Hello Mousemates!

mousemates Do hope you've been enjoying the lovely Spring weather.

We've just been reading an article saying that there are many positive reasons for going online - especially for older surfers. Another charity reported that two-thirds of older surfers reported improvements in their lives as a result of using the net. What do you think?

Mousemates get up to all sorts of interesting ventures. Here's Rosemary to tell us what she's been doing in the Philippines, and giving you the chance to find out more... on the web!

Philippine Venture
Rosemary Jones of Brundish Computer Club writes:

Mercy in Action photo I have just returned from Cebu, where a group of fourteen of us have been working with a charity called Mercy in Action run by my daughter-in-law's parents, Allison and John Todd.They are based in Bath where they run 3 charity shops, and try to help the poorest of the poor in the Philippines. www.mercyinaction.org.uk

We were helping workers with a number of projects, among them a drop-in centre for about 25 homeless children; arranging activities and games, and feeding them each day. It was very rewarding but emotionally draining, as you know they'll be sleeping under the bridge outside the market. We visited the slums - 14000 people living in shacks near the beach - wells contaminated by e-coli, so no fresh water, and certainly no toilets - just the beach!
Mercy in Action photo

Feeding programmes for several hundred children and adults have been put in place, as no government help is available. Hospital visits and doctors all have to be paid for, and Mercy in Action teams regularly visit hospitals and schools. To see all our activities visit www.talisay2009.blogspot.com.

We were very impressed by the careful use of funds, especially the sponsoring of children to give them an education, and the alternative Christmas gift scheme - to give poor families some chickens or a goat to help them earn a living.

If you are interested in supporting Mercy in Action, please email us at mia@mousemates.org.uk and we will contact them to see how best we can help as an organisation.

Tips

Deleting Temporary Internet Files
These are created every time you visit a website - the computer does it so that next time you visit that website it is quicker to load. However, with the arrival of Broadband this is much less important. It's perfectly safe to delete Temporary Internet Files on a regular basis - you'll release hard disk space and speed up your computer.

To Delete Temporary Files

Click Start

My Computer

Right-click on your C drive

Click Properties

Click General

Click Disk Clean Up

Click OK to activate

It may take some time, so be prepared to wait or go away and do something else

Disk Defragmentation
This should be done on a regular basis. Like library books, files are removed and returned to a different space leaving gaps all around your library so it takes longer to find the books that have been moved. A computer filing system is similar so we need, say monthly, to put the books (files) back where they came from.

To Defragment the Hard Disk

Click:

Start

All Programs

Accessories

System Tools

Disk Defragmenter*

Click Defragment

When complete a box: View/Close will appear

Choose Close

*If you are doing this for the first time be prepared for a long wait - it could take several hours!

To maintain the efficient operation of your computer
you should run "Disk Clean Up" and "Disk Defragmenter" once a month

April Offer for Mousemates

Buy a set of ink cartridges for your printer during April and receive a free flash drive (memory stick).

Prices start from £4 for a black and £7 for a colour cartridge

Just tell us the make and model number of your printer and we will give you a price

Mousemates

LEISTON and RENDLESHAM
Club members tell us how it is for them:

When I first started coming to the classes I was worried I would be the only one who could not turn on a computer, but under the patience and guidance of Roz I can now type reasonably fast and send emails.

I am finding it very interesting. I had little knowledge of computers before I started; now I am slowly learning. I do find our teachers very patient with us; supportive and friendly.

I was recently away in Dubai and was able to use email to keep in touch with friends and family. I was also able to check out Dubai attractions and maps as well as the weather. I enjoy the class but prefer to come early in the morning as I begin to tire after lunch!

It's good to realise that I won't be blowing up the computer! I've learned to accept that to a certain degree Dawn is in charge. It is interesting listening to everybody muttering to themselves or anybody who will listen. All in all I think we are winning, and I feel confident usingthe computer at home. Soon I shall be able to compete with my granddaughters who are laptop whizz kids!

Here I am at The Rendlesham Computer Club. To anyone thinking of joining I can assure you it is FUN and INFORMATIVE - and the tutors really do have the patience of Job as they get us all improving our skills. I was late starting because of illness, then I was a complete beginner, then it took ages for B.T.to get my line fixed... But now it's 2009 and I'm looking forward to seeing a great improvement. My daughter and grandchildren will soon be able to say, "Hello Supergran - you're up-to-date at last!"

Roz makes the class fun and relaxing. I had been looking for such a class for ages, as I need computer skills for my work and to do my NVQ Level 3. I feel nice and relaxed, and amongst friends. We are all able to laugh at our own mistakes and help each other out. At work I need to know how to receive and send emails. Also my son and his family live in Canada and I would like to write to them. I am feeling more confident about going on the internet at home. Up till now I have always been afraid of losing my work, or crashing the computer.

The patient and individual attention I have received at the classes has helped me to consolidate my knowledge and introduced me to new programmes.

Many thanks to all the staff that have been so kind to me.

I now look forward to my classes as it gives me a time to sit and rest - and also have a cup of tea!
A very nice social Club.

Easter Competition

mousemates Spot the differences - there are five.
The winner gets an egg...

PICTURE A	PICTURE B

To win the egg just email the five differences to
competition@mousemates.org.uk

Closing date: 3rd April 2009

Last Word

In the next issue we'll be having a photography competition, and featuring Aldeburgh Computer Club.

Now, would it be time to do a bit of disk-defragmenting?

Mousemates
01728 627174	web	email

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