Welcome to the July 2010 Edition of Cyber News, an ad free, spam free online magazine emanating from Stanley's Studio in Phoenix, Arizona.  In Cyber News we'll try to pass along some useful tips and information about your computer, the Internet, computer products, digital photography, other related topics, and some stuff that's not related at all. If just one thing you read here can help you in your computing world then it's worth the time of putting this together. 

You'll never meet a bigger advocate of technology than yours truly. I have given computer seminars in many cities for the past 20 years and speak very enthusiastically about where we've been and where we're going in this arena.  Lately though, I'm beginning to wonder where we are and who we are as a society resulting from all this "tech stuff."  

Certain aspects of technology, in my opinion, are effecting our social graces in a negative way.  Some people today can't even enjoy a quiet meal with family or friends without texting or posting to Twitter, or Facebook.  They might as well have their cell phone permanently attached to their hand!

When someone is a part of a social setting and is constantly texting, it is non-verbally saying "I'd rather be somewhere else than here with you."  It's just plain rude.  I observed a young married couple in a restaurant recently.  They were sitting at the next table and the entire time we were there, never said one word to each other.  Both of them were engulfed in their own little world with cell phone in hand.  Gosh, how romantic.  Do you suppose they were texting each other?  I even see people texting in church.  It's just impossible for them to turn the cell phone off for one hour!  

Texting on the road has become a killer!  Talking is bad enough but texting is downright dangerous.  You just can't concentrate on texting and driving at the same time. A young teenaged girl pulled up beside me at a stop light the other day, with a hamburger in one hand, her cell phone in the other and a drink in the center console.  It's a wonder she didn't have a cigarette between her toes.  You know that's an accident just waiting to happen!  In some areas of technology we must slow down, but will we?

Whether you're an Apple fan or not, like I mentioned last month, it's an incredible marketing machine!  In the last 3 months they have sold 3 million Ipads and last week the new iPhone 4G was released.  Pre-order demands were 10 times that of the last model, and they reportedly sold 1.5 million the first day!  I will step up to the new one in time, but you sure won't find me camped out in front of a store for two or three days!  That is hype to the nth degree!  One guy in line at an Apple store sold his spot for $100.  I can't imagine wanting something that badly.  I admit I pooh poohed the the very first iPhone but eventually bought one and today wouldn't trade it for anything!  It is truly a technical marvel.

If you're a proud new iPad owner, I'm sure you're enjoying all that it has to offer.  Just because I don't have one, doesn't mean that I wouldn't love owning one, but I just feel that something better is just around the corner.  I can see myself, possibly this fall, giving seminars as I walk around the room with a pad device in hand.  I mentioned cell phone etiquette and there's also iPad social suggestions as explained by Anna Post, great-great granddaughter of Emily Post.

Current iPhone users can upgrade to the new OS4 as of June 21st.  This free upgrade has lots of new features including multi-tasking and camera zoom.  Open iTunes, plug in your phone and download the new operating system.

After being a TV cable customer since its inception, I recently switched to Direct Satellite TV.  I'll give you a full report on my thoughts next month.  I'm already enjoying programming my digital video TV recorder from anywhere with my iPhone!  Some of this stuff boggles my mind.  

Microsoft reports that it has sold more than 150 million copies of the Windows 7 desktop operating system in the roughly nine months it's been available--making it the fastest selling OS in history. Windows 7 has more than redeemed Microsoft for the fiasco that was Windows Vista, and it is still just getting started.  Details from PC World Business Center.

Desktop Icons.  For years I've seen people's computer screens filled with dozens of program icons.  I don't know how they keep track of them all.  Most are never used and some of them are unknown.  Maybe it's time you did some icon house cleaning.  Delete those that are unused by right clicking and choosing delete.  Remember you're not deleting the program, just a shortcut to it.  For those rarely used applications use the Start button and then click on Programs, rather than putting an icon on your desktop.  

With Windows 7, program icons are more manageable by dragging the most important ones to the task bar.  The best part is that you can right click on the taskbar icon to see recently opened files or websites in your browser.  If you use a certain file often then pin it by putting your cursor over it, after right clicking, and clicking the pin.  Now that file is always available instantly instead taking time to look for it in your documents.

Last month I mentioned Windows 7 Compatibility Mode.  I got a lot of comments and thank you's for it, so let's mention it again for those who may have missed it.  It's disappointing to step up to a new operating system only to find that one of your favorite programs won't install.  If that's the case, don't lose heart because there's a chance that it will still work.  Here's the secret.  Insert the disk in your CD player.  Click Start, Computer, and double click on your CD drive to see the files it contains.  Find the Setup.exe or Install.exe file, RIGHT click on it and choose properties.  At the top of the window that opens click on the Compatibility Tab then put a check mark next to "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and choose your previous operating system.  Click OK to finish and now go ahead and install the program.  

Another feature I like in Windows 7 is "Sticky Notes."  If you haven't already dragged it onto your taskbar, you'll find it by clicking the start button then "All Programs" and "Accessories."  Sticky Notes gives you the opportunity to create reminders and put them on your screen.  Make them any size, right click and change the color, and add as many as you please.  To make them disappear just click on the icon and they go away until you click again.  It's time to get rid of all those post-it notes plastered all over the place!  More from Dummies.com.

Off the shelf digital camera sees cancer in real time!  Using a $400 Olympus E-330 digital camera, Rice University biomedical engineers and University of Texas cancer researchers report recently that they are able to distinguish between healthy and cancerous cells. The story from CNET's Health Tech.

We take our freedoms and the Internet for granted here in America, but in other Countries computer technology is just in its infancy. Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh arrives after traveling 450 kilometers by motorbike, evading the security police, to tell CNN the story of her imprisonment for blogging in Vietnam.  The story and video from CNN. 

Sometime ago I featured a video of some guy hiking a walkway along a very narrow gorge called "El Camino del Rey" somewhere in Spain.  Now there's a new high definition version that you can watch in full screen.  Warning:  If you get vertigo or are scared of heights, beware!  I'm telling you, this guy has far more fortitude than I.

Photo Tip of the Month:  Great memories are preserved with pictures, so use that digital camera!  After the initial investment, it costs nothing to shoot.  Don't be afraid of taking many shots of one scene, with different light and different angles.  Even the best of the best don't take a perfect photo every time.  Take lots and save only the good ones.  Have fun and years from now you'll find joy in your photos!

Check out my personal Photo Site.  You'll see over 1,300 pictures in 38 galleries that I've taken from around the world.  We have had over 315,000 views on our Photo Site, thanks in part to Cyber News readers!  I have recently revamped the entire site and added many photos in various galleries.

I have an Iphone photo site now too.  I can take a picture, add effects, and immediately upload it from anywhere. Kinda cool and fun.  Just because the pictures you see here are all taken with iPhones doesn't mean that there are not some very talented photographers hanging out here.  After viewing mine, click on "The Best Photos" at the top of the page and check out some of their web sites!  You'll spend some enjoyable time looking at photo talent from all over the world.  iPhone Photos.

My Blog contains thoughts and photos on many subjects and the latest entry talks about a recent visit to Las Vegas.  

My slide presentation entitled "The Great American Southwest," is still available and you may view it here.

How about a few questions to test your ability to remember advertising.  For example, do you know who's logo this is?  A few month's ago the answer was probably no for most of us, but today we recognize it as the logo for BP (British Petroleum).  Quite frankly we wish it was still relatively unknown!  What a terrible tragedy for those on America's Southern and Eastern coasts, and of course the oil spill will effect our whole nation.  Okay, let's see how you do on the quiz.

Before you leave today, I'd like to give you a hug.  May sound stupid to some, but it's something that I think we need more of in today's society.  This video should give you a warm feeling and put a smile on your face, if it doesn't maybe you need to try it.  If you would like a bonus to that, try this!

"Live life with passion, in a constant state of joy, and with an attitude of gratitude!"  
                                Happy Independence Day America!
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Secrets of Safe Computing are outlined below.  Please don't ignore them.  Read each point and be sure to follow the advice as outlined in System Maintenance.  Just a few minutes of work each  month will go a long way in keeping your computer running smoothly.

Secrets to Safe Computing:

• Don't open Email from strangers.
• Keep your Operating System updated.
• Make sure System Restore and Firewall are active.
• More Secrets to Safe Computing.

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The contents of Cyber News may be copied, reproduced, or freely distributed for all nonprofit purposes without the consent of the author as long as the author's name and contact information are included.  Cyber News is a free service of Stanley Computing and is published each month, originating from Stanley's Studio in Phoenix, Arizona.  

Disclaimer:  The information presented in Cyber News is researched and is believed to be accurate.  We cannot guarantee that all the information will work on your particular combination of hardware, software and user skills.  All information herein is offered as-is and without warranty of any kind.  Neither Stanley Computing nor its contributors are responsible for any loss, injury, or damage, direct or consequential, resulting from your choosing to use any information presented on this web site.  Stanley Computing has not been compensated in any way for any product endorsement.

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