President Dick Towle started the meeting right on time, 7:00 PM, July 12, 2000 in the Beecher Room of the Auburn Branch of the Placer County Library at 350 Nevada Street, Auburn. He welcomed new members and guests, then right into a quick report of some new "goodies" he purchased recently, while some of the members were still coming into the room.
One of the items he will try at home, is a device that will let you connect a computer or printer through a parallel port and device that plugs into your normal wall outlet. This should allow one to connect several computers without using the standard type "hub". The whole thing was cheaper than using the "normal" method. Dick will try it out at home and report next meeting how it went.
After the regular report of what happened at the Main Group, and why belong to our group, Q&A, etc., it was welcomed that the membership reminders were sent out and compared to the latest membership list to see who was a valid member or not. Most of us did not look at our cards or even cancelled checks to see where we stood. It is, indeed, absolutely necessary to send out reminders before dues are due... and the Membership Chairperson is doing just that. Thank you, it will bring into your treasury the much needed revenue required to continue our mission. And, if the card I received is correct, the $7.00 rebate to the Chapter will also be welcomed to help defray the cost of renting a meeting place.
Greg Dolkas, a member and tonights presentor, gave a demonstration of "How to Build a Computer on the Cheap". Greg, brought his desktop computer and brought up on the Internet two very important Web Sites, Tomshardware.com and Pricewatch.com. This allowed Greg to pick and choose what was recommended for his requirements and the best prices available. After comparing prices over the Internet and local retail stores, and visiting a couple of swap-meets, etc. Greg was able to shave of some $500.00 from buying a ready made computer and one built to his specifications. He did this by buying quality components and even had an improvement over his original specs. Of course, he admits that one has to put it all together and make sure it works.
After an excellent presentation and accolade over his accomplishment, the membership broke for refreshments and the drawing of door prizes. Remember! GCPCUG meet on the second Wednesday of the month.
—
Ken Weger