Panoramic Tripod Head

How to Build a Panoramic Tripod Head - WikiHow: "There’s some amazing software out there for panoramic photography. Various software packages warp, stitch and blend sequences of photos so that they (ideally) look like one big, high-resolution, panoramic shot. However, getting these shots to turn out perfectly isn’t easy when handholding your camera or using a normal tripod, especially when some parts of the image are fairly close to the lens. Panoramic tripods can cost hundreds of dollars, but making your own isn't that hard. Even better, it's dirt cheap."

Roxio Software

Easy Media Creator 9 Suite - CD & DVD Creator - Overview

Roxio is well known as CD and DVD burning software. A few more features like video editing and movie making are no surprise and some great features for making music CDs and DVDs and even backing up your whole harddrive make it even better. The new media Creator 9 Suite even includes a full featured photo editing program with all the bells and whistles -- all for under $100

Mount St. Helens Volcano Cam

Camera updates every 5 minutes.

Mount St. Helens VolcanoCam - Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts

Top 7 Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts for Productivity Photoshop Lab: "This is a list of my top 7 (or so) favorite and most used Photoshop keyboard shortcuts. Some might be obvious to you, some you might already know, and some might be new to you. "

Windows® Defender

Download details: Windows® Defender: "Windows Defender is a free program that helps you stay productive by protecting your computer against pop-ups, slow performance and security threats caused by spyware and other potentially unwanted software."

Windows Movie Maker Tutorial

DIY Guide to Windows Movie Maker - Video Software: "

Most users don't know that Windows XP includes it's own video editing software, right out of the box. Windows Movie Maker is included with Windows XP and can be used to edit your home videos, including adding titles, effects and transitions, as well as adding audio and narration.
And if you don't own a video camera, there are still plenty of things you can do with Movie Maker, including making slide shows from your digital photos using all of features mentioned above."

Merry Christmas from Jim and Wendy Hoffman

Our Christmas Greeting to you!

BlogThis! link

Known Issues for Blogger in Beta:

"BlogThis! is not yet supported in beta (it won't accept beta login
information). This applies both to the original BlogThis! link as well as the
Blogger button on the Google Toolbar. Update (9/12): This is now being worked
on. "

Whew! I knew there had to be a reason we couldn't log on. The post hasn't been updated since September but hopefully it will be fixed soon. They are in the process of removing the 'beta' classification.

Post to the Blogger beta from Picasa

Blogger Buzz: Post to the Blogger beta from Picasa
One of the last features missing from the new version of Blogger in beta — posting photos directly from Google’s Picasa photo organizer — has been released today. Picasa’s BlogThis! button is the easiest, most convenient way to post photos from your Windows or Linux desktop to your blog, and now you can use this great (and free!) program with the new version of Blogger.

Flickr Support for Blogger

Blogger Buzz: Flickr Support for Blogger in beta: "I’m very pleased to announce that Flickr has added support for the new version of Blogger in beta! Now you can blog and post photos directly from Flickr to your beta blog. This is something that a ton of you have been requesting, and many thanks go to the Flickr folks for upgrading their site to work with the new version of Blogger."

Blog This Link setup

Blogger Help : What is BlogThis! ?: "BlogThis! is an easy way to make a blog post without visiting blogger.com. Once you add the BlogThis! link to your browser's toolbar, blogging will be a snap. Or rather, a click. Clicking BlogThis! creates a mini-interface to Blogger prepopulated with a link to the web page you are visiting, as well as any text you have highlighted on that page. Add additional text if you wish and then publish or post from within BlogThis!
There are two ways to use BlogThis!: if you use Windows and Internet Explorer, you can use BlogThis! straight from the Google Toolbar. If you're on another browser, just drag the link below to your browser's Link bar. Then, whenever the mood strikes, click BlogThis! to post to your blog:"

Maxine's Blog

From Mama's Heart

My favorite Christmas cookie recipes

My favorite Christmas cookie recipes:

"The best memories come from the good times in life. One of my fondest
memories
was visits to Grandma's farm in the country at Christmas time. More
specifically
Grandma's cookie table, always piled high with at least a dozen
different
goodies. Once a year we were allowed to pick, and choose, and eat
all we wanted.
(at least that's what Grandma said...) Enjoy these time
treasured recipes and
share them with your family. Remember! Grandma said
they can have all they
want... It's Christmas!"

This is a site I used for a sample of posting on the fly.

For the kids

To entertain the child in all of us -- or the grandkids -- or the great grand kids --or just call it plain old mouse practise!


Boohbah Zone

Top tips for organizing your digital photo collection

"Chances are you're taking lots of digital photographs these days. And why not?
It's easy, fast, and fun, and once you have a digital camera, it's virtually
free to take as many pictures as your heart desires.
But have you ever spent
hours in your photo library, trying to find 'that really great picture,'
scrolling through countless images, not even sure you're in the right folder?
Once you master a few easy photo management tools, it's a snap to organize
your entire collection, so you can stop stressing and start enjoying your
photos."

10 Ways to Work More Securely

Published: November 26, 2005


The security of your computer and data is crucial for you and the success of your company. Lost or stolen information can reveal company secrets, or expose your confidential or personal information. The more you can do to keep your computer secure, the better off you'll be. Use these 10 tips to learn ways you can protect your computer, your data, and your company's network."

Fixing internet browser problems

Weirdness with the Web: 3 stubborn Internet problems you can fix: "In general, PC problems can be pretty annoying. But perhaps nothing's more irritating then dealing with PC problems when you're trying to surf the World Wide Web. In this article, you'll learn to cure your PC's weirdness with the Web.
These solutions deal specifically with Microsoft Windows XP, but you'll find these tips generally work for all versions of Windows from 95/98/ME to NT/2000/XP.
On This Page
You get annoying pop-ups when you surf the Internet
You receive error messages on the Web pages you view
The text on Web pages is too small to read

Get Windows Defender for Free

Online Photo Albums

Online albums are available in numerous locations. They vary from site to site. Many are free. Here are some sites to choose from:

Snapfish
Kodak
Webshots
Yahoo Photo
Live Spaces
Flickr
Photosite
Picasa
PhotoBucket
Our Story

Layering Photos

Cleaning Poem

Cleaning Poem

I asked the Lord to tell me Why my house is such a mess.

He asked if I'd been 'computering', And I had to answer, "yes."
He told me to get off my fanny And tidy up the house.

And so I started cleaning up... The smudges off my mouse.

I wiped and shined the topside. That really did the trick...

I was just admiring my work... I didn't mean to 'click.'

But click, I did, and oops I found A real absorbing site

That I got SO way into... I was into it all night.

{sigh} Nothing's changed except my mouse It's very, very shiny.

I guess my house will stay a mess... While I sit here on my hiney.

Sample Blog Setup and Posting

Sample Blog Setup and Posting:
"Sunday, December 3, 2006
Blogs created in Class

The following is a list of the new blogs created by students last week. You can click on the name to view the blog."

Framing a Picture: a Photoshop tutorial by Janee

Framing a Picture: a Photoshop tutorial by Janee: "Framing a Picture
In this tutorial, written with beginners in mind, we are going to mat and frame a picture using a frame and mat that we make ourselves. We will learn/practice the following skills:
Cropping a picture.
Using layers to manipulate images.
Using gradients.
Using the rectangular marquee and the polygonal marquee.
Using Layer Effects.
As you work through this, read the first line of the step and think about how you would do it. Try it on your own before you read how I did it. "

Koala's Christmas Backgrounds

Koala's Christmas Backgrounds: "These Christmas backgrounds were made with Paint Shop Pro
using tubes and brushes. Please feel free to download any of
these for your own personal use A link back is not required
unless you want to. Please enjoy :) "

live.com blog

live.com blog: "Updates to Live.com
Yesterday, we released a small update to Live.com, intended to fix a number of bugs and improve the overall experience. While there aren't too many drastic changes that you can see, a number of items are worth calling out:"

n.b. This blog gives the latest info for Live.Com and can also be subscribed.

A Few Scanning Tips

TCO
The purpose is to offer some scanning tips and to explain the basics for photos and documents. It is about the fundamentals of digital images, about the basics to help you get the most from your scanner. How it works, for those that want to know.

Folding Socks

For the days you have nothing else to do. Also makes for good mouse practice! Click on the title above and start sorting the socks.


2/27/07 Please note that this link is not currently working. The original page might have been removed.

Basics of Digital Camera Pixels

Basics of Digital Camera Pixels: "The continuous advance of digital camera technology can be quite confusing because new terms are constantly being introduced. This tutorial aims to clear up some of this digital pixel confusion-- particularly for those who are either considering or have just purchased their first digital camera. Concepts such as sensor size, megapixels, dithering and print size are discussed."
Every digital image consists of a fundamental small-scale descriptor: THE PIXEL, invented by combining the words "PICture ELement." Just as how pointillist artwork uses a series of paint blotches, millions of pixels can also combine to create a detailed and seemingly continuous image.

n.b. This is a great article -- very informative. ~Wendy

Megapixel overview chart

Megapixel overview chart web.forret.com: "This is an overview of megapixel resolutions. It is a mixture of devices (cameras, screens) and standards (video compression, VGA)."

This chart also offers different camera brands and cell phone examples.

Megapixel Calculator

This is a megapixel calculator, a tool to calculate and convert graphical resolution, image memory consumption and file sizes. How many pixels in a DVD image? How does that compare to a 5 megapixel camera?
Megapixel Calculator - digital camera resolution web.forret.com

Blog definition

Blog - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Early weblogs were simply manually updated components of common websites. However, the evolution of tools to facilitate the production and maintenance of web articles posted in said chronological fashion made the publishing process feasible to a much larger, less technical, population. Ultimately, this resulted in the distinct class of online publishing that produces blogs we recognize today. For instance, the use of some sort of browser-based software is now a typical aspect of 'blogging'. Blogs can be hosted by dedicated blog hosting services, or they can be run using blog software, such as WordPress, blogger or LiveJournal, or on regular web hosting services, such as DreamHost.
The term 'weblog' was coined by Jorn Barger on 17 December 1997. The short form, 'blog,' was coined by Peter Merholz, who jokingly broke the word weblog into the phrase we blog in the sidebar of his blog Peterme.com in April or May of 1999.[3][4][5] This was quickly adopted as both a noun and verb ('to blog,' meaning 'to edit one's weblog or to post to one's weblog')."

define:Blog - Google Search

define:Blog - Google Search: "Definitions of Blog on the Web:"

Free Downloads from Canon

Canon Inkjet Printer - CREATIVE PARK

Internet Security

The Basics Of Internet Security

Besides not corresponding with convicts imprisoned for violent crimes, what are some other precautions you should take to protect your physical security and safety when you use the Internet?

• Use your primary e-mail account only for your close circle of trusted friends, relatives or colleagues. A simple search for your Internet service provider or business can trace you to a geographical area, and from there it is an easy matter for someone to find you through the telephone listings.

• Use another e-mail account, such as the many free ones available, for online activities such as chats or newsgroups.

• Choose a gender-neutral and non-provocative name for your online socializing. Don’t identify yourself as a woman, because more than 90 per cent of cyberstalking victims are women.

• Don’t fill in the personal information profiles for e-mail, chat and messaging accounts.

• Use filters to block unwanted e-mail and instant messages. Do not open creepy-looking e-mail and do not open unexpected attachments. At the least, your computer data could be damaged by a virus.

• Be careful what websites you visit. Even a quick peek at offensive material can bring nasty e-mails to your desk.

• If you are harassed or threatened online, take the situation seriously. Online arguments have escalated into physical confrontations. Most cyberstalking cases involve strangers who first connected online. Report the problem to the system administrator at your Internet service provider and that of the person who is bothering you. Contact the police if the harassment continues and you have concerns about your physical safety, as in the case of a stalker who seems to know where you live.

• Don’t keep personal information such as PIN numbers, your home address or security codes on your computer where a hacker, burglar or co-worker can find it. If you use a laptop, think what could happen to the information on it if someone picked it up at an airport or from a taxicab.

• Search for yourself on the Internet to see what others can find out about you. Start with a metasearch tool such as Dogpile.com. Also look on people-finding Web pages such as 411.com. Besides finding a bunch of people with the same name as you, you may learn how easy it is to track you down.

Computers, cell phones and other electronic communications devices are not necessarily private. Embarrassing e-mail messages have wrecked careers. So have careless cell phone conversations. To be on the safe side, assume you are not anonymous when communicating electronically. Think about the consequences if someone else — your employer, a member of the news media or a criminal — were to listen in. And take care with security devices such as identification badges, lock cards and old-fashioned keys so they will not be borrowed, stolen or copied.

Many beautiful friendships have started online and blossomed in person. But think twice before arranging to see someone you have met online, even through your work.

Movie maker movie

This movie was created using Windows Movie Maker and then uploaded to YouTube.
From a Canadian Cadet to an American Soldier: My son wears combat boots#links

Google bombing

Google bomb - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "A Google bomb or Googlewash is Internet slang for a certain kind of attempt to influence the ranking (called PageRank) of a given page in results returned by the Google search engine, often with humorous or political intentions.[1] Because of the way that Google's algorithm works, a page will be ranked higher if the sites that link to that page use consistent anchor text. A Google bomb is created if a large number of sites link to the page in this manner. Google bomb is used both as a verb and a noun. The phrase 'Google bombing' was introduced to the New Oxford American Dictionary in May 2005.[2]"

To understand how a 'google bomb' works try a google search on 'miserable failure'. Today the search returned the official government page for George W Bush as the top search item. Bombs generally have a 'burn out' time.

Add-Ons for Microsoft Internet Explorer

Add-Ons for Microsoft Internet Explorer: "Browser add-ons can help personalize the way you use the Internet. The add-ons available here have been carefully screened by Microsoft and rated by users to help you select the ones that suit your needs and preferences. Start exploring them today. "

Microsoft Photo Story 3 for Windows

Microsoft Photo Story 3 for Windows: make show-n-tell cool again:
Capture memories
Create slideshows using your digital photos. With a single click, you can touch-up, crop, or rotate pictures. It's that easy!Bring photos to life
Add stunning special effects, soundtracks, and your own voice narration to your photo stories. Then, personalize them with titles and captions.Share your stories
Small file sizes make it easy to send your photo stories in an e-mail. Watch them on your TV, a computer, or a Windows Mobile–based portable device.
Burn DVDs with extra Sonic plug-in.
See it in action Need inspiration? Check out these stories created with Photo Story 3.

Yahoo! 360

Myth #1: Blogging is time-consuming.
False. Take as much or as little time as you like.

Myth #2: Anyone can peek.
Nuh-uh. Only you decide who sees what's on your Yahoo! 360º page.

Myth #3: Deep thoughts are mandatory.
Again, incorrect.

Downloading and installing software

IT Services Guides: Downloading and installing software: "Downloading and installing software for Windows
Introduction
Zip files
Exe files
Warning!
Downloading a file from the web
Installing software
Dealing with *.exe files
Self-installing *.exe files
Dealing with *.exe files that do not self-install
Dealing with all *.zip files
Installing the program "

Basic E-mail Etiquette

Basic E-mail Etiquette - Associated Content: "Has this happened to you? You type an email, check for grammar and spelling and hit 'send'. Suddenly the screen pops up that says your mail has been sent but you notice it's been sent to the wrong person. You frantically search for the 'unsend' button. You know there isn't one but miracles can happen right? Perhaps you were telling your coworker what an idiot your boss is and you accidentally sent it to the company president. In a moment of anger you send an email complaining about your neighbor to your neighbor instead of your best friend. Oops!"

Photography Printing Guide - DPI vs PPI

Design215 Photography Printing Guide - DPI vs PPI: "dpi is NOT THE SAME as ppi !!
Even though 'dots per inch' (dpi) and 'pixels per inch' (ppi) are used interchangeably by many, they are not the same thing. Traditional printing methods use patterns of dots to render photographic images on a printed page. While pixels on a monitor are square and in contact with the adjacent pixels, printed dots have space between them to make white, or no space between them to make black. Color photographs are printed using four inks, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK), and four separate dot patterns, one for each ink. Dots per inch (dpi) refers to printed dots and the space between them, while pixels per inch (ppi) refers to the square pixels in a digital image. Keep in mind that many companies will ask for images at 300dpi when they really mean 300ppi."

Photo print size charts

Design215 megapixels comparison and maximum print size charts
This chart gives a good idea how big you would be able to make photo quality prints in ratio to the megapixels of your camera. It also has information on scanned 35 mm photos and resolution.

Adobe Photoshop brush tools

Sept 06 Tip of the Week

Shrt reading on the various brush tools -- from the burn tool to the eraser.

Photoshop Tutorial

Very technical but also thorough and might answer some questions you've had.
Photoshop Tutorial

4 Ways to Speed Up Your Computer's Performance

4 Ways to Speed Up Your Computer's Performance

Create an online photo album

Create an online photo album

Erase objects with MS Digital Image

Erase objects from photos

Cell phone photos -- Photoshop

Photo restoration software and digital photo recovery software for photo enhancement

What is a BLOG?

The University of Lethbridge's Faculty of Education has a very brief definition.Blog - A web log: an on-line diary or frequently updated personal web page.

E-mail mistakes that make you look bad - How To: MSN Tech & Gadgets

This is designed for businesses but the email etiquette is a standard for all of us.

E-mail mistakes that make you look bad - How To: MSN Tech & Gadgets

Paint Shop Pro graphic tutorials

Paint Shop Pro graphic tutorials, learn Jasc Paint Shop Pro

This is for versions of PSP prior to the Corel merger.

Photoshop Elements User Resources - tutorials tips downloads info

Photoshop Elements User Resources - tutorials tips downloads info

Microsoft Picture It! Tips & Tutorials

A list of links with various 'how to' ideas working with Picture It! or MS Digital Image
Microsoft Picture It! Tips & Tutorials

Windows XP: Tips and tricks

Windows XP: Tips and tricks

How PayPal Works - PayPal

How PayPal Works - PayPal

A safe, secure way to do much of your online shopping.

Federal Trade Commission: Your National Resource About ID Theft

Federal Trade Commission: Your National Resource About ID Theft
Deter-Detect-Defend
AVOID

Online Shopping: A Safety Checklist

Online Shopping: A Safety Checklist

Although this is a somewhat outdated article, much of the information still holds true.

Brain Exercises

Brain Train - Challenge your mind. Stay relaxed and alert.

Internet suddenly slow?

Is Your Neighbor Scamming on Your Wi-Fi? : Tom Samiljan : Yahoo! Tech

Word online manual

Click the title above for an interactive online manual for using MS Word

Encore -- Fall 2006

FALL - 2006.qxp

Clicking on the link above will open a PDF file of the Fall 2006 Encore Calendar. Clicking on the title will open it as HTML

Aging People | Photoshop Lab

Aging People Photoshop Lab

Well, what can I say -- if we can't get all the wrinklesout we can add them on to everybody else. Thought it was kinda cute.

Internet Explorer 7

Microsoft will release the final version of Internet Explorer 7 (English) in October 2006. Internet Explorer 7 (IE7 ) provides significant enhancements in security and usability. Microsoft recommends that all genuine Windows customers install this upgrade. Shortly after it is released, Microsoft will distribute IE7 as a high-priority update through Automatic Updates to help consumers become more secure and up-to-date. However, to ensure that customers are prepared to upgrade, IE7 will not install without user consent.
Click on the title link above for an entertaining video about IE7 or click Here for a tour of the new features.

Gaylord Du Bois

I seriously started out looking up new information to post but ended up creating a new blog instead on Gaylord Du Bois

Photoshop Elements 5

Adobe - Adobe Photoshop Elements for Windows: Features

Wildflower Tech Creations at Amazon

I have an Amazon store set up that narrows in on computer books, software and computers.
Wildflower Tech Creations at Amazon

Notes from Wendy at Wildflower Studio

Another Blog I have on the internet
Notes from Wendy at Wildflower Studio

The Scrappers Guide

A new video every week with Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop elements tips and tricks.
Digital Scrapper Downloads

Windows Live Mail

Windows Live Mail

Windows Live One Care

Windows Live Tune Up -- click here

The WORD Toolbar

Click on the title above for a tutorial on the WORD toolbar.

Several general WORD tutorials can be found on Electric Teacher.

SJC 50th

Sign the SJC guestbook and share your memories -- click here

Link to Word 2003 reference

http://www.uncfsu.edu/ITTS/training/Quickref/word_2003_qr.pdf#search=%22word

Click on the link above for a handy Word reference chart. You can print it out for use at home.

Fall Classes

Welcome to all the students in Computer Basics 1 and Computer Adventures. We have full classes in both.

Annual Birthday Bash

ENCORE’s

Tropical Island Birthday Party

Refreshments!

Prizes!

 

WHEN: 4-6 p.m. ~ August 18, 2006

WHERE: San Juan College Fitness Center

(HHPC - Across the street from the Clock Tower Building)

WHO: You and your friends

RSVP: 566-3214

Come join us to learn more about the exciting Encore Program

• Sign up to become a new member of Encore or renew your membership

(discount rate of $20 available August 18th only).

• Talk to instructors and previous students.

• Learn about our new Fall classes and get first choice in signing up.

(Please note: You must be an Encore member to sign up for our new

classes on August 18th. Non-members can attend our party and sign up

for classes starting August 21st.)

Check out the membership benefits:

• High quality, low cost classes

• Discounts on special trips

• Activities within an interactive academic environment

• Programs for wellness, service and lifelong learning

• Newsletters

• Brown bag lunches

• Access to San Juan College resources

• Discounts to fine arts performances and the fitness center

• much, much more!

Encore . . .

A vital academic program for people ages 50+!

Fall Semester Classes

Computer Basics I 

Computer Basics II  

Computer Adventures

Computer Adventures and Beyond

Working With Photos

Personalizing the Internet

 

Hard Drive Anniversary

On Sept. 13, 1956, IBM shipped the first unit of the RAMAC (Random Access Method of Accounting and Control) and set in motion a process that would change the way we live.The RAMAC, designed in Big Blue's San Jose, Calif., research center, is the ultimate ancestor of that 1.8-inch drive that holds 7,500 songs inside your pocket. Of course, the RAMAC would have made a lousy music player. The drive weighed a full ton, and to lease it you'd pay about $250,000 a year in today's dollars. Since it required a separate air compressor to protect the two moving "heads" that read and wrote information, it was noisy. The total amount of information stored on its 50 spinning iron-oxide-coated disks—each of them a pizza-size 24 inches—was 5 megabytes. That's not quite enough to hold two MP3 copies of Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog."Yet those who beheld the RAMAC were astonished. "It was about the size of two large refrigerators, about as tall as a person stands, and though it used vacuum tubes, it was always running," recalls Jim Porter, who worked at Crown Zellerbach in San Francisco in the mid-'50s and would proudly take people to the basement to see what he claims was the very first unit delivered by IBM. "It really turned the tide [in the Information Age]," he says. "It was the first to offer random access, whereas before you would have to wind a tape from one end to the other to access data."

Currently hard drive storage is available in terabytes and gigabytes and the disks are small enough to wear on a chain around your neck.