 The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group PC (President's Comments) George Skarbek gskarbek@melbpc.org.au |
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Survey Results
The recent short survey that was available from the MOTD (Message of the Day) produced an excellent sample,
with over 1400 members responding. The main purpose of this survey was to determine whether there is any
correlation between the phone a line dropping out and the modems used or the numbers dialled - see Internet Newsletter 18.
The outcome highlighted that some brands of modems give better results than others but more importantly that
it can depend significantly on the number that you dialled into.
New Premises Search
We are still looking for new premises for our office and club rooms. Although we have received quite a few
offers, most have been from industrial real estate agents. If any member knows of a potentially suitable
building could you contact me or any committee member, please.
Our desired specifications are: area about 700 to 1,000 m2: adequate parking, or parking available in
adjacent streets: preferably close to a freeway exit or public transport. The geographical area being
considered initially is an oval shape stretching from the Caulfield area to Springvale Rd., as this will
improve access for Bayside members and those from the SE suburbs.
Training
Members are reminded that their relatives, friends or work colleagues may attend any of our courses even
though they might not be Melb PC members. A small surcharge of $15 applies for non-members.
Members are advised that the Web Page Design course can now be attended either during the day or in the
evenings. This is to cater for those members who prefer to attend daytime courses.
Accessing the MOTD via Another ISP
Many members are starting to take up the offer of the free e-mail that is now part of the Melb PC membership.
This allows you access our internal newsgroups and enables you to see the MOTD (Message of the Day) Web page.
However, it is not necessary to dial into the Melb PC server if you are already connected to another ISP.
Just go to https://wss.melbpc.org.au/motd/. You will be asked
to enter your user name and password, then you will have full access.
We also provide members with a facility to read their mail via any browser from anywhere in the world. So if
you are in, say, Alaska and the Internet Caf‚ has only Macs, this will not present a problem as the Mac
has a browser. Just go to the MOTD and use the link "Check Your Mail". Alternatively use the direct URL https://wss.melbpc.org.au/webmail/rymo.php3. Naturally
you will still have to enter your user name and password to gain entry.
Are You a Network Administrator?
At the most recent meeting of the Windows 2000/NT SIG, Steve Jackson from Microsoft was present and everyone
received a fully licensed copy of Windows 2000 server. Approximately $30,000 of benefits to members! As well
as this benefit, the information and hints and tips received from the Microsoft Consulting expert was equally
as valuable for many.
For anyone who is a Microsoft Windows 2000 Server administrator this SIG should be of considerable value.
Note, the SIG, which meets on the third Tuesday of the month, does not provide basic training for anyone
starting out in the field. Members explore and exchange ideas at an advanced level.
Library
Remember that Melb PC has a library at Dorcas Street and members may borrow up to four books for a month.
Borrowing books does not attract a fee but some of the newest books require a $5 deposit.
Easter
Please consult the meetings calendar to find out if your SIG will be meeting over Easter. Some
meetings will not be held that month, including the popular Windows SIG.
Next Monthly Meeting
Wednesday 3 April, at 6:00 pm
Can Hewlett-Packard's hand-held slap Palm? The new HP Jornada 928 promises to be the ultimate
palm-top. It's a computer, it's a mobile phone, it does e-mail, it's mind-boggling; or so they say. Be one of
the first in the country to see this exciting development when Hewlett-Packard's John Gowland will unveil it,
just for us.
Is Star Office really a Microsoft Office without the price tag?
Lately you've heard a lot about this shareware product, which is turning heads around the world. Now one of
our own members, Nigel Harris will show them side by side. Come along and "you be the judge".
Want to play the stock market from your lounge chair?
It seems like everyone is dabbling in stocks and shares these days. Well the highly successful Australian
software publisher MAUS has now brought out its own package, Stockmarket V4, that may help to make you rich.
Will it? Can it? Come and see for yourself.
This meeting will be at Melbourne University's Union House on the 1st Floor, Union House, Tin
Alley.
Have you been to the monthly meeting yet? You don't know what you're missing. There's information and
entertainment and usually thousands of dollars worth of prizes. Bring your membership card so you will be
eligible for raffle prizes. The meeting opens with the usual Random Access session (your chance to ask the
experts). You can also purchase the Monthly CD, pay your membership fees, meet the office staff and meet lots
of other members.
Reprinted from the April 2002
issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
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