Moderated by Frank Myers



  1. Member read that Windows 7 would be replacing Vista operating system. Is that correct?
      2. Answer:
    • Yes, it will probably be released close to Christmas. For those using XP it will be impossible to go to Windows 7 without doing extra work. You need lots of memory and a fast computer. Those using Vista now they will be able to upgrade to Windows 7. However, it is not necessary to upgrade if you are using XP and are happy with it. Frank feels XP will be around for a long time.

  2. Are they working on Windows 8 already?
      3. Answer:
    • Probably

  3. Will we be going to a 64 bit operating system vs. 32?
      4. Answer:
    • Probably, because 64 bit allows for a much larger RAM. With 32 bit you are at a maximum of 3GB of RAM. Faster means more RAM and 64 bit gives you an enormous number for reference purposes. Certainly more than is currently available.

  4. Are there any outstanding advantages of Windows 7?
      5. Answer:
    • No, but some nice features. Some say it's Vista, fixed up to work faster. Frank and Charlie have three operating systems, and are able to navigate between them without a lot of problems.

  5. A member said that when he exits from items on the taskbar, they keep coming back.Why?.
      6. Answer:
    • Frank demonstrated how to go to "Start" "Run" and enter "msconfig" and click OK.
      The System Configuration Utility window pops up.
      Click on the "Startup" tab and remove the tick mark in the little box to the left of the program that you want to remove from the taskbar. If you want to put it back later, then just repeat and put a tick mark back beside that item.
      To make the removal permanent, you MUST click the "Apply" button at the bottom of the window. It asks to reboot, but if you have exited the program then it is not necessary to reboot at this time. However, if you fail to click "Apply" when you reboot, the item is back on the taskbar. That is why it will not stay off the taskbar by just exiting the program.

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  6. How to stop everything running?
      7. Answer:
    • For installing SP3 you need to disable all non MS processes and all running programs. See the website, Software page and scroll way down to the bottom for instructions.

  7. Trying to print from screen?
      8. Answer:
    • Frank demonstrated how to use "FastStone Capture".
      Run/ start up/ FastStone Capture/ Feature (looks like monitor) / copy/ print it or save as a file.
      It is a ".jpg" and you could put it in a word document.
      Print key is an old version of FastStone Capture.
      Frank demonstrated putting text on the captured page. He said, "It is a beautiful thing to use with photo shop." and on capturing data or images from internet sites.

      From Q&A May 13, 2008: How can I capture off the screen with Fastone Capture?
      * Start Fastone Capture.
      * Click on the leftmost button, "Capture Active Window".
      * On the Fastone Toolbar just made, Click on Rectangle.
      * Position the cross hairs where you wish to start and hold left mouse button down
      * Drag over the area you wish to capture continuing down off the screen and save.
      * To capture the whole scrolling screen, click on the blue arrow pointing down
      * Then click on Capture Scrolling Window
      * Then click anywhere on the screen and save.

      FastStone Scrolling Feature lets you take more information than is on the screen

      Member uses FastStoneCapture to get images off Facebook.
      Frank said he would get a better image if he "right clicked the mouse on the image and "save as". However, FastStone Image captures make smaller images and these type of images are great for attaching to emails.

  8. Member bought a laptop,and is not on the internet. Can you use the original Sympatico installation disk?
      9. Answer:
    • Yes you can.

  9. What is blue tooth?
      10. Answer:
    • Bluetooth is a wireless format for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices.

  10. Member heard Cogeco has high speed here in Brighton.
      11. Answer:
    • Yes. An engineer with Cogeco lives in Brighton and will be one of the presenters in the Fall.


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