Jan 06 no 1
After turning on the DVD iPLAY MUSIC Beginning Guitar Lessons 1, I wanted to go out and get a guitar. I had tried playing years ago but gave up because I couldn't find instructions easily other than looking at a book. Now, one can get instructions on your computer or TV set, wherever a DEVD can play for only $24.95 as though the instructor is in your face. The DVD lessons are conducted by a young man who sits with the guitar in his hand as he explains all the parts, how-to's etc. But the same screen also has a close up of what is going on with each hand. So you can see the action of the left hand on the frets and strings, and the right hand as the pick strums the screens along with his explanation. And, you can go back and repeat any lesson or technique you want to review. There is an accompanying 80-page illustrated booklet.
The beginning Guitar Lesson, Level 1, explains and shows guitar basics, including how to hold your guitar, and use your fingers and frets. Subsequent lesson explain making sounds, tuning the guitar, strumming basics, and more. It is brilliantly done, because it keeps everything so simple and straightforward. This Level 1 lesson is available in a DVD so it doesn't take up room on your hard disk, or as a download, featuring two hours of instruction along with five songs made famous by top guitar players.
There is a Beginner Guitar Lesson Level 2 for expanding your competence and learning new styles such as reggae and 12 bar-blues. Additionally, there is a variety of free, online resources available on 's website. Even the Web site is well done, educational, and provides an in-depth insight into the DVD's contents. If you need guitar accessories you can find them there, too. It's nice to see something so well done that is cleverly marketed. See www.iplaymusic.com.
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Here's one program that stays hidden, but it should be brought out in the open as far as people knowing about it. With so much happening in your computer's background that you don't know about, GHOSTSURF will ferret out those white sheeted devils hiding in dark places, and keep your system out of their witchery spell. The program has so much going for it that it's tough to cover it in a few paragraphs, but here's a rundown;
GhostSurf 2006 Platinum can thwart hackers and phishers from discovering who you are and where you live by routing your connections through anonymous hubs, and hiding your IP address. For those of you with snoopy bosses you can even encrypt your outgoing and incoming Web data for maximum security. And it won't slow down your surfing.
Spy attempts will be detected and disabled with the SpyCatcher module. It aggressively blocks spying and disables any threats you may have on your system already. GhostSurf also eliminates unneeded files that only take up space, and show where you have logged in. It permanently destroys and removes files using a Department of Defense standard for data destruction.
If you value your personal information, the Ghost Search feature has a Personal Data Vault where you can stash your financial documents, letters and passwords that are targeted by hackers. It works like a folder; drag and drop files into your vault to protect them… without even making a trip to the bank.
The program has an easy to use interface and includes a printed 55 page small user manual. It provides a complete overview of what the program can do and what is available in each window without having to surf through the program to become familiar with its features.
GhostSurf 2006 Platinum, from Avanquest, has been earning 5 star ratings from reviewers across the board. It lists for $49.95. It does need to be updated annually for a fee. See www.avanquestusa.com
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So this past year I made my desired electronic purchases. While I'm in my office, they're no problem. But with a week's "relaxing" vacation" packing up takes on a new line of attack. I have to have one case just for all the required recharge cords. There's the one for the laptop, of course. Even though it's wireless, the battery doesn't last as long as I would like. Wireless and electricity are two entirely different entities. I discovered that the first time I gave an hour presentation and my projection died 2/3 of the way through.
Then there's the recharge cord for the digital camera…though I have extra batteries, I don't want to get cut short with an uncharged back up. Another cord is needed to upload the camera's images to the laptop. While the GPS system doesn't require a recharge cord, there's one needed to get juice from the car, and an extra electric connection is available for routing the unit while inside a building.
I've always had one for my PDA which I watch very carefully because downloading info into it is a hassle. It uses juice just to keep the date going even when I don't use it.
Keeping the cell phone charged is essential. What if I'm using the GPS system and I don't know how to set something? I have to call the Magellan help line while I'm on the road.
I have a charger for my electric tooth brush and another for the ??? .There's still another for the back massager. So to keep them all together, they go into a separate bag…along with instruction books and places to call for support. To prevent them from tangling, each goes into its own baggie and each cord, and its baggie, is labeled. Gosh, if something happened to me on the road, who would know what goes with what unless everything was thoroughly organized?
How to avoid all this? Off to a desert island with no electricity? How long would I last without going nuts? The other question, how long will it take before I do go nuts keeping all this up while supposedly "taking it easy"?
Dona Meilach is the
author of over 85 books with 10 on computers. Her latest book, just out, is TEAPOTS:
MAKERS & COLLECTORS from Schiffer books. (Makes a great gift, too.)
Other computer organizations interested in running this column should contact
the author. The column is also available free. Subscribe DCC: Contact dmeilach@msn.com. Dona’s Computer Capers may
also be found at http://www.smalladdictions.com/Skateboard..