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It seems no time at all since Bryan last 'phoned to remind me that a newsletter was due. Now he has done so again and it is a good thing that he does this as I would otherwise probably forget. I do forget a lot these days.
I like to think that it is because I am so busy. Too busy in fact to look at my emails or even to use my computer. I am particularly annoyed at present as, being a life member of the Southampton Table Tennis Association, I usually present the prizes for the season's championship. I am always given plenty of notice of the date and look forward to meeting old friends from my playing days. This year I forgot to attend. I like to think that the reason for me forgetting things is that since my wife died I never seem to get a moment when I do not have something to do. I know that it is my fault and that I take on too much but I am on my own lot these days and it is a way of passing the time.
In February, I mentioned that I was having trouble recording TV. I had a new TV card fitted and this worked fine for a few times and then failed. I mentioned that I had been in touch with Hauppauge, the makers, and had received a confirmation of receipt of my email. Some time went by and I eventually did hear from them with instructions of what to do. I had to download another copy of the program, WinTV, together with new drivers. Being so busy, I let the matter slide for some time. At our last meeting Nigel King asked if I had resolved my problem. I told him that I had not had time to look into the matter which involved the internet which I rarely use. Nigel very kindly offered to accompany me home after the meeting and to download the new version of WinTV together with the drivers and instructions. This involved removing the program from my computer and installing the later version. All went well and the program now works. I had been in touch with the suppliers of the TV card who had also fitted it for me but they said that they were unable to help as they had no licence to receive TV. I have found the company very helpful but it does seem strange that they fitted the TV card but were unable to test it themselves.
Nothing has become of our efforts to amalgamate with the Colden Common Computer Club. I quite understand their position as they are quite happy with things as they are at their own club. We have agreed however that members of both clubs will be welcome to attend as visitors to each club.
At our last meeting, Peter Miguel from the Colden Common club attended. No pressure will be put on any member attending the other club's meetings but naturally we would be delighted to have new members. No charge will be made for the first visit. Welcome Peter, it was nice to see you and we hope that you enjoyed our informal meeting.
I am afraid that I do run out of material for the news letter. I am sure that members will tire of my ramblings which frequently have nothing to do with computing. I am surprised that I have been told that the newsletter is welcome and it would be a pity if we had to stop sending it. I would like some contributions from members however - just a short item would help. Another thing to take into consideration is my age. I have been writing the newsletters for 22 years now so you can understand that I am getting on a bit and will not last for ever. If the newsletter is to continue the time will come when someone will have to take over.
I visited my son recently. He has bought a games machine for his TV. I forget the name of the unit but it is truly most remarkable. Both Barry and I are keen golfers and this machine has a selection of games one of which is golf. I myself have Microsoft Golf which is very good but not a patch on the program that Barry has. You select who you want to be from a list of well known professional golfers (male and female) then select the golf course you wish to play on and you are presented with a magnificent view of the first hole. You then have a short club and standing away from the TV screen and with no connection you swing and you see the result of your shot on the TV. It really is the next best thing to actually being on a golf course and playing.
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This meeting notice/newsletter, was based on that produced by Ken Miles, and sent by snail mail, to members of the SPCUC a few days before each monthly meeting. Comments about the club's web pages, to the webmaster.
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