpi. A 6.17MP camera can generally take snapshots at resolutions of 3,024 x 2,016, allowing for 15- x 10-inch prints at 200dpi.
Keep in mind that your particular camera can probably take pictures in numerous resolutions; just use the simple division formula we explained to figure out the print sizes.
Why do high-resolution cameras seem to only have room for a few photos? Is there some way to calculate the number of pictures a camera can store?
Unfortunately, raw memory needs don’t account for the effects of image compression (as is the case with JPEG [Joint Photographic Experts Group]), which can dramatically reduce image memory requirements. For example, the Kodak EasyShare Z740 can fit 17 high-resolution (2,576 x 1,932) images in its 32MB of built-in memory; it also can fit 27 images at resolutions of 2,048 x 1,536 in the same 32MB. Even lower resolutions can allow for numerous snapshots. Another example, the Kodak EasyShare CX7530, can store 46 images at resolutions of 1,496 x 1,122 in 32MB of memory. Camera manufacturers post this data on their Web sites and often include it on cameras’ packaging.
You can always add storage to your camera with a larger memory card (at additional cost, of course). The problem is that some “value-priced” high-resolution cameras will skimp on onboard memory, compelling you to buy large memory cards right away. Although it usually isn’t essential that you buy larger memory cards initially, it’s often more convenient to upgrade the camera’s memory than to transfer the camera’s photos to a laptop or desktop PC every time you take a few snapshots.
I have an older digital camera that works fine, but I no longer use a PC with a serial port to transfer the camera’s images. Is there any other way to transfer the camera’s images to my new PC?
One easy solution is to use a memory card reader. One such example is the SanDisk ImageMate 12-in-1 Reader/Writer ($34.99). The unit accepts 12 different types of memory cards (which covers virtually every digital camera memory type) and connects to your existing PC through a USB 2.0 port.
To use a memory card reader with your older digital camera, just turn the camera off, remove the memory card, and then insert the card into the card reader. Once the reader recognizes the card, just pressing a particular button will transfer the memory card’s contents to your attached PC for viewing, editing, printing, and archiving (such as to a CD or DVD).
How can I extend my digital camera’s battery life and save money?
Avoid the three main power drains in a digital camera: power cycling, unnecessary flash, and excessive LCD (liquid-crystal display) use. A camera uses power each time it initializes or shuts down, so avoid cycling the camera on and off between shots; you should only turn the camera off when you finish taking pictures. Also, because it takes energy to use a flash, turn this component off in daylight or high-light areas. Even if your camera doesn’t fire the flash, it takes energy to keep the flash charged.
In addition, the color LCDs used on digital cameras can demand a lot of power (especially if the camera is left on for a prolonged period), so turn off the LCD and use the optical viewfinder rather than the LCD to frame the snapshot. Plus, make sure you only use the LCD sparingly to review your snapshots.
If you haven't purchased a camera yet, choose one that uses common (low-cost) alkaline batteries rather than the more expensive lithium cells. Most cameras that operate on AA or AAA batteries also will accept rechargeable batteries, which may cost more initially but can easily pay for themselves in the long run. Of course, always refer to a camera's manual for specific operating suggestions and precautions.
Product Review:
Acronis True Image
Last year Linda and Gene Barlow did a presentation of Acronis True Image. This program will make a backup of your computer's hard drive.
The last time I loaded my Win XP Pro I decided to make a backup of my OS (operating system).
I started my computer with the startup CD I had created and restored my XP. I must say that I was very impressed. The best part of this is that I didn't have to re-activate my XP and reload my software. It truly was a fun experience.
I would heartily recommend this product to anyone who has a computer. The good part is you don't have to be a computer genius to use it.
Remember that programs can be loaded on after a crash but your data will be gone forever. I recently had a client with a laptop whose computer crashed and burned. I had to remove their hard drive from their computer to back it up. They had 4 years of their daughters life (she's 4 years old) and no backups. There are also the people who lose their program CD's. These people can always use True Image. At the User Group Relations web site, the program is listed at $50 (user group members $34) and believe me its well worth it.
I'm going to backup up my computer each week and put it on a DVD-RW that way I can erase the old one. I would have two DVD-RW and erase the older week so if anything happens I still have the last week.
FPCUG Board of Directors Meeting Summary
The following items were discussed or decided upon:
- Ideas for the group's Mission Statement were more specifically discussed. The final decision will be postponed to a later date, when more members present ideas and a final version can be worked out. All members are encouraged to offer their ideas for the Mission Statement.
- Ideas for upcoming raffles were discussed such as: a Kodak Easyshare Picture Viewer, a watch with picture viewing capabilities and a memory stick card reader for digital camera pictures.
- A Sony computer had been donated to the Group. Although an older computer with Windows ME, it has a highly prized Video Capture card, so it was decided to upgrade the operating system to XP and hold a silent auction in the next month or two to raise money for the FPCUG.
- Don Cummins will be stepping aside as Program Director.
- At the end of the meeting, Bill Myers was officially handed the gavel as new President.
Where's That File?
Downloading, capturing, dragging
Teaching digital graphics to incoming freshmen at JMU, I get the opportunity to look over the shoulders of many new Mac users. It's always a pleasure showing these young folks how cool the Mac is compared to their parent's clunky old PCs. Amazingly enough most new students in both sections are not very familiar with the Mac -- and most have PCs in their dorm rooms or at home.
Most new users will utilize the default "full screen browser" mode of their PC forefathers. I've been asked more than once "where did the file go I just downloaded?" They're delighted to discover the complete control most veteran Mac users have used since the advent of drag-n-drop.
Drag & Drop for easy file management
Look at the lower right-hand corner of the Browser window. There, you'll see the traditional hatch-marks which indicate the window can be made larger or smaller merely by clicking and dragging. Click and drag. Notice you can move that corner around and size the window to your liking, just like all the other windows in the Mac environment. Now click and drag the corner of the browser window, moving it to the left an inch or so. Notice that you have now exposed a narrow strip of your desktop down the right-hand side of your monitor behind the browser window.
Now when you want to grab that link, file or graphic, don't click it -- Click/hold/ and DRAG it off into that desktop area you just created. When your surf is over, your files will be in plain view where you can easily put the files away.
Better yet, when doing purposeful surfing, create the folder for your research in the directory where it will permanently reside. Now open that folder and adjust it so it shows in the exposed desktop strip you created. Now you can drag images, web pages and even download files directly into their target folder. You'll be amazed at how fast you can grab lots of stuff.
Purposeful collection
I also show my students two ways to save web pages they're gathering for research.
First, if you need the page formatted as you see it on the web, then drag the link to the page into the target folder. Notice it retains its .html extension. Later, off-line, just drag and drop that file directly on top of the browser icon to view it.
Now, if it's one of those heavy-duty advertising sites with umpteen links down both sides and all kinds of sidebars and other screen spam framing the content, just select the content you want and drag that off into the waiting folder. Your content will arrive there as a "Clippings" file which will open later in a text editor or word processing program. Rename those clippings sequentially and drag them all -- at the same time -- into the open window of a good text editor like BBEdit. PRESTO, all your content arrives in the text file in the order you designated.
On many web pages you'll have problems dragging to select just the content you want. In this case just select a single word then use Command/A to select "all" and then while selected, Click/hold and drag the entire content off to a clippings file.
Careful with PDF files
Here's another trick I'll pass along: If you have the browser open, and a text editor, and perhaps an image viewer your memory could be reaching its limits. Now you run across a link for a PDF file that you want. STOP: don't click it. The memory hog Acrobat Reader plug-in takes so long to load, and it takes so long to trip to the next page, clicking to open online PDF files could lock things up if you're into the fringes of your memory.
Not for me -- I always glance down at the "Status" bar at the bottom of the browser window which reveals the domain and actual path to the file you want. Hover your cursor/pointer over the link and look. If you see a "PDF" extension (filename.pdf) at the end of a target link, click/hold/ and drag the link to the desktop. Your PDF file will begin downloading and will arrive where you dragged it for off-line reading.
Many sly websites these days hide the "Status" bar so you can't see the links. You can bring it back to life by accessing it under the "View" menu. Watch for the PDF extension: dot-pdf. Open it later, off-line, and read it the way it was intended to be read. Additionally, I'll almost always open the file in Acrobat version 4, because it loads and quits much faster than v5 or v6. I only use those if the file requires those versions.
Never lose another file
Follow these techniques and your freshly arrived file will always be waiting for you -- exactly where you put it -- when you get offline.
Until next time, happy mousing.
Thanks for reading...
Fred Showker
Stained Glass Collage
If you are looking for a different way to display your photos, you might want to take a look at this website: Stained Glass Collage
I have found the site very interesting and helpful. I have used it to create DVD and CD labels of family audio and movie files, importing the finished collages as backgrounds. Attached is a sample of one I did this evening. We took two of our grandchildren to the Veterans' Day parade and, afterwards, I dug out my father's WWII navy uniform and had a photo-shoot.
The 8 " x 10" collage size option would seem to make good scrap book pages, and, of course, could be sent to Costco, etc. for printing. I use 6" x 6" size for my disk label backgrounds. I have an inexpensive Epson R220 that prints on printable disks.
The registration process required by the site is not unduly intrusive; the uploading is easy and making the collages on the web site from the uploaded photos is a breeze. One can choose different sizes of collages, add as many as 40 photos, choose automatic or manual layout and can size and re-size the photos in the panes.
The grids can be increased in size, decreased, or eliminated. The finished collages can be saved to file. Also, one can email to self or others in jpeg format. I am sure that I have not yet explored the full potential of the site.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
Digital Photo SIG:
The Digital Photo SIG is held on the first Saturday of the month at CompUSA on N. Blackstone at 10:30am and is hosted by Nancy Mason and Jo Townley. At last month's meeting, Susy Ball came from Napa to show the group more tips on using Adobe Elements, and the advantages of using Snag-it in conjunction with Elements.Sanity Savers
Sanity Savers are members who have volunteered to help other members with their computing problems. SIG Leaders are also a valuable information resource.
Do not expect long term counseling, house calls, or to get pirated copies of software recommended to you. Also do not expect any of the volunteers to help you if you are not the legitimate owner of a software package.
If you have any experience in an area of computing, feel free to add your name to the Sanity Saver's list. You do not need to be an expert to be listed as a Sanity Saver--patience and willingness to help count for a lot.
| DOS | Dean Mason & Krikor Geyoghlian |
| Desktop Publishing, Graphics, Adobe Acrobat | Susy Ball |
| Excel | Krikor Geyoghlian |
| General Computing | Bill Myers |
| Internet Help | Dean Mason |
| Audio Help | Robert Caraway |
| Linux | Ben Lutes |
| Lotus 1-2-3 | Krikor Geyoghlian |
| Medical | Cecil Bullard |
| MS Word | Krikor Geyoghlian |
| Office 97/2000/XP | Krikor Geyoghlian & Laura Barnard |
| Windows 3.x | Krikor Geyoghlian |
The Fine Print
The Fresno PC User's Group (FPCUG) is a non-profit organization run by and for users of IBM compatible computers. The only membership eligibility requirement is an interest in computers.
FPCUG meetings are generally held the first Monday of the month at:
This newsletter was prepared using Macromedia HomeSite 5.5. and Paint Shop Pro 9.
Contributions.While there's no guarantee that submitted material will be used, contributions to the FPCUG Newsletter are appreciated. Articles of 200-500 words should be submitted in MS Word doc or rtf format. Contributions can be in the form of an article written by a member or an article found on a computer related topic on the internet with permission to reprint. Any screenshots or photos should be sharp and high resolution, without embedded text, and sent as jpgs, bmp, or tiff files, preferably not gifs. Files submitted as pdfs are likely to have their text and graphics extracted as separate entities so that they can be converted to html format. Graphics might be cropped or reduced to fit into available space. Contact Ronnie Ugulano for further information.
Reproduction Rights. Original articles may be reproduced by other computer users groups for internal, non-profit use, provided credit is given to the Fresno PC Users Group and the author(s) of the reproduced articles. This notice does not supersede the rights of authors whose copyrighted material is used by permission.
Disclaimer. Trademarks used in this publication are hereby recognized and acknowledged. The information provided in this newsletter is believed and intended to be correct and useful. However, the Fresno PC Users Group cannot assume responsibility for errors contained in the articles or misapplications of the information provided. Unless specifically stated otherwise, opinions expressed are those of the individual author(s) and do not represent the opinions of, nor endorsement by, the Fresno PC Users Group. The Fresno PC Users Group is an independent, non-profit users group and is not affiliated in any way with any vendor or equipment manufacturer.
Vendor Notice. Only review products that have been obtained by the product review coordinator and received through the FPCUG address shall be considered the responsibility of the FPCUG, unless otherwise indicated by the Board of Directors and with the full knowledge of the review coordinator.