After May's full-house crowd, the dozen-or-so souls at the June meeting seemed a small and intimate group. However, the smaller turn-out allowed us to have a very useful and informative "round table" session. This is the part of each meeting where everyone has a chance to contribute questions, answers, or some interesting discovery they have made. The conversation ranged from sources for online health advice to local politics (the Transition Board site). We learned from a very satisfied customer that Web TV is now available from local internet service providers. Another member is transferring music from his old LP's to .MP3 files. Maybe that's what I should do with the pile of 78's in my basement!. Several web sites were recommended; I have listed them on the Kawartha Internet Users' Group web site (start at www.bobcaygeon.com).

Since we didn't have the usual projection equipment, the "demo" for the evening was a low-tech but informative lesson on search techniques. I often refer to the internet as "the world's biggest library", but you have to be your own librarian. How do you find something specific among the millions of sites out there? What seems like a simple search may still yield hundreds of "hits".Garth Scarborough gave some useful pointers on how to narrow your search results down to something useful.

As always, the question arose "where can I take computer lessons?". The Kawartha Internet Users' Group web site at www.bobcaygeon.com has a list of local computer training options There are also two "public access terminals" in Bobcaygeon, where members of the public can use the internet. One is at the Bobcaygeon Public Library, the other at the Seniors' Centre. The library computer is available whenever the library is open, for a nominal fee, but there are currently no lessons being offered. The Seniors' Centre has a computer available to its members, and also offers one-on-one lessons, thanks to volunteers from the Seniors and the Users' Group. The cost at the Seniors' Centre is $1 per hour to use the computer, plus $1 per hour if the computer is on-line. Thus a one hour internet lesson costs $2. This is available to members only, but... a one-year membership costs just $5. Membership is open to anyone aged 50-plus (but we're told no-one really checks your birth certificate!) For details, 'phone the Seniors' Centre at 738-3422 or email me at the address below.

In Fenelon Falls, there are also two public access sites: the public library, where, as in Bobcaygeon, you can surf the net or check your mail, and the CAP (Community Access Program) site at the high school, which also offers (free) one-on-one lessons. For details, call Josh Walton at 887-2018 ext. 319.

And, of course, we'll guarantee you will learn something new by coming to the next User Group meeting, on July 13, 7:00 pm, Lions' Hall, Main St., Bobcaygeon. apanter@kawartha.net