Our June meeting will feature Bruce Campbell of Value Net Internetwork Services of Walnut Creek. Bruce will give a presentation on what the Internet is all about (thus, Internet 101), what an ISP (Internet Service Provider) like Value Net does, what kind of equipment and software they use, what happens when you dial your ISP to browse the Web or download files or read news groups or log on to a chat group (IRC, or Internet Relay Chat), or do any of the myriad of other Internet activities available. What do finger and TCP/IP and DNS and URL all mean? Learn this and more! Dazzle your family and friends with your new-found knowledge! Make your Internet ramblings more interesting and effective! Come to the June DVPC meeting!
DVPC meetings are held in the lobby conference room in Building B at the Bank of America Technology Center office complex in Concord, located near the northeast corner of Clayton Road at Galindo (see the map, directions, and parking information on page 14). Please use the main entrance of the building, which is in the center of the front of the building that faces Clayton road.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. The New User's SIG has their meeting from 6:30 to 7:30. We'll have the Networking Table from 7:00 to 7:30. If you have something to sell or trade, need technical help, or just want to exchange views, visit the Networking Table. Also, as usual, we'll have library disks and the last (really, the last!? NO!! Come and find out why!) of those great DVPC mugs (version 1) for sale, SIG news, random access, and some of our usual great door prizes. See you at the meeting!
Quite a few sources have presented a way to put a "shortcut" to your desktop onto the Task Bar. Basically, this was done by opening My Computer, pressing the "up" button until Desktop is displayed, then minimizing the windows. However, there's a problem with this approach: if Windows 95 terminates other than through Start, Shut Down, your desktop item on the Task Bar will disappear. And, you can't put My Computer in the StartUp folder.
Is there a better way to do it? Yes, there is, courtesy of Donald E. Mayle whose tip was printed in the May 14, 1996 issue of PC Magazine. (We've simplified it a bit.)
Right click on the Start button, and select Open from the pop-up menu. Double-click on the Programs folder, then double-click on the StartUp folder. Right click in an empty area in the StartUp folder and select New then Shortcut from the pop-up menus. A Wizard will start. In the Command Line box type Desktop and click the Next button then the Finish button. Right click on the new desktop shortcut and select Properties from the pop-up menu. Click on the Shortcut tab, and click on the down arrow to the right of the Run box; select Minimized from the list. Click on OK to save your changes, then close the Programs, StartUp window.
Restart Windows 95. You'll have a new Task Bar item named Desktop which you can select directly from the Task Bar or from the Alt-Tab menu.
What is the PointCast Network (PCN)?
PCN allows the user to automatically go into the Internet and obtain a selection of news to be displayed on your PC. Among the selections available is a Reuter's news feed; Business news and stock prices; Sports news; Lifestyle stories including the latest California lottery numbers; and Weather maps and reports for cities all across the country.
How is the news obtained? If the user has a dedicated Internet access then the program can be setup to update itself at stated intervals. With a dial up Internet connection the job is done manually. In my trial setup with some 15 stock prices, weather for San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego, and the full gamut of newspaper type stories, it took about 10 minutes to complete the update.
Where is software and information obtained: Information and software can be obtained by accessing http://www.pointcast.com/slupport/pcn/help/index.html.
Other features: The service can be viewed in two ways. First, the user can click on the PCN logo and look at the news by category, i.e. News, Companies, Sports, etc. In the News channel the upper left hand corner has a list of headlines. Click on a headline and the full story is displayed in another frame. Secondly the program can be set up as a screen saver. After a set period of inactivity, the PCN takes over the screen and scrolls the news, advertisements, and other information across your screen until you click on the screen to return to what you were doing.
Cost: At the present time there is no cost for downloading the PointCast Network Beta 0.9 software and there is no access cost other than what your Internet provider is already charging you. The costs are supposedly paid by advertisers.
Opinion: Mixed at the present time. News can be obtained easier by reading your newspaper or watching a TV news program.. Weather is only up to date as your latest update, or rather, the latest weather service prior to your data update. The company and stock information is nice displaying today's figures, a 30 day graph, and a list of news stories for a given company. Up to 25 stocks can be selected. So it boils down to, is it worth my while to tie up my phone line for 10 minutes to get the news and stock information. Point Cast Inc. Is located at 10101 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014
Alan Mildwurm President/Programs 770-5770 (work)
Morris Abell Co-Librarian 602-0697 (work)
Nicholas Chase Special Events 680-4211 (home)
Charlie Crothers Publicity 829-2237 (home)
Bill Earl SIG Coordinator 939-5874 (home)
Jim Espinoza Vice President 675-4695 (work)
Tom Krauss Secretary 689-9960 (home)
Jessica Mildwurm Treasurer 829-5858 (home)
Ron Ogg Newsletter Editor 283-7900 x201 (work)
Rich Patterson Co-Librarian 458-8659 (home)
Janet Rose Membership Secretary 837-4174 (home)
Henry Shaw BBS SysOp
Steve Israel Past President 283-7900 x202 (work)
The Board of Directors usually meets on the Wednesday evening following the general meeting each month. Check the DVPC Calendar on page 15 of each issue of Diablo Blue, or the DVPC BBS, or the DVPC home page on the Internet (www.dvpc.org) for the meeting date, time, and location.
You can reach any of the officers and directors by posting a message to them on the DVPC BBS or leaving a message on the DVPC VoiceMail System.
Diablo Blue needs articles from the members of DVPC. See your name in print! Achieve fame and fortune! (Well, maybe just some limited fame in Contra Costa County...) We are particularly interested in product and book reviews and articles about your PC experiences.
Commercial advertising is available in Diablo Blue.
Prices are $75 for a full page, $40 for a half page,
and $25 for a quarter page for one insertion -- or get
three consecutive insertions for the price of two. For
more information, call editor Ronald Ogg, at 283-7900
Ext. 201 (days).
Members of DVPC can submit personal classified ads that will be printed in Diablo Blue for three insertions at no charge. The rules are simple: up to 9 lines (as we typeset it), material must be suitable for publication (the editor is the sole judge of suitability), the member must be in good standing (current dues paid), and ad space is available on a first-come first-served space available basis only. If you want fewer than three insertions note that on your ad copy.
If members want their business card reproduced, the rate is $10 for one insertion, or $25 for three insertions. The card must be horizontal and must be scanable.
Upload your articles or member ad copy to the Newsletter section on the DVPC BBS, or mail to: Editor, Diablo Blue, P.O. Box 2222, Orinda, CA 94563-2222. See the deadline information in the Calendar on page 15 of each issue of Diablo Blue.
The Diablo Valley PC User's Group operates a BBS for its members and other interested users in the area. Current paid-up DVPC members can access the BBS on a line reserved exclusively for their use, 943-6244. Others can call 943-6238. Set your modem to 14,400, 9600, 2400, or 1200 baud, 8N1 (8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity).
DVPC has a computer-based voice mail system. The new phone number for the DVPC VMS is 556-1449. This communication vehicle provides:
DVPC has a new home page on the Internet -- thanks to our Jim Espinoza, DVPC Webmeister. You can surf your way to our own domain and home page by starting your favorite Web browser and typing the following address:
http://www.dvpc.orgBe sure to save it in your browser's hotlist so you don't have to type it each time.
See the DVPC Calendar on page 15 for the date and time of each SIG meeting.
The Access and Visual Basic SIGs have combined into one SIG. The Access/Visual Basic SIG meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Gateway Group's offices, 3687 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 350, in Lafayette.
Directions: take Highway 24 west to the Central Lafayette exit, and keep to your left to the stop sign at Deer Hill Road at the end of the exit ramp. Turn left onto Deer Hill Road, and continue to where it dead ends at Happy Valley Road. Turn left onto Happy Valley Road. Turn right at the traffic signal at Mt. Diablo Blvd. Take Mt. Diablo Blvd. through the next traffic signal and turn left into the driveway at 3685/3687. Immediately turn right into the parking lot in front of 3687. Take the elevator to the third floor to suite 350 at the end of the hallway. If you get lost, call Ron Ogg at 283-7900 Ext. 201.
Everyone who is using or is interested in Access or in Visual Basic, including Visual Basic for Applications, is invited to attend the Access/Visual Basic SIG meetings. In May we'll talk about the combined SIG and set an overall agenda for each month's meeting.
The Advanced Users SIG meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Gateway Group's offices in Lafayette (see the Access/Visual Basic SIG notice above for directions). Note that this is a new meeting day!
If you're interested in getting together with other advanced users to discuss topics of interest (including networking, Windows 95 migration, Windows NT Workstation, the best Pentium motherboards, etc.) join us at the Advanced Users SIG!
The Education and Entertainment SIG meets at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Montevideo School in San Ramon.
Directions: Take 680 to Bollinger Canyon Road, go west to San Ramon Valley Blvd., go south to Montevideo Rd. and turn left. Proceed east on Montevideo about 3 blocks to Broadmoor and turn left The school's 1 block on the right. We meet in Room 22.
The E&E SIG is oriented to exploring the best in education and entertainment software for the PC. Everyone is invited to attend our meetings, and bring your kids along -- they'll have a great time, too!
"Your Pit Stop on the Information Superhighway"
The Internet SIG meetings are held at 1800 Oak Park Blvd., Suite A, in Pleasant Hill on the third Saturday at 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon. Enter at the rear. An Internet beginner's session normally meets at noon just before the regular Internet SIG meeting. We hope to see you there!
Tom Vitale has taken a new job in Tracy (congratulations, Tom!), and as a result will not be able to head or host the Internet SIG 2'sday meetings. As a result, SIG meetings have been postponed until a new SIG leader and meeting location can be found. If you can volunteer to be SIG leader, please phone Bill Earl at 939-5874 or see him at the DVPC monthly meeting.
Microsoft Project SIG meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at InterPro ADF's office at 3569 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 210. Park in the lot behind Radio Shack. The entrance to suite 210 is at the back of the building. Enter through the door marked "210" at the parking lot end of the walkway from the street and take the stairs to the second floor.
Everyone who is interested in Microsoft Project and project management is invited to attend. If you plan on attending, please call Elias Asmar at 510-299-8500, Fax 510-299-8511, leave a message on the DVPC BBS, or send an E-mail message on the Internet to 73762.723@compuserve.com.
The New Users SIG holds its meetings at 6:30 p.m. prior to the regular DVPC monthly meeting on the first Thursday of each month at Bank of America building B.
We discuss whatever is confusing or puzzling new PC users. If you are a new user of PCs who would like to meet with other new users -- and some experienced users who can answer your questions as well -- then join us at the New Users SIG meetings at 6:30 p.m. prior to each DVPC monthly meeting.
The Paradox SIG meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Mero's home at 3636 Sanford Street in Concord.
Directions: From Route 242 North, exit at Olivera Road. At the bottom of the off-ramp, take a right (East). Take the next left (by the Glenbrook School) onto Sanford St. Follow Sanford St. through two intersections. After the second (Floyd Lane), the house will be on your left, number 3636 Sanford St. If you need further directions, Kathleen is available by phone at (510) 685-2484.
Starting in July the Real Estate SIG has a new standard meeting time: the first Thursday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. -- bring a brown bag lunch, and Old Republic Title will supply the drinks, chips and cookies! However, due to a scheduling snag in June, the meeting will be held on Friday, June 7. Meetings are held in the training room of Old Republic Title Company at 3000 Clayton Road in Concord.
We want to thank the attendants of last months Real Estate SIG where we featured Executive Advantage's "Escrow Manager Plus" program. We were impressed with the features of the program and it's "drag and drop" features. The program was very well thought out and appealed to those of us that are involved with escrows.
Our June meeting should be very interesting. Many of us involved in real estate tend to forget the importance that the East Bay Regional Park District plays in our real estate transactions. With the assistance of Glen Pridham, Title Coordinator, for the district we will have a very unique presentation and opportunity to learn about the role of the park district with regards to the Real Estate Industry.
Our presentation will be led by Robert Buska and Jaimie Perkins of the Park District. They will be discussing not only the role of the district but the direction they are taking with the Internet in their effort to avail of us of their products and services. So, if you think that the East Bay Regional Park District doesn't have an impact of the Real Estate Industry - think again! We will see you Friday, June 7th at 11:00AM at 3000 Clayton Road in Concord. Bring a lunch and plan to enjoy yourself!
The Windows SIG meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Nordic Computers in Concord (see their ad on page 11 for a map) at 7:30 p.m.
See Al Levy's Opening Windows column for information about the topic for the next WinSIG meeting. And, as usual, Windows 95 questions (and even, sometimes, answers!) will be covered during Random Access.
Everyone who uses, is interested in, or is curious about Windows, and especially Windows 95, and getting the most out of any version of Windows on their PC, is invited to attend the WinSIG meetings.
1. Introduction
Java is a new platform independent, object oriented computer language from Sun Microsystems, Inc. that is taking the Internet by storm. It has received a lot of attention with Sun's claims that it is tailor-made for the Internet providing platform-independent interactive computing. To date, over 100,000 users have downloaded a copy of Java from Sun's home page. Java originated as part of a research project to develop advanced software for a wide variety of networked devices and embedded systems. The goal was to develop a small, reliable, portable, distributed, real-time operating environment (Gosling and McGilton). Java has proven ideal for developing secure, distributed, network-based end-user applications in environments ranging from networked-embedded devices to the World-Wide Web and the desktop. Java is a general-purpose programming language that can be used to develop complete applications but its major strength is for the development of applets. Applets are small applications written from a subset of the Java language designed for use in Web pages. Java, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), and Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) are completely complementary languages. HTML is for defining what home pages look like, VRML is for defining 3D models and Java is for defining behaviors of the home pages and 3D models. Java could fill a niche for a general purpose language that is more powerful than Basic and 4GLs, yet is easier to program and maintain than C++ (Kara, page 97). Java has been called "C++ without fangs" (Q and A, pg. 15).
2. Java Vs. C/C++
Java is an object oriented language that is very C++ like but removes the unnecessary complexities of C++. Having Java retain many of the object-oriented features and the "look and feel" of C++ means that programmers can migrate easily to Java and be productive quickly. Java supports encapsulation, polymorphism, inheritance and dynamic binding through the use of classes much like C++. Java is just as powerful as C++ but is based on a simpler, cleaner syntax. A lot of functionality that is included in C++ just to remain compatible with C, or features that are not needed in modern object oriented programs, has been removed. These include typedefs, defines, preprocessor, macros, structures, functions and operator overloading. You can achieve the functionality of these through constants and classes. Java has also gotten rid of pointers and the confusion/problems associated with them. Pointers are the primary means that programmers create bugs in their code, and given that the above features have been removed, the need for pointers has also been removed. Without pointers, Java programs can't reference arbitrary memory locations and it also makes it easier to handle error conditions, since errant pointer references can cause unpredictable program behavior. Error conditions in your Java program will likely be caught by your web browser instead of crashing it (Gosling and McGilton). Multiple Inheritance has also been removed. The desirable features of multiple inheritance are provided by interfaces. An interface is the definition of methods and constants that one or more objects will implement. Unlike C++, Java automatically handles memory management and garbage collection. Once memory has been allocated for an object, Java keeps track of it and automatically frees the memory when the object is no longer in use. This prevents "Memory Leak" problems and system crashes. The garbage collection gathers and compacts unused memory, increasing the probability that adequate memory resources are available. Another major difference between Java and C++ is that C++ source code in compiled down to binary code that is specific for each type of computer where Java source code is compiled down to an architecture neutral intermediate format that can be ran on multiple hardware/operating systems platforms.
3. Architecture neutral, portable and robust
The architecture neutral and portable language environment of Java is known as the Java Virtual Machine. It's the specification of an abstract machine for which Java language compilers can generate code. Specific implementations of the Java Virtual Machine for specific hardware and software platforms then provide the concrete realization of the virtual machine. So when the Java compiler compiles your source code, it doesn't generate binary code of native hardware instructions, instead it generates byte code. These byte codes are a high-level machine-independent code that the Java Virtual Machine interprets and converts to hardware specific instructions. Since you Java source code is compiled down to an architecture neutral format, you write your applications once. You never need to modify them to port them to other operating systems and hardware architectures. This makes your code portable to any system on which the Java Virtual Machine is implemented. Another issue that enables Java to be truly portable is that it is strict in its definition of its basic language. It specifies the sizes of its basic data types and the behavior of its arithmetic operators so your programs are the same on every platform. There are no data type incompatibilities across hardware and software architectures (Gosling and McGilton). This platform independence makes Java ideal for the Internet. Any Java applet can be downloaded to any web browser that is Java enabled and the Java Virtual Machine will be able to run it. Java is intended for developing software that is robust, reliable, and secure. Java accomplishes this with an extensive and stringent compile-time and run-time error checking. One of the advantages of a strongly typed language is that it allows extensive compile-time checking, so bugs can be found early, before a program is deployed. Java requires explicit declarations and does not support C-style implicit declarations. Many of the compile-time checks at the Java compiler level are carried over to run-time. Both to check consistency at run-time, and to provide greater flexibility. The biggest advantage of the run-time checking is that Java eliminates the possibility of overwriting memory and corrupting data. Java has true arrays and strings which means the interpreter can check array and string indexes and prevents casting an integer into an object reference. While the Java compiler is somewhat strict during the run-time system, it is dynamic in its linking stages. Classes are linked only as needed.
4. Dynamic Loading and Binding
As mentioned above the Java compiler creates byte code that needs to be interpreted by the Java Virtual Machine to run. This makes it architecture neutral but it also makes it a faster programming environment. Most software development tools use the edit-compile-link-load-run cycle. The interpreted environment enables fast prototyping without waiting for the traditional compile and link cycle. In Java the link phase has virtually be eliminated. Linking is the process of loading new classes by the class loader. In Java this process is more incremental, loading and binding new classes only as they are needed, speeding up your development cycle. The interpreted nature produces a highly dynamic system because in traditional C++ if a class is changed that would require all classed that reference that class to be recompiled. Java solves this problem in several stages. The Java compiler doesn't compile references down to numeric valuesinstead, it passes symbolic reference information through to the byte code verifier and the interpreter. The Java interpreter performs final name resolution once, when classes are being linked. Once the name is resolved, the reference is rewritten as a numeric offset, enabling the Java interpreter to run at full speed. Finally, the storage layout of objects is not determined by the compiler. The layout of objects in memory is deferred to run time and determined by the interpreter. Updated classes with new instance variables or methods can be linked in without affecting existing code. At the small expense of a name lookup the first time any name is encountered, the Java language eliminates the recompilation problem (Gosling and McGilton). This allows programmers to plug in new features into existing programs without having to recompile them. Or for that fact, you could have the program add different code based on a user's request. The major advantage of dynamically loading classes at run-time is that these classes can be loaded from across networks. This is very important for distributed systems. This keeps your code located on one central server so as enhancements are made to the code on the server it is automatically downloaded to the clients as needed at run-time.
Next month's subjects will include: Security; Performance and Multithreading; Future enhancements to the Java environment; and a brief summary.
Random Access topics discussed were: Modem Problems, Internal and External Cache, VGA problems, TEAC Floppy combo, FAT problems, 3 and 4 Gigabyte drives, sound cards, SCSI drives, 3.1 holdouts (including myself), reinstalling Windows 95, loading scanner software and hanging Windows 95, System Tools step by step, MS-DOS 6, access to your Wells Fargo account through the Internet.
Those of you wanting to access tips on Windows 95 should try linking on the Internet to Gateway Group Inc. Web page Lots of good information. You'll find it at:
http://www.gatewaygroup.com
A presentation was put on about Mayo Clinic Family Health on CD-ROM by IVI Publishing. This CD-ROM comes complete with medical information. With hundreds of illustrations, animation, and video; and dozens of new features that your family will fine indispensable.
The best selling Mayo Clinic Family Health disk is the most comprehensive health resource available on CD-ROM. But it doesn't stop there. It's your gateway into a global health community made up of health professionals and people just like you, who want to maintain or create a healthy life style for themselves and their families.
Mayo Clinic Family Health disc is much more than just a dynamic tool that assists you and your family in your quest for a healthy and empowered lifestyle.
This new and exciting future will be accessible through the Family Health disc, and it will help you and your family to manage your health.
Mayo Clinic Family Health is your resource for information on over 1,100 diseases and disorders. It identifies through the Common Symptoms Guide, possible medical conditions. It has a Drug Reference section with data on approximately 4,000 medications, their side effects, and possible interactions with other medications. It has a beautiful illustrated Anatomy section with sound and images to increase understanding. It also has over 70 superior quality videos and animation's, plus more than 500 illustrations and photos.
Mayo Clinic Family Health helps you keep detailed, practical family health data such as illness, immunization and prescription drug information close at hand.
The disc also has on it an Internet Access with Netscape Navigator included. Direct access to the On-line Health Network, a source of additional Mayo information on the Internet, and included Internet browser software to help you get there. That is provided you have an Internet provider.
Mayo Clinic Family Health comes a part of a set of CD's which also include The Total Heart, Sports Health & Fitness, and Family Pharmacist. If you were to purchase them individually, you might have to pay $150, but since they have been bundled together, the best selling price for them was seen at Egghead for about 59.94, under the title Mayo Clinic Health Encyclopedia.
I am not used to playing games on my computer, but I thoroughly enjoyed using the Mayo Clinic Family Health on the CD. I can't wait to get into the using the other titles mentioned above. Some one asked if the CD-ROM is available for the Mac. It is available through Frye's, but I haven't seen it.
For a change this is a good news report from the corner. A while back I fulminated at great length about American Business Information's (ABI) software that included a usage meter that, after 5,000 usages would disable the software until you paid ABI more money. ABI produces CD disks with phone numbers and 9 digit zip codes.
Of course I, and several other people wrote letters to ABI objecting to this money-grabbing scheme.
Recently I received a junk mail advertisement from ABI for their products so I returned the advertisement, along with a vitriolic letter, in their postage paid envelope.
Imagine my great surprise when I received an e-mail letter from somebody in ABI stating that they had removed the usage meter in ALL of their software. Proof positive that occasionally it pays to protest.
So in order to put my money where my mouth is, I'm ordering upgrades of all of my ABI software. If you are in the market for a 9 digit zip code reference I'd now like to recommend ABI's 9 Digit Zip Code CD.
Publisher: American Business Information, 1-800-555-5666
9-Digit Zip Code Directory (1996), Cost: Unknown at this writing.
Plink!, Pop!, Buzz! Beep! For many years that was the extent of the "sound" that a PC could make. Certainly not very exciting and definitely not an addition to the "ambiance" of the program. In other words, the primitive sound didn't help fashion the "alternate reality" which the programmer was attempting to create. Recently that's changed. Now the audio tracks really do add a dimension to the game. As a result, the puny speaker just doesn't cut it.
Enter the Surround Sound Home Theater by SSI Products. Actually, the Surround Sound System will enhance not only your multimedia applications but also your stereo VCR, laserdisk, stereo cable tv or satellite system. Setup is child's play. (There is an 800 number for tech support but you won't need it.) Plug in the Home Theater Amplifier/Processor and place the center speaker, subwoofer, two rear speakers, and the front left and right speaker. Instructions are clear and easy to follow. The system comes with all the cables you need. The effect is nothing short of awesome. This is not simulated 3-D sound, this is the real thing. The four channel Dolby Pro-Logic processor also has BBE High Definition Sound circuitry to tune the speakers. Each channel has special purpose. Left and right speakers steer the sound to the left and right. The rear left and right speakers steer sound from front to back. The subwoofer gives you the bass and the center front channel is for the dialog. Put in a laser disk, crank up the system and you are there.
Initially we hooked the system up to the PC and the roar of NASCAR was incredible. From there, we decided to hook the system up to the TV monitor and that's where it roars. Put in Top Gun and you'll swear you are on the runway right behind the fighters. Jurassic Park, Star Wars -- all the "effects" movies regain the real theater element which is missing from a regular sound system. Sound literally comes at you from all sides. The effect of using and not using the system is like switching from black and white to color. There is an additional clarity which defies explanation -- even regular tv and video games are improved with the effect.
My only fear is that the neighbors will complain! At a recent Education/Entertainment SIG meeting it was suggested that the system come with a popcorn maker -- I'll pass the recommendation to SSI. The system is available at all the usual stereo/TV stores.
Microsoft creates then sells their system to the public, from then on there seems to be a minimum of help in said system (a void sometimes filled by third party editors). There is a Registry backup system in Windows 95 that you may have been exposed to, but sure bears a second look. Ron Ogg wrote it up in the February, 1996 issue of Diablo Blue, and it is reprinted on the new DVPC Home Page (and it goes into great detail). If I had paid more attention to it I would have saved myself a bottle of Excedrin, but no, I had to go and rediscover it on my own.
In brief, you go to the Windows 95 CD-ROM, select Browse, then go to \other\misc. In this folder are four tools. The one for the Registry backup is cfgback. You can copy this to \windows\programs\startup; this allows you to have a shortcut on your desktop. Use it to back up your Registry before you install any new program, just to be on the safe side.
Then when you reboot after having booted up in Safe Mode, and it still will not boot up in "standard" Windows 95
mode, click on your new cfgback icon then select
restore. After it has restored (it will tell you when it is finished), reboot
again and all should be OK. At least it worked for me.
As announced at the May General Meeting, DVPC has officially obtained dvpc.org as an Internet Domain Name. We thank ccNet of Walnut Creek for providing us with an Internet account and, once our domain name was established, providing our website, www.dvpc.org.
What can you find on our website? Plenty of information about DVPC including the upcoming general meeting, a current calendar displaying SIG meeting dates, and even an application for membership that can be printed, filled out and then mailed (with a check attached, of course!) for new members and for renewals. Information about contacting DVPC includes the voice mail number, our BBS number, and e-mail addresses for Officers, SIG Leaders and any member who chooses to be listed.
You will also find lots of links in a variety of categories. You can find PC Support related links including hardware and software vendors, on-line magazines and computer journalists Yael Li-Ron and Leo Laporte. As you might expect, there are also plenty of Internet resources from software collections to Internet Service Providers to help in building your own web pages.
We also have many links related to the Community. Government agencies from Local to Federal, charitable and nonprofit organizations, employment resources are just a few. There are also links for Bay Area entertainment including dining, professional sports and recreation. We also have links for television and radio, publications and even a listing of Kids sites on the web.
The site looks best with web browsers that support graphics and tables. Netscape and Microsoft Internet Explorer (which is free) are two good choices and links to access the software are available on the website. If your browser doesn't support tables, such as AOL's current browser or some older versions of Mosaic, you can still receive all the same information using the "text only" version of the pages.
The site will continue to evolve and grow over time. You can be an active part of that process. Add your own homepage (our list is pretty small at the moment), your favorite sites, PC and Internet support links, and community sites you find of value. We are also looking for information to recognize the volunteer efforts of our members. These efforts can be, but do not have to be, PC related. Take a look at our "Community Links" page and see what we have and then tell us about your efforts and the organization you support. If the organization does not have a web page of its own, we will consider putting up an "information sheet" page on our site.
What else can we expect in the near future? You might soon find an on-line feedback form and a form for submitting your contributions to the web site. We may also soon put up a web page version, or a version that can be downloaded, of the Diablo Blue newsletter for our members only. Of course, the more the membership contributes, the more you will see the site evolve into what serves our members and our surrounding communities best. Visit our site soon:
http://www.dvpc.org
As I write this column, I am unsure as to who our speaker will be for the June meeting. We have several very interesting "prospects" but as yet no commitments. I guess we'll all have to be surprised! [Actually, Alan came through like the trooper he is, and we have a great speaker for the June meeting! See the meeting announcement on the back page.]
We have set up a number of very interesting programs for the coming months. We will have Nolo Press who publishes some excellent books and software for the "do- it-yourself" lawyer. While I always believe you need to hire a lawyer, their materials are well thought out and well written. In fact, I have used some of their materials as text in a civil law class I teach. We will also have Partition Magic in September. (See my review last month). This is a very interesting and useful utility. I have also been in contact with Ricochet who produces a wireless modem and service. This is very cool stuff. Lastly, in July (remember our meeting is on the 11th and not the 4th), we will preview a new product from Javasoft. The developer told me their product will be hotter than Yahoo. It's all very secret nowI'm intrigued. Lastly, we want to have a SIG night meeting where all our SIGs set up tables to introduce what they're doing for those who don't get a chance to get to the SIGs. We'll all get to see the Propeller Heads with their rotors turning! (Is it just me, or does that paint a bizarre picture?).
As we announced last meeting, our voice mail system is operational again. The new number is 556-1449. Try it!
At our last Board meeting we discussed utilizing electronic distribution for our newsletter. Since this is a computer group, we should utilize the latest technology... right?! Our treasurer reports that it costs about $400.00 per month to produce the newsletter. Ad revenue does not cover the cost and due to space limitations, increases in ads decreases other content. A quick computation will reveal that a major portion of our dues goes to the newsletter. We would like to purchase a better presentation device. The newer models, which are much easier to transport, more powerful and more versatile run about $6000.00 (Just a month or so ago that was $10,000 but new models just came out). Our existing unit is worth about $2,000.00- providing we find a buyer. Obviously, electronic distribution of the Newsletter would cut down on our expenses, allow us to expand the newsletter (we won't have the increased postage and printing costs) and begin accumulating for the "projector fund" not to mention being more ecological and utilizing current technology. This is in the discussion stage, obviously we would like your input. See you next month!
Meeting Date: May 8, 1996, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Alan Mildwurm's house
Bank Account: $2,910.18
Newsletter Deadline: 5/17/96Upcoming Speakers:
June 6 -- Internet 101
July 11 -- SIG Night
August 2 -- Nolo Press
September 5 -- Partition Magic
Nonprofit: The State has acknowledged receipt of our application, and should make DVPC an official not-for-profit organization in about a month. Alan has the Federal papers all set to submit once the State's approval is received.
DVPC Mugs: The new mugs have arrived. Only a connoisseur of fine porcelain would be able to distinguish them form the original order (or someone who could read "Made in China" on the new ones). As Richard often says, "The U.S. Post Office has done it again!"
Voice System: Using various spare parts and a cake spatula (?), Alan and Charlie have reestablished the voice mail system. The VMS is installed in Alan's garage and is fully operational. The service has been greatly simplified, since no one on the Board could figure out how to use the original version. There are only five selections: directions to the meeting, BBS phone number and DVPC home page address, SIG list, a brief description of DVPC, and a place to leave messages. The number is (510) 556-1449.
Newsletter: Ron is in the process of converting the newsletter to a new software package. Various options for distribution and funding were discussed, but in traditional fashion, no decisions were reached. This was due primarily to the fact that Ron was absent and no one wanted to decide something Ron wouldn't like, causing him to resign his post and forcing us to find someone else willing to dedicate a large part of their life to producing the monthly newsletter. Richard reported on his research into current postal regulations and rates: "Postcards come pre-stamped and cost 20¢"
DVPC Home Page: Although Webbie will continue enhancing our home page, it may now be considered `done'. Jim was rewarded with a heartfelt "Uh, good job" by the Board. In order to let the world know that DVPC members have lives outside the club, and in the spirit of being a nonprofit organization, members have been asked to provide information about any pro bono, community oriented activities in which they participate. Webbie will be adding this information to the home page as soon as there is enough of a response to make a good showing. Apparently, the members are so busy with these activities that only two or three have had the time to respond. Members should send a brief description of their activity and/or organization to Jim Espinoza (or Webbie, or Mr. Vice President, or the `microphone guy') on the home page or the BBS. Or, call Richard for instructions on the acquisition and usage of a postcard.
Visual Display System: Charlie reported on his research into a replacement for the current system. His report was even longer than Richard's, and he wore a suit coat, causing the Board to trust him even more. In summary,
After some discussion, it was moved and approved that Charlie and Ken will verify the sincerity of the Rossmore club and the price they are willing to pay. They will also check out the $3,750 used machine, and continue searching for other used machines. If everything comes together, the Board authorized purchase of a new machine as long as the net impact to our bottom line is around $2000 or less.
SIG Night: Jim suggested a SIG Night in which each SIG would run concurrent sessions to show the members what that SIG does. It was decided to schedule this for the July meeting. Jim was accorded a second "atta-boy!" for this idea. The meeting was then adjourned to prevent him from earning an unprecedented third "atta-boy!" in one night.
Ahoy there maties! Fine morn it 'tis! Such a journey we have come through, and yet, to find a new place! May our mother country be proud of our travels and may we beat the other countries! This is the Conquest of the New World. For many years our fellow men have sailed the seas, but now the challenge is yours -- are ye brave enough to guide people into a new land?
Let us not forget the fine discoveries we must make to stay on top. This is the 16th century and this be yer chance to make a new reality. Yer job is to explore, establish colonies, produce and trade goods, eliminate yer enemies and defend yerself. Ye set yer own objectives each game. So if yer not up for a fight, ya don't have to. This voyage separates the children from the adults! You must eventually make yerself a town. Don't ye forget that 'tis wise to make it t'near friendly Indians for ye trade.
Our fine Queen or King may wish for thee to do different things. It depends on the voyage ye chose. Hardy! Har! She will tell thee when ye chose. Ye also can customize your journey. Just chose custom.
Ye maties can play against the machine (zero to 5 computer opponents) or ye can network to play against other lads and lassies! Be cautious -- they can be mighty tricky! Remember that diplomacy and cannons go together -- beware there be spies about!
On to battle! 'Tis a time for the strong to show themselves! Fight the attacking Indians or other countries, take over other towns, or declare ye independence from the mother country! Ye can do battle after ye turn. After ye have moved each lad were ye want -- and they only can go so far -- ye have to END TURN. This will let ye read the paper and see the standins'. Before ye see this, if you have challenged or have been challenged to a battle you can do battle by clicking on the top bar. (You'll see what I mean.)
Har! Har! Ye don't even have to get up for the battles! But after a long day of exploring it 'tis sure nice to be able to turn off your computer, have some grog and play again tomorrow, because each time you play it is different.
This game here, was made by Interplay. I give it ten treasure chests! I'd say this game is good for lads and lassies from ages 13 to those who want to remember the old days. I must admit my 8 year old sidekick enjoyed the game too -- it just is a bit confusin'.
This game be a lot of fun. I like the way ye can set differing scenarios depending on what ye want to do. Come see it at
the Education & Entertainment SIG!
Take the Clayton Road exit off of the 242 Freeway, and go east on Clayton Road.
After about 1½ miles you'll come to Galindo, and you'll see the Bank of America complex of four high-rise office buildings.
Building B is the first high-rise building on your left, near the northeast corner of Clayton and Galindo.
Parking: Turn right on Grant Street (the first block past Galindo), then right into the BART parking lot at the back of the BofA complex. Or turn left on Galindo then right onto Concord Avenue to find street parking.
Be sure to observe parking regulations! Concord parking officers are very efficient!
Editor Ronald Ogg
Newsletter Assistant Tom Krauss
Mailing Janet Rose
Please submit articles and columns to the Newsletter section of the DVPC BBS, or mail to the editor:
Ronald Ogg
P.O. Box 2222
Orinda, CA 94563-2222
Entire contents Copyright © 1996 by Diablo Valley PC User's Group. All commercial rights reserved.
DVPC is a member of APCUG, the Association of PC Users Groups.