"Now that the issues are done for the contest, we're going to stop writing so much, and we need people to add material. One of the things we'd love to have are more experiences with cable modems and DSL. We've had a couple of articles so far, and this is an area where everyone who doesn't have one is interested. It's probably the most exciting thing going on right now in computing- getting a fast connection.

"If you get a broadband connection, we'd really like to hear how it went for you. Was it difficult to set up? Do you have more than one computer connected? Do you get good speed? If you have DSL, are you able to get high speeds, or are you a long way from a central office and only get low speeds?

"There's a lot we all want to know. When you have to make a one-year commitment, you really want to get all the information you can ahead of time. So if you have any experience at all, send a letter to the editor. Above all, we want to know one thing: Are you satisfied?"

Responding to a question from the audience, Tom said you can get back copies of Sacra Blue by going to any eBlue frontpage. At the top of the left column is a link to the archives section. In the archives section, with each issue of eBlue listed, there will be a link for the Sacra Blue PDF (if there was one for that month). "We only started doing this in May, I believe, so they don't go all the way back," Tom said. "Ken has done some work on the earlier issues so they are more condensed, and those will be up later."

Financially, the group is still building up its cash reserves. "In fact, there is some discussion on how we should handle the surplus we're bringing in now. If you would like to take part in that discussion, you are welcome to join us at the Steering Committee meeting, second Wednesday of every month, at the Sizzler on Fulton near Cottage. Meetings start at 6:30 p.m. If you want dinner you can come earlier. We have a separate room reserved. At our next meeting we'll discuss the dues structure and surplus funds.

"We have been considering sending out a CD with all of the issues of Sacra Blue on it, plus the Mentor list, the membership guide, possibly a member directory, and whatever else is suggested. We would like as much input as we can get."

As of the first of the month, SPCUG has 679 members; we signed up six new members last month and 93 renewals.

Brian Smither, discussing the shareware library and eBlue, said: "Last month someone mentioned he would like to see the shareware library again. Well, that very next week, I uploaded the entire shareware library onto our Web site. You are able to access it at any time.

"You get there from our home page. Near the top is a series of fuzzy blue ovals. One says 'Information'. Click on it. Near the bottom of the page that comes up will be a short couple of paragraphs that discusses what the library is and what shareware means (not free, but try before you buy). Click on the link provided and the next page that comes up will be a list of the library contents with individual links to each volume.

"Most of the volumes are zipped (filename.zip). Zipped files are a way to collect and compress a bunch of files into one, like clothes in a suitcase, and squeezing that suitcase as small as it can go. You need a program to unzip these files, which expands the contents and separates out the individualfiles. If anyone doesn't understand this, please do not be afraid to ask. That's what the SPCUG is here for."

Tom Anderson noted that the group has a number of volunteer positions open. "We would like to put together a guide to computer stores. The idea is to let members know what the merits are, and what the different stores offer, and even rate them if we can.

"We need a few volunteers who are willing to go out to a few stores each month and fill out a questionnaire afterward. If your spouse is complaining you spend too much time in computer stores, here's your excuse. We would like evaluations of Good Guys, Circuit City, even places like Radio Shack, and smaller stores like Arden Computer and Advanced Micro. We want a guide you can use when shopping.

"We're also working on a history of the user group. We need someone who can scan in Sacra Blue covers. We want it done by our next anniversary next July. If you can help, drop an email to ken.hopkins@sacpcug.org and Ken will set you up.

"We also need a calendar editor for eBlue and Sacra Blue, to keep it up to date and to adjust the calendar for meetings that aren't held because of holidays and things like that. See Ken or Stan Morris.

"One of our newest volunteers is one of our oldest volunteers. Our Steering Committee voted to join the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce. This will lead to quite a few benefits for members. Every member will be eligible to go to Chamber of Commerce events. Some cost money, some don't. If you are in business for yourself, I think you will find this a valuable benefit. Roy Korb, who has handled the shareware library since it was carved on stone, practically, has volunteered to be our representative. He will fill us in on a regular basis as to what's available.

"If you haven't given us your e-mail address, please do so at the computer in the lobby. We want your e-mail to send you notices. We have scrapped the idea of sending everyone Sacra Blue by e-mail because it filled mail boxes very rapidly.

Stan Morris would like to thank all those who turned out for the Microsoft Extreme event. It was a very successful event.

Ken Hopkins called from Las Vegas on Tom's cell phone to announce the presenters at upcoming meetings.

Ken: "I'm talking from the 104th floor of the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas, a Unix party. The December meeting will have Parallax and Gemteq. Gemteq will show us eGems, a very interesting Web application.

"In January we're going to see the HAL 9 computer and RoboHelp from the eHelp people. We're going to have another home-grown evening, this time on genealogy. We're going to show you how to use the Web to do this. In February we have QuickPlan. We plan on having a lot of other great presentations for you coming up."