The DataBus TM

© 2004 THE DAYTON MICROCOMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. Volume 28 Issue 9 www.dma.org February 2004 Association of PC User Groups Member (APCUG)

Our Next DMA® General Meeting is Tuesday, January 27 - 7:30 p.m., at Univ. of Dayton

Identity Theft, Prevention and Recovery

By Bob Kwater

At this month’s General Meeting, the can affect many things we take for presentation slides at presentation subject should be of sig- granted. The ability to receive credit < www.dma.org/2004-01-slides >.) nificant concern to all (members or not.) for credit cards, car loans or mort- gages is dramatically impacted by John Maynor is an Information Secu- In today's Internet-enabled world, Identity Theft. Worse yet, getting a rity Consultant with The Standard computers in homes and offices are new job may become impossible if Register Company in Dayton, Ohio. connected to a global network, allow- someone has had their identity stolen. Maynor is responsible for leading the ing consumers and businesses to company's security awareness efforts quickly share information. At the Internet security expert John Maynor for over 5,000 associates. He holds same time, the Internet has also al- will offer a briefing on Identity Theft the Security+ certification from the lowed tens of thousands of identity and how to defend against it. Maynor Computing Technology Industry As- thieves to view your most personal will discuss how identity thieves can sociation. Before joining Standard financial information. easily steal someone’s identity and Register, he was a Security Analyst what damage this can cause. He will with Reynolds and Reynolds. As a If you are concerned with Identity also detail how individuals can start member of the Dayton chapter of the Theft, then this presentation is for the recovery process if they have be- Federal Bureau of Investigation’s you. The presentation will show how come the victim of Identity Theft. (FBI) InfraGard program, Maynor to take basic steps to protect your per- Whether you have been a victim or interfaces with other Information Se- sonal information and credit health. not the information gained here is vi- curity professionals from the area. Whether you’re a recent college tal. Tell your friends and associates… He has presented security topics at graduate or a seasoned professional, all are welcome. the Dayton ITEC and Computer- protecting your identity is essential in fest®, and is a regular host on the today’s credit-driven business world. (See our related article, “Identity “IT Matters” radio show on WHIO Becoming a victim of Identity Theft Theft is Rampant,” on page 10 and 1410-AM. Feb. 24 Meeting - E-books for All

The DataBus - Feb. 2004 - Volume 28 - Issue 9 Dayton Microcomputer Association Officers

B- President Gary Mullins 937 623-2059 mailto: president*dma.org

CONTENTS A- Vice President Gary Turner 937-313-2487 mailto: vice-president*dma.org

C-Treasurer (Pro Tem.) Susan Kendall 937-299-2509 mailto: reasurer*dma.org BUSINESS . PG.

B-Board Secretary Carol Ewing 937-667-3259 mailto: secretary*dma.org DMA® Officers...... 2

mailto: dalechilds*earthlink.net Maps to DMA® Meetings at U.D...... 3, 25 A- Board Member Dale Childs 937-276-3786 Club Purpose...... 4 A- Board Member Ron Williamitis 937-293-8244 mailto: rwilliamitis*yahoo.com

Minutes - Dec. 1, 2003...... 23

Calendar - ...... 28 B- Board Member Millard Mier III 937-879-5419 mailto: illard*millard.net

C- Board Member John Hargreaves 937-898-8770 jmailto: rhprinter*earthlink.net FEATURES .

Identity Theft, Prevention & Recovery...... 1 C- Board Member Lisa Singh 937-320-1108 mailto: singh*dnaco.net by Bob Kwater, DMA® member

President’s Letter...... 5 A=Trustee 3 yrs from 9/03 • B=Trustee 3 yrs from 9/02 • C=Trustee 3 yrs from 9/01 by Gary Mullins, DMA® President

DMA® Committee Chairs: Deus Ex 2: Invisible War -Game Preview...6 ™

OTAP Acting Director Randy Young 937-298-5530 hmailto: ouserus*dma.org by Jerry Wonderly, Regular Columnist ( Ohio Technology Access Project ) ( & omailt: tap*dma.org ) Computerfest® Chair’s Message...... 7 by John D. Daniel, Spring Spring (Mar.13/14) John Daniel 937-313-7221 mailto: chairman*computer- ‘04 Chair fest.com Why You Should Volunteer at Computerfest .7 Computerfest® ‘04 ® by Jim Rowe/Elizabeth Bodey, Volunteer Coordinators Membership Chair Carol Ewing 937-667-3259 mailto: ewingc*dma.org

Game Review - Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns....9 Program Director by Dan Woodard, Regular DataBus Reviewer Lisa Singh 937-320-1108 mailto: singh*dnaco.net

Identity Theft Is Rampant...... 10 Publications Chair Open (DataBus Editor-in-Chief) (George Gibbs) 937-429-9072 mailto: editor*dma.org by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Board of Advisors

Pictures from DMA .12 DMA® Website Dave Lundy 937-426-1132 mailto: undyd*dma.org ®’s Holiday Dinner.... by Dave Lundy, DataBus staff dmapub Dave Nevel, Paul Alquist, Ken Phelps, Gary Turner, Bill Jacobs, The Future of the Internet...... 13 Administrators Dave Lundy, & Dan Tasch by Charles Vanderford, Greater Tampa Bay PCUG DMA DMA® Info Line: Microsoft Tips and Tricks...... 14 ® 937-222-4DMA (4362) by Bob Kwater, DMA® member

The Deals Guy...... 18 Member Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce M e m b e r o f by Bob “The Cheapskate” Click, GOCUG

Secure Your Internet Connection...... 19 DMA WEBPAGE: http://www.dma.org ® reprinted from Panda Software’s e-Letter: Oxygen3

email: mailto: nfo*dma.org DMA® Data Line: 937-910-0006 Former DMA® President Turns 50!...... 22 DMA®’s general Post Office Box: P.O. Box 4005, Dayton, OH 45401-4005 Editorial: Do We Need User Groups...... 24 by Charles Vanderford, Greater Tampa Bay PCUG Newsletter Winner: Best User Group Coverage / Large Newsletters, Trouble w/ZoneAlarm & Norton AV...... 25 Intergalactic 11 & 12 Conferences (1998 & 1999) in N.Y. by Dave Lundy, DataBus staff

SIG News - Certification, Photo, Pizza...... 26 - - Next Computerfest®: Mar. 20-21, ‘04 Computerfest ® http://www.computerfest.com DEPARTMENTS . P.O. Box 2336 email info: mailto: [email protected] DMA® SIG Meeting List ...... 4 Dayton, Ohio 45401-2336

Expired/Expiring Memberships ...... 8 Computerfest® Volunteer Hot Line: 937-222-2010 Membership Application & Renewal Form...... 16 Computerfest® Phone Nos: Attendee info line: 937-22C-FEST (222-3378) Vendor info line: 937-223-FEST (223-3378) Benefits of DMA® Membership...... 20, 21 DMA®'s Arrow Logo is a trademark, and DMA® & Computerfest® are registered New Members...... 21 trademarks of the DAYTON MICROCOMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC., an Ohio 501c(3) Additional Area User Groups...... 27 non-profit organization.

Page 2 February 2004 The DataBus

I-75 Airport Springfield Map to DMA AGENDA FOR OUR 01/27 MEETING: I-70 meetings Announcements & Reports...... 7:30 p.m. (President Gary Mullins)

Dayton Dayton On tap: Topic Identity Theft, Prevention & Recovery Xenia US-35 Jefferson St 7:45-9:00 p.m. US-35 I-675 Warren St Q & A, Attendee Prizes…...... 9:15 p.m. US-68 Miami (Bob Kwater) Valley Hosp. Brown St Closing Statements ...... 9:45 p.m. Stewart St U.D. (President Gary Mullins) SR-48 Arena Edwin C. NCR U.D. Meeting Adjourns ...... 10:00 p.m. Moses Blvd Kiefaber Patterson Adjourn to CiCi’s for Pizza SIG @ 3050 S. Dixie Dr. (N.B. side) Blvd Oakwood Ave ------

Cincinnati If there is enough interest, an ‘Internet Q&A’ period may I-75 SR-48 Drawn by Dave Lundy be held immediately prior to this Meeting, same room. S. Main Revised Dec. 4, 1996 DMA®’s main meeting is held in Miriam Hall, O’Leary Auditorium, on UD’s campus (add’l map p.25). The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. Park in lot ‘C’ on campus (follow the map’s arrows) to avoid parking tickets. Editor’s Box: Comings and Goings: The DataBus staff is losing and gaining one member this month. Gone is my Acting co-editor Edwin Davidson, who had to step down for per- sonal reasons. Coming onto the staff, however, is new co-editor Jim Rowe, who is looking forward to continuing the legacy of publishing excellence for which The DataBus is known.

The DataBus

The DataBus is published monthly by the Dayton Microcomputer Association, Inc. (DMA®). Technical articles, product announcements, news items and other items relating to computers, computing and/or computer users are strongly encouraged.

The deadline for submitting material is the first day of the month of publication. Please submit files to the editors

( mailto: Editor*dma.org ) by “attaching” them to email in one of the following formats: (in order of preference) MS Word, Wordperfect, or .TXT (with line breaks) — or simply by handing a disk to the Editors at a General Meeting or mailing it to them. The editors reserve the right to edit for clarity, length & style, and to hold or reject any portions of submitted copy. It may be better suited to a later issue. If you have a specific topic in mind but are not sure how useful it might be to fellow DMA® members, just call or email an Editor and discuss it.

Advertisements and want ads are accepted for publication. Non-commercial (for instance, to sell your used printer) credit- card size ads are free to DMA® members. For members, commercial ads of that size are $20.00 per issue. Our present circulation, targeted specifically to computer users, technicians, & IT Managers, is 1,000 copies. For more information on advertising rates, or to obtain a Rate Card, contact an Editor. The mailing address is: Editor - The DataBus, P.O. Box 4005, Dayton, OH 45401-4005

Permission is granted to non-profit organizations to reprint or quote any material contained herein (except that which is copyrighted elsewhere) provided credit is given to the author, Dayton Microcomputer Association, Inc. & The DataBus. The Editors request that when reprinting material from The DataBus you forward a copy of the reprint to the Editors.

Newsletter composed using Microsoft Publisher XP for Windows®, with additional help from Elvis, who most certainly has not left the building. DMA® nameplate created by Bob Kwater, all rights reserved, Dayton Microcomputer Association, Inc.

The opinions expressed in any article or column are those of the individual author(s) and do not Winner: represent an official position of, or endorsement by, The Dayton Microcomputer Assn., Inc. Best User Group Coverage

- Large Newsletters, The DataBus Staff Emailto: ditor*dma.org

‘98 & ‘99 InterGalactic Editor: George Gibbs 937-429-9072 mailto: george_dma*gibbsmail.net

Conferences in New York Co-Editor: Jim Rowe 937-432-0091 pmailto: hotog*dma.org

Calendar Editor: Dave Lundy 937-426-1132 lmaito: undyd*dma.org Editor Emeritus Bob Esch

The DataBus February 2004 Page 3

DMA® MEETINGS DMA®’s Special Interest Group (SIG) Meetings Email: [email protected] for updates Http:// Do You Have a Specific Northern SIG - one of DMA® 's

Computer-Related Interest ? — newest SIGs, is for those interested in Meetings - Guests are always and need an organization to support that open source software who live near or welcome. - All general DMA® interest? Are there others you know who north of I-70. For more details, see membership meetings are held at 7:30 p.m., would join you? DMA® can help http://www.dma.org/northernsig/ or University of Dayton, the last Tuesday of sponsor groups of approx. 6 or more who c o n t a c t R o b e r t R u b y I I I – each month, except December. See our Web have common software or hardware mailto: principle*hotmail.com page (www.dma.org), dmapub, or email to: interests by providing meeting venues,

[email protected] for more info. Htp:/ Software Development SIG - The AV equipment, etc. Contact mailto:vice-presidnt*ma.og former Greater Dayton Delphi Group mailto:vce-president*dma.org for more information. Our monthly general meeting meets 2nd Thurs. each month at 6:30 p.m. consists of a brief opening, SIG reports, Htp:/Apple-Dayton SIG -for those who at 119 Valley St.. Focusing on all aspects announcements, and a 60-90 minute want to get the most out of their of software development including de- program by a guest speaker, followed by Apple computer & learn about the Apple/ sign, implementation and testing, we are door prizes for members. Mac platform. Group meets the 3rd Mon- language and platform independent. For

day at 7 p.m. at 119 Valley Street now, info, call Dale Childs at 937-276-3786, Board Meeting - The regular DMA but watch our website. Contact Keith ® email: mailto: dalechilds*earthlink.net. Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Ciriegio (meeting coordinator) at 937-

mailto: the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. 773-0676, email: keithc*gemair.com Htp:/ UNIX/LINUX SIG - Meets the 3rd at DMA®’s home at 119 Valley St. Dayton, Thurs. of each month at 7:00 p.m. in

Htp:/ Purpose: to Ohio Certification SIG - Wright State’s Russ Engineering Center. assist you in passing various Certification Call Tony Snyder at 275-7913 for info. Board meetings are open to all. exams. Meets 2nd Tues. and 4th Wed. of www.dma.org/linuxsig. Members are always welcome to attend. each month. Contact George Ewing,

Htp:/ m a i l t o : ewingg*dma.org or Larry Ford, Venture Scouts - No fixed meeting mailto: ford*woh.rr.com or call 937-361-8917. time currently. Any new members are

Htp:/OTAP RECYCLES COMPUTERS - Networking SIG meetings have been welcomed. For more information, please The Ohio Technology Access Project is a combined with this group which now contact Ron Schwartz at: (937) 434-2144 501c(3) non-profit organization. This all covers both areas. or email to: mailto: schwartr*gemair.com.

volunteer group of devoted people gener- Htp:/ Classic Computer SIG - the keeper Pizza ously give of their special talents & skills. of the Dayton Computer Museum. C l a s s e s i n o l d e r c o m p u t e r SIG The OTAP puts donated computers into the hardware and software are taught by the unofficial hands of people with handicaps, Curator, Gary Ganger; 1st & 3rd Sat. of snack/meal of limitations, challenges and special needs- ea. mo. 3 to 5 p.m. at the Sugar Grove -and provides computers to institutions the computer Church, Email mailto: gangerg*dma.org or call enthusiast is which serve the needs of these Gary at (937) 849-1483 for directions. individuals. enjoyed following each DMA® General Mtg., Htp:/Digital Photography SIG meets 1st DMA® volunteers gather computers and now at a new location: CiCi s Pizza, then teach other volunteers machine Thursday of each month. Interested? Email ’ 3050 S. Dixie Dr., in the old Hills & inspection, testing, diagnostics, as well as mailto: digiphot-contact*dma.org or call (937) Dales shopping center complex. Open adjustment and repair techniques. 845-3889. Covering all aspects of digital to everyone, it is still the “Pizza SIG”. After these donated computers are put photography in a friendly small group into working order, they are then atmosphere. Club Purpose and Membership provided "as is" to qualified individuals and institutions which request them. Very Htp:/Digital Textiles SIG - The place to The Dayton Microcomputer indulge your interest in computerized basic, free, computer instruction follows Assn., Inc. (DMA®) is an Ohio non- some computer distribution. machine embroidery, cross stitch, knit- profit organization dedicated to the ting, quilting and sewing. The Jan. meet- education of, and providing If you would like to learn more about ing will start at 7 p.m. the third Thursday OTAP, please set your browser to of the month at Down Home Dreams, 433 information to, microcomputer users and also the general public. www.otap.org Computer donations are Troy St., Dayton. Explore what’s new in tax-deductible and to date, more than the world of textiles and share your pro- DMA® members use and own a wide 2000 computers have been distributed by jects and experiences with others who variety of computers and possess OTAP. share your passions. Contact Lou Childs various levels of computer experience. for details at 888-276-3578. If you or your organization wish to Annual dues are $25 for regular mem- donate or receive used equipment, or if bers, which includes a subscription to Htp:/Gaming SIG - Meets online. Please The DataBus newsletter, and $12.50 you would like to volunteer, please con- contact SIG leader Bill Myers at tact Randy Young, OTAP Acting Direc- for associate members living at the mailto:gamingsig*technomutt.com or call him tor, at (937) 222-2755 or email: same address. Associate memberships at (937) 275-3583 for details, & see mailto: tap*dma.org. Located at 119 Valley St., must run concurrently with a regular Dayton, OH www.dma.org/sigs.shtml for the latest infoHtp:/ membership. For other user groups not affiliated with DMA®, see page 27.

Page 4 February 2004 The DataBus

- President’s Message : APCUG – An Overview - by Gary Mullins, DMA® President mailto: president*dma.org In my last letter I gave you some speakers for general meetings. We at is the vendor forum. This is a session impressions about the Comdex aspect DMA® are fortunate that we have not where representatives from a number of my trip this past November to Las suffered nearly to the extent of most of the sponsors present hold a panel Vegas for APCUG and Comdex. This other groups as far as membership. I discussion where they give us input as month, I would like to review some of think that speaks highly of what our to what is happening with their the aspects of the APCUG portion of organization has to offer, and it also respective companies as far as user the trip. speaks highly of the efforts of our group support, requirements for general membership chair, Carol Ewing, who meetings, and other tips or services that The APCUG conference is a jewel with has worked very hard to establish an they may offer. This forum also gives several facets. One very important impressive list of member benefits. us the opportunity to ask questions and aspect of the conference doesn’t appear The size of DMA® has helped us to be present to them what we would like to on the schedule at all. No, it wasn’t somewhat exempt from the problems see or what they could do to help our due to an error. What I am referring to with getting speakers for general groups. It is a healthy, informative is the opportunity to spend time with meetings. Reduced budgets have session that helps to keep officers from user groups from all over caused some companies to greatly communication channels open between the world. I talked with people from as curtail, or completely eliminate, the user groups and the corporations close as Cincinnati and as far away as support for user group speakers. So it supporting our programs. Australia. This is an opportunity that is a problem faced by all user groups, the APCUG conference provides that but it is even more difficult for the The second event is called the vendor can be invaluable. At meals, during smaller clubs across the country. fair. In this event, all the sponsors breaks, before and after seminars Funding difficulties were unanimous have tables set up with information on (sometimes into the early morning with all the user groups I talked with. their products, presentation hours), small groups would be gathered That seems to be a challenge all non- information, and contact information. discussing problems, and potential profits face in one form or another. This allows the user group solutions that their respective groups representatives to talk one-on-one with had faced and/or conquered. This Another facet of the APCUG the sponsor companies to get questions sharing provides a number of benefits. conference involved meals. Although answered, make contacts, get more First, it can provide you with a new the menu, provided courtesy of the specific information, as well as discuss fresh perspective on a problem from an generous sponsors that APCUG ideas with other user groups. All in all, outside source. Sometimes fresh eyes arranged, was exceptional, that’s not it is a very useful session that helps see a clearer picture and can provide a what I am referring to. The major both the sponsors and the user groups. perspective that others haven’t seen. If sponsors of APCUG provided meals you are a good listener, tips to deal for all attendees. During these meals, Well I have rambled on about APCUG with, or even prevent future difficulties the sponsors all took turns briefing us and still haven’t discussed the actual can be obtained as well. Also, about one of their latest and greatest seminars (roundtables, as they are something that I noticed in my products. Key features, improvements, called). The roundtables are the most discussions with other user group and demonstrations all took place at obvious of the facets to the conference. officers, we vary in size greatly and these meals. All attendees went away For now, I will just say that they come from completely different with a wealth of new information on covered a variety or topics and I will backgrounds and locations, but many software and hardware. These major delve into them more specifically in of the challenges faced by user groups sponsors included Intel, Adobe, Jasc, future letters and articles here in The are the same everywhere. They may be AMD, and Microsoft. DataBus. on a different scale due to the size of the group, but we have more in There are still more facets to this jewel. I have probably exceeded the space common than you would think. The APCUG provides the user group allocated to me by our editor for this information gathered in these “informal officers unprecedented access to month’s issue [Editor: Nah, we always sessions” is quite valuable. vendors. The conference has two have room for what DMA®’s President events, in addition to the meals by has to say. – GMG] so I will close by The top 3 items that seemed to be major sponsors mentioned earlier, that saying that there is still more to come challenges faced by almost all of the allow us to interact with vendors that concerning APCUG and Comdex. groups were declining membership, we may not have another opportunity Stay tuned! finding funding, and obtaining vendors/ to talk with otherwise. The first event

The DataBus February 2004 Page 5

- “Deus Ex 2: Invisible War” Game Preview- By Jerry Wonderly, regular contributor to The DataBus. A native Daytonian, Jerry has been involved with computers since the mid-80's. "I cut my teeth on CP/M Plus." He says that ‘computering’ can be very expensive but doesn't have to be. "Ask questions. Think cheap. Shop around. And don't assume your computer needs to be traded in. I'd rather put my money in my 401(k) than spend it on a complete new system and software." What is it about grown men and our want you to do their bidding. So here throws out electrical voltage at the toys? At Christmas, I got a state-of-the- you are, trying to make sense of opponent. One needs all of the fancy art PC game called Deus Ex: Invisible everything that’s happening, trying to weapons too because you’ll be up War (pronounced DAY-US EX) and get more information, trying this against all sorts of enemies from have to guiltily admit that I love it. The strategy and that, attempting to get security guards to all manner of robots futuristic game has phenomenal through the game wherever it leads. and security systems. graphics, a convoluted story line full of Deceit and treachery are everywhere. twists and turns, a hefty weapons You have moral decisions to make. Technically, the game is superb. It has arsenal, a dark and surreal setting, Strategies to consider. Should you excellent 3D graphics with extensive alternative music, and even a go-go shoot your way in to get your detailing and shadow effects. dancer – albeit a holographic one. objective? Or, would you get more Everything from carpeting to robots Games are reflections of their societies information if you walked in and looks exquisite and realistic. The and thus Deus Ex 2 also offers us an discreetly queried the room’s background music blends well interesting look into our own culture. occupants? throughout game play and the holographic go-go dancer’s music is The original Deus Ex was Game Of Invisible War is all about choices. It’s contemporary alternative. Sound The Year in 2002. Invisible War, just part first person shooter and part role- effects are really cool too. Altogether, released in December 2003 has been playing. You could approach the game it’s well conceived and thorough and is highly anticipated. Set in the year from a shooter’s angle, but then lots of reminiscent of Star Trek’s 2050, it has been about 15 years since characters come out of the woodwork completeness. It’s suggested audience the collapse of the world’s economy to blast you back and others are is 17 and over. and thus much of the world’s social downright uncooperative. You could structure. Instead of political approach it from a non-violent Deus Ex: Invisible War requires a hefty governments, corporations run the approach and sneak everywhere and try computer running at least Windows 98 world through a group calling itself the to just hack into security systems and SE with a P4 1.3 GHz or AMD Athlon WTO. However, there are other major ATMs. The game is very long and I equivalent and 256 MB of RAM. players trying to take control, most still haven’t finished it yet. So far, I’ve You’ll also need 2 GB of hard disk notably an outfit called The Order who traveled to Seattle, Cairo, and space, a 4 X CD-Rom drive, and at wants to rule from a zealous religious Antarctica with who knows how much least a 32 MB graphics card with angle and The Templar Knights who more to go. And, I have no idea where Direct X 9. Those are the minimums. are fanatically opposed to technology. it’s all taking me. Just trying to call the There is also an Xbox version. Complicating things further is a shots where I see ‘em. shadowy group called the Illuminati. In conclusion, folks, like many of Terrorism is rampant and the Your character, Alex D., can be male today’s computer games, please don’t underworld has carved its place via or female. Like I said earlier, you are a allow your younger children to play groups like The Omar who sell banned bio-modified person, somewhat akin to Deus Ex. Sure it’s just a game, but it is weapons on the black market. the Six Million Dollar Man. You have chock full of adult material not suited been modified via nanotechnology and for kids. Subjects like terrorism, cock- The storyline is complex and have some super-human fighting, go-go girls, dingy bars, compelling and playing the game feels characteristics. As the game corporate greed, and religious like you’re playing in a mystery novel progresses, you have opportunities to fanaticism abound in these games. Not or thriller. You are cast as the character buy upgrades. Some upgrades include to mention all the shoot-em-up stuff. Alex D., a bio-modified person who invisibility, robot domination, super- Monitor their computer time and get has been trained as a mercenary to strength, and stealth. You’ve got all them out of the house to spend time protect the WTO’s corporate assets. At kinds of fancy weapons like a with them. Don’t let the computer be a the game’s beginning, you are in boltcaster, rocket launcher, shotgun, babysitter. With that said, for adults, Chicago when it gets hit by a terrorist mag rail, mines, grenades, sniper rifle, Deus Ex: Invisible War is a great attack. You manage to escape to Seattle flamethrower, and more. My favorite is game. Awesome graphics and player before Chicago gets obliterated. In the spiderbomb. A spiderbomb is options. Unique sci-fi theme. Lots of Seattle, you begin to get acquainted thrown at an adversary’s feet and repeat playability. Enjoy! with the various major groups who all unfolds into a mechanized spider that www.dxinvisiblewar.com

Page 6 February 2004 The DataBus

- Computerfest® Classifieds: Exhibitors Wanted - by John D. Daniel, Computerfest® General Chair, Spring 2004 mailto: CfestJack*themowerworks.com As time rolls on (and Computerfest® is and on, coffee makers brew on sched- having an exhibition booth right now now in its twenty-ninth year), the staff ule, alarm clocks now sound through- but they might be open to advertising strives to find new and more innovative out the house (for those of us who have in our program, or even cross- vendors and exhibitors with which to a penchant for falling asleep on the promoting through the web. The point build Computerfest®. Long gone are couch), the garage door open as soon is, however, that the Computerfest® is the days of old when we were just a as your car enters range, and so on. for all companies who produce or deal bunch of geeks getting together and There are companies who sell or rent in technology, whether they be large or swapping tech. Now computers are home theatre technology to make your small. mainstream, affecting us every day in living room more like the screening every walk of life. From the clock that rooms at the local multiplex. Com- Please let any companies that you wakes you up to the machine that puters now come in more shapes and would like to see at Computerfest®, brews your coffee to the car that you sizes than a fast food value meal! coming up on March 20th and 21st, drive, microcomputers (remember that Take, for instance, all the different know about it. Please contact the ex- “M” in DMA®?) seem to run our lives. handheld devices that abound today--- hibitor committee, either by calling the companies selling those need to join us hotline at 937-223-FEST (3378), or by You see computers all around us. Not at the Computerfest®! dropping a line through our new email only are they encamped at the local system at www.computerfest.com. We Best Buy like soldiers awaiting battle, With that in mind, the Computerfest® would be happy to provide you with but they make just about everything in staff is continually on the lookout for information to help make our cause your house run. In fact, there are com- new and different companies with known, or take the initiative ourselves panies out there that specialize in auto- which to partner up and support. Per- to follow up on any leads you might mating houses so that lights turn off haps the company isn’t interested in have.

Why Should You Volunteer at Computerfest®? by Jim Rowe & Elizabeth Body, Computerfest Volunteer Coordinator Team Well, FREE admission to Computer- bilia, along with the free admission fest®, FREE Pizza, and FREE Com- and the pizza party. For three shifts, puterfest® souvenirs; sounds like a volunteers receive two tickets, one to good deal to me. If you have a few be redeemed for a March 2004 Com- Congrats to free hours during the weekend of puterfest® T-shirt, the other for one of March 19-21, 2004, you can have all the past merchandise items, as well as of these items. That’s right! Com- the pizza party and free admission to Nancy puterfest®, THE Computer and Tech- the show! nology Show, is almost here and we are in need of volunteers to help put All of the volunteers who helped out Christolear, on the nation’s largest all-volunteer during the show are entered into the driven computer and technology expo- special volunteer drawing that is held sition! The ranges of volunteer jobs at the next DMA® General Meeting at include watching doors, helping in 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30th. January ’04 offices, working in booths, and work- This drawing is only for Computer- ing with the media. fest® volunteers and you must be pre- sent to win. “Volunteer of When you volunteer for one shift (only two hours), you receive free Why not plan on volunteering now for admission to the show and an invita- the best show of its kind in the nation? the Month”! tion to the free, all-you-can-eat pizza To become a volunteer, visit our web- party on Saturday night. For two site at: www.computerfest.com, click shifts (four hours), volunteers receive on volunteers, and then click on the a ticket to be redeemed at the Com- sign-up form. The best shifts are fill- puterfest® booth for a past show T- ing up quickly so sign up early. We shirt or other Computerfest® memora- hope to see you at Computerfest®!

The DataBus February 2004 Page 7

UH - OH !

These Memberships have expired, or are about to expire soon!

Remember to send your check & the completed application form (in the center of this newsletter) marked “DMA® Dues” to P.O. Box 340402, Beavercreek, OH 45434-0402. Or if you give them to Carol Ewing at the next General Meeting, please have the form filled out in advance and bring correct change or a check. We do not have change at the meeting.

Expired in December 2003 Pedicord, D.C. B. Scott Ports Roger L. Borders Dallas J. Perkins Keith Potts R. Dan Campbell Robin Price John T. Rollert Wynn Cooling Jeffrey Reese Richard B. Root Grant Galovics Joseph Reichel Roland J. Rovito Todd Holmes George E. Samelson Dr. Louis J. Sowards Jack Hopkins William V. Sands Jeri Spangler JoAnn Julian Jr. Clyde Underwood Mike Tsalas Maria Morgan Polly Ungard Jeffrey Ungerer Ronald C. North Rex Walsh David Ungerer Sheryl A. (a) Rolfe Anne White Michael J. VanHorn Terry Sayce Merton L. Wood Wiley Varner Tom Simmons Joseph H. Wrinkle David M. Walter Jerry Stockslager Roxanne West Sharon L. White Brian K. Expires in February 2004 Where’s Waldo Williams Patrick Anspach Beverly Winters Corliss M. Augustine William Zalewski Bro. Bernard Expires in January 2004 Ayers Jill Adams Judi R. Batten Gary P. Allen Randy Bostic Armon - Classroom Humor - Austin Joanne B. Boudi Jason #1 A little girl was talking to her Batka Helen Brouard Andrew teacher about whales. The teacher said Brandenburg Charles Bruns Richard J. that it was physically impossible for a Carnes Rich Childs Louisa (Lou) (a) whale to swallow a human because Chagoyan Jr. Louis Dervin Owen even though it was a very large mam- Cornett Steven P. Dutenhaver J. Mark mal, its throat was very small. The little Domansky John A. George Frederick E. girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by Ganote Duke P. Goodlett Kerby a whale. Irritated, the teacher reiterated Henderson Andrew Goodson Lee that a whale could not swallow a hu- Hennigan Brian Scott Grant Shawn man; it was physically impossible. The Hubbard Michael B. Green Teresa little girl said, “When I get to Heaven, I Johnson Douglas L. Hammond Jeff will ask Jonah. Kahler Carol A. Hayden Steve ” The teacher asked, Kurland Cherie Michele Heaton Mark T. “What if Jonah went to Hell?” The lit- tle girl replied, “Then you ask him.” Kuykendall Michael A. Heckart Steve A. Lawrence James M. Hill Thomas #2 A Kindergarten teacher was observ- Longland John R. Huber Elizabeth P. ing her classroom of children while Marrs Dane L. Humphreys David K. they were drawing. She would occa- Marrs Darlene (a) Kenning Darryl sionally walk around to see each child's McCloskey Dennis L. Knowlton Peter M. work. As she got to one little girl who McDaniel Kenneth Koester Kym was working diligently, she asked what McDaniel Pamela (a) Kwater Robert (Bob) the drawing was. The girl replied, McDaniel Scott (a) Lawrence James P. “I'm drawing God.” The teacher paused and Miller Norma I. Litsakos Jr. Charles said, Miter Bradford H. Mantia Tony “But no one knows what God looks like.” Without missing a beat, or Oliphant William R. Pancake Roger looking up from her drawing, the girl Ontko Edward D. Phillippi Conrad M. replied, “They will in a minute.” Parag Sharma Ports Idele (a) (Continued on page 11)

Page 8 February 2004 The DataBus

- Game Review - Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns - by Dan Woodard, DMA® member, DataBus Software Reviewer

Dan Woodard: At the tender age of 9, Dan got his start enjoying computer games on his TI-99/4a home computer, and he’s been at it ever since. He graduated in 1996 with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Dan has been a DMA® member since 1993 and enjoys playing Othello, other strategy and role playing games, backpacking, fishing and gardening. He also dabbles in computer repair and upgrades. Dan is a regular software reviewer in

the pages of The DataBus. He can be reached by emailing him at mailto: dgw*dmapub.dma.org?subject=Gam%.

With the large number of real-time Even on the easiest difficulty setting, welcome. Heroes also play a strong strategy (RTS) games that are released the first level of the campaign game role in this game, since each hero gives each year, it is hard to rise above aver- was very difficult, with waves of en- enhancement effects to their whole age, and it is especially difficult for a emy soldiers coming at my lone city. I company of soldiers. Micromanaging game to exhibit the addictiveness that played perhaps 20 times without pre- is also kept to a minimum in this game. brings players back to their computers vailing, and finally realized that the key for “one more try” at a difficult level. to success was to send out a few settler Of course, there are still some negative

Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns http:/snipurl.com/3zii, units early in the game to build cities aspects. I found the manual to be lack- from TimeGate Studios, manages to which in turn would support more ing specific details. Often it mentions offer addictive gameplay and some companies of soldiers. With enough something players can do but not how innovative features more commonly soldiers entrenched in a defensive line, to do it. In the game, some control found in dedicated wargames, though it I was able to repel invaders, my sol- buttons are also improperly placed far does have a few shortcomings. diers gained valuable experience, and too close to others. For example, the my cities were able to grow and be- disband button is right underneath the Kohan’s story deals with a Creator who come more productive. close button on the army management has two sons, one of whom has an idea screen. Several times I accidentally to create the perfect planet. The Crea- deleted a company of soldiers when all tor acts on this idea, but the other son I wanted to do was close the screen. becomes jealous and subverts the race Also, it was not easy at all to customize of immortal beings who populates the army companies once they were put planet. Thus, a war between the evil together, which was a true disappoint- ‘Shadow’ (or Ceyah) and the forces of ment, especially after noticing a weak- light is ongoing. The Kohan are im- ness in their composition. mortal only in the sense that they will not die permanently – they can actually Summary: Kohan: Immortal Sover- be killed. However, their essence re- eigns is a good choice for the RTS fan sides in special amulets that they wear but may be a bit difficult for the casual around their necks, and if they die, they gamer. It is noticeably free of any sort can eventually be revived. of bugs, yet still exhibits several issues that detract from the game and which In the game, players take on the role of could have been improved with more a reawakened Kohan warrior, aware of feedback from beta testers. a grand sense of destiny but otherwise This game has a lot going for it. The lacking specific memories of his past. voice acting is excellent, with only a Rating: 8 out of 10 As players go through the various sce- few individuals having annoying narios, the character learns more and voices (and you can turn down the Requirements: 300 MHz CPU, 64 MB more about his past. Successful levels voice volume, among many other ways RAM, DirectX 7, Win ‘95+, 400 MB will often lead to the discovery of an- to customize the game). The game has HDD other Kohan amulet, which allows a good, coherent story line, which players to “reawaken” another hero to helps it avoid the “me too” feeling that Reviewed: P4 1.4GHz, 128 MB RAM, join the cause. In the present of the many RTS games exude. The limit of DirectX 9, 32MB Video, Win ME, game, the remaining Kohan have splin- 20 units, settlements and outposts also tered into several factions (Ceyah, Na- goes a long way towards keeping this Best Price: $10 or less at WalMart or tionalist, Royalist and Council). The from turning into a simplified game many other retailers player is attempting, through diplo- where players churn out huge armies macy or force, to unite the latter 3 fac- and just throw them at each other. Ter- Playable Demo: http://nipurl.com/40am tions behind a common cause: prevent- rain effects, such as slower movement (35 MB) ing another cataclysm. through forests, make sense and are

The DataBus February 2004 Page 9

- Identity Theft is Rampant - by Ira Wilsker, APCUG Board of Advisors, and reprinted courtesy of THE EXAMINER, Beaumont, Texas

Imagine that you are excited because amount of losses includes the abuse of local police. In July, all law enforce- you found that new car of your existing accounts, the loss swells to ment agencies in the country were dreams. You know that you have al- about $50 billion. The loss per victim provided training materials on identity ways paid your bills on time, and of an existing compromised account is theft by the Secret Service, along with credit has never been a problem. You about $4800. The average victim of brochures and other information for fill out the credit application with the identity theft spent about $500 to deal victims. According to the FTC report confidence that there is no way that with the experience of victimization, only about one in four victims re- you will not get financing. Imagine with victims where credit cards had ported the incident to law enforce- the shock when the lender denies your been issued to crooks bore an average ment. Only about 22% of those who application because of unpaid credit personal expense of about $1200. were victimized reported the incident card balances and loan defaults. According to the FTC, total personal to the credit bureaus. It should be Chances are that you have been the expenses of dealing with the conse- noted here that all of the credit bu- victim of the number one federal quences of identity theft were about reaus will post a “fraud alert” upon the crime against individuals, identity $5 billion, with $3.8 billion being the request of the victim, making it more theft. cost of dealing with fraudulent new difficult for credit to be utilized by the accounts. It is not just a matter of cost perpetrator. Unfortunately, you are not alone. Ac- in dollars, but also a cost in time and cording to a report recently released aggravation. The average victim In about 25% of the cases the victim’s by the Federal Trade Commission whose personal information was mis- identity was stolen along with their www.ftc.gov you are but one of an used spent about 30 hours of time to purse or wallet. About one-half of the estimated 10 million victims of iden- clear up the mess, while it took an victims have no idea how they became tity theft. In the “Federal Trade Com- average of 60 hours of time for vic- victims. While not in the FTC report, mission – Identity Theft Survey Report” tims who had illicit credit cards issued many of the new viruses and Trojans www.ftc.gov/os/2003/09/synovatereport.pdf, in their name. This costs us collec- attacking our computers have the ex- 4.6% of the respondents reported that tively, as individuals, about 300 mil- plicit ability to steal our usernames, they had found that they had been a lion hours of personal time to clear our passwords, credit card numbers, PIN victim in the past year. An astounding names. numbers, banking information, and 12.7% said that they had been victim- other highly personal and sensitive ized at sometime over the preceding What may be possibly even more ne- data. Fortunately for me, the firewall five years. The report indicated that in farious than being the victim of finan- on my computer caught a Trojan at- the past year 1.5% of us had new cial shenanigans is to be a victim of tempting to send out some of my per- credit cards or other accounts issued to criminal misidentification. About sonal information, and alerted me to others in our names. While 1.5% may 15% of identity theft victims had their the attempt and allowed me to stop it. not sound like a large number, imag- name and identification used for non- It was a new Trojan that had slipped ing how many people in our area financial reasons. About 4% of the by my just updated antivirus software, would be affected at that 1.5% rate. victims had their name used by the and was not listed by any of the major Another 0.7% of us were the victims perpetrator of a crime. There are an- antivirus companies until the follow- of having our existing non-credit card ecdotal stories circulating in law en- ing day. There is always a risk that a account numbers abused, and 2.4% of forcement circles of the innocent vic- new virus or Trojan can slip through us had our existing credit card ac- tims of identity theft being taken down even the best antivirus software, counts used nefariously. Triple these in a felony traffic stop after being which is another reason that a firewall numbers and you get approximately identified as “outstanding felony war- has become a necessity on our com- the number of victims over the past rants” and “armed and dangerous”, puters. five years. after the perpetrator used the victim’s name in prior arrests. Imagine apply- The Federal Trade Commission has The dollar cost of this crime is stag- ing for a job that requires a criminal published a list of tips on its site at gering. In 2002 it is estimated that the background check, knowing that you www.consumer.gov/idtheft. Accord- amount of money or goods stolen by are “squeaky clean”, only to be turned ing to the FTC we cannot absolutely the false creation of new credit ac- down because someone else has prevent identity theft, but we can counts in the name of each victim was wracked up a record in your name. minimize our risks. The first recom- $10,200, resulting in a total loss to mendation is to get a copy of your businesses from this type of theft If you feel that you may have been a credit report from each of the three amounting to $33 billion. If the victim of identity theft, contact your (Continued on page 11)

Page 10 February 2004 The DataBus

Identity Theft is Rampant (cont.) (Continued from page 10) Buy, and other recognizable compa- fice at 1-800-275-8777 to request a major credit reporting agencies on an nies. Also be suspicious if someone vacation hold. annual basis. There may be a charge calls on the phone alleging to be from of up to $9 per copy. Verify that the your ISP or a government agency Our household trash is a bonanza for credit reports only include authorized claiming to need that information. If identity thieves. Shredders are inex- activities. The three major credit bu- suspicious, do not give the informa- pensive and a good way to make it reaus and their contact information are tion, and call the real company on the difficult for thieves to get information. Equifax, www.equifax.com, 1-800- customer service number listed on Shred or tear into small pieces such 685-1111; Experian, your monthly statements or listed in trash as charge receipts, insurance www.experian.com, 1-888-397-3742; the phone book. information, checks, bills, and bank and TransUnion, statements. Unsolicited applications www.transunion.com, 1-800-916- In our area roadside mailboxes are a for credit cards are a prime target of 8800. Unfortunately, many victims common repository for outgoing mail; thieves; be sure to destroy them before first uncover the crime when they ap- identity thieves know this and can discarding. Another bonanza is those ply for a loan, and find that there is a harvest our mail. The FTC recom- “checks” periodically sent by our problem. It may be a good practice to mends that we drop mail in official credit card companies to enable us to check your credit report before sub- post office mailboxes, and that we get cash or payoff large balances on mitting any major credit application. should collect our mail from our mail- other loans; destroy these before dis- Another tactic is to password protect boxes promptly. If you are going to carding. Better safe than sorry. your credit card, bank and phone ac- be away from home call the Post Of- § counts, being careful to avoid using easy to guess passwords. Avoid using “Mother’s maiden name” forms of - Classroom Humor (cont.) - identity. (Continued from page 8) it will be to look at it when you are all #3 A religious school teacher was dis- grown up and say, ‘There's Jennifer, The home and workplace have be- cussing the Ten Commandments with she's a lawyer,’ or ‘That's Michael, he's come illicit sources of identities. In her five- and six-year olds. After ex- a doctor.’ ” A small voice at the back the home be sure that personal infor- plaining the commandment to “honor” of the room rang out, “And there's the mation is secure. In many cases, thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, teacher, she's dead.” roommates, maids or servants, and “Is there a commandment that teaches repair personnel have been determined us how to treat our brothers and sis- #6 A teacher was giving a lesson on to be the thieves. In the workplace ters?” Without missing a beat, one lit- the circulation of the blood. Trying to there are often many people who have tle boy (the oldest of a family) an- make the matter clearer, she said, access to your personal information. swered, “Thou shall not kill.” “Now, class, if I stood on my head, the Determine who has access, and verify blood, as you know, would run into it that sensitive personal information is #4 One day, a little girl was sitting and and I would turn red in the face.” securely maintained. Also inquire watching her mother do the dishes at “Yes,” the class said. “Then why is it about the disposal of obsolete records the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that while I am standing upright in the that may be taken by crooks that her mother had several strands of ordinary position, the blood doesn't run “dumpster diving”. white hair sticking out in contrast on into my feet?” A little fellow shouted, her brunette head. She looked at her “Cause your feet ain't empty!” Do not give out any personal informa- mother and inquisitively asked, “Why tion over the internet, phone, or by are some of your hairs white, Mom?” #7 The children were lined up in the mail unless you know for certain with Her mother replied, “Well, every time cafeteria of a Catholic elementary whom you are dealing. Currently, one that you do something wrong and make school for lunch. At the head of the of the common methods of stealing me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs table was a large pile of apples. The identity is “Pfishing”, where an email turns white.” The little girl thought nun made a note, and posted it on the or website illicitly appears to be from about this and asked, “Then why are apple tray: “Take only ONE. God is a known source and needs to verify Grandma's hairs all white?” watching.” Moving further along the personal information, credit card num- lunch line, at the other end of the table bers, PIN numbers, mother’s maiden #5 The children had all been photo- was a large pile of chocolate chip cook- name, and other critical information. graphed, and the teacher was trying to ies. A child had written a note, “Take Recently such “Pfishing expeditions” persuade them each to buy a copy of all you want. God is watching the ap- have falsely appeared to have been the group picture. “Just think how nice ples.” from Ebay, PayPal, CitiBank, Best-

The DataBus February 2004 Page 11

- DMA® Holiday Dinner 2003 - by Dave Lundy, DataBus staff Here are a few pictures taken by Bill Richard, Dave Lundy, Tom Sheibenberger, et.al. with Bill’s camera at the DMA® Holiday Dinner. We had a great time &

hope you did too. More pictures: hwtp:/ ww.dma.org/gallery/

Current and former DMA® presidents. Front: Gary Mullins, Lisa Singh, & Bill Richard. Lynda and Bill Richard Back: Randy Young, Peter Hess, Gary Turner, & Bob Kwater.

Carol (former program director) & Bob (former DataBus editor) Esch Ken Phelps and daughter Christina

Most of dmapub team: Dale, Tanya, & Louisa (Lou) Childs Gary Turner, Paul Ahlquist, Dave Lundy, Ken Phelps, Dave Nevel

Debbie & Ron Williamitis Best wishes for a healthy Some of the many door prizes... & prosperous New Year!

Page 12 February 2004 The DataBus

- The Future of the Internet - by Charles Vanderford, Greater Tampa Bay PCUG mailto: Charlie*grad.usf.edu About 3 decades ago, a group of mili- to this ever growing network. People airports, dealing with delayed flights, tary researchers created an experimen- will connect to the Internet in a variety surly airport personnel and the hassle tal redundant network designed to of ways. Some will remain connected of traveling. Sure we'll have face-to- withstand partial outages (like bomb using the now archaic slow dial up face meetings but we won't need them attacks) and still function. This U.S. modems. But more and more users as often. This will also have greater Department of Defense network was will connect using broad band higher security usage. Watch for concerns called the ARPAnet. That initial net- speed connections like cable modems, about privacy but most people will work development has mushroomed DSL (digital subscriber line), wireless, want surveillance for security in public into what we know today as the Inter- satellite, and soon through the AC places. net. What comprises the Internet? That electric power grid in everyone's is a most difficult question at best, and home. The development of lasers will Faster Wireless is constantly changing with time. The soon offer connectivity we only Many people now check their e-mail Internet is a worldwide collection of dreamed about in the past. Laser con- regularly via OmniSky wireless mo- computer networks, cooperating with nectivity will blow past copper and dem connected to a Palm Vx. Using each other to exchange data using a fiber optic lines. that setup, people can check e-mail common software standard. Through from most locations in the US. This telephone wires and satellite links, What now takes 10 hours at fast DSL type of access will become more com- Internet users can share information in access speeds to download will be ac- mon. Right now the Ricochet modem a variety of forms. The size, scope and complished in about 10 seconds with from Metricom provides access at design of the Internet allows users to: laser technology. 128kbps to the Internet on a wireless modem. It is only available in limited  connect easily through ordinary per- More Multimedia markets but since the technology ex- sonal computers and local phone Because of the faster access we're go- ists, we'll see greater adoption of this numbers; ing to see, we will have more multi- in the future.  exchange electronic mail (E-mail) media. That opens up huge opportuni- with friends and colleagues with ac- ties. Entertainment-on-demand will be Internet as Telephone counts on the Internet; more abundant. You'll be able to You don't see classes today on "how to  post information for others to ac- download videos of movies or televi- use the telephone to your advantage." cess, and update it frequently; sion shows you missed or want to see It just exists and we use it. The Inter- again. This opens a huge market for net will be as ubiquitous as the tele-  access multimedia information that includes sound, photographic im- education and training. Costs will phone and as easy to use. It will be ages and even video; and plummet and the quality of education something we take for granted and use will be able to soar. For example, A to order products, get new, informa-  access diverse perspectives from around the world. rural school which normally couldn't tion and communicate. afford the best German language in- Use of the Internet has exploded in structor could easily have a bank of More International recent years with the appearance of the quality instructors on taps wherever Up to this point the Internet has been World Wide Web. Even more popular they happen to be in the world. Think about 75% English with an American is the use of email. The Internet is of how you could tap into the intellec- accent. That is good for us in the US used for sending text messages, pic- tual brainpower of experts on an as for doing commerce and understand- tures (images), video and audio, trans- needed and on-demand basis. It would ing what is going on. It is bad for us in ferring files, phone calls, business be good for the consumer. It would be that we get lazy and don't try to in- transactions, banking, stock market good for the experts as they will be crease our ability to communicate with trading, etc. But how will this world able to open newer and more markets others. Accenture, formerly Andersen wide connectivity change our lives in than ever before. Everyone wins. Consulting, says that by 2007 Chinese the future? Here are some thoughts. Videoconferencing will finally come will be the #1 language on the Inter- into its own. We've seen the possibili- net---now it gets interesting. They're Connectivity ties of videoconferencing since the right. As China and other countries The Internet will grow by leaps and 1939 World's Fair, so this isn't new. become more fully wired they will use bounds over the next several years. The Internet is providing limited video their native written language to com- More and more people and more and conferencing now. As the speed gets municate and do business. Make note more organizations will be connected better this will be a viable and much- of the sites that come on line that are wanted alternative to slogging through (Continued on page 14)

The DataBus February 2004 Page 13

- The Future of the Internet (cont.) - (Continued from page 13) Buying Will Be "Not Either Or, continual leap frog game. It will never not English-based. Think globally and but Both And" end. Begin now to educate yourself on act "lingually"---learn another lan- We will want to buy many items on the what to do and what not to do online to guage. Net but still prefer the physical experi- preserve the security you want. The ence for some purchases. Stores like Internet with webcams will provide More Power to the Individual Circuit City show the way it will be more opportunities to view what is Already governments worldwide real- done. You can browse their site and happening through never-blink cam- ize that they are not as powerful as select the electronics or home appli- eras. Some might object to a loss of markets. The individual making buying ance you want. You can do your re- privacy. However, that will be over- decisions and acquiring information search and learn a lot without entering shadowed by surveillance for security will be a stronger force than any gov- the store. Then you can order the item in public places. ernment. People are taking medical and pick it up at your local store. Buy- matters into their own hands and using ers get the convenience and satisfaction The Internet Is Not Dead the assistance of health care practitio- of research and inquiry. They also get It is going through a refinement and ners as close advisors. Sites like the peace of mind that if something readjustment. The future looks very http://www.webmd.com and goes wrong they have a physical store bright and holds enormous opportuni- http://www.americasdoctor.com al- in town for remedies. No matter how ties for profitability and business ready provide access to medical ex- much technology does for us, we still growth. perts worldwide for solutions on dis- want that human experience and touch. eases and cures. We won't abandon * * * health care practitioners but we will More Concern about Privacy and take more responsibility for our own Security Charlie Vanderford has been leading health care. Voting will also eventually With all our information out on the the Greater Tampa Bay PCUG Internet be on line and faster interaction with Internet, we'll be more concerned about SIG for over six years plus he brings lawmakers will be the norm. keeping secret information secret. It along his web experience from the Uni- will be as security has always been, a versity of South Florida. - Microsoft Tips and Tricks - by Bob Kwater, DMA® member Tips and Tricks in Microsoft Windows File Explorer sorting and viewing in Opening a folder in a 2-panel Ex- details view plorer window Maximize/Restore Window Click column header to sort on that Right-click the folder and choose Ex- Double-click the title bar the title bar field, again to sort in reverse. Drag plore, or Shift-double-click. (blue area with name of program) of column dividers left or right to resize any Window to make it full screen. columns. Or double-click a column Printing more info than you'd ever divider to auto-size that column. want about your computer Cleaning out pesky Start Up items Right-click on My Computer. Click Click Start, then click Run. Type Selecting groups of icons on desktop Properties. Click the Device Manager msconfig and press Enter. Click the or files in Explorer (and with right tab. Click Print. Startup tab. Uncheck unnecessary mouse button for menu) items. The next time you boot, these Drag to select a group, right-drag for Shortcuts to programs on Internet items should not start automatically. selection with right-click menu. Explorer Links bar But some of them are really pesky, and To display the Links bar in IE, click keep putting themselves back! Quick Shut Down View, then Toolbar, then Links. Drag Create new shortcut by right-clicking any shortcut to the Links bar. You can Quick Launch Toolbar an empty space on the desktop and right-click it and choose Rename. Right-click task bar area. Click Tool- clicking New, then Shortcut. Right- bars, and then click Quick Launch. To click the Shortcut and click Properties. Quick Address in IE add an icon to the Quick Launch tool- Type the following in the command Type the middle part (without the bar, just drag any shortcut to it. line - C:\windows\rundll32.exe user, "www." or the ".com") and press Exit Windows. Ctrl+Enter. Quick access to File Explorer Right-click Start button, click Explore. (Continued on page 22)

Page 14 February 2004 The DataBus

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The DataBus February 2004 Page 15

DMA® Membership Application/Renewal (only one person per form, please) PLEASE ALLOW UP TO THREE WEEKS FOR APPLICATION PROCESSING AND INTERNET SET-UP

1 Name: ______Birth date:_____/_____/_____ mo. day yr. Address: ______

City: ______State: ______Zip: ______-______

Phone: (Home) (______)______-______Phone: (Work) (______)______-______x______

I wish to have my name and address published in the club roster: YES [ ] NO [ ] E-mail address ______

Name of DMA® member who recruited me: ______(only new regular memberships)

Current or recent DMA® Member: Yes [ ] No [ ] Change of Address Only [ ] Today's date: _____/_____/_____

Membership number (from your DataBus mailing label) ______

Type of Membership

Application is for: New Membership [ ] Membership Renewal [ ] Associate Membership* [ ] Internet Service [ ]

If applying for free student membership, please give school name and student ID number: Available only for students under 22 years old.

School Name: ______Student ID#: ______

* A family associate membership is for an additional membership for a member of your immediate family that is living in the member's household. If this is a family associate membership, give name of regular member: ______

Note: A $10.00 fee will be charged 2 Dues/Fees for all returned checks. (Dues and Fees are subject to change without prior notice)

Membership (one year - New or Renewal) 1.) [ ] $25

Family Associate Membership (must live at same address as regular member) 2.) [ ] $12.50

Free* Student Membership 3.) [ ] FREE *for students under 22 years of age

Please assign me a user ID for E-mail and Usenet news access 4.) [ ] $10 one-time setup fee for new accounts.

Total - - - Lines (1 or 2) (+4 if checked) = 5.) $______

Please complete sections 1 & 2 of this form. Make your check payable to DMA®,- - Dayton Microcomputer Association, Inc. then send the check and application to: ------PO Box 340402

Beavercreek, OH 45434-0402

DMA® Use only: Membership # ______Exp. Date: ____/____/____ Processed by: ______REV: 02Jun2003

3 Internet Service Application Modems at 910-0006 settings 8-N-1 Optional The Internet Service Application, along with terms and conditions of use, is now available online on DMA®’s web site.

Please read, print, sign and include the Internet Service Terms and Conditions agreement from the URL

http://www.dma.org/dmapub-user-agreement.html

with your membership application if you are also establishing an Internet service account through DMA®.

Page 16 February 2004 The DataBus

Helpline: Computer Resource People DMA®’sHelpline listing below lists members who are willing to accept occasional telephone calls at home to give free assistance to other DMA® members (only) when they have a problem with a particular software or computing concept.

Will you please consider signing up, like those good people below, if only on a trial basis? Call George

Gibbs (937-429-9072) or Edwin Davidson (937-294-8524), or email us at mailto: Editor*dma.org Everyone has a particular program or game, or ability with certain hardware they know pretty well. Maybe you use it all day at work, or all night at play, or recently installed a board or upgraded your PC, etc. This makes you more knowledgeable than someone who has not yet used that software or installed that hardware and you could possibly be a great help in solving a problem of another DMA® member. Or perhaps you write programs in certain languages, or are a developer, networker, webmaster, or use search tools skillfully, etc., and their questions would be easy for you. The field of possibilities is nearly unlimited.

You choose the time(s) and day(s) you can provide assistance, and the subject. We’ll ask the caller to be ready to provide his/her membership number (on the back of each DataBus) to you; to respect your stated times; and to keep inquiries to a minimum.

Callers: Please be prepared to give the Helpline volunteer your membership number; DMA® membership has its privileges! Please do not ask for assistance outside of the stated times. If you reach a telephone answering machine, leave a message, as many people screen calls or otherwise prioritize their time. E-mail addresses are provided so that you can contact them if you have trouble getting in touch via telephone. (Remuneration may be appropriate when a member spends a longer than normal time providing help.)

Problem with this? Call Member: Times: Phone No. Days Email addresses:

Apple Macintosh, FrontPage98 Your name Can you here? help? QuickBooks Your name Can you here? help?

MS Word Carol Gudorf 7 - 9 p.m. 606-363-0690 M-F mailto:gudorfc*dma.org

MS Word/Excel/Access/Works Doug Johnson 7-9 p.m. 252-7991 M-F jmailto: ohnson*dma.org

Investment Clubs Hank Pesa 7-9 p.m. 435-1146 M-F pmailto: esa*erinet.com

MS Office,Word/Excel/PwrPt; MS M-W-F

Works, Internet Searching Millie Tanner 7-9 p.m. 513-489-7273 Mailto: tmailo: annercm*fuse.net Sat. & Sun.

Your name Can you Windows 98 + Internet here? help?

Routers,Hubs,Switches (Cisco) Ron Wagner before W - 264-7244 M-F mailto:wagner*dma.org 9 p.m. H - 698-4854 Oracle Database (sql / pl-sql), CADD (Microstation in particular) use and

application development, C/Java/ Jerry Walter — Use email. — mailto:gwalter1*woh.rr.com C++ programming, Enterprise Inte- gration

Serial/Parallel Ports Verne Wiese 7-9 p.m. 429-2969 M -F mailto:vwiese*dma.org

Linux Don Corbet 9 am - 9 pm 604-8793 M-F tmailo: helinuxguy*gemair.com

What is your specialty? Your Name Here

The DataBus February 2004 Page 17

The Deals Guy Bob “The Cheapskate” Click, Greater Orlando Computer User Group My Webmaster abilities leave much to probably not be items suitable for was projected be desired, in fact, I barely get the job many of my readers, but they may find on the mini done, but at least my Web site does them interesting anyway. Even with screens above the job I wanted it to do for my limited sales potential I liked them them, but you readers and editors. In spite of my lack because they are unique. could also see right through the lenses. of expertise, I often get e-mail from It was an interesting item at about readers and editors who visited my On the other hand, I often get $32,000. I’m not sure what its uses Web site and acknowledge the visit. announcements for new products that are. Sometimes they even tell me they are from unknown companies (several liked the way it is set up and that they per month) and perhaps you would Another interesting exhibit was a think it is easy to navigate. That like to know about those. I assumed semi-transparent world globe about six always makes my day considering my that most user groups have somebody feet in diameter on a pedestal that lack of ability and I’m happy it is who gets the same announcements and seemed to be illuminated and had lines doing the job satisfactorily. When I may, or may not, make it known to projecting all around it that moved all originally built it, the people I asked to their members. Let me know since it the time. I wondered if it was for a critique it ripped it apart as I asked would be something to write about tactical planning room. There were them to do, but said it would probably rather than nothing. even tanks and some of the latest guns work, and after a few changes, it is being shown in the show and I am not doing that. My thanks to the readers *Interesting Trade Show at liberty to talk about much of what I and editors for living with my saw and asked questions about. After creation. I recently worked the “International all, I was part of their security. The Training and Simulator Association” displays took about 500,000 square I also noticed a couple of newsletters trade show. This was a military show feet of exhibit space and attracted that carried articles their editor and mostly defense contractors had about 12,000 attendees. It was downloaded from my Web site and displays there. There was just about interesting that several people were even credited my Web site, which is any type of simulator you could caught during show hours around the unnecessary, but good. I was excited imagine, including training for a fire show floor trying to film the exhibits to see that because it tells me situation. In another booth I saw a with hidden cameras. There was lots somebody is using some of the articles concave mirror about five feet wide by of security around the show. I posted and that at least I chose three feet high (costing about $12,000) something that people liked. My that made me look larger but inverted *A Ho-Hum Column thanks to all the authors (some when I looked at it. Everything also actually told me they felt flattered) looked 3-D when I approached it. I was unable to get a couple of things that I had asked for their articles and Another large mirror costing about to come together that I am working on for contributing for my readers. $7,000 was flatter and enlarged by deadline time, but I’m still working everything, even my money, but the on them. Most of you won’t need *The Beginning Of The End numbers on it were still the same. them, but will like them. The holidays Bummer! One of the uses was in a presented a problem for the people I I am just about ready to put the training simulator for mid-air refueling am dealing with so I hope to have DealsGuy column to bed permanently so the pilot could see the nozzle when something next month, but for this because of the lack of new content trying to connect it to the fill tube, month I have some items you may availability. Lately, much of what I although I understand it is not already know about. publish is taken from user group necessary for the real experience. newsletters because vendors often *Dear IRS, Please take it easy on me ignore my requests and leave me with Another interesting item was a visor – Yeah Right! nothing for the column at deadline you wear on your head that has lenses time. I may yet have a couple things to look through attached. Above the I should have written about Tax Act that are not something you would buy, lenses at a 90-degree angle were mini last month, but it’s still not too late. but mixing those with some other screens and you could feed TV or It’s a free product to use for your things from newsletters that I read will whatever you wanted into them. The personal income tax. You can go to keep it going briefly. These will lenses would not only let you see what (Continued on page 19)

Page 18 February 2004 The DataBus

The Deals Guy — (cont.) (Continued from page 18) complicated stock transactions. I *Print Your Screen, Or Any Part, [ http://www.taxact.com } and do finished mine after a couple of e- OK? your taxes at no cost in two ways. If mails back and forth with the tech you have a dialup connection, you people at Tax Act. They answered PrintScreen by Gadwin lets you may like the method where you do my questions the next day and didn’t capture any part, or your entire not have to download anything, but quite understand my question the screen for printing, copying to the instead, do your taxes right on their first time. When I finally was clipboard or saving it into a file. This web site for free as you answer satisfied and sent my e-filing, they is a very handy utility and can be had questions for the information. You responded by telling me it had been at www.gadwin.com/download. You can also download their free software received and letting me know the can choose from six different image and go ahead and fill it in at home. It approximate date my refund would formats and they can be resized. interviews you as you go through it, be deposited to my account. They Their Web site says PrintScreen 2.0 asking you questions of all types were correct; it took ten days. I sent is an easy-to-use FREEWARE trying to get your information and them a complaint and they may have utility. data for computing your income tax. improved the stock transaction part. It takes a bit of getting used to and I It’s free so what could it hurt if you That's it for this month. Meet me made mistakes last year that I had to don’t like it. Remember that my here again next month if your editor go back and fix because of review for Tax Act on my Web site permits. This column is written to assumptions, but it does work. is a year old and I assume there are make user group members aware of improvements by now. special offers or freebies I have I used it last year and was a bit found or arranged, and my comments agitated by its constantly bugging me *Free Antivirus Software should not be interpreted to to buy their better version. Actually, encourage, or discourage, the I did eventually purchase the $9.95 AVG antivirus software by Grisoft purchase of any products, no matter upgrade, but mostly because it has a free version and I understand it how enthused I might sound. included one free electronic tax is pretty good. I have seen it filing. Taking that into consideration, recommended in several user group Bob (The Cheapskate) Click

the upgrade also has some newsletters, but I’ve not tried it Mailto: Bobclick*mindspring.com. comparison features included among myself. You can get it at other things and would actually only [ www.grisoft.com ]. A word of Please visit my Web site at: cost me $2.00 after doing the e-file warning though --- don’t try to have [ http://www.dealsguy.com ] for past since an e-file cost you $7.95 using more than one AV working at the columns and many interesting the free version. One shortcoming I same time because they often tend to articles I have taken from various felt it had was if you had any clash. users group newsletters.

- Secure Your Internet Connection - (Reprinted from Panda Software’s ties in systems with weak configuration “The general recommendations that email newsletter, Oxygen3) or that are not properly up-to-date. CERT® Coordination Center make in- < http://www.pandasoftware.com/ > Even though vendors include the latest clude: versions of software or provide CD- “Jan. 8, 2004 - The CERT® Coordina- ROMs with latest security patches, new “- If possible, connect systems behind a tion Center has published ‘Before You vulnerabilities still appear in the time hardware device with firewall func- Connect a New Computer to the Inter- that elapses between a PC being assem- tions to avoid exposing the PC directly net’, a guide aimed at home users, stu- bled and the first time it is used. For to the Internet. dents, small businesses, and those with this reason, all new computers connect- broadband connections to the Internet - ing to the Internet are potential victims, “- If the system includes one, enable it is also a useful guide for establishing as default settings are quite likely to be the firewall, to block connections from corporate security policies. less than secure. To this end, the guide other computers on the Internet. released by CERT® Coordination Cen- “The last few months have witnessed ter is particularly useful for connecting “- Disable non-essential services, such an increase in the number of threats, systems to the Internet for the first as file and print sharing. mainly worms, exploiting vulnerabili- time. (Continued on page 25)

The DataBus February 2004 Page 19

- More Benefits of Being a DMA® Member - Just look at the many money-saving member benefits listed below! If you manage or own a company or store, or know of one that would like to join in attracting DMA® customers, please contact Carol Ewing, [email protected] or 937-667-3259. As a Board Member, Carol is always listed on page 2 of The DataBus. Discounts are printed in The DataBus every month. They are also on the web site, www.dma.org

For more information on any of these discounts, call the store or email Carol Ewing - mailto: ewingc*dma.org.

Members MUST show their current membership card* to receive any discounts. Please check The DataBus each month for new and even more exciting discounts for our members. NOTE: Discounts are subject to change without prior notice.  Books & Co. 350 E. Stroop Rd.  PC Club Ohio - www.pcclub.com 937-298-6540 Kettering, OH 45429 291 N. Springboro Pike 2 6 0 2 Colonel Glenn Highway www.booksandco.com Miamisburg, OH 45342 F a irborn, OH 45324 937-434-3888 937-427-8808 20% off computer books ONLY. This discount does not apply to any other books, any magazines, or any other 5% off any regular priced product. Expires 5-1-04. items in the store. Please take computer book purchases to

the regular cash registers, not Special Orders Desk.  CompUSA www.compusabusiness.com 221 N. Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449  Borders Books Music & Cafe 2040 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton, OH 45459 937-436-7239 Valid thru 9-30-04 937-434-3800 Call Marty White or stop at Corporate Desk, M-F 8-6. Discount of 20% on computer books (except NET books). Order pickup other hours at the Customer Service Desk. Computers - Lower of: 10% over cost or shelf price Please remind them DMA® is on their “Corporate Listing” Software - Lower of: 15% over cost or shelf price  Dayton's Original Pizza Factory Accessories - Lower of: 10% under retail or shelf price 1101 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH Training - $149.00 (reg. $199) course voucher 937-224-4477 Discount is 10% off any pizza order, and  The Mac Depot Discount of 20% off any pizza order over $50.00 2025 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering, OH 45420 Not valid with any other discount coupon or offer. 937-643-2667 Save 25% off Macintosh Computer Repair.  Dorothy Lane Market www.dorothylane.com Discount applies to labor charges only; excludes parts. Oakwood Washington Square Springboro 2710 Far Hills Ave. 6177 Far Hills Ave. 740 N. Main St. Maximum discount is $25.00 Valid through 31 Dec. 2003 Dayton, OH 45419 Dayton, OH 45459 Springboro, OH 45066 937-299-3561 937-434-1294 937-748-6800 Go to the DMA® web site for information on how to sign up. You will be  Ohio Custom Computer mailed a free Club DLM card to receive store discounts. Use your Club DLM 1866 S. Maple Ave. Fairborn, OH 45324 card with EVERY purchase to receive special offers. The Club DLM card is 937-879-9650 www.ohiocomputer.com also honored at other participating retailers. DMA® can get up to a 1% rebate on your purchases. DMA® Charity # 518. 5% off regular priced items - valid through 12-2003.

Fairborn Camera & Video 14 E Main St Fairborn, OH 45324  Sam's Club Sam's Club 937-878-4392 mailto: faircam*erinet.com 6955 Miller Lane 1111 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd. 10% off digital camera accessories when purchased with any Dayton, OH 45414 Dayton, OH 45459 digital camera or digital camcorder. Valid through 5-31-2004. 937-454-6200 937-436-0299

www.samsclub.com  GEMAIR, Inc. (See ad on page 15.) DMA 2555 S. Dixie Hwy, Suite 102, Kettering, OH 45419-1532 ® membership card qualifies you to receive an Advantage Mem- 937-913-0083 or 877-443-6247 (toll free) bership for $35.00. This is for you & anyone in your household. But www.gemair.com Special DMA $149.95 they must live at the same address as the DMA® member. Call Sam’s ® member rate Club, identifying yourself as a DMA annually (equivalent to $12.50 / month). ® member, for information on their specials of the current month.

 Microsoft Press Books  Nuclear Computers 20% off, all DMA® members: 6333 N. Dixie Dr. a) Visit http://mspress.microsoft.com b) Select a book. Dayton, OH 45414 mailto: nuclearcomputers*hotmail.com c) Call 1-800-MSPRESS d) Give them the code MCPC 937-264-8260 (indicating you are a User Group member). 10% off labor bill over one (1) hour in Shop.

If you have a question or problem with a Benefit Discount Store, contact Carol Ewing. DO NOT HASSLE THE STORE ! Be sure to mention you learned about these discounts in The DataBus. *For a membership card, send a SASE to: DMA® Membership, PO Box 4005, Dayton, OH 45401-4005

Page 20 February 2004 The DataBus

- DMA® Member Benefits - Page 2! - It was just a matter of time before we had to start Page 2! Check out these newest additions to your member benefits.

If you manage or own a company or store, or know of one that would like to join in attracting DMA® customers, please contact Carol Ewing, [email protected] or 937-667-3259. As a Board Member, Carol is always listed on page 2 of The DataBus. Discounts are printed in The DataBus every month. They are also on the web site, www.dma.org.

For more information on any of these discounts, call the store or email Carol Ewing - mailto: ewingc*dma.org.

Members MUST show their current membership card to receive any discounts. Please check The DataBus each month for new and even more exciting discounts for our members. NOTE: Discounts are subject to change without prior notice.

Click Camera & Video Down Home Dreams - www.dhd-emb.com Nine area locations - see www.clickcamera.com 433 Troy St. www.embroiderydreamers.com 10% off digital camera accessories with purchase of Dayton, OH 45404 any digital camera or digital camcorder. 937-224-4586 10% off prints from digital cameras. 10% off all regular priced items to DMA® members. Not valid with any other coupons or offers. 25% off all regular priced items to DMA® members Valid through 12-31-2004. who are also members of the Digital Textiles SIG. May not be combined with other offers.  O'Reilly & Associates - www.oreilly.com

Members get 20%* off any O'Reilly book they pur-  Another great member discount will chase directly from O'Reilly. Just use code DSUG be coming to this space soon. when ordering. *Group purchases with better discounts are available *** Watch for it! ***

For more information Call (937) 913-0083 Locally

Welcome to our newest DMA® members

May your association with DMA® bring you many new If you would like to friends, be enjoyable, informative & entertaining. automatically receive Introduce yourselves to those around you when you attend our meetings. Any questions? occasional mailings describing the upcoming Since the January 2004 issue of The DataBus meeting topic and other

Last Name First Name City Last Name First Name City timely DMA® news, simply place "subscribe dma-

announce” (without the (None of this month new members indicated quotes) in an email ’s they wanted their names published, and so message area and send none are listed here.) that message to: [email protected]

The DataBus February 2004 Page 21

- Former DMA® President Turns 50! - by Dave Lundy, DataBus staff th Randy Young isn’t so young any more! His 50 birthday was Friday, December 26, 2003. His loving (and devious) fam- ily arranged a surprise birthday party for him on New Year’s Eve. It was attended by several of his friends, including some DMA® members. Fire alarms went off when all his candles were lit and it took a great effort to blow them out.

More pictures are at < www.dma.org/randy-50.shtml >.

- Microsoft Tips and Tricks (cont.) - (Continued from page 14) Copy Ctrl+C bar, Enter, or type a period, the abbre- Close a lot of programs at once Paste Ctrl+V viation will be replaced with the full Ctrl-click the icons on the taskbar to Cut Ctrl+X text. select several or all at once, right-click Bold Ctrl+B any of them and click Close. Case Convert Shift+F3 Spacing Thesaurus Shift+F7 Single Ctrl+1 Find a desktop icon quickly Double Ctrl+2 Click in background and press first Auto correct shortcuts 1 1/2 Ctrl+5 letter, repeat for more. Click Tools, then AutoCorrect. In the Replace box, type the abbreviation you Auto-text Tips and Tricks in MS Word want to use (ex. DMA). In the With Create and select text with desired for- box, type the full expanded text (ex. matting, press Alt+F3, give it a short Control (Ctrl+) keys Dayton Microcomputer Association, name. To insert, type short name and Select All Ctrl+A INC.). In that example, any time you press F3. type DMA, as soon as you press Space-

Page 22 February 2004 The DataBus

- DMA® Board Minutes - December 1, 2003 - by Carol Ewing DMA® Board Secretary DMA® Board of Trustees Meeting Motion made by Ron Williamitis, Gary Computerfest® Strategic Planning Call to Order: Gary Mullins at 7 p.m. Turner 2nd, to open nominations. Yes- Committee - Randy Young. Proposal 5, No-0, Abstain-0. Motion passed. not taken to last Computerfest® meet- Trustees and Officers present: Gary ing, will take to Dec 7 meeting. Turner, Millard Mier, Carol Ewing, Ron Williamitis nominated Jim Rowe. Ron Williamitis, Dale Childs, Gary Millard Mier nominated John Har- GEMAIR - John Friedenbach. Sent Mullins. Treasurer Susan Kendall. greaves. financials. May have to transfer funds. Absent: Lisa Singh. Gary Turner nominated Susan Kendall. GEMAIR board must approve and pro- Carol Ewing nominated Terry Drill. pose new President to DMA® board Visitors present: John Hargreaves, Millard Mier nominated Bob Ruby. for approval. Paul Ahlquist is consider- George Ewing, Jim Rowe, Bob Kwater, ing position. Bob Ruby, Peter Hess, Paul Ahlquist, Jim Rowe asked a trustee to nominate Randy Young, Dennis Waters. Randy Young, Randy declined. Mo- Budget - John Friedenbach. Didn't get tion made by Ron Williamitis, Gary numbers from Gail Young, Computer- Recognition of Visitors. Turner 2nd, to close nominations. Yes- fest® Fall 2004 Show Chairman, as 5, No-0, Abstain-0. Motion passed. requested. Motion made by Ron Wil- Officers Reports: liamitis, Susan Kendall 2nd, to accept A written vote was taken. John Har- 2004 budget as road map and working President - Gary Mullins. Attended greaves and Susan Kendall are the new document. Yes-6, No-0, Abstain-1. APCUG and Comdex. Will have re- Trustees. Motion passed. We need to work on ports for board and newsletter later. budget constantly, Gary Mullins hopes Comdex a lot smaller than last year, Committee Reports: to have quarterly budget review meet- vendors unhappy. APCUG roundtables ings. Gary Turner said that we need to were disappointing, but got a lot of Membership - Carol Ewing. Novem- look at Computerfest® budget for cut- good information overall. ber general meeting had 72 in atten- ting costs, especially advertising. dance. Membership is 740, about 15% Vice-President - Gary Turner. Nothing drop due to Gemair customers leaving. Hara-TW - Bob Ruby. Handed out except agenda items. We tried a new Pizza Sig - Cici's. Mo- proposal, wants separate books and tion by Ron Williamitis, Millard Mier committee pay bills. They have $300 Secretary - Carol Ewing. Motion by 2nd, because of survey we switch Pizza budget, to send receipts to Treasurer. Ron Williamitis, Millard Mier 2nd, to SIG to CiCi's for the foreseeable future. Gary Mullins said we need a proposed approve 11-3-03 board minutes. Yes-5, Yes-7, No-0, Abstain-0. Motion budget for board to review, Bob will No-0, Abstain-0. Motion passed. Any- passed. (Two new Trustees are voting) re-write proposal with budget to be one wanting to be "quoted for the re- No insurance issues on alcohol avail- emailed before Jan. board meeting. cord", just state that and it will be put ability since DMA® is not providing or in minutes as said. Do not vote on ac- selling alcohol. Break: 8:30-8:45 p.m. cepting a last month's board meeting minutes unless you have read them and OTAP - Randy Young. Completed Old Business: agree all is correct. Grace Brethren project for APCUG grant award. Rest of requests are dead. Programs - Need committee chairman Treasurer - Susan Kendall. No report Approximately $2600 in account. ASAP. Gary Mullins will contact Lisa because of server problems. Gary Mul- Found letter to DMA® from landlord Singh. Photography SIG may have lins said to handwrite bills before get- on trash problems dated 9-14-02. Gary general meeting presentation. We need ting behind. Mullins will call Dave Smith. Carol minimum 100 attendees for national Ewing will check on building usage speakers. Elections: form in OTAP mail box. Holiday shut- We have two trustee openings for one down Dec 22 until second week in Audit/Review - Gary Turner. He and year left on a three-year term expiring January. Gary Mullins visited another firm, will Sept. 2004. People accepting nomina- have two bids. He will email all info tions are John Hargreaves, Susan Computerfest® - John Daniel. NO ASAP and ask Trustee opinions before Kendall, Jim Rowe, Terry Drill, Bob report sent, Carol sent agenda re- Jan. 2004 board meeting. Ruby. Darlene Sye was contacted and minder. declined to run. (Continued on page 24)

The DataBus February 2004 Page 23

- Minutes of December 1, 2003 (cont.) - Do We Need User Groups ? (Continued from page 23) Computerfest® Fall 2004 - Gail Young Recently I received a email announc- Building Manager - Dave Smith ing the demise of a PC user group. StreaminGiant (SG) - Gary Turner. 50/50 Door Prizes - Bob Kwater. The reason: “There is no longer a Moving along. Plan to bring to board at Motion made by Ron Williamitis, John need.” Such a statement reminds of Jan. 2004 board meeting. Will forward Hargreaves 2nd, move to approve the sudden demise of the Boston contract to board for review ASAP. printed list. Yes-6, No-0, Abstain-1. Computer Society over ten years ago: Motion passed. “No longer needed.” Publications - Millard Mier. Millard handed out sample of 4-page handout. Server at 119 Valley - Gary Mullins. As time passed, we learned the BCS Proposed lower paper quality and ap- Dave Smith is working on server. with over 30,000 members (yes, count prove deletions. Ron Williamitis said the zeros), a dozen and a half full- for the record, "for purpose for show- TechFest 2004 - Carol Ewing. Will be time employees, a monthly newspaper ing board means what it says about Feb. 21 & 22 at Sinclair. Carol and with a SIG meeting list longer than budget cuts, I fully endorse going to the George Ewing worked all weekend last your arm, renowned business support cheapest paper possible in present for- year, Lisa Singh and Rammy Mey- and classroom facilities addressing mat". Carol Ewing said most members erowitz worked several hours. Gary both member and corporate needs, want printed copies, wants to offer op- Ganger brought part of his Computer was unrecoverably in debt. tion of online or hardcopy on applica- Museum. Carol said we need volun- tions. John Hargreaves said newsletter, teers as she will not work it all week- So what happened to all those BCS especially SIG list, is very important in end again. Volunteers are Susan Kend- members? Some, of course, formed recruiting new members at Computer- all, Gary Turner, Ron Williamitis, Gary new user groups; some didn’t. Many fest®. Millard will get quotes. Mullins., Peter Hess., Bob Ruby. John in the specialized SIGs along the 128 Daniel has said he wants Computer- corridor continued meeting, in many Volunteer of the Month - Gary Mul- fest® volunteers working also. cases so technically specialized they lins. For January 2004 is Nancy Chris- never reached the radar of the infant tolear. Executive Session – Gary Mullins. international Association of PC User Motion made by Ron Williamitis, Groups (APCUG). Holiday Dinner - Gary Turner. Has Millard Mier 2nd, to go into Executive tickets, $20. Dec 15 at UD. Dave Session. Yes-7, No-0, Abstain-0. Mo- And what about this latest that just Lundy will email membership. Micro- tion passed. folded. From all appearances, rather soft Mindshare sent boxes, must find Went into executive session - 9:35 p.m. than a team of leaders working to- more boxes for door prizes. Motion Out of executive session - 9:55 p.m. gether in a 501(c3) educational envi- made by Carol Ewing, John Hargreaves ronment, this group appeared to be a 2nd, we spend up to $100 for Holiday Good of the Order: one-man show. He was and is still a dinner door prizes. Yes-7, No-0, Ab- Millard Mier - Welcome, John superstar in the PC world. And like stain-0. Motion passed. Motion made Carol Ewing - Welcome, John and all of us, maybe he got tired, had been by Ron Williamitis, Millard Mier 2nd, Susan unable to raise up leadership behind to honor John Friedenbach as DMA® Ron Williamitis - Proud that we follow him (a normal superstar problem), Volunteer of the Year. Yes-7, No-0, what we say on budget cuts. and eventually saw no more need for Abstain-0. Motion passed. John Hargreaves - Have patience till I that user group. (Please: Time may get up to speed reveal a different story.) New Business: Dale - Welcome, new trustees Committee Chairs - Gary Mullins. Susan - Welcome, John Do we need user groups? Following list proposed: Gary Turner - Have Holiday dinner I’ve been around over twenty years. dmapub - Gary Turner tickets My answer, emphatically: “Yes!” OTAP - Randy Young Gary Mullins – Welcome, both new Budget - John Friedenbach/Susan trustees Why? Kendall Most of what is learned about PCs, Financial Review - Gary Turner Adjournment: yesterday and today, is the result of Membership - Carol Ewing Motion made by Millard Mier, Carol one poor beggar showing another Hara-IT - Bob Ruby Ewing 2nd, to adjourn. Yes-7, No-0, poor beggar what they discovered. As Publications - Millard Mier Abstain-0. Motion passed. PC prices plummet, as hardware SG - Gary Turner power grows, as applications become Computerfest® SPC - Randy Young Meeting adjourned at 10 p.m. more sophisticated and capable, as Computerfest® Spring 2004 - John § intuitiveness replaces documentation, Daniel (Continued on page 25)

Page 24 February 2004 The DataBus

Do We Need User Groups ? (cont.) Trouble with ZoneAlarm Secure Your Internet Connection (cont.) (Continued from page 24) & Norton Antivirus (Continued from page 19) as the Internet penetrates the world, as - After applying the advice above, by Dave Lundy, DataBus staff “ networking methodologies change connect to the Internet and immediately and explode, there are knowledgeable If your email client (e.g. Netscape download any software patches needed people around, but nobody knows it Mail, Outlook, etc.) doesn't prompt from known trusted sites (e.g. the all! for your password or receive any mes- software vendor's). sages when new messages are known One may not realize it: everyone to exist in a Windows system running “The CERT® Coordination Center knows something many others wish ZoneAlarm (or similar firewall) after document also includes specific details they knew. I need you. And hope- updating your Norton antivirus soft- depending on the operating system in- fully, I help you. That is what we ware signatures, check that Common stalled -Microsoft Windows XP, Apple should be about. Client CC App is granted Internet Macintosh OSX-, and some references access in the firewall. It often hap- for Unix and Linux systems. Future pens after updating Norton antivirus Is there any wonder that those of us software signatures that Common “Once the system is up-to-date, who recognize the gaps in our knowl- Client CC App (a part of Norton CERT® Coordination Center recom- edge gather in groups wanting help. antivirus) is disabled from accessing mends installing and using an antivirus These self-help groups are called PC the Internet by ZoneAlarm because it program, which should also be kept user groups. And I think PC user was also updated along with the new updated, and enabling automatic check- groups will be around for another virus signatures. It’s good that ing for and downloading of updates. It twenty years. ZoneAlarm disables Internet access also offers two guides for establishing * * * for programs that are changed good practice and keeping home or Editorial written by Les J. Kizer, Edi- (possibly due to malicious activity), small office systems secure.” tor - BayBytes, Greater Tampa Bay but this particular one seems to get PC Users Group changed often with virus updates and The guide is available at:

Mailto: editor*gtbpcug.org it’s a nuisance to keep resetting it. http://snipurl.com/3r13 Map courtesy of Millard Mier III, DMA®

Our Monthly Meeting Location

We’re still meeting at U.D.’s Miriam Hall in O’Leary Auditorium, ...and still on the last Tuesday of each month. Miriam However, you should Hall know that Gary Mullins and others continue to look into alternate loca- tions (due to the fact that it appears we may out- grow O'Leary Auditorium).

Any changes to our meet- ing location will appear on the DMA® web site and also in The DataBus.

Add’l directions online at: http://www.dma.org/to-us.html

The DataBus February 2004 Page 25

Certification SIG To Go SECURITY+ Digital Photography SIG by George Ewing, Certification SIG co-leader by Joseph Solch, Temporary SIG leader DMA munications, infrastructure and opera- ®’s Certification SIG is changing The January meeting was a great training gears and will start studying for tions. The CompTIA Security+ certifi- show-and-tell session. Millard Mier the CompTia cation is a strong foundation that can be ’s Security+ certification. III wowed us with a Nikon D100 applied to a wide variety of careers in We are currently selecting the study many industries. Combined with net- digital camera equipped with an 80- materials for the training. We had over working experience and expertise, the 400 mm stabilized lens (value about 50 people registered for our LINUX+ Security+-certified individual can ex- $12,000!). That camera and lens, a training. The attendance ranged from pand their career options. night scope to check for tigers 40 to 15 at our sessions. Why not all looking for a snack, and a 40 GB 50? Well, since we meet twice a For more information visit storage system will accompany him month, some of the members attend just www.comptia.org/certification/security/ on safari in India during the next two the Tuesdays, some the Wednesdays, default.asp. months. Assuming he stays well and some both and others did it remotely. in one piece, we hope to get a few All are learning and that is the purpose DMA®’s Certification SIG meets the emails with pictures during his big of the Certification SIG. 2nd Tuesday and the 4th Wednesday of adventure and a real photo tour when each month, 7 p.m., at 119 Valley St. in he returns. As George Lee and I plan our studies, Dayton. See www.dma.org/to-us.html we hope to have some guest ‘trainers’ for directions. If you are interested in We also heard about new video from industry to make learning more participating, please email us at capture devices, cameras (both still ‘fun’. Several of the topics we will be mailto: certsig*dma.org so we can start a list and video), and slide show software. covering include: General Security and know how many ‘kits’ to prepare. Discussion then centered on topics Concepts, Communication Security, for the next couple of meetings. We Infrastructure Security, Basics of Cryp- We look forward to seeing you at our decided to cover photo album tography, and Opera- SIG meetings. tional/Organizational Security. software (Adobe Photoshop Album George Ewing & George Lee, SIG V2, Jasc Paint Shop Photo Album The Security+ certification is recog- Leaders V4, etc.) in the February meeting. As with all DMA® meetings, please nized around the world as the bench- Email: mailto: certsig*dma.org mark for foundation-level security pro- http://www.dma.org/certification/ check the website www.dma.org for fessionals. Incorporating a comprehen- details! sive range of security knowledge areas, Security+ was developed with input Digital Photography SIG meetings from industry, government, academia are normally held at 7:00 p.m. on the and front-line practitioners, so you can first Thursday of the month at Wright Check out a be assured of its relevance. State University. Due to scheduling SIG meeting problems, the meeting room at WSU All industries need a trained and effec- this month. may change from month to month. tive IT workforce to combat hackers, The next two meetings, February 5th attackers and security threats. With this and March 4th, will be located in certification, you can take steps towards room 225 of Allyn Hall. Visitor becoming fully qualified to maintain parking is available in Lot 6 at WSU the integrity of an organization's com- (just follow the signs on campus). Across from the parking lot, you will Pizza SIG To Remain At CiCi’s see three buildings against the main Based on positive member feedback, - all of this for only $3.99! Soft drinks road (University Boulevard). Allyn and by confirmation vote of DMA are extra. ®’s Hall is the left building. For more Board of Trustees, the location of the information, you can email us at traditional post-General Meeting Pizza CiCi’s Pizza is located at 3050 S. Dixie mailto: digiphot-contact*dma.org, visit the SIG will remain at CiCi’s Pizza in Ket- Dr. (northbound side just south of tering for the foreseeable future. Dorothy Lane) in the former Hills & web site at www.dma.org (and select Dales shopping center complex. Join Special Interest Groups on the CiCi's Pizza offers an all-you-can-eat us there on January 27th, immediately menu), or phone Joseph Solch at buffet featuring 16(!) kinds of pizza, after the General Meeting, for quality 937-845-3889. make your own pasta, salad and dessert food, fun and friendships. §

Page 26 February 2004 The DataBus

Additional Area User Groups

This list is provided as a service to CCCC http://snipurl.com/3zjd - Cincinnati DECUS - the Digital Equipment anyone looking for a group Commodore Computer Club meets the third Computer Users Society is the world's supporting a particular computer, Sunday of the month at 2:00 PM at the largest volunteer-run computer users operating system, etc. School of the Nativity, Norwood, OH. For organization focused on a single vendor. more info call Ed Gase at (513) 829-0942. The Greater Dayton Local Users Group Chapter meets the last Tuesday of every These user groups are not directly month. Contact: Jim Poltrone (937) 438- associated with DMA CCS www.ccscmh.org - Columbus Computer ®. See page 4 Society holds two meetings per month: the 0140 for a list of DMA ®’s Special Interest second Monday (at Chemical Abstracts) (SIG) Groups & their meeting times. and the Wednesday nine days later IEEE http://snipurl.com/3zk8 - The (OCLC). 6:30 p.m. - New member Computer Society of IEEE meets third If you know of a user group which would orientation; 7pm General meeting. For Thursday of each month from 11:30- like to have their meeting schedule listed further information, contact their 12:30 during lunch (can vary). Bring own here, send details or a current newsletter to: Information line at (614) 447-0227. lunch. Meetings are held at TASC, across EDITOR, DMA®’s The DataBus from Wright State University. Contact DAYTON MICROCOMPUTER ASSOC. CINTUG www.cintug.org - Cincinnati Bret Givens at (937) 255-8635. TriState Users Group meets the 2nd Sat- 119 Valley St. urday at Messiah Lutheran Church. Go NASAC (Xenia PC users group) – meets Dayton, OH 45401-4005 South from Forest Fair Mall on Winton 7pm on 2nd Thursdays in at Library, 76 Road and turn left on Lakeview Dr. (on E. Market St., (1/2 block E. of Detroit St / ACM www.acm.org - Association for the north side of Winton Lake) then left on RT.68), behind Police Dept, downtown. Computing Machinery holds monthly dinner Bossi Lane. Contact Terry Ferguson at Visit our website at www.nasac.org for meetings, dinner 6:30 PM, 7:30 p.m. speaker. (937) 825-2505 for more information. details. Contact Marie Hreha (937) 435-7822 CPCUG - Cincinnati Personal Computer TMG/ The MAC Group http://snipurl.com/3zk9 AITP www.aitp.org - Association of Users Group meets the second Monday of - is an Apple Corp. authorized Macintosh Information Technology Professionals the month at 7pm in the auditorium of User Group. Meets: 2nd Saturday of each (formerly DPMA) meets the 2nd the Cincinnati State College - Evendale month at Kettering Arts Building 2900 Thursday each month. Holds dinner Branch at 10100 Reading Road. For Acosta St., Kettering. from 10:00 AM to meetings at the Antioch Shrine Temple at more information call (513) 333-6777 12:30 PM. More information? Call (937) 107 E. First St, Dayton [1st & Jefferson]. or see www.cincypcug.org. 293-6980. Contact Jim Stryker (937) 865- 6800x2599 for details. DACUG http://snipurl/3zjv - Dayton Area Computer Users Group meets the second Saturday of each month at 3:00 P.M. at the AMITECH AMIGA USERS GROUP - (AMIGA-DAYTON has merged with Moraine Civic Center in Moraine. Contact Mailing Label Explanation: this group.) Meets the third Saturday of Mona Spurgeon at (937)298-6743. If this issue was mailed to you, the month at 1:30 PM at the Huber you will see your membership Heights Library. A Programming SIG DAYTON.PM - A group for number (left) and your will meet after the general meeting. Soft programmers of all levels who use Perl. membership expiration date drinks/snacks will be provided. Contact Meetings: 2nd Wed. of each month. (right) are on the line above your Ron Schwartz, (937) 434-2144. Website at ???????.pm.org or contact: name.

mailto: eric.smith*b2.wpafb.af.mil If it wasn’t mailed to you, it only BDPA www.bdpadayton.org - The Black costs $25.00 per year to be kept Data Processing Associates is made up of DACW - Dayton Advocates for Com- up-to-date with DMA® news and data processing entrepreneurs, managers, puting Women, meets the 4th Mon. of ea. with our next speaker/ and employees. Their objective is to mo. Oct-May, (except Dec.) at the presentation. accumulate d.p. knowledge and business Stockyards Inn. Networking is at 5:30, 6 To become a member, simply fill PM dinner, 7 PM speaker. Contact Chris experience to strengthen the expertise and out the application at the center of Zurbuchen 227-9500x303(days), 767- broaden the data processing knowledge of this issue and mail it to the 1043(evenings) or mailto: dacwweb*yahoo.com the minority data processing community as a address on the back cover. whole. Email to: mailto: nfo*bdpadayton.org.

The DataBus February 2004 Page 27 DMA® Events for January 18 - February 28, 2004 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Jan 18 Jan 19 Jan 20 Jan 21 Jan 22 Jan 23 Jan 24 Apple SIG Gaming SIG 7:00 PM 119 Valley 7:00 PM on-line

Jan 25 Jan 26 Jan 27 Jan 28 Jan 29 Jan 30 Jan 31 Main Meeting Certification Computerfest® Planning 11 AM 119 Valley St 7:30 PM O'Leary 7:00 PM 119 Valley Northern SIG Auditorium, Miriam Hall 12 PM Edison College

Feb 1 Feb 2 Feb 3 Feb 4 Feb 5 Feb 6 Feb 7 Board of Directors Amateur Digital 9 AM - 2 PM OTAP 7:00 PM 119 Valley Radio Photography 3:00 PM Classic The DataBus deadline is 7:00 PM 119 Valley 7:00 PM 225 Allyn Hall Computers the 1st day of each month. Feb 8 Feb 9 Feb 10 Feb 11 Feb 12 Feb 13 Feb 14 Network & Perl Mongers Software 9 AM - 2 PM OTAP Certification 7:00 PM 119 Valley Development Valentine's Day 7:00 PM 119 Valley 6:30 PM 119 Valley Lincoln's Birthday Feb 15 Feb 16 Feb 17 Feb 18 Feb 19 Feb 20 Feb 21 Apple SIG Gaming SIG Digital Textiles 9 AM - 2 PM OTAP 7:00 PM 119 Valley 7:00 PM on-line 7:00 PM 119 Valley Computerfest® Planning Linux / Unix 11 AM 119 Valley St 7:00 PM Rm 150 Russ Engr 3:00 PM Classic Computers Ctr, WSU Feb 22 Feb 23 Feb 24 Feb 25 Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 Computerfest® Main Meeting Certification Northern SIG Planning 7:30 PM O'Leary 7:00 PM 119 Valley 12 PM Edison College 2 PM 119 Valley Auditorium, Miriam Hall The DataBus deadline is Washington's Birthday the 1st day of each month.

Remember:  Next DMA® General Meeting is Jan. 27 in O’Leary Auditorium, Miriam Hall

 Send membership applications & renewals to P.O. Box 340402, Beavercreek, OH

TM

Dayton Microcomputer Association, Inc. Nonprofit PO Box 340402 Organization Beavercreek OH 45434-0402 U.S. Postage Pd Dayton OH

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