Mark Vandersnick, the physical therapist who gave the Computer Ergonomics presentation and demonstrations about one’s computer chair, solved a couple of problems for me: 1) I took the arms off my chair and now I find I’m sitting back instead of sitting slumped on the edge, and 2) my shoulder muscles don’t hurt anymore because I’m not leaning sideways on the arm. I haven’t gotten a timer yet, but I am trying to get up from my chair more often.

The "Clean out Your Closet" exchange project that was scheduled for the January 20 meeting has been rescheduled for February 17. This means working hardware, peripherals, software, etc. that someone else might use. This is NOT for recycling the non-working stuff—that’s for the March of Technology on March 24.

At the February Membership Meeting, I'll be appointing a Nominating Committee of five persons with a majority being non-officers. Vice President Nancy Preffitt will have copies of procedural reports available for anyone considering an office, so you can see exactly what is expected. It is hoped that we may be able to offer the membership a ballot with more than one candidate per office this year.

The Beginners’ Corner has been a little slow getting started and perhaps we haven't made people well enough aware of it. At 12:15 p.m. on February 17 at Brentwood Library, Nancy Preffitt will be in a corner with a cup of coffee and her computer, waiting to answer your computer questions.

The Newsletter Committee needs a person to do printing of posters, brochures, etc. using ICON’s HP OfficeJet printer. Faye Patrick is the Chairperson of the Committee and can give instructions. Please talk to Faye or me if this is something you’d like to do.

Mindshare, Microsoft’s User Group Program, has sent us Windows Vista Release Candidate 1 Customer Preview Program that can be installed on up to 10 computers. What this means is that nine more members can have the program installed on their computers so they can play with it and see how it works, BUT this offer expires on June 1. At that time, you’ll need an operating system—either going back to what you had, getting VISTA, or getting something else. I have it installed and it does seem very user friendly; however, I have had to go online to get updated drivers for my sound card, video card, web camera, printer (a beta copy), and my modem. Two versions are included: 32-bit and 64-bit. VISTA has been very cautious about letting programs be installed; it asks permission. Please check with Ed Williams, our Education Chairperson, if you’d like to have the program installed.

Everyone appreciates being appreciated. We received a Thank You card from Don Hern in response to a Get Well card created by Edith Breshears and sent from ICON. If you know of anyone in the group who should receive a Sympathy or Get Well card, please let Faye Patrick know for the newsletter, and she will contact Edith.