Vol 20 - No. 5 May 2003

The HUG UpDate

The Harrisburg pc User Group© (HUG) Newsletter since 1983

Available Monthly at www.HrbgUG.org




HUG Logo ®

HUG News

Linux Group Meeting --

May 2003: The HUG Linux Group has started holding separate Linux meetings again. It is the Linux Group's intention to hold a meeting every 4th Thursday from 7:00 PM to 9:00in the same room that the Monthly General Membership Meetings are held. If you are interested in attending call Norm Wagner at normwag@comcast.net for more information or just show up at the meeting.


Free Cable Modem Access for HUG Members --

April 2003: Starting this month, the rooms at the church where the HUG General Membership Meeting is held, the HUG Linux Group Meeting is held, and the HUG Computer Repair Workshop is held all have a new RJ-45 wall outlet for cable modem Internet access.

So if you have a network card for your computer, you can bring it to any HUG Computer Repair Workshop, plug it in, and get high-speed Internet access. This service will be especially valuable to any member who only has low-speed dial-up service at home. Large files that you have wanted to download but haven't bothered with because of excessively long download times can be now downloaded in mere minutes.

Please remember that this service will be available ONLY at the Workshops and not the General Membership Meetings or the Linux Group Meetings.


New Meeting Room for HUG General Membership Meetings --

March 2003: Starting with the March 11th, 2003 HUG General Membership Meeting, we will no longer be meeting in the large downstairs meeting room. Instead, we will be meeting in a smaller upstairs room. So, starting this month, come in main door at the front of the church (south), turn right (west) and walk to end of hallway, then turn left (south). The new meeting room is on left side of hall.

The new room is smaller and is better suited to our style of meetings. Cable Internet service is available in the new room. This will be a big advantage for our meetings.


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Schedule of HUG Activities

May 2003 HUG Meetings

  • May 13th [2nd Tuesday] - General Membership Meeting 6:30~9:00 PM
  • May 15th [3rd Thursday] - Executive Board Meeting 6:00 PM
  • May 18th [3rd Sunday] - Computer Workshop 2:00~4:00 PM
  • May 22th [4rd Thursday] - Linux Group 7:00~9:00 PM

June 2003 HUG Meetings

  • June 10th [2nd Tuesday] - General Membership Meeting 6:30~9:00 PM
  • June 15th [3rd Sunday - Fathers' Day] - Computer Workshop 2:00~4:00 PM
  • June 19th [3rd Thursday] - Executive Board Meeting 6:00 PM
  • June 26th [4rd Thursday] - Linux Group 7:00~9:00 PM

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HUG Meetings

HUG General Membership Meetings

Notes from the April 2003 Meeting --

April 2003: "MP3 and DVD" by Hazen Meek. Hazen explained all about how to create your own MP3s and DVD. He covered most of the basics and let the members see the possibilities for themselves. In his demonstration, Hazen:

  1. Explained a DVD player and Power DVD Software.
  2. Explained how members they can copy their own DVDs on their computer and DVD writer.
  3. Explained how a CD can be converted to a DVD using their computer and DVD writer.
  4. Explained how members can get other DVD files from a Napster-like company.
  5. Explained how to rip a DVD -- simular to ripping an MP3.
  6. Showed them a clip from a DVD movie so they can actually see that the computer will play a downloaded one.
  7. Introduced the latest MP3 Windows Media Player, Version 9, and demonstrated its abilities.
  8. Introduced substitutes for Napster -- Kazaa and Morphious.
  9. Showed us where to get MP3 and DVD files via the Internet and Usenet.

At past HUG meetings, Hazen's demonstrations of audio related software were always interesting and informative. The April meeting was no exception. His experience includes working in the music studios in Nashville TN. He has also written successful radio ads accompanied with his original music and lyrics.


Coming up in May 2003 --

May 2003: Scheduled Presentation - "Antique Computers" by Bob Grabau. Bob will bring his collection of antique computers to demonstrate and discuss. This presentation was given several years ago and was a huge hit.

Note: If Bob cannot be there due to his work commitments then an alternate program will be arranged.


Coming up in June 2003 --

June 2003: Scheduled Presentation - "What's New with Linux" by Lou Samsel. Lou will demonstrate and discuss the two most popular Linux Releases, Red Hat and Mandrake, and explain their differences and similarities. Other, less popular, Linux distributions, such as S.u.S.E. Linux, Corel Linux, and Turbo Linux wil also be discussed.

Lou will also demonstrate the new DemoLinux CD and Knoppix CD that allow you to run Linux without installation, disk partitioning, or other hassles that usually prevent people from giving Linux a try. These CDs do not install Linux on your hard disk. Instead, they run directly from the CD and, therefore, allows you to play with them at lenght before you eventually decide to proceed with a full fledged installation. [Copies of Demo Linux and Knoppix will be available at the meeting, on a limited basis, for a small donation charge.]

Popular, stand-alone Linux applications will be discussed as well as applications that run on both Linux and Windows OSs. This includes Office Suites that replace MicroSoft's expensive, yet limited, MS Office suite.

After Lou's demonstrations, Norm Wagner will lead a Linux specific Q&A session. Norm, Lou, Bob Grabau, Dennis Mumma, and other Linux users will be on hand to answer your questions about Linux.

Norm will also explain why other countries in Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia are shunning Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft programming software and adopting Linux as their national "standard" software.

How you can obtain the various Linux distributions for free (or at a low cost) and how you can learn more about Linux for free (or at a low cost) will be covered.

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Note 1: The above schedule is tentative. It is subject to change as most presenters must schedule these presentations in conjunction with their normal, professional work schedules. Meetings will be held even if the scheduled presentation is canceled -- an alternate presentation will be substituted if possible.

Note 2: Anyone with a proposed presentation should contact either the HUG President or the First Vice President to schedule it.



HUG Computer Workshops

About The HUG Workshops --

The HUG Computer Workshop (formerly known as the DOS/Windows SIG), where beginners' questions are answered and problem computers are analyzed for free, is held on the THIRD SUNDAY of each month, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. If you are new to computers and would like a little coaching in basic computer operations or if you just need to have some techno-speak decoded, then this is where you want to be.

Alternately, if you are an experienced computer user, but are having hardware or software problems you can't solve on your own, you can still come out.

We will handle all your computer problems one-on-one in separate areas of the large, comfortable workshop hall.

We also have a limited supply of computer components for sale at the workshops in case you need computer parts, cheap. See the For Sale section of this newsletter for details about out current parts inventory.



Linux SIG Meetings

April 2003: The HUG Linux Group Meetings are now held the 4th Thursday of the month, from 7:00 PM to 9:00, in the same room that the Monthly General Membership Meetings are held. If you are an experienced Linux user and wish to participate in a Linux discussion session, or if you are want to learn what Linux is about, then this SIG is for you. Guests are welcome.

Linux hardware problems (or Linux software installation problems) can also be brought to the HUG Computer Repair Workshop, on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 2:00 PM, in the Skyline View Church all-purpose room (basement).

But, if you wish to bring a Linux problem to either of these meetings it would work out best if you notify Norm Wagner at normwag@comcast.net before bringing your equipment in. Norm may be able to advise you and save you an unnecessary trip. Additionally, it may be necessary to have a specific Linux expert or specific Linux software on hand.


HUG Executive Board Meetings

The HUG Executive Board Meetings are held at Little Joe's Pizza (formerly Brian's Pizza) in the Swatara Square Shopping Center across from the east shore Wal-Mart. The center is bordered by Route 322, Mushroom Hill Road, and Grayson Road. Board meetings are always open to the public. Here is where we handle the club's monthly business -- so there are no demonstrations nor hands-on help. But if you would like the club to benefit from your input on policies and procedures or you'd like to volunteer, then this is the place to be. Meetings start at 6:00 PM and run about an hour or until the club's business is completed.

The Thursday, December 19th HUG Executive Board Meeting was canceled due to the Holidays.


Meeting Locations --

Remember, General Membership Meetings are held on the SECOND TUESDAY of each month from 6:30~9:00 PM in the Skyline View Church, 7733 Hillcrest Avenue, Harrisburg. Skyline View Church is on Jonestown Road (Rt. 22) just 6/10 of a mile west of Rt. 39. It's on the south side of the highway, next to a Fulton Bank and across the highway from a Getty-Mart. Share the experience and bring a friend.

Workshops are held on the THIRD SUNDAY of each month from 2:00~4:00 PM the above location. Visitors with problems are welcome but members are given priority with assistance.

HUG Executive Board Meetings are held the THIRD THURSDAY of each month at 6:00 PM in Little Joe's Pizza [formerly Brian's Pizza] in the Swatara Square Shopping Center across from the east shore Wal-Mart. The Swatara Square is bordered by Route 322, Mushroom Hill Road, and Grayson Road. All current members are welcome.


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Important Reminders and Information

Your Current Email Address --

You must provide us with your correct and current address and inform us of any changes. The best way to do this is to e-mail Lou Samsel and John Reinhardt from the address you wish to use. (Please place "HUG" at the beginning of the e-mail's Subject Field.)

     Lou Samsel -- HUG President at: lou.samsel@pa.net

     John Reinhardt -- HUG Treasurer at: jreinhardt@state.pa.us

Snailmail to the HUG official address works too.

This eliminates typographical errors at both ends as well as handwriting misinterpretations. If you are planning on leaving one ISP for another, we recommend overlapping them for a few months so we have time to change your address without our getting "invalid address" messages when we send you announcements.

Remember, this is your responsibility.


Official HUG Mailing Address --

The new Official Hug Mailing Address, effective November 1st, is:

     Harrisburg pc User Group (HUG)
     Attn: Membership Director [optional line for membership applications and payments]
     38 Windsor Way
     Annville, PA 17003

Please use this new address, starting November 1st, on all U.S. Mail correspondence including new membership applications and dues payments.



Donations to HUG --

Modern and usable software and hardware donations are appreciated. No DOS software or 386, 486 hardware, please -- there is just no use for it. Donations may be dropped off at any HUG meeting. Your donation may be tax deductible for Federal Income Tax purposes -- see our Treasurer John for details.



Membership --

Membership in HUG has many advantages including: admission to all HUG meetings including SIGs, elegibility for door prizes (when available) at General Membership Meetings, priority over non-members for free technical assistance with computer related problems at all HUG Computer Workshops, elegibility to volunteer to work at the HUG Computer Show Table and win annual volunteers' prizes, discounts on all "For Sale" items, and other benefits that I can't think of at the moment.

To renew your HUG Membership, please snailmail your $15 check, made out to "Harrisburg pc User Group", to the New HUG Official Mailing Address:

     Harrisburg pc User Group (HUG)
     Attn: Membership Director [optional line for membership applications and payments]
     38 Windsor Way
     Annville, PA 17003

Alternately, you may bring your check or cash, for $15, to any HUG Meeting.

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Wanted or For Sale

Newsletter Editor Wanted --

Lou Samsel and Dennis Mumma are filling in as newsletter editors until a volunteer for this position comes foreward. This position would look good on anyone's resume. You have the opportunity to style and provide content as you choose. Anyone interested should contact Lou Samsel.


Items for Sale --

We have the following items for sale to active HUG members, only. [Unclaimed items are available to non-members at slightly higher prices.] All items are used, unless othewise indicated. All items are believed to be in good working condition. Anything that proves to be nonworking after purchase may be returned for replacement or refund within 60 days of purchase. Free items have, of course, no warranty. No additional claims as to suitability, performance, or reliablilty are offered. [The stuff's dirt cheap, after all!]

These items are offered while existing supplies last.



  • Computer Components For Sale

  • Hard Drives, 500 Mb, used - $5.00
  • Floppy Drives, 3 1/2", Generic Style - $3.00
  • Floppy Drives, 3 1/2", IBM Style (no seperate power connector) - free
  • Processor Chips, Intel 486, various speeds - $3.00
  • Memory, 72-pin SIMMs, 4 MB - $1.00
  • Memory, 72-pin SIMMs, 8 MB - $5.00
  • Memory, 72-pin SIMMs, ECC (IBM type), 8 MB - $1.00
  • Cases with power supplies, AT style, various manufacturers - free
  • Software: MS J++ with Windows NT 4.0 (new - last one) - [SOLD]
  • Cables, floppy drive, flat ribbon type - $2.00
  • Cables, IDE hard drive, flat ribbon type - $3.00
  • Cables, SCSI drive, flat ribbon type - $1.00


The For Sale Components may be purchased at any workshop or at any other HUG meeting -- if plans are made to do so in advance of the meeting. Please call (or better yet, email) Lou Samsel well in advance to assure availability.

The proceeds from sales are placed in the HUG treasury.

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List of HUG Officers and Support Members



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Links to Other Sites

Computer User Groups

HUG's Home Page  |   APCUG's Home Page  |   ChicagoLand LUG  |   BayArea LUG  |   GLUE


Linux News

Linux Gazette  |   LinuxLinks  |   Linux Today  |   Linux News  |   Linux Planet  |   SlashDot

FreshMeat  |   CNet Linux News  |   TheRegister


Linux Documentation and Tutorials

Linux Documetation Project  |   Linux Tutorials  |   Linux Newbie Organization  |   AboutLinux.com

LinuxLinks   |   CNet Linux Message Forum  |   TheLinuxGurus


Linux Releases

Mandrake  |   RedHat  |   S.u.S.E.  |   LurboLinux  |   Corel Linux


Linux Vendors

Linux Planet  |   Linux Mall  |   Linux Apps  |   Linux Central  |   CheapBytes


Windows Sites

Microsoft Office Community  |   Microsoft Tools on the Web   |   Microsoft Personal Online Support

Tools on the Web Tips and Tricks Center  |   Microsoft Power Toys  |   Microsoft Mobil Devices

Microsoft Outlook  |   Microsoft Template Gallery  |   Microsoft Windows 2000

Microsoft Windows XP Professional




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APCUG Logo HUG is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2003.

HUG has been an APCUG member for 18 years and is a charter member.



Entire form and content is ©2003 by Harrisburg PC Users Group
HUG Logo is a Trademark ® of theHarrisburg PC Users Group
APCUG Logo is a Trademark ® of the Association of Personal Computer User Groups
The Newsletter Title The HUG UpDate is ©1985-2003 by Harrisburg PC Users Group

Compliments can be sent to Lou Samsel.   
Complaints, criticisms and bad advice should be kept to yourself, unless you want to be the editor.
  ~  Lou

Last Modified: May 1st 2003