Junk in the Trunk

Yesterday we attended the second "Junk in the Trunk" in the Valley.  This one was held at Westworld in Scottsdale.  If you like looking at junk (i.e., antiques, old things, re-purposed things, and lot's of people) then this is the event for you.  (I thought of you, Connie).  After a goodly amount of shopping, Donna didn't find anything to buy, but did have a good time.

In A Jet Plane .....

We're heading back from St. Louis on Southwest - uncomfortable seats!  Been in the air for about 1hr 50 min, and are over NE New Mexico.  I'm going through my feedly list (I paid $8 to Southwest to use their WIFI - it's pretty fast) and found this site you all should see - http://goo.gl/1r0PyM.

Also, this one.
https://hi.co/moments/dvjugu7d

Happy dreams.

End of Season

Last Wednesday was the final meeting of the group for the Season.  We'll begin again in October or November.  Stay tuned to this sight for random information about computers and other techie things.  Thanks for your participation.

Best Chromecast Apps

If you've obtained the very inexpensive Chromecast Dongle, then you know how useful it is.  This Lifehacker article provides the latest information of the services that take advantage of this device.

Meeting Notice

There will be no meeting on March 5th.  See you on March 12th.

Android App Alternatives

Engadget just posted some apps that might be your favorite replacements for some of the google default apps on your phone.

http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/13/best-google-alternative-android-apps/?ncid=rss_truncated

I'm trying "cal" from "any.do" and it's pretty good.  You might also try any.do as your task tracker.  They have other apps in the works.

I've also tried the camera apps mentioned - they're each good in their own way.  Not sure if I can recommend any single program.  I have the htc one, and they're all better than the stock app.

Notification Sounds

This might be an interesting app.  There have been times when I wonder what all the beeps and boops mean when my phone speaks!

Identity Theft?

From Lifehacker - Five Steps to Take Immediately If You're the Victim of Identity Theft

HTPC

I'm always interested in home theater PCs (HTPC).  I have tried several, and currently use two styles in my cabinet.  A home-made one based on an earlier version of this running Windows 8.1, and a G-Box Midnight 2 running Android.  Both are capable machines, but the W8 is faster and noisier and hotter.  The new version mentioned in this article sounds like the best of both worlds.  Would someone build it and let the group know how it works????

Theme Party

Finally, some photos to show you.  Last night was the Theme Party - Flintstones Meet the Jetsons.  Click on the photo for additional shots taken.  If we get photos from other attendees, they will be posted via a link on www.gcnugget.com.  Enjoy.

This Week's Meeting

This wednesday's meeting is in the Saguaro Room.  9:30am.

Google Voice

Some time ago, I stated that Google Voice (GV) would cease its' present operation as it pertains to services like Obihai.  I've demonstrated a few times how easy it is to have free phone service with the Obi100, GV, and a normal telephone.  This has been a great service, but by the end of May, Google is making changes to the service.  These changes will (may?) impact the great Obitalk service.  Consequently, Obihai has been working with other Internet Telephone Service Providers in order to make the transition easily from the free GV service to some other provider.

The transition is discussed on this web site -  http://goo.gl/PYZnZw.  It appears the cost will be only $3.33 per month.  Not a bad deal.  If the fact that Mediacom has sold your new number to telemarketers is bothersome, why not give this service some consideration?

Important or Interesting Sites

Happy New Year!

News!  Don Widrig will present "The History of the PC" on January 15.  This is a followup to his talk a few weeks ago on "The History of the Internet".  I'm looking forward to it.  On January 10th, Activities will host an "Activities Expo" after the Buzz.  The Computer User Group will have half of an 8' table on which to display our Activity.  If you wish to participate, by either manning the table or providing a visual item, please give me a call.

Now, on the some web sites I've found recently that might interest the Group.

From my favorite site, Lifehacker, comes "Most Popular Chrome Extensions and Posts of 2013".

Next is "How to Stop Your Smartphone from Constantly Tracking Your Location"

Nine Windows 8.1 Features You Might Have Overlooked

How To: Password Protect Your Android (Only) When Away From Home

I'm sure you find sites that provide interesting information that others would find useful.  Let me know about them and I'll post links on this site.

See you on Wednesday in the Prickly Pear Room.