Basic Music Terminology

Basic Music Terminology ...

There is some terminology that you probably need to be aware of as you learn to use music on your computer or any digital device...

·        MP3* - a file format used for compressing audio files to roughly 1/12th their original size.

·        RIPPING - Basically this is the function of  ”copying” your files  – in this case a music album and individual song tracks onto your computer’s hard drive (this is also known as encoding)

·        MEDIA PLAYER - an application that is used to play all types of media (music, video radio, etc.). Windows Media Player, iTunes, VLC. RealPlayer and QuickTime are all examples of media players.

·        BURN – Basically this is the function of ”pasting” your file – in this case music – onto the CD and or DVD. 

*Note: When we save to MP3 format, you typically won’t notice any reduction in sound quality, but , if you want to ensure you have the highest quality you should import the music again from the original source with the original format, and then make a copy and convert the copy to mp3 formatting. 

What is a "Read It Later" service?

Whether you use your computer, tablet, laptop, eReader or other mobile device - such as a Smartphone or iPhone to "surf the web" we all have the opportunity to read numerous articles, watch videos and other information from friends & family on Facebook, Twitter or maybe Pinterest; or you get News Feeds from your favorite media websites... BUT you don't have time to read or view them all now..  

That's how a "Read it later" service or app can help.  These "apps" saves the information - link - etc. so you can view the article, photo, video later at your convenience (yes-this is also cloud computing).  So with thee services, you establish an account, meaning you have to have a username & password and that allows you to access "your account" and whatever you've saved... 

Many of these services are free (including my 2 personal favorites) but some are not - but they all allow us to  manage articles and other media that we want to access later...  Apps for these services can be downloaded to your computer, tablet or other mobile device and they are very very easy to use..... 

If you have a Pinterest or Twitter account they also offer this service and Facebook will offer it very soon....

I've been playing with 2 different services and really like them both - and yes, both are free

Evernote is my personal top choice abs quite honestly the one I now use daily, because I can store anything I want to remember including quick reminder notes (my family and associates will tell you I'm a constant list maker so this is great for me), and I can save anything I want to view or read later.. www.evernote.com

Pocket (formerly known as Read it Later) is my 2nd favorite and worked wonderfully.... www.getpocket.com

Others you may want to check out...

Instapaper, website is:  www.instapaper.com - Free and paid versions

SnipIt, website is: www.snip.it/#welcome - Free 

Side note... For those of you with tablets and other "Android based devices" some of my students in Arizona are loving this new free app - called "CRACKLE" which is a totally legitimate app offering free streaming of TV shows and movies.  I found that it doesn't have all TV shows, but there are lots of old favorites and some of the new ones as well; same goes for movies...  But again, it's free so a great way to play with "streaming" before you move on to one of the paid services, such as Netflick or HBO... so you might want to give it a try... I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the picture...  I don't think this available for Apple devices yet, but keep checking back - no doubt it will be...

Update-heard from several "Apple/Mac" users and I was wrong - Crackle has been available for "i" devices for quite a while now... so enjoy everyone.....

Check it out: www.crackle.com

Cloud Computing & Music

This is a note I received from Bob Donovan who applauds using Cloud Computing for all of his music...

 "My music is stored in iTunes on my computer. But I've also put it up in Amazon's music cloud (basically because of the Kindle that I own).  

Currently I have 50,595 songs in the cloud. On my computer these songs take up 224 GB. I'm paying Amazon $24.99 per year for this storage. So far, I'm really pleased with it. It's not as simple or beautiful as iTunes, but it works great and I don't think there's any limit.

Naturally, I normally have to use the search function to find an artist or song or album and that seems to work fine online.  

I also downloaded Amazon's picture storage app, but haven't tried to use it yet-will keep you posted"  

Once you pay for an "app" you can download that app to multiple devices, such as your smartphone - kindle - tablet - etc...How does it know, because Amazon (like other companies) stores the information in your Amazon Account. 

To check these "apps" out, or all that Amazon offers, here is the link to the Amazon App Store for Androids...(or you can just go to www.Amazon.com)  

http://www.amazon.com/mobile-apps/b?ie=UTF8&node=2350149011

Cloud Computing - Continued Discussion...

Several times earlier this year (in Feb. & May) we discussed Cloud Computing, but things are changing and there are more and more companies offering us the ability to store on their clouds (which means on their servers) So- the discussion continues...

There is no doubt that cloud computing is here to stay.  Many of us have been using "cloud computing" for years without realizing it - If you use a hotmail, yahoo, AOL or Gmail account" for your emails, you go to the specific company's website, via the internet, enter your user name & password (from any computer in the world) and your email messages appear. You can then write/compose new emails - all the while the computer you are sitting at, is simply a vehicle allowing us to see and type - but all of our emails are actually being stored and/or written on/from their computers....hence "cloud computing"

Today many of these same email vendors are providing us with additional free space, so that in addition to our emails we can also store our documents, photos, movies & music in another part of our "email account" - like having an additional file cabinet...  Why would we do that?

Well, like your emails, you can access any of these items stored on their "cloud" when you are away from your computer (home or work) because remember it's stored on their computer - in their cloud...

If you have multiple devices - you may want to "sync" them, so that when you enter information on one device, it appears on all your devices...   

For example:

You have a Windows based computer, a Smartphone & a tablet - if you have a Gmail account and use the Google Drive Cloud - whatever is entered in these on one computer shows up on the rest

Or You have an iPhone, iPad and MacBook - by simply having an iCloud ID and password (and the iCloud ID can be your existing email address w/hotmail, Gmail, etc..) you can select in the settings of your iCloud what you want to share among your devices-Photos, emails, contacts, calendars, etc..

Or maybe you have a Windows PC, an Android Smartphone and a MacBook - you could simply choose to have the Apple iCloud on all your devices to share your music, data & moves...

And the combination goes on and one..

If you have been using hotmail/live/msn accounts - you have "SkyDrive" which is their free cloud computing for us to store data and photos - but anyone can go to SkyDrive.com and download the app and receive a certain amount of storage for FREE - Gmail users have the free Picasa Web Albums and Google Drive cloud; and again anyone can use this or Apple/MAC's iCloud or any of the other hundreds of companies... most allow some free storage - others charge an annual or monthly fee - some based on the amount of storage, some are by computer - it varies..

Shop around and remember you can use multiple "cloud services"; I know some people who store all their music in iTunes synced with the iCloud; and use their SkyDrive for their documents; maybe DropBox for their data from work; Google Drive w/Picasa Web Albums for their photos and Carbonite, so everything is backed up every time they are on the computer (no limit) but this service doesn't allow you to use a syncing feature (yet)!

The list of companies offering cloud computing is growing every day.  Each has their own features, it depends on what you are looking for... I always think it's better to begin with the FREE services while you learn, and once you've mastered that and understand what it is you are using, then you can always switch to or add another service if needed...Here is the link to an article recently published about some of the popular "cloud computing companies" -

http://www.consumer-rankings.com/online-backup

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday

On behalf of myself, Bob Donovan, Jean McCarty, Jack Bowes, Margaret Banschofsky and Kevin Bachelder - we want to to wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving... Cherie Houston

"May we all be thankful for the warm family memories we have gathered over the years and may we all get our chance to make our wish on the turkey's wish bone" ~ Father York..

A little Thanksgiving Trivia...

Was Turkey served at the first Thanksgiving? There is no evidence that turkey was eaten at the first Thanksgiving, a three-day meal shared between the pilgrims and Wampanoaug tribe in 1621. It is more likely that they ate venison and a lot of seafood

Did Thanksgiving become a holiday with the pilgrims? No-Thanksgiving became a public holiday in 1863, when president Abraham Lincoln declared it so

Of the three utensils we will use at Thanksgiving (fork, knife & spoon), which wasn't available at the first Thanksgiving? The fork. What did they use to eat their meal with? A knife, a spoon and their fingers. The fork was not brought by the pilgrims. Governor Winthrop of Massachusetts introduced it 10 years later, but it did not really catch on until the 18th century.

In colonial times, did all the Colonies celebrate Thanksgiving or was it just a New England custom? All colonies celebrated Thanksgiving but at different times depending of their harvest

The idea of a “children’s table” at Thanksgiving stemmed from the original feast. What did the

children have to do before they could eat? Children were made to set, serve and clear the tables for the adults.

The Pilgrims invited the Indians to join them for their Thanksgiving feast.  According to history, how many came? 90 Indians from the Wampanoaug tribe including their chief Massoit

Does Turkey really make us sleepy? Not really. Trytophan does make us tired and it is in turkey. But more of it can be found in soybeans, parmesan and pork. So what is to blame for the post-meal coma? Well, it could be the quantity of food over-consumed. The huge serving of dessert could have an effect. Or it could be the amount of booze drunk midday

Do people consume a lot of liquor during this holiday? YES! It has been claimed again and again that the night before Thanksgiving is the biggest drinking night of the year -- beating out New Years Eve and St. Patricks Day. Why? It is the number one evening where people return home and reunite with their high school buddies. Or possibly the anxiety of being surrounded by family drives some to drink

Did the Pilgrims serve their own version of a green bean casserole? They didn't. Green been casserole came into being just 50 some years ago and was created by Campbell's soup. It came about when the company was making new recipes for its annual cookbook. Now, Campbells sells about $20 million worth of cream of mushroom soup, most likely for people to make the casserole

How many turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving in the United States? An estimated 46 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving (the birds weigh, on average, 16 pounds). That is more than double the amount eaten on Christmas (22 million) and Easter (19 million). In 2010, more than 244 million turkeys were raised and about 226 million of those were consumed in the United States

Making your new printer the default printer

If you've just bought a new printer and want it to be your "default printer", so it is always used unless you specify otherwise when giving the print command (versus the printer you might be replacing) - it is easy:

·       Go to your Start Menu (easy access is tap the Windows Flag Key)

·       Devices & printers (on most current start menus)

·       When you open your printers, you will see your new printer listed along with your previous printer (s) - The one that is the current default will have a green or black check mark on it

·       Right click on the printer you want as your DEFAULT and when the action menu appears, choose Set as Default Printer

Close the Dialog Box and this new setting will be saved

Note-if you do not see the "Devices & Printers" listed on your Start menu, you are using an older operating system, but that's not a problem, simply open Control Panel, then Printers-which used to be listed in the Hardware & Sound Group on older operating systems)

Remember if you want to choose a different printer than the default at anytime, when you choosing option for your print job, simply change the printer - all printers will be listed in the first option line of the Printer Dialog box, with a drop down access arrow-when you left click on that arrow-you will see the various printers for your computer-just choose the one you want to use.

When you want to delete a printer that you may no longer have or use

·       Go to your Start Menu (easy access is tap the Windows Flag Key)

·       Devices & printers (on most current start menus)

·       When you open your printers, you will see your new printer listed along with your previous printer (s) - The one that is the current default will have a green or black check mark on it

·       Right click on the printer you want to remove and choose DELETE printer - and the driver software and icon for this printer will be deleted

Close the Dialog Box and this new setting will be saved

Today is Veteran's Day - Thank You

Take a moment to say a special Thank You to all who continue to serve and protect us today and to those who served before them - we can't thank you enough for your sacrifice.. 

They Did Their Share By Joanna Fuchs 

On Veteran’s Day we honor Soldiers who protect our nation. For their service as our warriors, They deserve our admiration. Some of them were drafted; Some were volunteers; For some it was just yesterday; For some it’s been many years. In the jungle or the desert, On land or on the sea, They did whatever was assigned To produce a victory. Some came back; some didn’t. They defended us everywhere. Some saw combat; some rode a desk; All of them did their share. No matter what the duty, For low pay and little glory, These soldiers gave up normal lives, For duties mundane and gory. Let every veteran be honored; Don’t let politics get in the way. Without them, freedom would have died; What they did, we can’t repay. We owe so much to them, Who kept us safe from terror, So when we see a uniform, Let’s say "thank you" to every wearer.

Did you know these 10 interesting facts??? From website: 

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2340240/10_interesting_veterans_day_facts.html

• Veterans Day was once called Armistice Day. Armistice Day was created to honor veterans of World War I.
• November 11, 1919 was the first day Armistice Day was celebrated. Germany signed the armistice slowing the hostilities of WW1 in the 11th month, on the 11th day, during the 11th hour
• November 11 is both a federal and state holiday
• June 1, 1954 was when the United States changed the name to Veterans Day, honoring all military veterans
• Between 1971 and 1977 Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday of October
• Arlington National Cemetery has a ceremony every year on Veterans Day honoring those who died during war
• There are roughly 24 million living veterans
• During World War II Disney made films for each branch of the United States government 90% of Disney employees worked making propaganda and training videos during WWII
• 400,000 of the United States Armed Forces died during WWII.

Other Websites to check out for Veteran's Day trivia

www.urf.atlantic.net/features/veteransday

www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/veterans-day/tomb-of-unknown-soldier

How to know how much "computer memory" is on your PC

It's easy to find out just how much memory your computer has.

• Find the My Computer/Computer icon (on your desktop or in the Start Menu List.
• Hover your mouse over the My Computer (in Windows 98, XP or Vista) or Computer (in Windows 7)
• When the function menu appears, left click on Properties. 
• The details of your computer will now appear, including Operating System, Hardware manufacturer, the memory (RAM-Random Access Memory) and other helpful details. 

Most of us agree that the quickest and most effective way to improve the overall performance of computers is to increase the amount of memory it has... But you can't install just any memory, it has to be compatible so if you aren't sure - check with a technician you trust, and/or go to the website for your computers manufacturer and look up what is needed when you put in your computers model number.

A few things you and or your technician need to know before purchasing additional memory for your computer; all of which you can learn all of this from your manufacturer's website.... 

• Know your motherboard - What type is it? How many pins are on it (30, 72 or 168)? and how many open RAM slots are available on your motherboard?
• If your computer is still under warranty - Check with your hardware manufacturer before you install new hardware to ensure to make sure your warranty will not be revoked if you remove the cover from your computer.
• Know if the RAM on your computer is parity or non-parity
• Know if your computer uses single (SIMM's) or dual (DIMM's) memory modules.

What is Windows 8, Windows RT & Microsoft Surface?

MICROSOFT WINDOWS 8 - Microsoft 8 is Microsoft's newest operating system which was released last Friday, October 26th...Designed with increased security, reliability and performance improvement.  Windows 8 is designed with touch screen tablets in mind, first thing you'll notice a very different start screen with "tiles" for your applications, instead of icons...and the tiles light up when new info (emails, photos etc) are available to keep you up to date.. It offers "picture passwords"; ability to go from full-screen video to your spreadsheets in one swipe, or snap them side-by-side for easy multi-tasking. Find and access files much more quickly; instant searches from any app you're in and open favorite programs in lightning speed!! Just a few of the many new features and Microsoft states on their website, that Windows 8 can be purchased and downloaded to any computer currently running Windows XP, Vista or 7.. although others don’t agree at all, unless you have a Windows 7 computer bought in the last few months..

MICROSOFT WINDOWS RT - Available as Oct. 26th, 2012 on one version of the new Microsoft Surface Tablet.. This is an operating system (formerly known as Windows on ARM*) - ARM is not acronym….  Windows RT is a version of the Windows 8 operating system for ARM devices* such as tablet and the Microsoft Surface that was released on October 26, 2012. Unlike other Windows operating systems, it will only be able to run software that has been certified by Microsoft and placed in the Windows Store. Windows RT will include additional applications such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote 2013 RT.

*ARM is designed for low-power applications because it's a less complicated microprocessor... These microprocessors are found primarily in phones, calculators and other hand held devices where less calls are made to memory so they quickly and efficiently. Windows has ARM in the Operating Systems for hand-held devices for sometime now....

The public can't purchase Microsoft Windows RT, it will be sold strictly to device manufacturers directly and is going to be used primarily for Microsoft's new tablet computer called Microsoft Surface that will be available in two versions: one will run with Windows RT system, and the other tablet computer will run with Windows 8..  Windows RT doesn't include Windows Media Player, but for free, will include Office 2012 Home & Student RT.  Those of us buying systems with Windows 8 will still have to purchase and install Office separately.  Also Windows RT will only run  applications that have been included in Microsoft's App store, on apps receiving Microsoft certification.. To most, this sounds a lot like the Mac Apple world of Apple products only... where Microsoft and Apple will both restrict what applications are available to their consumers...

MICROSOFT'S SURFACE.. Microsoft Surface Microsoft Surface is a series of tablets designed and marketed by Microsoft, the first version which includes Microsoft Windows RT became available October 26th, 2012.  The Microsoft Surface will be available in two versions, the first became available October 26th with Windows RT (price range $499-$699).  The newer Surface Windows 8 Pro 2, is still not available, but some say cost start about $899+. The Windows RT model will use an *ARM CPU, while the Windows 8 model will use an Intel CPU.  Both models will be able to install new applications via the Windows Store, however only the Windows 8 model allows the installation of traditional desktop programs

*So consider holding off getting one of the new Microsoft Surface Tablets with Windows RT – some suspect that what we create on them (using the Office Home & Student RT version) might not be compatible with other systems, so give it some time to get the kinks worked out..

Clock Change: 2AM Sunday Morning, November 4th

Just a reminder - before you go to bed this evening, set your clocks back..

 

As you sleep tonight, on Sunday morning, November 4th at 2am, Daylight Savings Time will end and most states in the US will revert back to Standard Time so be sure to set all clocks, watches and other time pieces BACK 1 HOUR. Most computers, cell phones and cable boxes will make this change automatically without our help..

Thi is always a great time to change the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

We will then move them ahead to begin Daylight Savings Time when we put the clocks ahead "1 hour" at 2am on the 2nd Sunday in March, March 10, 2013 
Several states, including Arizona (except some Indian Reservations), Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa have chosen not to observe Daylight Saving Time so they do not change their clocks at anytime during the year.

In 2013, Daylight Saving Time begins on Sun, Mar 10, 2012 and ends on Sun, Nov 3, 2013

And remember our new computer class series begins this week so we've saved your seat - if you need to make a change, talk to Denise and she can help you with that....

Using Auto Complete in Excel (and Word)

Auto Complete in EXCEL helps save time by reducing the amount of text we have to type (enter) when we are filling out a table with duplicate entries (like names, cities, states, and you can add more of your own... And this feature is also available in WORD. 

 

By default, AutoComplete is turned on in Excel. These steps will first show you how to turn it off in Excel 2010, 2007 and 2003.... steps are just about the same in Word...

Turn AutoComplete On or Off in Excel 2010

• Click on the File tab of the ribbon to open the File menu
• Click on Options to bring up the Excel Options dialog box
• Click on the Advanced button in the left hand pane
• Under the Editing Options section
• Click on the Enable AutoComplete for cell values option box to remove the checkmark and click OK
• AutoComplete should now be disabled
• To re-enable AutoComplete, re-check the option box

Turn AutoComplete On or Off in Excel 2007

• Click on Office Button > Excel Options to bring up the Excel Options dialog box
• Click on the Advanced button in the left hand pane
• Remove the checkmark from the Enable AutoComplete for cell values option box and click OK
• AutoComplete should now be disabled
• To re-enable AutoComplete, re-check the option box

Turn AutoComplete On or Off in Excel 2003

• On Menu Bar, Open the Tools menu and choose Options
• Now  click the Edit tab.
• To allow automatic completion, click to select the Enable AutoComplete for cell values check box.
• To prevent AutoComplete click to clear the check box.
• To re-enable AutoComplete, re-check the option box

Trick or Tracker Cell Phone APP for parents

What will they think of next...  This cell phone APP is getting rave reviews from tech forums, parent organizations and news rooms everywhere - and it's been on our local news, so thought we should pass it on.....  This is an app with parents of tweens & teens who have cell phones.. 

Trick or Tracker Cell Phone APP for parents

Check it out: www.trickortracker.com

 

Trick or Tracker cell phone app is designed to link parents and their children's cell phones and uses each phone's GP"S capabilities so you can monitor their locations..  Children must have an Android phone , but parents don't need one; they can use their iPhone, BlackBerry or Windows 7 phone. 

Parents can set a boundary or what is referred to as a "geo-fence" by specifying a desired radius around the home on the cell phone app's map. If the tween or teen then wanders out of range, the parent will receive a text message alert immediately; curfews can also be enforced through Trick or Tracker and they now offer a "latchkey kid" feature which sends a text message alert to the parent's phone when children arrive home.. 

This amazing Trick or Tracker by Iconosys, Inc. costs $4.99 for lifetime usage. But, those downloading it specifically for Halloween Day from the official website would be able to utilize it for FREE between 8 a.m. and 11.59 p.m. EST-great way to try it before you buy it.. 

No Classes Monday & Tuesday October 29 & 30

At the request of Gov. Patrick, who has declared a State of Emergency in Massachusetts and also asked that all classes be cancelled in Eastern Massachusetts, so we are conforming to that request and therefore no computer classes will be held Monday and Tuesday, October 29th & 30th this week due to the impending Hurricane Sandy to ensure the safety of our staff and all students.

We will see you all when the new series begins next Monday, November 5th - Stay safe and be sure to head the warnings for this "Frankenstorm" that's on it's way...It's always better to be safe than sorry..

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has these tips to prepare for severe tropical weather:

RELATED

• Make sure you have a well-stocked Family Disaster Kit in the event you lose power or are isolated for a number of days.
•  Trim back trees and shrubbery around your home. Remove diseased or damaged tree limbs that could be blown down, causing damage, during a storm.
•  Clear clogged rain gutters. This storm brings the potential for torrential rain. Providing clear drainage will help prevent misdirected flooding. 
• Bring in outdoor items such as lawn furniture, trash barrels, hanging plants, toys and awnings that can be broken or picked up by strong winds and used as a missile. 
• Make sure storage sheds, children’s playhouses or other outbuildings are securely anchored, either to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors. 
• Elevate articles in your basement that could be damaged from even minor flooding. 
• Make temporary plywood covers to protect windows and sliding doors. Drill holes for screws or lag bolts in each cover and around each window. Note: Taping of windows does not prevent them from breaking. 
• Keep your vehicles fully fueled. 
• Have a certain amount of cash available. If power is lost, ATMs may not be working. 
•  Make a record of your personal property. Keep an itemized list of your furniture, clothing and valuables to assist adjusters in case of a claim. Back it up with photographs or video. 
•  Protect your insurance policies and other important documents in a secure place like a safe deposit box or a watertight box. Many people back up important documents online. 
• Learn where gas pilots and water mains are located and how to safely shut off all utilities. 
• Lock doors and windows to ensure that they are closed tight to help protect against strong winds and rain. 
• Boat owners, who plan on taking their vessel out of the water soon, should consider doing so this weekend. 
• Back up your computers and store the portable/external hard drive or flash drives used for back up in a waterproof safe
• Make sure cell phones are fully charged.
• Download the free ping4alert! app to your Smartphone to receive important weather alerts and messages from MEMA. Easy instructions are available at www.mass.gov/mema/mobileappp. 

You can track this powerful storm on any of these popular website hyperlinks..

www.weather.com

www.accuweather.com

/www.noaa.gov

www.whdh.com

www.wbz.com

www.wcvb.com

Windows 8 is here!!!!

Yes, the long awaited newest operating system "Windows 8" is here...

Windows 8 Microsoft's newest operating system, was released yesterday, October 26th just after midnight EST.....BUT before you rush out and buy an upgrade or a computer with Windows 8 on it, take a little time and do some homework... read some of the articles online, so you will have a better understanding of what this long awaited new operating system is all about.  Yes, it is very different and Yes there will be a "learning curve" so I think it's advantageous to take the time to understand what it's all about first...

A few easy to understand articles...check them out or go to your favorite search engine and simply search for "what's windows 8 all about"...

www.lifehacker.com/5839777/first-look-at-whats-new-in-windows-8

www.cnn.com/2012/10/25/tech/gaming-gadgets/windows-8-faq/index.html

www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-rettinger/windows-8-is-here-8-thing_b_2022868.html

Typing Tutorial Websites

How can I improve my typing skills? a question we hear quite often.. 

Like the piano - it's simply a matter of practice, but remember this isn't crucial - lots of our famous authors and reporters spent their entire careers "pecking away" and did very well...   Now if you are getting ready to take a typing test that's a different story, but I doubt that most of us are worried about that...

But if you think you'd like to improve your typing skills - speed, accuracy or both - you don't have to run out and purchase an application software program - there are wonderful FREE websites that can help you with this new goal - here are "hyperlinks" to some of our favorite typing tutorial websites, so check them out...

Note-some sites will ask you if you want the "tutorial" for a "QWERTY" or "DVORAK" keyboard-ours in the classroom, as are most keyboards, are "QWERTY" style...  

Not sure what the difference is - check out our blog posting pack in November 2009 about these two types of keyboards

http://www.utseniorpcgeeks.blogspot.com/2009/11/whats-difference-between-qwerty-dvorak.html

Free Typing tutorial websites:

www.powertyping.com

www.typingweb.com

www.rapidtyping.com

www.freetypinggame.net

www.alfatyping.com

Enjoy and Good Luck

Social Security Updates for 2013

For those of you who may not have seen this article, there are several Social Security Changes that may affect you - so here's the scoop to help you stay informed...

Social Security recipients will get a small increase next year, and the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax will rise - By MSN Money partner  10/16/2012-This post comes from Emily Brandon at partner site U.S. News & World Report.

Social Security recipients will get slightly bigger checks in 2013. The Social Security Administration also recently announced several other ways the program will be tweaked in the coming year.   Here's a look at the Social Security changes workers and retirees will experience next year:

Bigger monthly payments. Social Security payments will increase by 1.7% in 2013. That's considerably less than the 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment retirees received in 2012. Social Security payments are adjusted each year to reflect inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Previous inflation adjustments have ranged from zero in 2010 and 2011 to 14.3% in 1980. The average Social Security check is expected to increase by $21 as a result of the change, from $1,240 to $1,261 in 2013. Couples will see their benefit payments grow from an average of $2,014 to $2,048.

Payroll tax cut scheduled to expire. Workers will pay 6.2% of their income into the Social Security system in 2013, up from 4.2% in 2012. The temporary payroll tax cut expires at the end of December under current law.

Higher Social Security tax cap. The maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security taxes will be $113,700 in 2013, up from $110,100 in 2012. About 10 million people will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum.

Increased earnings limit. Retirees who work and collect Social Security benefits at the same time will be able to earn $480 more next year before any portion of their Social Security payment will be withheld. Social Security recipients who are younger than their full retirement age (66 for those born between 1943 and 1954) can earn up to $15,120 in 2013, after which $1 of every $2 earned will be temporarily withheld from their Social Security payments.

For retirees who turn 66 in 2013, the limit will be $40,080, after which $1 of every $3 earned will be withheld.

Once you turn your full retirement age, you can earn any amount without penalty and collect Social Security benefits at the same time. At your full retirement age your monthly payments will also be adjusted to reflect any benefits that were withheld and your continued earnings.

Maximum possible benefit grows. The maximum possible Social Security benefit for a worker who begins collecting benefits at their full retirement age will be $2,533 in 2013, up from $2,513 per month in 2012.

Paper checks will end. The U.S. Treasury will stop mailing paper checks to Social Security beneficiaries on March 1. All federal benefit recipients must then receive their payments via direct deposit to a bank or credit union account or loaded onto a Direct Express Debit MasterCard.

Retirees who do not choose an electronic payment option by March 1 will receive their payments loaded onto a prepaid debit card. Most people already receive their benefit payments electronically, and new Social Security recipients have been required to choose an electronic payment option since 2011.

How to uninstall software programs from your computer

If all you are trying to do is remove an icon from your desktop, but want to leave the software program on your computer, simply hover your mouse over the icon on your desktop – right click and choose “delete”  With many software programs, you will receive a quick message dialog box reminding you that you are only deleting the icon and that if you want to actually remove the software, this must be done from the control panel.

Why would you remove a software program from your computer..  Programs we never use can take up extra storage space and can slow our computer’s down – or maybe you are changing Anti-Virus providers – remember you can only have one Anti-Virus program on your computer at a time, so you must remove one before you add a new one…

The Windows operating system has a program utility that makes it easy to uninstall unused or unwanted and it’s easy to get to through your Control Panel. 

1. Left Click the "Start" button on your taskbar.
2. When the Start menu appears, left Click "Control Panel."
3. When the Control Panel appears – left click “Add/Remove Programs”
4. It will take a moment and then list all software programs on your computer
5. Scroll thru the list to find the software program you want to install
6. Under each program on the right side, you will see a "Uninstall” button.
7. Left click on the “Uninstall” button and it will remove the program and once removed it will no longer appear on the program list
8. Once removed it will also remove icons from desktop, quick launch and taskbar)
9. Repeat process for any other programs you want to uninstall. 

Reminders…

Some programs include an option to change or repair the program in addition to uninstalling it, but many simply offer the option to uninstall. To change a program, click Change or Repair.

Some programs might ask you to enter an administrator password or confirmation before this can be done, so you’ll need to type the password or provide confirmation.