December 11, 2003
Introduction to Digital Video Editing
Christopher Phrommayon of Future Media Concepts provided us with a presentation on the video-editing tool Final Cut Pro. If you're a desktop video editor hesitant to switch to Final Cut Pro, this was your chance to see what you've been missing.
This presentation demonstrated how to apply and enhance your existing skills with this exciting and powerful, professional application. Topics included basic and advanced editing, real-time effects, LiveType, and Soundtrack.
Christopher Phrommayon is an Avid, Apple, and Macromedia certified instructor with a background in computer science and media production. Chris teaches Avid Media Composer, Final Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere, Macromedia Flash, and Boris RED for Future Media Concepts in Boston.
The meeting was held in our new home in the auditorium of the Higgins Middle School in Peabody. As usual, the meeting is free of charge and is open to the general public, but any door prizes offered were available to members only.
November 13, 2003
After the Shutter Clicks:
Organizing, Editing and Sharing your Digital Photographs
Ronald Gehrmann, of Seacoast MacSupport, provided an overview of working with digital photographs on the computer, using applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements, and Apple''s iPhoto.
He touched on editing basics such as adjusting contrast, color balance, rotating and retouching photos; preparing images for different uses such as printing, email and the Web; and keeping them organized. This was for both Mac and Windows users.
A member of the Apple Consultants Network, Ronald has been a Macintosh enthusiast since 1988, and a semi-professional photographer since 1978. Based in Portsmouth, NH, Ronald offers his Mac customers coaching, troubleshooting, and help transitioning to OS X.
Ron specializes in training both Mac and PC users in photo editing, Web design and print publishing applications.
The meeting was held in our new home in the auditorium of the Higgins Middle School in Peabody. As usual, the meeting is free of charge and is open to the general public, but any door prizes offered were available to members only.
October 9, 2003
Which Digital Camera is the Right One?
Our speaker for October was Alan Samiljan, owner of PhotoGraphics, a retail photographic equipment and photo specialty chain with locations in Swampscott, Marblehead, Beverly, and Gloucester. Alan offered a presentation on the features of digital cameras and the
differences between a variety of brand name models. He was also accompanied by a representative from the Olympus Corporation, a digital camera manufacturer.
Whether you made it to May's meeting (Digital Photography and Web Design) or not, you didn't want to miss this one. Olympus also demonstrated their newest camera, rumored to be a reasonable cost replacement for 35mm cameras.
The meeting was held in our new home in the auditorium of the Higgins Middle School in Peabody. As usual, the meeting is free of charge and is open to the general public, but any door prizes offered were available to members only.
September 11, 2003
Microsoft Demo of New Office System
The new Microsoft Office System is coming, and Microsoft offered a special preview to us at the September meeting of the North Shore Computer Society. This firsthand look provided a sneak peek at the new Microsoft Office System and how to maximize productivity at home and at the office, reduce spam, customize your email, and more.
The meeting was held in our new home in the auditorium of the Higgins Middle School in Peabody. As usual, the meeting was free of charge and open to the general public, but any door prizes offered (like an Xbox) were available to members only.
June 19, 2003
A Special 2 Hour Chat With Our Executive Director Don Orifice
This month's meeting was a most interesting session even though no formal presentation was scheduled. In addition to allowing for a longer than usual Tech Talk Time, there was also an open discussion on the kinds of speakers and classes you would like to see in the future.
If you couldn't make the meeting, be sure to send an email letting us know what you would like. We need to hear from you about who you would like to see as speakers and what subjects you are interested in. Are there new or different technologies we should explore?
The meeting closed with the traditional end of year emptying of the goodies bag for door prizes.
May 8, 2003
Digital Photography and Web Design
Our May meeting featured Bob Chapman, one of our own members, who provided a digital slideshow on digital photography. His presentation included how to select a digital camera, what megapixels mean in simple terms, how he takes pictures and what he uses to manipulate them in his desktop darkroom.
You can visit Bob's web site at www.galaxy2k.com. Bob also included a presentation on web design and how to publish a web site. Microsoft and other companies provided member door prizes for the meeting.
Ask the Experts
A regular and popular feature of our monthly meetings is our Ask the Experts segment. Bring your questions and problems. But please, leave the hardware at home.
Are you frustrated and having trouble with your computer. Wouldn't you like your own computer expert to help you resolve it? Want advice on what hardware or software to buy, or where to buy it. Trying to decide whether to upgrade? Did you already do that and now your computer isn't quite working as well?
Want to understand search engines or change or improve your e-mail? Come bring your questions and your own experiences. Ask the Experts!
April 10, 2003
ScanSoft: Desktop Productivity Applications
Our presenter for April was from ScanSoft, Inc., located right here on Centennial Drive in Peabody. ScanSoft is the leading supplier of imaging (PaperPort), speech and language solutions (Dragon NaturallySpeaking) that are used to automate a wide range of manual processes, saving time, increasing personal productivity and improving customer service.
ScanSoft's products instantly convert paper into digital information and enable the use of speech to deliver seamless, hands-free interaction with applications, services and devices. You can find information on ScanSoft's products at www.scansoft.com.
Ask the Experts
A regular and popular feature of our monthly meetings is our Ask the Experts segment. Bring your questions and problems. But please, leave the hardware at home.
Are you frustrated and having trouble with your computer. Wouldn't you like your own computer expert to help you resolve it? Want advice on what hardware or software to buy, or where to buy it. Trying to decide whether to upgrade? Did you already do that and now your computer isn't quite working as well?
Want to understand search engines or change or improve your e-mail? Come bring your questions and your own experiences. Ask the Experts!
March 13, 2003
Recordkeeping and the IRS
Our theme for March was Recordkeeping and the IRS. David Mechanic, CPA, CISA, of the local firm Dorenfeld, Mechanic & Co., LLC discussed the benefits of good recordkeeping and how your computer can help you keep better records and save you money in the process.
David showed us a few software packages he uses to help him. As an added bonus, he provided important information on how the IRS chooses tax returns for audit and how people should deal with the process if it happens to them.
Ask the Experts
A regular and popular feature of our monthly meetings is our Ask the Experts segment. Bring your questions and problems. But please, leave the hardware at home.
Are you frustrated and having trouble with your computer. Wouldn't you like your own computer expert to help you resolve it? Want advice on what hardware or software to buy, or where to buy it. Trying to decide whether to upgrade? Did you already do that and now your computer isn't quite working as well?
Want to understand search engines or change or improve your e-mail? Come bring your questions and your own experiences. Ask the Experts!
February 13, 2003
The Return of the Big Dig!
This month's meeting featured Brent Irvine, a Public Affairs Specialist for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority/Central Artery Tunnel Project. Brent provide us with a completely updated program. The recent opening of the turnpike/third harbor tunnel connection made for a most timely presentation on the "Big Dig". We saw aerial slides covering the progress of the project and heard about some of the advanced technologies that have been employed in its design and construction.
Brent has performed briefings for the Boston business community and associations, companies contemplating moves to or near project alignment, and officially represents the Project in response to formal speaking invitations. He is a Boston Native and a graduate of Boston Latin Academy and holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management.
Ask the Experts
A regular and popular feature of our monthly meetings is our Ask the Experts segment. Bring your questions and problems. But please, leave the hardware at home.
Are you frustrated and having trouble with your computer. Wouldn't you like your own computer expert to help you resolve it? Want advice on what hardware or software to buy, or where to buy it. Trying to decide whether to upgrade? Did you already do that and now your computer isn't quite working as well?
Want to understand search engines or change or improve your e-mail? Come bring your questions and your own experiences. Ask the Experts!
Do you have some ideas of your own for upcoming monthly meetings? Please,
let us know!
January 9, 2003
Recordkeeping and the IRS
NOTE:
This topic has been rescheduled for our March 2003 meeting.
Our theme was intended to be Recordkeeping and the IRS. David Mechanic, CPA, CISA, of the local firm Dorenfeld, Mechanic & Co., LLC will be discussing the benefits of good recordkeeping and how your computer can help you keep better records and save you money in the process.
He will be showing us a few software packages he uses to help him. As an added bonus, he will be providing important information on how the IRS chooses tax returns for audit and how people should deal with the process if it happens to them.
Ask the Experts
A regular feature of our monthly meetings is our Ask the Experts segment. Bring your questions and problems. But please, leave the hardware at home.
Are you frustrated and having trouble with your computer. Wouldn't you like your own computer expert to help you resolve it? Want advice on what hardware or software to buy, or where to buy it. Trying to decide whether to upgrade? Did you already do that and now your computer isn't quite working as well?
Want to understand search engines or change or improve your e-mail? Come bring your questions and your own experiences. Ask the Experts!
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