He led off himself, with a backhanded slap at Microsoft. Dennis has long advocated and enthusiastically recommended the industry giant's encyclopedic software program called Encarta. Indeed, he regularly upgrades his own copy each time a new version is released.

However, the latest upgrade, version 2002, according to Dennis, is a rip off and is to be avoided. His conclusion is based on the fact that Microsoft removed a number of key tools, such as the dictionary, from the program and relocated them to the World Wide Web. Therefore, in order for a user to access the feature they must first be online. Dennis has let Microsoft know of his feelings and, as one might imagine, they are despondent over his response and they promised to do better in the future.

Rich, who also favors Microsoft products, booted his computer into Windows XP Pro and started up Front Page. To begin his presentation he took us directly to the chapter's site at Geocities and showed how he constructed the page using the templates included in the Front Page program. It came as quite a relief to see that it is possible to set up a site without having to actually learn HTML program language.

The demonstration included how to select a layout for the page, how to edit the templates, insert pictures and/or clip art, and move objects around in the workspace to create the desired effects. He also went over setting up parent and child folders and links, how to add elements such as music, and how to publish new or revised elements to the site. Finally, he took us on a tour of different Web sites to show variations on the basic elements.

As is usual with all presenters, we gave him a big hand at the conclusion of the meeting and thanked him for an insightful presentation. The Orangevale/ Folsom/Fair Oaks Chapter meets the 4th Thursday of each month at the Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church at 11427 Fair Oaks Blvd. Visitors and guests are always welcome. More Information can be found on the chapter's Web site.