May 16, 2007

Providing service to my community through communication.
This issue was distributed to 1,198 subscribers!

Findlay Toyota / Minuteman Foundation
Charity Golf Tournament
The Revere at Anthem
May 28, 2007
Shotgun at 7:30 a.m.

There is still a few openings for individual players!

$95.00 per person ($60 may be tax deductible, Contact your tax consultant.)

Range balls, cart, lunch and prizes; Closest to the Pin contests, Longest Drive contests, Hole-in-one contests, Beverage carts, Raffles & more!

Send your check payable to:
The Minuteman Foundation
2505 Anthem Village Drive, Ste E-480
Henderson, NV 89052

Chuck Davis
Co-founder & Treasurer

Sun City Anthem Computer Club's
Volunteers set up member's computers
(You too, may become a member)

The Sun City Anthem Computer Club received its charter in 2000. The club’s volunteers have assisted its members in many ways ever since. Besides the house calls for trouble shooting and in-home tutoring, some volunteers assist members set up their computers. Many members and non-members alike have forged ahead and accomplished this task on their own. To others, this is a daunting task and some assistance is needed.
Setting up a computer by experienced folks may be a simple task, but it takes time and there are always a lot of “ifs” that play into the actual process used.

Set up of a used computer

If the computer was used at a prior location, most of the hardware that was attached will simply be re-attached, and the power turned on.

If the member has previously arranged for the Internet Service Provider and necessary modems are in place, the volunteer will make sure connections are made and e-mail is working.

At this point, the volunteer may do some routine maintenance work.

• Check for adequate anti-virus protection. Make recommendations and implement them if the member agrees.

• Check for adequate anti-spyware protection. Make recommendations and implement them if the member agrees,

Set up of a new computer

If the member hasn’t already done so, the computer is removed from the shipping carton. A check is made against the packing slip to insure that all components are included.

If a new monitor is involved, it is removed from the shipping container and usually “some assembly is required.”

If a printer is involved, it is also removed from the shipping carton, but set aside for later work.

The computer is set up, the monitor is set up and cabling is attached, the mouse and keyboard are attached, whether wired or wireless. The speakers and their power supply are then connected. Even if the speakers are integral to the monitor, they must have the cable attached to the computer. The cables from the modem must be connected to either the computer or router and then to the computer. After re-checking all cabling, the computer is turned on.

Finally, the fun begins. There are many things that must be initialized. If the connection to the internet is available, many programs, including the operating system must be updated with the latest maintenance fixes. These fixes have accumulated during the time between the manufacturer prepared the installation material and your receipt of the computer. This may be several months.

If the computer manufacturer has included Norton or McAfee anti-virus program, they are uninstalled with the member’s permission and the free AVG Anti-virus program is installed http://free.grisoft.com  registered and updated. There are times when the unsuspecting member has purchased a one, two or even longer prepaid installation of the paid programs and we won’t recommend that they be removed, until the subscription has expired.

If the “paid” programs are uninstalled, then we will download and install the free AVG Anti-Spyware program http://free.grisoft.com which, in conjunction with Windows Defender (included in Vista), does an admirable job in keeping your computer clear of unwanted malware, spyware and similar stuff.

Today, almost all computers come with Windows Vista installed as the operating system. Windows Mail is set up as the member’s e-mail client. However, if the operating system is Window XP, then Outlook Express is set up. Test messages are sent to verify the accounts have been set up correctly.

Most volunteers now run msconfig and remove some of the programs from the list that will start up when one turns on the computer. They don’t really need to be running at all times, but will start when requested.

At this point, one will usually set up the printer. All shipping straps are removed. The member is invited to watch as the ink cartridges are installed. If the printer is an all-in-one including a fax function, the telephone cable must be connected. It is important to follow the installation instructions in the sequence outlined exactly.

If the member expects guests to be in their home that will be using the computer, they are urged to allow the volunteer to set up a guest account with restricted authority; with a Password added to their sign-in. Guests include; children, grandchildren, “experts from Silicon valley,” etc.

For dial-up users, some volunteers generally carry some large up-to-date programs to be installed from a USB Flash memory disk. All of these are free and may include; Firefox browser, AVG Anti-virus, OpenOffice (a viable alternative to Microsoft Office), Adobe Reader and Foxit Reader. When OpenOffice is installed, the three main programs are set to be opened when the user opens a Microsoft Office document provided by others.

If more than one computer is in the home, networking is set up.

If wireless networking is to be established, it is setup with [WEP], or equivalent, security settings.

If the old computer is in running condition and free of viruses, the volunteer may move all data files and folders to the new computer for the member.

Alternate free email addresses are established for “el junko” when you need to give an address on the internet.

Members are left to register their programs on-line after the volunteer has departed.

If you need help with your computer, check with the Club’s Monitor on duty in the Computer Club’s facility in the Anthem Center. A list of the Club’s volunteers is posted on the bulletin board in the Classroom.

If you are not currently a Computer Club member, or your membership has lapsed, the Monitor will assist you in joining the Club; bring your Sun City Anthem ID card. Membership dues are $20 per person per year. Ask about 20 some monthly classes offered by club members in the Classroom. Attend the New Member Orientation lecture that is offered once a month. This lecture will explain all of the benefits of membership in the Club. Sign up in the Classroom.

“Purpose of this Club. The purpose of this organization is to provide a forum for the exchange of information and knowledge among its members with respect to personal computers and their uses.
Membership is open to all Sun City Anthem Community Association members in good standing without discrimination as to race, religion, color, ethnic culture, sexual orientation, or national heritage.”

By now you are asking about the cost of the above work. It is not $119 plus, as some local businesses charge. The member is asked to donate at least $20 to the Club for the set up work, including the installation of programs. You must agree that is a bargain! Last year the Club’s volunteers participated in at least 425 “house calls.” The Club’s volunteers hope to make your experience while working and playing on your computer an enjoyable one.

All Sun City Anthem members are invited to join the Computer Club.

Chuck Davis
Member SCA Computer Club Board of Directors
Newsletter Editor and Webmaster

The goal of The Minuteman Foundation is to fund the many and diverse needs of the elderly in each and all of our growing communities.

Pursuant thereto we have allied with the Community Service Club to provide free assistance to SCA residents. The services included are:

Transportation: To local area medical providers or supermarkets. Three (3) business days notice required to arrange for your ride.

Equipment: We will loan you (on a temporary basis) a wheelchair, walker, crutches, cane, or other durable medical equipment.

Home Maintenance: Assistance with minor home maintenance chores such as: cleaning or replacing overhead air filters, replacing batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, or changing overhead light bulbs.

Home Assistance: Resource Directory of information on fee-based, discount, and many other services available to seniors. Volunteers will also shop and deliver groceries or prescription medication to residents who are temporarily homebound.

Support Groups: CSC sponsors several support groups to assist the residents of Sun City Anthem. These groups are:

• Living “Well” with Disabilities (physical mobility)
  2nd Tuesday, 1—2:30 p.m., Anthem Center

• Alzheimer’s Caregivers
  3rd Monday, 6:30—8:30 p.m., Former Sewing Room

• Bereavement — please call 614-5862 for information.

• One on one guidance through Jewish bereavement protocol

• One on one grief counseling for loss of a child

• Friends of Bill W. Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous -
  Every Monday, 7 p.m., Independence Center.

• Home Caregivers (for those caring for a loved one at home)
  3rd Monday 1:30—2:30 p.m. Anthem Center.

Volunteers are the backbone of the CSC. We need your help!
HELP US NOW AND WE WILL HELP YOU LATER!

Call 614-5862 to volunteer or for further information.
Our business hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday — Friday.

Please make your dollars count, mail your check to:

The Minuteman Foundation, Inc.
2505 Anthem Village Drive, Suite E-480
Henderson, NV 89052

Please do not send mail for the Foundation to the Sun City Anthem Community Association. Use the above address.

It's easy to make a financial donation to the Foundation with your credit card. Click here. All transactions are via a secure link to PayPal, a wholly owned subsidiary of eBay. Your donation may be fully deductible. Contact your tax advisor.


Chuck Davis
Co-founder and Treasurer
The Minuteman Foundation, Inc.