WELL GOOD BOOTERS - you did it! Your 355 e-mail responses to my Sept. 26 article broke the all-time record.

Please know that the purpose of the article was not to discourage anyone from purchasing a new computer or peripheral. It was more to suggest that you get advice from a qualified technician if you are unsure of what you are buying. Or for that matter, what you need.

Why?

Let me give you an example. The HP 4200 scanner was a dream machine. It took all of four steps to unpack it and connect it to your computer. Once you had it attached to your computer and the software installed, you had a choice of three buttons: one for a normal scan; one for a scan to printer and one to scan at a resolution that was best suited for sending a photo via E-mail. And for the challenged, each darlin' little button had a caricature of its feature emblazoned on it.

The importance of the software cannot be over-emphasized. The quality of scanning hardware is pretty competitive within any given price point, so it is the quality of the software that is the defining factor.

Well, the 4200 was so successful and HP sold so many that someone in the higher echelon of marketing decided they better tamper with success. Yes, you read the sentence correctly. For when the 4300 scanner was brought forth the software was nowhere near as intuitive.

Ah, but then came the 5300 scanner. The 5370 is for those into scanning slides. We all breathed easier as apparently they had fired "Muck it up Mac." The software was back to its intuitive self and with the release of the 6300 and 7400 series, most of us were certain that HP had once again become the industry prince of quality scanning software. By the way, the 6300 and 7400 (my scanner) series are really bells-and-whistles versions used more for legal-size paper, better slide scanning etc.

But then they rehired "Muck it up Mac" and the new 4000 series and its scanning software is a series I, nor our technicians, can recommend. Confusing? You bet! But I guess they saved a nickel on each scanner sale.

So, if you are thinking about purchasing a computer, a peripheral or a digital camera, may I suggest that you attend our Oct. 11 User Group meeting at LMHS auditorium? Our technical consultants will be presenting their "naughty and nice" list in time for your holiday "gimme" wish list. And there's no charge to attend! 

Here's wishing you a Good Boot.   [index]

A few weeks ago I dedicated a Good Boot to backing up your "stuff." From the number of e-mails I received, it is obvious that many of you are still confused about backing up in general, specifically what to backup and where to keep it safe.

With Windows XP on the horizon and, perhaps, a new computer on holiday "gimme" wish lists, I thought it appropriate to revisit the subject.

There comes a time in every novice's computing life when they realize that there is "stuff" in the "Beast that sits on their desktop" that has some value. In the past, most novices were content to invest their time learning a bit about e-mail, frustrate themselves trying to learn how to surf the net, become addicted to solitaire and then devote the rest of their computing experience to doing nothing that might offend Windows and bring about the Windows Blue Screen of Death.

Maybe after a year or so they are ready to do something original-like create cards, genealogy or whatever.

Recently, however, I have discovered that many of our User Group and chapter members have become extraordinarily interested in digital photography and archiving valuable documents. This has motivated many novices to participate in computer adventures once reserved only for experienced users. They have purchased exotic scanners and printers, CD-RWs and photo editing software to exhibit, edit and sort their photos and valuable documents.

It is only a matter of time before the thought occurs that they have valuable "stuff" and that their hard drive has only so many spins and Windows can "crash." This is when they begin to think about moving their "stuff" to a safer locale - off their hard drive.  But the "how" and the "to what" for a novice can be confusing.

We know that to do a full system backup (everything on ones hard drive) on a computer with a gaggle of gigabytes is not practical and is extraordinarily time consuming.  If you do a full system backup and then do not add to it daily every change made to your system from adding hardware to deleting an icon, your full system backup will become worthless.

The simple answer is to keep all your valuable "stuff" organized in a convenient location on your hard drive (My Documents). Then on a regular basis backup My Documents to an off-computer device.  If your hard drive goes south, you need only to reinstall Windows, your programs and copy back your "stuff."

If you would like to learn how to manage your "stuff," consider attending one of our October chapter seminars.  I will be reviewing "stuff management" and as an added bonus I will discuss and demonstrate how to move your "stuff" expeditiously and easily to CDs and other media.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot.  [index]

I have often suggested what to consider before purchasing a computer, upgrading in general and specifically - upgrading a Windows Operating System.  But because next week Microsoft will be heralding the release of the retail version of Windows XP. I will reiterate some of my suggestions.

If you are considering purchasing a new computer. I suggest you wait until late November or December. Why? Because XP is now the operating system installed on most new computers. By waiting a couple of months your neighbor (not you) will have the dubious privilege of being an XP beta tester.

Let your neighbor discover any "bugs." By waiting, you will be able to expeditiously access XP's "Update" feature right after your first Boot and download "Fixes."

Then you can visit your frustrated neighbor, who after experiencing an XP "blue screen of death" has just paid his technician's mortgage payment. And you can suggest smugly that in the future it might be prudent for him or her to read Good Boot.

Oh, and by the way: Do not purchase a new computer with ME and a chit for an XP upgrade!

Dwayne Alton, one of our Technical Troika, has an excellent philosophy relevant to upgrading in general - including XP: Discover what the upgrade offers. What feature it has that you cannot live without. If there is no significant feature, ask yourself why you should spend the money for the upgrade. And why you should place yourself in harm's way if that upgrade might have potential system-threatening bugs.

And may I suggest that those of you who have procrastinated about attending one of our User Group or Chapter meetings, to at least plan on attending one in November.

Our technical consultants will help you with everything XP, including: XP's most important features, suggestions on alternate and innovative ways to install it and hardware and software compatibility.

As for XP itself, it is magnificent. But as I have mentioned so often. When Microsoft releases a new version of an operation system it is designed for the future.  Not necessarily to address the ills of the past.  XP will not make your dawdling programs suddenly become world-class sprinters. Nor will your ancient hardware be capable of running a video of a NASCAR race.

Yes, future software will be written to access XP's features. And future hardware will be able to take advantage of XP's power.  But be careful.  Some older DOS programs may not run under XP.

XP will have a new look and feel.  It may take a bit of getting used to.  This, however, is not a serious problem.  XP can be adjusted to the "look and feel" of 'Windows 98/Me.  Then when you are ready to take advantage of XP's presentation - you can adjust it accordingly.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot.    [index]

I am sure by now Good Boot readers know that I am not a technician. My technician seals the screws on the back of my computer with paraffin.

So I will not be tempted to "Discover What's Under the Cover." But my lack of technical expertise in no way interferes with my enthusiasm for all that's new in computing. I am like the guy who purchases a titanium golf club believing it will guarantee a better score. I hope that by having the latest and greatest software and hardware I will become a computing superstar.

But being a conservative user I was in a quandary about installing Windows XP. I wanted to install it, but I did not want to put my current computing activities in jeopardy. With this in mind, I consulted with my technician David Keller, aka Compu-Doctor. He provided me first with some food for thought and then offered a solution I thought might be of interest to some of you.

Is upgrading your existing Windows operating system to XP a good idea? Absolutely not! Why? Because you will be in danger of dragging "stuff' from your current operating system into a completely new and different operating system. In fact, David discovered when testing the beta versions of XP that he experienced crashes and lockups after upgrading. He also discovered that many existing software programs will not run under XP. Some requiring upgrades were Norton AntiVirus and Easy CD Creator.

And you may find that some of your hardware will not run properly under XP.

So how can one combine "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" with "I just have to try it?"

Here's Dave's solution. Most modern computers will run XP (a 400 megahertz or faster CPU, 128 megabytes or more of memory and a 5 gigabyte or larger hard drive). They will also "boot" from more than one hard drive. Why not install a second hard drive? Temporarily disconnect the original hard drive. Set your computer to boot from the new drive. Install Windows XP on it.

The result is a clean installation of XP, which allows you to install and test all of your software and hardware without putting your current Windows system in harm's way.

Then reconnect your original hard drive. If there is an XP hardware or software compatibility problem, simply "boot" to your original hard drive with your previous version of Windows.

This is the "old dual boot trick" but without the danger of mishap. Why? Because it is not accomplished using a software program. Dave's recommendation ensures your current operating system cannot see XP and vice versa You have the best of both worlds.

I do suggest you have a qualified technician "do the deed." 

Here's wishing you a Good Boot.   [index]

It seems that every time I mention our User Group Bulletin Board, I receive an extraordinary number of e-mails asking me what a bulletin board is and its benefits.

A bulletin board is nothing more than a dedicated e-mail address that allows a subscriber to post any computer question anytime. Every question posted is received by every subscriber.

Our bulletin board has more than 400 subscribers available to provide expeditious responses to your computer questions. Now that is not to say there may be differences of opinion as to the best solution to a problem, but our bulletin board has an additional perk.  Our User Group professional technical consultants monitor the bulletin board. They not only contribute their technical expertise, but also ensure that the advice given by non-professionals is appropriate.

Our bulletin board ensures that if the solution to a problem requires a personal in-depth discussion, the subscriber can contact a tech directly and receive unbiased, detailed and free (within reason) professional assistance.

Until recently there was a significant - particularly for the novice - number of e-mails a subscriber receives. Every subscriber receives every e-mail posted - both questions and answers.

To prevent quantity e-mail traffic from being a deterrent to subscribing, our bulletin board moderators initiated two novice-friendly features.

The first is the ability to subscribe and unsubscribe easily. This allows you to go to our Web site (www.swfpcug.org) and click on Bulletin Board. Type in your email address. Click on subscribe. If you find the bulletin board email overwhelming, once you receive an answer to your question - simply reverse the procedure and "unsubscribe."

The second is that every bulletin board e-mail question is identified by (SWFPCUG) in the subject line and every bulletin board e-mail response is identified by a (RE) in Subject line.

You can quickly identify bulletin board e-mail and read it or delete it. If you use Outlook Express etc. - you can send all the bulletin board e-mail to a separate folder to read at your convenience.

Two other but important features: The bulletin board does not allow "Attachments."

You cannot get a virus and the bulletin board is a free, no spam service of the SWFPCUG.

Maybe our bulletin board could become your computing safety net, considering that Microsoft no longer supports Windows 95, and the software and hardware problems mentioned in previous Good Boots.

Please note: the e-mail address of Ed Kroencke, the contact for our brother Cape Coral Computer Club, is eakjr@att.net,  549-9080.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot.  [index]

Many Good Booters know I also edit our user group computing journal, but they may not know the history behind this 48-page monthly publication that currently enjoys almost 2,000 subscribers and is displayed in all Lee County libraries.

When it became my turn to be editor, I made a decision to transform our newsletter into a Computing Journal, a publication that focused exclusively on the needs of those in Southwest Florida who now proudly proclaim themselves to be "Good Boot Beleaguered Novices."

My inspiration? Well, first I was at an age when I no longer appreciated going through checkouts with a computer book announcing to the world that I was a "dummy" or an "idiot." Now, as far as computing was concerned, perhaps I was, but that was my business - not that of all those around me!

Second, I did not appreciate having to pay $50 for a computer book to be written in computerese with 95 percent of its information relevant only to the "beanie with spinner" crowd, and so techie that much of the information was a potential intro to the Windows Blue Screen of Death!

The Journal provides computer information written in King's English It has graphics that correspond with what one will actually see on their monitor. Each tutorial is presented in short bursts allowing one to master a technique quickly without having to miss a single golf outing.

I always present Windows 98/Me ongoing tutorials, and beginning with the December journal, I will include a Window XP ongoing tutorial. The remainder of the journal includes tutorials such as:

* How even the most beleaguered of novices can create a free" Web site in only a few minutes - and then make it more elaborate based on the time they want to invest.

* How to edit digital photos where each tutorial followed by a practical digital vignette. In the December journal for example, I demonstrate how the most beleaguered of novices with a scanner and an inexpensive editing program can restore old black and white or color photos to their original quality.

* Tutorials on scanning, using your CD-RW for data backup, recording music and storing photos.

* How to become involved with e-Bay, how to end your Internet browser frustrations and periodic reviews of inexpensive software that does the job as well as software that costs an arm and a leg.

If you would like a 12-month subscription, send a check for $35 to 1519 Reynard Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919. The check should be made out to SWFPCUG. Oh, and when you subscribe, you will receive a CD of all past journals from January of 2000 and on. If your subscription begins in the middle of an ongoing tutorial, all the previous tutorials will be available to read or print-out.

I guarantee you will shed your computer "dummy" or "idiot" moniker and assume the proud title of a Good Boot Beleaguered Novice.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot.  [index]

Don't rush to be first to have XP installed (11/24/01)

Last week the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce hosted a technology show featuring a presentation of Windows XP. There must have been a bunch of Good Booters in attendance as I received many questions concerning why some of what was presented differed from information presented in past Good Boots.

The two most common questions were: Why have I suggested that one should wait to upgrade to XP? And why have I suggested that when, in fact, after XP has ripened on the vine - one installs not the simple upgrade, but the full version on a reformatted hard drive?

The answer to the first question can be found in the Beleaguered Novice's book of proverbs: When considering an upgrade allow thy neighbor to be first to venture forth where wise men dare not go. But rejoice not in their torment when they are visited by the Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse -Windows' Blue Screen of Death. For they suffer the sins of all who want to be first in their village to install a new operating system. Rather bestow upon them thy wisdom of upgrade procrastination.

The answer to the second question can be found in Proverb Two. Thou should never bring forth into your new operating system the sins and follies you beset upon your old. Cleanse thy computer of thy sins and follies!

With any new operating system, or in fact, any new software release, there will be bugs. Bugs are eventually discovered and remedied, but the "discovery" will be at the expense of Hal the Heedless, who in his haste to be a "Cyberspace Braggart" and first in the village to install "new stuff," unwitting becomes a beta tester.

Proverb Two is particularly important when deciding whether to upgrade or to install the full version of XP. A single upgrade from 98 or Me to XP (one cannot upgrade from 95) could be disastrous. XP is a magnificent operating system but it is an entirely new operating system. Our technical consultants have found that only by installing the full version of XP on a reformatted hard drive can one have any assurance of a trouble-free installation.

They also suggest that you wait until January to purchase a computer. By waiting, Microsoft will have addressed the problems discovered by Hal the Heedless. You will then receive the most current XP version or be able to download fixes via Windows Update.

Dwayne Alton, one of our computer consultants, has created a fabulous multimedia CD introducing XP's most important features. As Dwayne discusses them they are displayed as they would be if XP were installed on your computer.

After suggesting I would disclose to his fiancée, Finessa, his latest clandestinely purchased computer toy, Dwayne agreed to offer it to all Good Booters for a mere kilobyte of its gigabyte cost. E-mail me (fmbigal@embarqmail.com) for information.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot.  [index]

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