Presentations

Android Phones and Tablets – Jim Perry, AZacc (Arizona Association of Computer Clubs). Google released the Android Operating System as open source software a few years ago. In the past year, Android Smartphone's have surpassed both the Apple iPhone and the Blackberry in sales volume. In January 2011 Android tablets were announced, and are now starting to ship. Android capabilities for both phones and tablets are becoming more mature. Find out what you can do with Android phones and tablets, and also what new developments to watch for in the Android market over the next several months. (PPT)

Ask the Gurus – Jim Glass, Glendora Seniors Computer Club, Cheryl Wester, Temecula Valley CUG, Katie Gertz, AZacc, Melvin Weekly, Seniors Computer Group. Do you have technology-related questions? Bring them to this workshop and the Gurus will help you find the answer. www.gscclub.org / www.tvcug.org, www.azacc.org, www.scgsd.org

Buying and Selling on eBay, Gini Pedersen, Instructor, San Diego Community College Disrict. eBay has become a favorite pastime for many and a profitable business for others. Come learn what it is all about. Topics covered will include an overview of setting up a buyer's and a seller's  account, how to bid on items you want to buy, and how to post  items you want to sell. www.iteachyou.com (PDF)

Choosing the Best Backup Approach for Your Computer - Gene Barlow, President of User Group Relations. Backing up your hard drive is the most important thing every user should do on their computer. Today, users are catching on to this need, but unfortunately, there are lots of different ways to do backups. Deciding which one is best and what ones to avoid is not easy if you listen to how these many products are promoted. They all make you think that their product offers you the best backup approach available. Unfortunately, many of these are only partial backup approaches and will leave you hanging if your hard drive crashes and you are not better protected. This session will explore the various ways to do backups and which ways are good and which ones will only partially protect you. By attending this session, you will be able to make informed decisions as to how to best backup your personal computer. Don't miss this session. www.ugr.com (PPT)

Corel - Evelyn Watts, Field Services Manager and Road Warrior for Corel Corporation (Sunday Breakfast). Join Evelyn for an informative session on Corel software and new ways User Groups can connect with Corel - including our reviewer program, social media activities and joint webinars. www.corel.com

DIY (Do It Yourself) PC Maintenance Tips – Rosemary Lloyd, Big Bear Computer Club. PC users can perform some basic maintenance on their computers. This may help their systems run a little more smoothly. You do not have to be a tech expert to do a few minor and potentially important tasks.           We will talk about how to automate Windows Updates to get important security updates as Microsoft releases them. Do you defragment?  What is it?  Defrag keeps your files in order on the hard drive. This function can be scheduled in Windows 7. Turn on Windows Firewall and use anti-virus and anti-spyware as a second line of defense against malware installing on your computer. Learn about the Microsoft Malicious Removal Tool (MRT). Easily free up disk space. We include some tips for safe web searching. What should you look for in search results? This is a hands-on workshop. We encourage attendees to bring their laptops and follow along; perform maintenance tasks on your own PC. This workshop applies to Windows 7, Vista and XP. www.bigbearcc.org  (PDF)

Fixing Your Photos, Ivan Randall, Topaz. Never having to buy another roll of film, instant reviews of your photographs on your LCD screen, etc; digital photography has changed how we take pictures. However, we still face a lot of old problems...over exposure (too bright), under exposure (too dark), faded and washed out images, noise and grain, blurry images & more. Ivan is returning to the SWCC to help us conquer all of these problems with digital photography. www.topazlabs.com

Freebies – Judy Taylour, President, SCV Computer Club. You don’t need to spend lots of $$ on software. Many free programs are as good as those we pay for; others will save you a trip to the tech support person. Judy will show us a PowerPoint presentation with software that might intrigue you to download the products to enhance your computing experience. www.scvpcg.org (PPT) (Handout)

From Obscurity to Ubiquity – “How Linux Took Over the World While No One Noticed” – Orv Beach, Simi-Conejo Linux Users Group. Do you use Google?  You use Linux.  Do you have a Tivo under your TV?  You use Linux.  Do you have a smart phone running Android?  You use Linux.  Do you have a computer?  You use Windows, most likely.  Let's talk about how to rectify that, and why doing so would be a smart move. Orv will have a Linux DVD for all attendees. www.sclug.org/

Good Computer Habits - Ergonomics, Netiquette, and How to Make a Difference, Abby Stokes, “Is This Thing On?” Discover how you can be a more responsible computer citizen. Abby will discuss online netiquette for e-mail and blogging, tips on how to be sure you're not hurting yourself when on the computer, and how to do good deeds with a click of the mouse. www.abbyandme.com

"Ins" and "Outs" of Digital Photography or "How to get your Digital Pics from your camera to your computer and back out – Jim Glass, Glendora Seniors Computer Club. Jim will show you how to get your digital photographs from inside your camera to your computer and back out again. www.gscclub.org  (Part 1) (Part 2) (Digital Photo Tips)

iolo Technologies – Abbas Mehdi, Product Manager. All of us know that every PC, regardless of your usage patterns, slows down with time. But not many computer users know that the slowdown can be reversed and your computer could work like new again. iolo technologies, the PC performance software experts since 1998, will talk about PC tune-up and demonstrate the newest version 10 of their flagship product, System Mechanic. If you are not familiar with the concept of computer maintenance and the #1 best-selling PC tune-up product in the US, this session will be a perfect introduction. Abbas will be explaining the need for and performance benefits of a PC tune-up and will be demonstrating System Mechanic’s more than 50 tools, one-click repair capabilities and patented ActiveCare automatic settings.  If you are familiar with PC maintenance or have used System Mechanic before, the session will show you some tips and tricks on how to get the most out of this in-depth program and get under the hood to fix all the nine root causes of PC slowdown discovered by iolo Labs, bringing your machine back to its like-new, optimal condition. It will also highlight some of the brand-new and very compelling features of the new System Mechanic 10, which works on Windows 7, Vista and XP, as well as netbooks, notebooks and desktops -- including patent-pending Program Accelerator, CRUDD Remover and industry-first Whole Home Licensing. Join us for this informative session, bring any questions and prepare to enjoy that new PC feeling again! Copies of System Mechanic will be available for purchase during the demo. www.iolo.com

Latest Trends in Computing - Andy Marken, Marken Communications (Friday)

• Smartphones: How to choose from the ultimate to the simplistic for people with big fingers
• Best/Newest Apps: Beyond the games, what’s there you can use?
• Cameras – Video with Ease: Will they really have staying power / value to you?
• eReaders/Tablets: How will you really use them, where will you use them?
• Storage Trends: Are we / you ready for the cloud or do you want your stuff at home?
• TV/Content everywhere: Is anyone working anymore?

Andy will make the discussion fun for YOU and leave time for your questions. He’ll emphasize products but will be prepared to discuss the other areas you find of most interest and most importance. So, bring those gnawing questions / doubts. The year has started on an upbeat so Andy will help you be prepared for the best the industry has to offer. He’s right about 50% of the time!!!! www.markencom.com

Microsoft Tech Session – Tech Support staff from the San Diego Microsoft Store. www.microsoft.com/sandiego

Officers – Marian Radcliffe, TUGNET, and Judy Taylour, SCV Computer Club. We call it Presidents / Officers but any club member interested in interacting with other user group officers / members in a discussion of problems, successes, etc. is welcome to attend. We will have a special guest at this session, Abbas Mehdi from iolo technologies. www.tugnet.org, www.scvpcg.org  

Opera  Thomas Ford, Global Communications Manager. Why the browser matters - Without a doubt, the single-most important software on your computer is a Web browser. In this talk, Thomas Ford will introduce Opera, the browser made in Norway, and describe why alternative browsers like Opera are critical to ensuring the Web remains the thriving, innovative space that it is. www.opera.com  

Photo Shoot with Rick Edwards. Join Rick for a walk-about tour of the Town and Country grounds. There was pre-signup for two groups of 10 who will take pictures under Rick’s direction. There will be a Photo Shoot Critique workshop where participants will find out how to fix the photos they have uploaded to the Internet Café computer and which ones should be deleted. The workshop is open to other attendees as well as those participating in the photo shoots. www.rickedwardsphotography.com

Rovia: The Next Generation in Travel – Laura Kelly Majaica, Business Consultant. How many people do you know who have ever rented a hotel room, a car or gone on vacation? Do you think they would rather pay wholesale or retail? Laura will share a system to save money on travel and earn travel while also saving money on every day shopping and entertainment. Travel more and do the things you WANT to do.  www.gotravelgetpaid.com

Safety Via Your Cell Phone or Smartphone – Shuly Partush, MobileTREC Director of Distribution. Shuly will be discussing how MobileTREC has harnessed the most modern advancements in technology to make you and your family more safe. She'll explain how your safety network can be triggered into immediate and coordinated action when you need assistance, and how this information can be delivered directly to police, fire, and medical response professionals. MobileTREC is on the cutting edge of next generation mobile safety. Through state-of-the-art technology, in-depth insight into safety issues and genuine caring for families we create services that keep you and your loved ones safe in a digitally connected world. You can get educated about this new technology, no equipment to buy, no long term contract, just low cost and very affordable for everyone to stay safer. Come with your cell phone to our booth to get your free installation and be ready to use it immediately. www.safetrec.me

·  Summon immediate help with the push of a Panic Button
·      Instantly connect with emergency contacts and 24/7 Response Call Center
·      Direct call routing to nearest 911 responder          
·      It’s like OnStar for mobile phones   
www.safetrec.me

Security Myths, the Evolution of Computer Threats + More, Bob Gosticha, avast!. It’s common knowledge that avoiding suspicious web-based content and ‘dodgy’ websites will keep you safe on the Internet. Unfortunately, that sort of information is ‘all hat, no cattle.’ Internet security (protecting both your company and your identity online) can, however, be demystifierd. This presentation focuses on normal computer users, rather than “IT geeks” and clearly explains security myths, Internet dos and don’ts, the evoluation of computer threats, and more. Join presenter, Bob Gostischa, as he simpliflies, clarifies, and demystifies your computer, making your Internet experience a safe one and explaning why even AARP recommends avast! www.avast.com

Setting Up a Secure Wireless Network, Katie Gertz, Kate’s Computer Clinic. Do you want to unravel the mystery of setting up a wireless network? This workshop will show you how easy setting up a secure wireless network can be.  Different types of wireless hardware will be shown and explored for laptop and desktop computers. We will discuss the different types of security that go hand in hand with your wireless network and why it is so important to make your network secure from the beginning. You will learn some tricks on how to troubleshoot wireless network problems and how to easily share your media among the different computers in your home network. www.DrKate.tech.officelive.com. (PDF)

Sing2Learn - Anthony Chang, President. Sing2Learn’s mission is twofold: to equip every individual with unique skills so that they can accomplish meaningful things in their lives, and to help the whole world unite under one language system. Imagine how much easier life would be without language barriers!  To share this fun, effective way of learning with you, our Sing2Learn team has created songs that will help you learn a new language gradually, using a step-by-step process.  We have also compiled and recorded an extensive list of over 1800 essential vocabulary words, phrases, and sentences that you can listen to and practice with! www.sing2learn.com

Social Networking – How to (safely) get the most out of Twitter, Facebook, and Blogging – Abby Stokes, “Is This Thing On?” (Friday) Learn about what everyone is talking about when they bring up Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. Abby will share us how we can enjoy the benefits of social media without risking the loss of our privacy. www.abbyandme.com

Successfully Videotape Your Meeting - Panel
Terry Currier (WINNERS - WINdows usERS) www.windowsusers.com (PDF)(DOC)
Cathy Margolin (CA AITP)
George Margolin (CA AITP)
David Williams (Central Iowa Computer User Group) www.ciacug.org (PDF)

Topics covered will be what hardware (video camera) is needed, a discussion of  resolution, and video format, plus how do I get it off the camera, how do I process it (various video editing  software for all levels of expertise will be covered), and how do I make it available to my members or others?  Each of the panelists will show/tell how they do it at their club, plus they will show their equipment and some of the software each one uses.

The Internet – What’s out there you should know about - JB Burke, Prescott Computer Society. In this presentation, JB takes a look at a wide variety of new, interesting and/or useful aspects of  computers and the internet that you may not yet have encountered. He'll delve into both software (free and otherwise) and web sites that will educate, entertain and amuse you. And after attending this session, you may find you waste a good deal more time, both online and off, than you really think you can afford. www.pcs4me.com (PDF)

What’s New with Ink Products - Don Baker, Klassic Specialties. Klassic Specialties is based in Cerritos, CA and was established in 1998. Klassic was established based upon the premise of providing the BEST Customer Service and Highest Quality Imaging Products available at affordable pricing. The Klassic Specialties presentation will address areas of significance, as related to Inkjet printing in today’s marketplace, and the most cost effective solutions. An overview of the various digital printing techniques and technologies, including;

• Printing Technologies and types of Ink Jet Printers
• Thermal Bubble-Jet Inkjets
• Piezo-Electric Inkjets
• Continuous Ink System
• What to Look For
• Pitfalls and Benefits
• What to Expect

www.klassicspecialties.com

Windows 7 and Word 2010 – What’s New! – Bruce Carl Aronson, Strategic Presentations. Bruce has two presentations for us this year; one covering Windows 7 and the other Word 2010. (Cool things you may have missed by blinking). We’ve heard and seen a lot regarding Windows 7 and many of us are using it. But you don’t want to miss Bruce’s take on the subject. This won’t be like anything you’ve heard before! And Word 2010 has many new features that you probably aren’t taking advantages of. Bruce will show us many of them.

VIPRE - Alex Eckelberry, General Manager, GFI Software (Friday). Alex will be presenting, via Skype, an exclusive first look at GFI/Sunbelt’s upcoming VIPRE Mobile offering for Android phones (and soon for iPhones and Blackberry). www.sunbeltsoftware.com

Virtual Machines – Francis Chao, Tucson Computer Society. Francis has about 12 hours of formal presentations prepared for using virtual machines in Windows, Linux, and Macintosh presentations but when he makes actual presentations, he likes to do an impromptu presentation based on some initial questions and comments from attendees. He likes to show the attendees a PowerPoint list of "What you can do with virtual machines" and let the crowd choose what he should demonstrate. He will have the Windows, Linux and Mac presentations available on the TCS website, www.aztcs.org You will find his technical articles at http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/meeting_notes.shtml    

Wolverine Data – Matt Mardini, President. Wolverine Data’s focus is to simplify how people can backup, capture and share treasured photographs, movies and music. Matt will be presenting the following Wolverine Data proucts:

·    Wolverine F2D300 – 35mm slides and negatives to digital image converter
·    Wolverine SNaP – Photos and 35mm film to digital image converter
·    PASS-100 – Battery operated portable scanner to scan anything, anywhere, anytime
·    Wolverine iP-HDMI – Connect your iPad 1 & 2, iPhone4 or iPod4 to HDTV through HDMI
·    PicPac-11 – Photo Storage on the GO
·    ESP – Portable digital photo album, music, video player and recorder
www.wolverinedata.com

 Presentations subject to change at time of conference.

You Can Help

Do you have a computer-related topic you are passionate about? Something you can’t wait to share with others? Please sign up to give a presentation at the conference. Or maybe you know someone who would be of interest to others. If so, please contact us. Be sure to include your (or their) name, topic, phone number and e-mail address. Send the information to Judy Taylour at judytaylour@theswcc.org.