The Computer SIG class for 2010.09.18 will be an introduction and discussion of DeltaCad - this meeting will be held after the regular class session and should last about an hour, please bring your laptop computers if you intend to participate. This computer design software was introduced to GWA about 2-3 years ago and is used by many members of the Scroll Saw SIG. It's a computer aided design program that allows users to draw vector objects that can then be scaled. It also has a feature that allows you to import scans or images which you can then trace over and output as individual layers for printing - very useful when creating intarsia or other pattern-object woodwork.

This class will be an overview of the software as many are not familiar with it. It's available as a "demo" (free for 45 days) if you'ld like to try it before the class: http://www.deltacad.com/demo.html

Two Notes:

1. The current version is Version 7 and the files don't appear to be backward compatible with the version most GWA users are using - I believe you can request a copy of an earlier version when you purchase (I think most GWA members are on Version 6 but I'll need to confirm).
2. GWA is not in the business of selling software and we're not officially endorsing the product - us it at your own risk.

-- John

The Computer SIG meeting for 2010.06.19 has been postponed until 2010.06.26. The meeting will occur after the regular GWA class session and last for approximately One hour. The purspose is to review computer setup and maintenance, so please bring your notebooks if that is what you use.

For members who which to participate in the maintenance, I've found this free utility to be very useful:

http://download.cnet.com/Advanced-SystemCare-Free/3000-2086_4-10407614.html

**Note that the above link isn't one approved or condoned by GWA - it is a utility that I've tried, used and found to do the job - please understand that any use is at your own risk. **

When you load the page, on the left side below the name "Advanced SystemCare Free 3.6.0" is a link for the free download - please refrain from clicking the other links on the page as they will direct you to advertising (all the stuff in the far right column are ads that trick you into download other software).

The class itself will focus on troubleshooting system problems and generally cleaning up systems to optimize space, etc. All GWA members are welcome.

-- John