The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group PC (President's Comments) George Skarbek gskarbek@melbpc.org.au |
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Possible Office/SIG/GIG Relocation
As the lease on the Dorcas St. office expires in July next year, the building sub-committee is in the final stages of gathering information for us to decide whether to renew or seek a better location - that is, the option that will enable more members to attend. Feedback from the members survey last year indicated strong preference for the South East corridor (St. Kilda through to Oakleigh/Glen Waverley). SIG (Special Interest Group) and GIG (General Interest Group) leaders have been asked for input to this decision-making process.
Some members are expressing concern that if we move away from the South Melbourne area, those who attend meetings currently at Dorcas St. would be disadvantaged. The committee is taking input from all members and if we relocated away from the South Melbourne area we would examine the option of part-time hiring some suitable premises close to the city. Naturally, we would try to ensure that parking would be no worse that we now have at Dorcas St.
In any new facility we would aim to have several meeting rooms - some that could accommodate the larger SIG and GIGs. To justify a move away from Dorcas St. they would need to have far better facilities. The main monthly meetings would not be held at any new premises as it would be wasteful to spend so much money on a huge building where one room (to accommodate 500 or more members) may be used only once a month. Instead we would probably follow the current practice of using multiple venues, balancing some meetings in Parkville with others in the South Eastern areas.
Committee needs more input from members. By the time you read this column there will be a short online survey accessible from both the MOTD page and the external home page on the group's Web site. Please complete it. That survey will lead to another gathering your views, opinions and preferences on the group implementing ADSL.
Eliminating Spam E-Mail
Feedback received from members who use the group's Internet service indicates that Unsolicited Commercial E-mail (UCE), more commonly referred to as spam, is becoming a significant annoyance to many. The Internet Team is investigating several solutions to identify and delete spam and we may be able to implement a workable solution. Unfortunately, unlike a virus, which has a clear signature in its code, even humans will occasionally disagree upon what constitutes spam. Some members may like to have access to some drugs without a prescription or to view some other products that come in unsolicited mail. The main problem is to find a balance that eliminates most of the spam without deleting genuine mail.
We have beaten the virus problem and hope to be able to largely control the spam.
Melb PC History
As I mentioned in this column in April, our group will be 20 years old at the end of this year and we aim to print a special booklet to mark the occasion. No one person can write this and we must rely on members to contribute something about their part in the organisation. To date, only one article has been received. If anyone has started jotting down some points please let us know of your intention even if you are some time away from completion. Please send your articles or intentions to committee@melbpc.org.au.
June Monthly Meeting
Note that the meeting on Wednesday 4 June is back at the Pharmacy College, Royal Parade, Parkville starting at 6:00 pm sharp.
The Video Phone: D-Link has developed the first affordable Video Phone which streams local and long-distance broad-band IP calls to your TV! For a low cost you can have the quality video-conferencing which costs corporations thousands - in your own living room. Presented by Dominic Torre.
New Corel Painter 8 with David Mutch. David is a talented presenter. Here is a brand new version of the popular graphics program, hot off the press. See it go through its paces and take a chance of winning your own copy.
Have you been to a monthly meeting yet? You don't know what you're missing. There's information and fun, entertainment plus opportunities to socialise and meet new friends. The meeting will also have our Random Access session (your chance to ask the experts) Plus Prizes Prizes Prizes! Bring your membership card so that you will be eligible for raffle prizes. It's a great night. Don't miss it!
Reprinted from the June 2003 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
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