Our November program turned out differently than planned. As I told you last month in this space, my plan was to have someone from one of the major electronics stores show us the hot new gadgets for the Christmas gift giving season. Not only did my plans fall through… my backup plan failed as well. Thankfully, our friends at Springfield Technology came through for us. The new owner graciously took time out of his busy schedule (on very short notice) to explain more about why Internet security has become such an important issue. He is offering beginner level classes on how to maintain a virus free "Clean Machine."

He also shared his vision for the future of Springfield Technology. George said he wants to continue serving former customers of the business and expand to fill the needs of the home user and small business owner as well. One other thing he said struck very close to home with me. As most of you know, I have a seventeen year old daughter, so I am very concerned about the state of our society and the world she will inherit from us. George wants to open a gaming center where young people can go to play their favorite video games in a safe and wholesome environment. I will personally support his efforts in this regard as much as I can.

Be sure to attend ICON'S December meeting. The program will have a Christmas theme, and it will be interesting and fun. That's all I will tell you until you get there!

Don't forget our holiday dinner and party immediately following the meeting. We have reserved the private dining room at Old Country Buffet for this event. (Online Editor's Note: The location has changed to Golden Corral; see details here.) You can get your tickets from Bill Patrick at any ICON event.

We will kick off the New Year with a new "Focus" series on Networking. I will post a schedule soon. Check the January schedule in your newsletter and on the web site for some schedule changes to both times and topics.

Happy Computing
Terry