Tekapo Building2nd Floor259 Stafford StTIMARUPhone: 688 4522Web Site: http://home.timaru.com/seniornet/

October 2016Newsletter

Next NewsletterJanuary 2017

    Question and Answer 6th October

WHERE: SENIORNET ROOMS2ND FLOOR

TEKAPO BUILDING159 STAFFORD STREET

WHEN: THURSDAY OCTOBER 2016TIME: 1.30 PM

GET ANSWERS TO YOUR COMPUTER PROBLEMS.INTERESTING SPEAKERS

Come along and join in the fun and help encouragemembers of the public to join SeniorNet. Tell them aboutyour own experience and all the advantages of being a

member of SeniorNet

Trademe and Tablets 2 hour courses

$10 is for members,non-members $30 including $20 to cover membership.

Presidents ReportHello All,

Our 2016 year of classes draws to an end with the last 6 week blockcommencing on October 25th. The 2017 classes will start again in thefirst week of February and there will be a newsletter sent out in mid-January to give you details of the classes.

I hope all of you who attended classes this year received the helpand knowledge that you needed for you to get the most out of using yourcomputer. There is such a wide range of uses that we put our computersto and it is often difficult to cater for everybody’s needs. Often it is onlyafter using a computer for a time that you find other things you wouldlike to do with it. If you feel that there are new subjects or software thatwe could have classes on please let us know and we will see if it ispossible to add them to the list.

Windows 10 has now been out for 1 year and those of us are whohave it are now settling in to using its new features and look. There is amajor update on the way to mark the anniversary. You may havealready received it, if not, you will soon. While it’s been continuouslyupdated over the year this is much bigger – more like the Service packsthat came out for earlier versions of Windows. For those of you stillusing earlier versions of Windows you are not alone! As of April this yearonly 15% of desktops were Win10 while 48% used Win7 and 10% werestill using XP.

Regards,John

$10 is for members,

Wanted a single application, got five!PUP - sounds cute but has the potential to seriously bug you. This acronym stands forpotentially unwanted programs of which there are many that would like to infest your PC.What was once an issue only with smaller companies, flimsy freeware or disreputabledownload portals has unfortunately become common place. Read on to learn what you needto watch out for and why we occasionally get teary-eyed over this situation!

If you like to get your software through online magazines or bigger download portals and gowith the "recommended" or "express" setting for the installation you'll know this: Suddenly,you find yourself with various unknown programs, toolbars and modified launch pages inyour browsers. It's enough to drive even the most gentle of folks mad. With a little luck,your antivirus solution or your browser will issue a warning, otherwise, you'll get a lot morethan you asked for and will have to use all your cunning to get rid of the intruders.

Software providers use various methods to foist this software on you. Even if you select"Custom Installation" (the smartest way) you'll be faced with a couple of pitfalls. Doublenegations are designed to confuse you, options are presented as several tabs (easy to miss)and checkboxes are grayed out to make them appear disabled. Programs are touted asessential add-ons (they're not) or you have to click "Cancel" to skip their installation butcontinue with the main installation. Confusing? You bet, that's the name of the game. Youhave to read extra carefully and think before you click. If you're preparing for your barexam, this is where you'll find useful pointers on twisted thinking.

The prime motivation behind all of this is - you guessed it - money, lots of it. Distributorsmake a few cents off of every installation and should their users then decide to purchase thesoftware, they'll get an additional commission depending on their contract. This may soundgloomy but let's not be naive: Companies have to make money to survive. Download portalshave to pay a lot for servers, writers and designers. The question is how far they're willing togo to make a profit. It's highly unlikely that outraged users will visit your site a second time,are a few quick bucks really worth it? And any technical journal will lose a lot of credibilityif their online presence distributes unwanted programs along with articles such as "How toclean and maintain your PC".

This is not meant to be a sweeping blow: There is a thin line between different softwareproviders. I'm okay with it as long as it is fair. That means users are given enough detailsabout the software and are required to opt into the installation (by clicking a speciallyprepared checkbox). Unwanted installations as a result of hasty reading (happens to me, too)or a lapse in concentration while clicking "Next" should not be possible. Alas, very fewfollow these guidelines as they may diminish their profits (naturally).

We still receive a lot of offers for these "add-ons" - and some of them are really attractiveand promise yields that leave our bosses teary-eyed. But we've made our final decision notto distribute any more piggy-back installations more than three years ago. Whether it'sstandalone programs or toolbars - it was a mistake and we know it. I myself am glad thatwe've bailed out of this business. That's why you won't find any third-party software contentin any of our setup files. If you ever come across flimsy bonus applications bundled with our

software, feel free to contact the respective download portal, this is neither our doing norintent!

If you've become a victim of PUP, all you can do is delete the affected applications (e.g.through Windows' program manager) or restore your system, if push comes to shove sincesome programs won't show up in the program manager or have been so carelessly throwntogether that their removal will cause error messages. Blessed is he, who maintains regularbackups or uses software tools such as UnInstaller 6 (I had to mention the program to get myboss to stop throwing paper balls at me!) that log every single installation separately. It's badenough that you need such tools in the first place.

How do you deal with unwanted programs? Do you boycott the affected web sites or do youmeticulously click through each installation and hope for the best?

Everything in the cloud! Good idea or security risk?"Where are our vacation shots? Are they gone?" The women seemed on the verge of astress-related demise while holding her crushed cellphone in her hands. With a smile, herhusband (obviously a model for tooth bleaching) turned around and replied in a calm voice:"They can't be gone, they're in the cloud!" Domestic bliss had returned, it was joy all overagain, the coffee is ready.

That about sums up the essence of most ads run by cloud service providers. It doesn't matterif a piano drops on you, you're data will still be safe. Whether that's the case is another storysince ads are known to exaggerate.

Let's start at the beginning: Using cloud storage means your data (photos, documents andeven entire backups) has to be uploaded to a server provided by a cloud service provider.This server is basically an Internet connected hard disk. To access your files later, yousimply download them to your local disk. In the case of Dropbox, this means you'll have anapp on your cellphone, tablet and computer that allows you to upload/download filesthrough all of your devices. This comes in handy when you need to access a document fromany place or work collaboratively on the same document with others. At first, the idea thateverything is safe and sound and always accessible online seems great.

My cellphone is a good example that perfectly demonstrates the fine line betweenconvenience and privacy/security thinking. If I wanted, I could have all my data backupped to the cloud to the point where, should I have to get a replacement of the same brandand model, I could simply log into my cloud service and have all my files, contacts, photosetc. restored to their original state. Sounds great, right? At least until you start thinking aboutwhat gets saved - and where. Do I really want to have my biometric passport photo stored onsome server in China though I know nothing about their security measures and data privacypolicies?

Naturally, storage providers take the utmost care and apply immaculate security measures,by their account. Everything is continuously monitored with state of the art technology andall file transfers are encrypted. Is that enough to calm me down? File encryption, as providedby most cloud services, is a bit of a two-edged sword since the encryption key is also storedon their machines. This means their staff can access my files and so can every hacker thatmanages to break into their systems.

Furthermore, even the biggest players provide little to no details on the whereabouts of theirservers. Google, Microsoft and many others are unusually discreet about this information.What good are fierce looking administrators that fight day and night to protect my dataagainst hackers when their own government would like to take a look at my stuff? How easyis it to snoop around in my files? After all, there are huge differences in laws betweenEurope and the United States! The current legal dispute between the FBI and Apple showshow easily national interests can collide with data protection and privacy. And by the way:The thought of Kim Jong Un looking at the photos from my last barbecue party isfrightening.

It also pays to look closely at the privacy policies of each cloud service provider. WhileMicrosoft OneDrive happily scans all your files for illegal content, other providers collectdata to share it with "trustworthy third parties". Naturally, many providers need to processyour name, your email address, your phone number, your bank account information andyour mailing address to "improve their own services". And we'd all love to believe that.Here's a tip: Before signing up with a cloud storage provider take the time to study their datapolicies and EULA. It'll surely make for a thrilling reading experience!

When I think of the cloud I can't help but also think of hackers. Reports of hacked cloudservices come out quite regularly and few providers such as Evernote or Dropbox openlyadmit to that. Every company knows that customer trust is key to business success which iswhy most companies choose to stay tight-lipped. The rational computer scientist in me saysthat big providers probably take better care of data protection than I do in my own fourwalls. If your business depends on your ability to protect against hackers, you'll most likelytake maximum precautions. Then again, when I lose my data it's my fault. When hackershave invaded the cloud, I can do nothing but wait and see how bad the damage will be.Entrusting someone else with your data requires a leap of faith.

That's why I have decided to only upload files to the cloud that I have encrypted myself.Programs such as Ashampoo Backup Pro 10 encrypt your data with strong AES-256encryption that, to this date, hasn't been broken. Aborange Crypter or Steganos Save (andmany others) also encrypt your files before uploading them to the cloud. This helps bridgethe gap between the advantages of cloud services and the benefits of keeping your own datasafe. And if you don't feel like joining the cloud, pull that external hard disk out of yourdrawer and use that instead. Works just as well!

Seniornet Committee 2015

President John Bain 684 3109 jbain@xtra.co.nz

Webpage &Newsletter Tim Leatham 688 8356 tleatham@gmail.com

seniornettimaru@gmail.com

Secretary Margot Kappler 688 8561 ama.r@xtra.co.nz

Treasurer Alastair Swann 688 5650 aswann@xtra.co.nz

Course ContactCourse Convenor Alma Wilson 688 4553 almaw@slingshot.co.nz

Course Payments Alastair Swann 688 5650 aswann@xtra.co.nz

Course Resources Margot KapplerJohn Bain

6888561684 3109

ama.r@xtra.co.nzjbain@xtra.co.nz

Tutors Convenor Lynette Melville 614 7644 melvilles@actrix.gen.nz

Advertising Errol O’Leary 688 6906 ep.oleary@xtra.co.nz

Handyman Errol O’Leary 688 6906 ep.oleary@xtra.co.nz

Committeee Robyn King 688 4522 regalk@es.co.nz

Non-Exec Office Bearers

ComputerMaintenance Gordon Bower 686 0268 g,bower@xtra.co.nz

Database Bill Small 688 6448 bill.small@xtra.co.nz

WAIVER: From time to time, this newsletter contains advice and tips on theoperation of computer associated equipment and software, and some of our mem-bers give help and advice on such matters. All such help or advice is given in goodfaith and must be taken solely at the recipient's risk and imposes no responsibilityor liability of any kind, either on those providing such help or advice or on SeniorNetSouth Canterbury Inc.

COURSES COSTS5/6 WEEKS $40 /4 WEEKS $30

NOTICE BOARD● ARE YOU INTERESTED IN LEARNING HOW TO GET

STARTED ON TRADE ME OR HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OFYOUR TABLET ?

● WE ARE RUNNING 2 HOUR COURSES LIMITED TO 6PEOPLE AT A TIME COSTING $10.00 EACH.

● PLEASE CONTACT ALMA AT 688 4553 AND IF ENOUGHINTEREST IS SHOWN WE WILL GO AHEAD WITH THESECOURSES.

Course Schedule for 2016Start of course Finish of course

1st February 9th March

21st March 28th April

16th May 22nd June

11th July 17th August

29th August 5th October

25th October 30th November

Courses Brief Outline Cost

Introduction toComputers From turning on/off to simple documents 40

Word Processing( Microsoft Word )

Skills in creating, editing, saving,printing docs 40

Word Processing 2( Microsoft Word ) Add to your word processing skills 40

File and Folders How to save and find your documentsA 4 week course 30

Email & Internet Using skills above, success with emailing Etc (4 week Course) 30

Spreadsheets(eg “Microsoft Excel”)

For calculations, budgets, accounting,forecasts, financial reporting, mail merge 40

Database( Open Office Database)

For maintaining staff, client and clubdetails and extracting data in a variety of

ways. Mail merge.40

Genealogy(PAF & Family Tree

Maker)Family Tree: Research, create, file, print,

email 40

Camera Use of digital camera, practical work. 40

Photo Image edit(Faststone / Elements) Enhance, store, resize for email etc 40

Photo Image advanced(Photoshop Elements)

May only be done AFTER our previouscourse 40

Powerpoint Creating displays with images and text 40

Desktop Publishing(serif Pageplus)

Combining graphical/text, to create card,calendars, postcards, invitations etc. Very

user friendly40

CD/Dvd Burning(Ashampoo Burning

Studio)Burning CDs and DVDs.

A 4 week course 30

Website Design(Serif Webplus) Create your own website 40

NEXT ROUND OF COURSES

October 25th to November 30th

2016

Day 9.30 - 11.30 am 1.30 - 3.30 pm 7 -9 pm

Mon

Email Internet Introduction to Introduction toComputers

Word Processing DVD Burning Word Processing

Tues Power Point Desktop Publishing

Web Design Spreadsheet

Genealogy

Wed Introduction toComputers

Files & Folders(4 weeks)

Word Processing Email Internet

Word Processing 2 Photo Image Edit

NOEL LEEMINGStafford Mall Stafford Street

688 6633 - 0800 444 488Give Great Discounts on everything in their shop by using

your Gold Card or SeniorNet Membership card.

Depending on numbers and Tutor availability some coursesmay be available or moved to other days.

Camera Course

SENIORNET SOUTH CANTERBURY INC.COURSE APPLICATION FORM

1) To book into a course – Ring Alma Wilson Phone 688 45532) To pay for course- fill in this page and post with your money toSeniornet C/o  Alastair Swann, 36 Seddon St. Timaru 7910. Make

cheques payable to Seniornet Timaru.

Have you booked in? Have you filled in the form?

Have you included full payment?If you deliver your fees, please ring phone 688 5650to ensure the Treasurer will be at home to receive your payment.A course may be withdrawn if too few enroll.Have you paid by Bank Transfer (Optional)WESTPAC Account 03 - 1715 - 0022996 - 00

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First Name__________________ Known By______________

Surname__________________________________________

Address___________________________________________

Town_________________________ Post Code___________

Telephone Number__________________________________

Email address______________________________________

Repeat Email Address________________________________

Please circle the system you have on your computer: -Windows XP -Vista - Windows 7 - Windows 8 - Windows 8.1- Windows 10

Name of course you are attending_______________________

Date course starts_______________________ Time________

Course Fee $________

Subscription $20-00 (If not paid for this calendar year)

Total Paid ________

Signed by applicant____________________ Date__________

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Tick if you require a “Noel Leemingdiscount card” (takes place of receipt)

Check List

Seniornet South Canterbury Incorporated

is a non profit Society providing computer

training for Adults.

We are seniors helping adults to use

computers.

Phone rooms: 684 3300

Web Page:

http://home.tim

aru.com/seniornet

In Association w

ith

Web pages:

Tim Leatham

If undelivered please return to:

11 Grasm

ere StreetTim

aru 7910

SeniorNet