Change for the Better
By Bill James
It has almost been two months since we changed our name from the Oklahoma City PC User’s Group to the Computer Club of Oklahoma City. I have heard that there is some concern about the change and was it necessary. Our board met last April on a Saturday for a retreat to find ways of how we could improve ourselves and attract new members. Many ideas were discussed at the meeting. We defined our mission, which you now see posted on our website, as well as considering a name change. Many of us felt that “User’s Group” just did not match up with our goals and objectives, although the definition of “user” in it simplest terms means “a person who uses something” and we are users of computers. The meaning is one-dimensional and does not accurately identify us as people with something in common. However, club in its definition: an association of people with a common interest, is a much better match as to what we are - a group of people who has an interest in computers. Our new name now provides a much better image of us as a group and what we represent.
On the subject of change, many of you are aware that Microsoft this month launched a major change in Windows XP called SP2. Most of you may have already downloaded the update if you have Windows XP set for automatic updates. The change makes your Windows XP operating system much more secure than the original version. With all the problems that have occurred with worms, viruses and Trojan horses attacking our systems, Microsoft initiated a revision to XP that will actively thwart these threats. The Windows Firewall and Windows Automatic update were included in the original XP, but were turned off as a default with the majority of users unaware of their existence or did not take the time to utilize the functionality. These are now turned on by default. If you have software firewall already installed such as Zone Alarm, you have a choice of using that one or the XP. Prior to XP SP2, I have had to rely on my hardware firewall within my router, but now I also have a software firewall that I can use. I have installed the update on 3 computers with no problems whatsoever. SP2 also has updated wireless code that allows you to easily set up a wireless network. There has been a lot of discussion regarding installing this update. However, if you are the average home user, then you have nothing to be concerned about; there are a multitude of enhancements that will allow you to use your computer more securely.
“I've got to admit it's getting better.
It's a little better all the time.”
---John Lennon (1940 - 1980) and Paul McCartney (1942 -)
Microsoft® Encarta® Reference Library 2003. © 1993-2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Bill James is President of the OKC PC Users Group. Bill can be reached at james@qns.com