Get acquainted with Start Menu, Taskbar options (9/22/03)
Last week I began our "You're Only a Right Click Away From Help and Information" adventure by having you Right Click (asking for information) on your Desktop and Left Click (execute) on the menu feature "Properties" (a k a information).
But be aware when you right click on your Desktop there are other menu features e.g., "Refresh." Refresh tidies up the alignment of Desktop icons (shortcuts) without significantly changing their positions. Left click on "Arrange Icons" for additional ways to arrange your icons but stick with Refresh if you like to arrange them yourself.
So much for Desktop Properties. Today let's right click on the "Start" button and left click on Properties. When the panel opens you'll be presented (by default) with two Start Menu options:
• Start Menu.
• Classic start menu. I'll not discuss this option as it's designed only for timid XPers, Those who prefer staying with the 98/Me Start Menu.
With Start Menu selected left click on "Customize." Customize will open to a "General" panel with options that will allow you to change the size of your icons, increase or decrease the number of your "Most Used Programs" on your Start Menu and Show IE and selected e-mail accounts on your Start Menu.
When you left click on the "Advanced" tab you'll be offered options to customize your "Start Menu Selections and Items."
Now click on the Taskbar tab. Most of the menu items need little explanation although I'll discuss "Show Quick Launch" in detail next week. But there's one you should definitely try. It's "Auto Hide the Taskbar."
When selected your Taskbar will only pop up and become visible when you move your Pointer down to the bottom of your Desktop. Move your Pointer up and your Taskbar hides itself. A cake and eat it too situation.
Your Taskbar is readily available when you need it but when you don't, it doesn't take up valuable work space.
Feel free to try as many of the Taskbar and Start Menu options as you like.
But please be sure to write down the default settings (the settings selected when you accessed the menus) so you can return to your original settings should you wish to do so.
I hope to see you Tuesday at our Bonita Chapter for the season premier of "A Bonanza in Bonita". This week at my North Fort Myers and Estero Chapter free summer seminars, I'll teach you to be a Master Surfer in only 90 minutes! For information go to www.swfpcug.org.
Here's wishing you a Good Boot
New chapter schedules, presentations ready to go (9/29/03)
Digital photography will be offered to novices
Our 2003-2004 chapter season officially begins Oct. 1. Traditionally, I announce this computer "happening" with little fanfare.
This season, however, our chapter schedules and presentations are such a radical change from past seasons that I'm dedicating this Good Boot to a Beleaguered Novice heads up.
This is the first season since establishing our affiliated chapter program that we've been able to adjust schedules and presentations to address most of the suggestions made by members on how we could make them more responsive to their needs e.g.:
• Afternoon as well as evening meetings;
• Convenient meeting locations providing adequate security;
• Dedicated digital photography and photo editing presentations;
• Special interest seminars;
• Makeup sessions for members unable to attend a particular presentation.
A detailed schedule of all our meetings that includes times, locations, directions and even photos of attending members can be accessed at www.swfpcug.org.
But for those who've been reluctant to become involved for whatever reason, let me try to tweak your curiosity. Please keep in mind all our presentations with the exception of some Special Interest Seminars are dedicated to only the novice user!
• Sanibel Chapter, 630 p.m. Oct 7, Island Senior Center. Presentation: Part 1 of my Windows XP seminars, "XP from Boot to your Desktop."
• Alva-Lehigh Chapter, 1 p.m. Oct 8, First Community Congregational Church of Christ, Lehigh. Presentation: Part 1 of my XP seminars, "XP from Boot to your Desktop."
• Special interest seminar, 12:30 p.m., Oct. 11, Lee Memorial Hospital Auditorium, Fort Myers. Presentation: "Editing and Sharing Digital Photos for Novices." Registration required.
• SWFPCUG, 5 p.m., Oct 13, Lee Memorial Hospital Auditorium, Fort Myers. Presentation: David Keller's "Creating Data and Audio CDs Made Easy."
• Cape Coral Digital Photography and Photo Editing Chapter, 6 p.m. Oct 15, Cape Coral Hospital, meeting room A. Presentation: Dwayne Alton begins a season-long series of presentations dedicated to addressing the questions of those who've become addicted to digital photography. His presentations will be appropriate for novices and experienced digital photographers.
• North Fort Myers Chapter, 6 p.m. Oct. 22, Del Tura Country Club. Presentation: Part 5 of my XP Seminars: 'Working with Files and Folders."
• Estero Chapter, 1 p.m., Oct 24, South County Regional Library, 3 Oaks Parkway. Presentation: Part 5 of my XP Seminars: "Working with Files and Folders."
• Bonita Springs Super Chapter, 5 p.m. Oct 28, St. Leo Catholic Church meeting hall, Bonita Springs. Presentation: David Keller's "Creating Data and Audio CDs Made Easy."
If you've never attended a meeting, be my guest.
With the exception of our special interest seminars, there's no cost or obligation to join. .
Here's wishing you a Good Boot.
Good Booters offer suggestions (10/6/03)
Each season when I publish our new User Group and Chapter meeting schedules it encourages new Good Booters to e-mail or call me admittedly for the first time with suggestions on how the SWFPCUG might better meet their needs.
So the extraordinary number of e-mails and phone calls I received last week didn't surprise me. What surprises me is each season 80 percent of the suggestions concern:
• Providing speakers to small non-affiliated computer clubs whose members are reluctant to drive to meetings at night or prefer to meet with their friends at local community centers.
• Providing a way for nonmembers to receive expeditious answers to their computer questions from qualified persons.
• Providing a novice-friendly publication that addresses the issues that are of most concerns to local computer novices.
What surprises me even more is the number of Good Booters unaware we do provide all these services. Perhaps it's my fault for not publicizing our services enough or maybe it is just most of the suggestions are from new Good Booters.
Be as it may, know I'd be more than happy to discuss the possibilities of providing speakers to computer clubs and community organizations. Speakers are available to any organization interested in a computer, Internet or cyberspace-related subject. In fact, I do many of them myself.
As for providing a way for nonmembers to receive expeditious answers from qualified persons to their computer questions, know that we have a free bulletin board with more than 800 subscribers. Our bulletin board includes many local, experienced users willing to answer any posted question.
But in my opinion, what makes it so unique is our consulting technicians monitor and respond to technical questions — a service that would cost you dearly in time and money if you had to contact the technical support departments of most organizations.
I also should mention it provides those who aren't interested in receiving the copious e-mail associated with bulletin boards a novice-friendly opportunity to subscribe, ask a question and then unsubscribe when they receive a satisfactory answer.
As for a novice-friendly computer publication, why not consider our 56-page monthly Computing Journal?
If you do decide to subscribe ($35) you automatically become a member of the SWFPCUG, entitled to attend any or all of our meetings. Our complete October schedule is posted at: www.swfpcug.org.
Here's wishing you a Good Boot.
Keep anti-virus program current (10/13/03)
One of my complaints about many computer publications is most of their articles concern only what’s of interest to techies.
Their columnists seem to forget that not every potential reader is interested in only the latest, most expensive computer technical innovations.
But I really shouldn’t cast the first stone at other columnists when, in fact, in my enthusiasm for cable high-speed Internet access, I became neglectful of Good Booters who prefer conventional dial-up access to the Internet and e-mail.
So for all of you dial-up Booters, this and next week’s column will be dedicated to “dial-up dilemmas.”
Most users enthusiastically welcome the opportunity to receive expeditious program updates, patches and data via the Internet. Microsoft and Norton (Norton Antivirus) are but two of the software companies that provide this service.
Microsoft and Norton are notable in that they allow the user to opt for automatic download and installation of critical updates and current anti-venom files as they become available.
Are automatic updates a good idea? You bet! But only if you have high-speed Internet access or are a dial-up user who spends significant time connected to the Internet.
But what if you’re a dial-up user who rarely accesses the Internet or when you do, do so for only brief visits? It very well could be your automatic updating doesn’t have time to download updates and anti-virus data files while you’re connected. If you’re not receiving updates but assume you are, you most certainly are putting yourself in harm’s way.
I shudder to think of all the dial-up snowbirds who, because they depend on automatic updating or who forget to manually update their computer that has been idle all summer, will in their haste to access their e-mail discover they’ve invited into their computer and their e-mail in-box all sorts of unsavory things to ruin their homecoming.
Never access your e-mail or the Internet unless you’re absolutely sure Windows and your anti-virus program are current!
Most of you know I’m considered to be rather paranoid when it comes to my computer e.g., I backup my backup with a backup. So it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that although I have Comcast, which ensures instantaneous automatic downloading of Windows and Norton updates, I periodically do a manual Norton Live Update. And when I’m feeling particularly paranoid, I invite Microsoft to scan my system to ensure I have all critical XP updates.
Next week I’ll discuss another dial-up dilemma and some interesting suggestions for all dial-up, cable and DSL users.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
Slow connection speed no excuse to
be unprotected
(10/20/03)
Dial-up users at risk for latest virus attacks
Last week I advised dial-up users if they opt to automatically update Windows and Norton, they must make sure they’re on the Internet long enough for the updates to download.
Unfortunately, dial-up users also face the challenge of remaining connected to the Internet long enough to download updates. Dial-up users are always at the mercy of those dastardly demons of downloading: time out and disconnect.
These demons specialize in harassing dial-up users trying to download large files. There isn’t a day that goes by someone will not mention to me they’re no longer even trying to download Windows Critical Updates.
Some even admit to antivirus update procrastination. Good Booters, this is a recipe for disaster!
I have, however, a recommendation for those experiencing problems staying connected when trying to download Windows 98, Me and XP Critical Updates.
One of our consulting technicians regularly burns a CD of all Windows Critical Updates (with installation instructions). What may take hours to download and install takes only minutes via the CD.
And should you ever have to reinstall Windows, you have a hard copy. E-mail me for information on how to order.
Another dial-up dilemma has reared its ugly head since the Blaster-type virus appeared on the scene. How can XP dial-up users protect themselves from the bad guys trying to send viruses to their computer while they’re connected to the Internet. Once only a problem for cable and DSL XP users, it now must be considered a concern for XP dial-up users.
A consensus of opinion among our consulting technicians is if you’re an XP user and access the Internet via a dial-up ISP (Earthlink, Cyberstreet etc.), you should consider activating XP’s Firewall. Start > Connect To > Right Click on your ISP Connection > Click on the Advanced Tab and Check “Protect My Computer.”
Although this advice should be considered as a consensus of opinion, it’s from technicians whose advice I respect and it certainly cannot do any harm.
XP users accessing the Internet via AOL, Juno, Compuserve etc., there’s also a consensus of opinion that Zone Alarm’s Firewall may protect against Blaster type viruses. Go to: www.zonelabs.com There’s a free version.
Although to date Blaster-type viruses focus on XP, those with other versions of Windows might consider downloading Zone Alarm just in case the bad guys become equal opportunity villains.
These suggestions DO NOT preclude:
• Downloading Windows Critical Updates
• Ensuring your antivirus program has the latest antivenom data files
• Fanatically adhering to Compu-Doctor’s Laws for Safe Computing
Forgotten these laws? E-mail me.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
Latest gadgetry, gizmos hinder recommendations (10/27/03)
Consulting techs offer obligation-free help
Although the beginning of the holiday season seems to be moving closer each year to Labor Day, I remain convinced the appropriate time for me to publish my annual holiday gift giving "how to buy a computer" article is no more than two months before the festivities.
How can one possibly become enthusiastic about purchasing a holiday gift when the temperature is 95, the humidity 100 percent and the Word Series is still in progress?
Those who've been Good Booters over the years will note this year I've eliminated "your first" from "how to buy a computer." The reason is this year my advice is appropriate for anyone considering purchasing a computer for a gift or for themselves regardless of how many they may have previously purchased.
And because digital cameras, scanners and printers are becoming popular holiday gifts, I'll also provide a sources of extraordinary advice.
The question I'm asked most often by those in the market for their first computer or for a replacement is "based on my needs and what I'm willing to spend, which computer make and model do you recommend."
This question may seem to contain all the particulars necessary for me to respond with an appropriate recommendation.
But it presupposes I'm familiar with all the latest and greatest computer makes and models currently available. I'm not. I stopped providing recommendations long ago.
Instead I pass the requests on to our consulting technicians, but I do so with a caste-in-bronze stipulation: that the advice they provide is given free of charge without any assumed obligation!
Sure they'd like to have you employ them to set up your new computer, and every new computer should be set-up by a technician. But I guarantee it's your call.
Furthermore, I guarantee our consulting technicians are not associated with any computer or computer equipment manufacture or dealer.
If you'd like to chat with our consulting technicians, e-mail me with your phone number and convenient time to chat. I'll forward it.
How to receive a recommendation on what digital camera, scanner or printer best meets your needs and takes your budget seriously is as simple as accessing www.goodboot.com, clicking on digital photography and submitting a pre-addressed e-mail to Dwayne Alton.
Dwayne, who is not in anyway associated with a retailer or wholesaler of any product he recommends, is arguably the most knowledgeable digital dandy in SWF.
Next week and for all you digital enthusiasts, I'll be discussing our 2003-04 season of digital camera programs and seminars.
- Here's wishing you a Good Boot.
New to computers? We have training for you (11/3/03)
Until recently if I asked a Good Booter what motivated them to purchase a computer other than to satisfy the gaming needs of their grandchildren when they visited, without a doubt the majority would mention e-mail and the Internet.
Over the last year or so, however, the e-mails I've received suggest there's a growing number of novice Good Booters who purchased their computer because they wanted to become involved in a specific computing adventure, such as photo and video editing, and downloading and transcribing music.
Sadly, however, almost all the emails from this new breed of Beleaguered Novice included a plea for me to suggest how they can become involved in the activity of their choice without first having to completely master Windows.
Traditionally my response to a plea such as this would be you must master Windows first.
Obviously this wasn't the response they were seeking, so I decided to approach our consulting technicians and ask them: Could they host a seminar on a specific computing activity demonstrating not only how to use the most popular third-party software, but also all a novice needed to know about Windows in general to effectively use the software? When they answered yes, my next question was when could they start.
For more than a year the SWFPCUG has offered an extraordinary Special Interest Seminar program. I personally guarantee you'll benefit from and enjoy these novice friendly seminars! There will be ample time for you to ask every question you may have, and the interactive seminar CDs, free software and written tutorials you'll receive will ensure that when you get home you'll be able to re-experience the seminar.
NOVEMBER SEMINARS
• Nov. 8, 12:30 pm.: "Protect Yourself On and Off the Internet:" ($30). Lee Memorial Hospital Auditorium. Registration preferred. Walk-ins welcome.
• Nov. 19, 6:00 pm "Digital Photography Software Review and The Truth About Resolution." Cape Coral Hospital, Meeting Room A. Free and open to all SWFPCUG and Chapter members. Walk-ins welcome ($10 donation).
• Nov. 25, 5:00 pm.: "Digital Show and Tell." ($30 a person, $50 a couple). St. Leo Catholic Church Auditorium, Bonita Springs. Registration preferred; walk-ins welcome.
For meeting details and an in depth synopses of all our seminars, e-mail me. fmbigal@embarqmail.com
Here's wishing you a Good Boot.
Resist urge to try free anti-spam software (11/10/03)
Because of the increasing number of Good Booters in general and returning Good Boot snowbirds in particular suffering high anxiety over the spam they're receiving, I decided it was an appropriate time to publish my Pony Express vignette.
It's November 1861. The last Pony Express rider has hung up his saddle for the final time, replaced by first-class mail delivered directly to your great great grandparents' log cabin. Imagine their enthusiasm when they received their first first-class letter.
And then imagine their chagrin when shortly thereafter they received junk mail for the first time. Can't you just hear their exclamation of outrage: "How dare someone impose on my privacy by sending me unwanted and nonrequested advertisement."
Today most of us are conditioned to expect that each time we go to our post office box we'll discover a significant delivery of junk mail. We simply sort the unwanted junk mail during our stroll between post office box and kitchen and then unceremoniously deposit it into a wastebasket.
It seems, however, when it concerns spam, many Good Booters have adopted their great great grandparents' attitude toward junk mail. In fact, becoming so angry over the perceived invasion of their privacy, they become obsessed with trying to purge their e-mail of this growing cyberspace phenomenon.
Please know I'm not making a judgment on whether spam is an invasion of privacy or suggesting it's unreasonable for you to be concerned about it.
What I am suggesting is unless it's so overwhelming it's ruining your e-mail experience, best you just ignore it rather than becoming obsessed with discovering spam filtering software to block it.
There are a variety of quality software programs to help (I stress help) block spam by filtering the e-mail you receive. The problem, however, is knowing which anti-spam software is truly effective. Just as important — particularly for the novice — is controlling the urge to try free antispam software advertised on the Internet or recommended by neighborhood Muck It-Up-Macks.
Please believe. me when I tell you I've received literally hundreds of e-mails from Good Booters who discovered to their dismay the free anti-spam software they installed:
• Came packaged with a Spyware program;
• Had a unique way of filtering Spam — by blocking all e-mail;
• Corrupted their e-mail carrier;
• Was a burden on their system resources.
Please! Unless you're receiving an extraordinary amount of spam, treat it to a Spam Salute — "Right Click and Delete." If you're overwhelmed with spam, contact your technician or me for advice on what spam-filtering software to consider.
Here's wishing you a Good Boot.
Most ISP upstarts fail to deliver on promises (11/17/03)
Because the Southwest Florida PC Users Group has more than 2,000 members, I receive many solicitations from upstart Internet Service Providers.
All promise they're the patron saint of novices wishing to cast off the chains of proprietary e-mail providers, i.e. AOL, CompuServe and Juno. In fact, their true mission is to acquire just enough subscribers to be noticed by major ISP players, sell out and then leave town.
They accomplish their mission by offering low-ball prices and improbable promises of technical support. More often than not, they subsidize their fleeting fling in Southwest Florida by surreptitiously installing Spyware via their setup CD.
I've developed the perfect anti-spam program for suspected nefarious ISP solicitors. First I invite them to a SWFPCUG board meeting under the guise of an opportunity to present their wares. If they do accept the invitation, at dinner I seat them next to our consulting technicians who are primed for a thorough interrogation of the company and its product.
During my watch, I'm proud to say, every misguided ISP representative has departed tail between his or her legs after failing to hoodwink our consulting technicians.
But there have been a few that have proved they're unique in what they offer and that what they offer has exceptional value. One company, Terranovus.com, successfully passed muster at our last board meeting. Among its many great services are:
• A variety of reasonable subscription plans that include an attractive Senior Plan;
• Local access in 4,100 cities;
• Month-to-month subscriptions with no snowbird connect and disconnect penalties;
• E-mail virus scanning and spam filters;
• Spyware-free installation CDs.
Most important is a cast-in-bronze guarantee by Gabriel Pulido, president and founder. He will provide Good Booters seeking information and technical support with a local personal contact.
If you'd like the phone number of that contact, e-mail me.
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
A reminder to all South County and Collier County Good Booters. I'll personally be offering extraordinary door prizes at Dwayne Alton's digital photography show and tell seminar — "You don't have to spend a lot of money to create and print great digital photos."
This is a presentation and demonstration of affordable digital photography gadgets.
We'll gather at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, at
Lions Club Center, Bonita
Springs. The cost is $30, and walk-ins are
welcome.
Do your research before downloading any software (11/24/03)
Good Booters know I'm an avid evangelist of inexpensive and, in some cases, free software — software I've discovered to be of significant value, free of Spyware and more often available only via an Internet download.
Recently, I was appropriately chastised by a reader because, although I excited her curiosity many times, I failed to provide the guidance she needed to be confident enough to download my recommended software.
So with an apology to her and to all I've neglected, here's a few downloading suggestions.
• Be wary of all software vendors who do not provide an in-depth description of their software and a full disclosure of what's included in or attached to their software.
• Regardless of who recommends a software download, always read the full disclosure provided on the software vendor's Web site. This is particularly true when downloading free software as it may include Spyware added after I or anyone else in good faith recommended it. Unfortunately, installed Spyware is not necessarily uninstalled when the host program is uninstalled.
• If you find a software program of interest on a commercial downloading site, e.g. www.download.com, before downloading go to the software vendor's Web site and see if there's a full disclosure.
• Windows will punish you if you download and install utility programs suggesting they'll make Windows or Internet access more efficient.
• Create a unique download folder on your hard drive. I suggest creating a folder labeled "downloads" not as a sub folder of My Documents, but as a sub folder on your "C" Drive. The reason is each time you download a program. particularly one you paid for, you should expeditiously copy the contents of your download folder to a CD to ensure you can reinstall your downloaded programs should your hard drive fail.
Having an exclusive download sub folder conveniently located on your "C" Drive also makes it easy to find the downloaded software's installation ".exe" file.
Depending on your Windows version, to create a download folder on your "C" Drive:
• Left click Start > Programs. Left click Windows Explorer. Highlight "C" Drive. Click on File > New > Folder and type in "Downloads".
• Right click Start. Left click Explorer. Highlight "C" Drive. Click on File > New > Folder and type in "Downloads".
• Open My Documents and click on the menu item 'Folders'. Click on the (-) to the left of My Documents and the (+) to the left of My Computer. Highlight "C" Drive. Click on File > New > Folder and type in "downloads".
When you download software direct it to your download folder.
Next week more tips on downloading software from the Internet.
Here's wishing you a Good Boot.
Internet a safe place to make credit card purchases (12/1/03)
Last week, I discussed suggestions for a safe downloading adventure. This week, let's chat about making a purchase on the Internet.
In my opinion, with a modicum of common sense, buying on the Internet is as safe as making a purchase locally. And for some it may be even safer.
Why? Because when you make a purchase on the Internet, the cavalier attitude so often demonstrated by those willing to hand over their credit card to be processed out of sight by a clerk or restaurant server isn't allowed.
An Internet purchase requires you to personally participate in and confirm each step of the ordering and payment process.
Consider these Internet buying suggestions:
• When you're ready to pay for the purchases in your Shopping Cart, you'll be asked if you want to be taken to a secure site. And you certainly do! I suggest you only deal with vendors who offer this option.
Why? Because the information you'll be sending will be encrypted.
• To ensure you're at a secure site, check the lower right hand corner of your browser — there should be a little locked padlock icon.
• When you have completed the entire transaction, print the Web site recap of your order.
• When you receive the email confirmation of your purchase with all the relevant information — print it!
• If your purchase includes a warrantee, also keep a copy of your credit card statement.
Most credit card companies offer a free one year additional "factory" warrantee.
Why are most credit card companies offering perks e.g. extended warranties and responsible assistance if you have a problem with an Internet purchase?
Because the Internet has become the world's largest credit card-only shopping center and your credit card company wants :o encourage you to buy on the internet using its credit card.
For all you doubters: I'm not aware of anyone who, if they followed the advice I've offered, didn't received a satisfactory resolution to a credit card problem or product dissatisfaction.
A GOOD BOOT HEADS-UP
Are you suffering from "CD Burning Blues"? When you attempt to burn a CD, do you end up with just another addition to your collection of worthless CD coasters?
If so, I recommend registering for Compu-Doctor David Keller's CD seminar at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at Lee Memorial Hospital Auditorium. You'll learn to:
• Master your CD writer
• Use CDs to back up data files
• Make audio CDs from downloaded music, commercial CDs, cassette tapes and phonograph records.
For information, go to: www.goodboot.com and click on Contact Compu-Doctor.
Here's wishing you a Good Boot.
Here's some good stocking stuffers (12/8/03)
Items for computers are reasonably priced
With Christmas only two and a half weeks away, I thought it appropriate to share my suggestions for thoughtful, novice-friendly and reasonably priced stocking-stuffers.
Although my gift-certificate suggestions are directed to "givers," they're just as appropriate for "askers."
• A computer tuneup: I recommend everyone have their computer tuned up at least once a year. A tuneup by a professional technician will not only optimize performance and speed, but it also just might save the expense of purchasing a new computer.
My personal technicians brag to me all the time that because of their tweaking and computer house-cleaning expertise, they are able to restore a client's computer to its original "unaltered by novice transgressions" condition. With performance and speed restored, many of their clients are able to procrastinate the cost of a new computer.
• Computer classroom or home tutoring: My personal recommendation for classroom training for novices is the Computer Learning Centers at Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital.
Not only are the classes reasonably priced, but the method of instruction also is unique.
Because even novices have varying degrees of expertise, instructors are supported by coaches who ensure, should a student fall behind his or her classmates, they'll receive one-on-one assistance until they catch up.
For information, contact SHARE Club, Older Adult Service at 772-6758.
My personal recommendation for an at-home tutor is Bill Sklodowski, a SWFPCUG consulting technician. I've known Bill for years and can attest to the effectiveness of his novice-friendly method of instruction. Call Bill at 281-3827.
• A subscription to the Southwest Florida Personal Computing Journal: A 56-page monthly magazine dedicated to providing novice-friendly articles and illustrated tutorials.
Why is it a worthy stocking-stuffer? Because I personally edited every article and tutorial to ensure they're novice-friendly and never so intense a subscriber forgets a scheduled "tee time."
And because many of my tutorials are serialized - in the December Journal I begin a tutorial series for novices on Word and Paint Shop Pro - your stocking-stuffer recipient will receive a CD of all past journals from January 2002 to December 2003.
And to make it a super stocking-stuffer, the lucky beneficiary of your thoughtfulness will also receive their own SWFPCUG membership name tag, entitling them to attend our User Group and Chapter meetings.
• My Beleaguered Novice 98/ME or XP Workbook: I'm sure all enlightened Good Booters have one. But maybe you know someone who needs one.
It sure would help me afford a stocking stuffers shopping spree!
Here's wishing you a Good Boot.