Basic music terminology

Basic Music Terminology ...

There is some terminology that you probably need to be aware of as you learn to use music on your computer or any digital device...

·        MP3* - a file format used for compressing audio files to roughly 1/12th their original size.

·        RIPPING - Basically this is the function of  ”copying” your files  – in this case a music album and individual song tracks onto your computer’s hard drive (this is also known as encoding)

·        MEDIA PLAYER - an application that is used to play all types of media (music, video radio, etc.). Windows Media Player, iTunes, VLC. RealPlayer and QuickTime are all examples of media players.

·        BURN – Basically this is the function of ”pasting” your file – in this case music – onto the CD and or DVD. 

*Note: When we save to MP3 format, you typically won’t notice any reduction in sound quality, but , if you want to ensure you have the highest quality you should import the music again from the original source with the original format, and then make a copy and convert the copy to mp3 formatting. 

What is a "Read It Later" service?

Whether you use your computer, tablet, laptop, eReader or other mobile device - such as a Smartphone or iPhone to "surf the web" we all have the opportunity to read numerous articles, watch videos and other information from friends & family on Facebook, Twitter or maybe Pinterest; or you get News Feeds from your favorite media websites... BUT you don't have time to read or view them all now..  

That's how a "Read it later" service or app can help.  These "apps" saves the information - link - etc. so you can view the article, photo, video later at your convenience (yes-this is also cloud computing).  So with thee services, you establish an account, meaning you have to have a username & password and that allows you to access "your account" and whatever you've saved... 

Many of these services are free (including my 2 personal favorites) but some are not - but they all allow us to  manage articles and other media that we want to access later...  Apps for these services can be downloaded to your computer, tablet or other mobile device and they are very very easy to use..... 

If you have a Pinterest or Twitter account they also offer this service and Facebook will offer it very soon....

I've been playing with 2 different services and really like them both - and yes, both are free

Evernote is my personal top choice abs quite honestly the one I now use daily, because I can store anything I want to remember including quick reminder notes (my family and associates will tell you I'm a constant list maker so this is great for me), but I can save anything I want to view or read later.. www.evernote.com

Pocket (formerly known as Read it Later) is my 2nd favorite and worked wonderfully.... www.getpocket.com

Others you may want to check out...

Instapaper, website is:  www.instapaper.com - Free and paid versions

SnipIt, website is: www.snip.it/#welcome - Free 

Side note... For those of you with tablets and other "Android based devices" some of my students in Arizona are loving this new free app - called "CRACKLE" which is a totally legitimate app offering free streaming of TV shows and movies.  I found that it doesn't have all TV shows, but there are lots of old favorites and some of the new ones as well; same goes for movies...  But again, it's free so a great way to play with "streaming" before you move on to one of the paid services, such as Netflick or HBO... so you might want to give it a try... I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the picture... 

Update-heard from several "Apple/Mac" users and I was wrong - Crackle has been available for  "i" devices for quite a while now... so enjoy everyone.....

Check it out: www.crackle.com

Cloud Computing & Music

This is a note I received from Bob Donovan (a wonderful Instructor on our Team in Boston who loves his music) who applauds using Cloud Computing for all of his music...  

"My music is stored in iTunes on my computer. But I've also put it up in Amazon's music cloud (basically because of the Kindle that I own).  

Currently I have 50,595 songs in the cloud. On my computer these songs take up 224 GB. I'm paying Amazon $24.99 per year for this storage. So far, I'm really pleased with it. It's not as simple or beautiful as iTunes, but it works great and I don't think there's any limit.

Naturally, I normally have to use the search function to find an artist or song or album and that seems to work fine online.  

I also downloaded Amazon's picture storage app, but haven't tried to use it yet-will keep you posted"  

Once you pay for an "app" you can download that app to multiple devices, such as your smartphone - kindle - tablet - etc...How does it know, because Amazon (like other companies) stores the information in your Amazon Account. 

To check these "apps" out, or all that Amazon offers, here is the link to the Amazon App Store for Androids...(or you can just go to www.Amazon.com)  

http://www.amazon.com/mobile-apps/b?ie=UTF8&node=2350149011

Cloud Computing - Continued Discussion

Several times earlier this year (in Feb. & May) we discussed Cloud Computing, but things are changing and there are more and more companies offering us the ability to store on their clouds (which means on their servers) So- the discussion continues...

There is no doubt that cloud computing is here to stay.  Many of us have been using "cloud computing" for years without realizing it - If you use a hotmail, yahoo, AOL or Gmail account" for your emails, you go to the specific company's website, via the internet, enter your user name & password (from any computer in the world) and your email messages appear. You can then write/compose new emails - all the while the computer you are sitting at, is simply a vehicle allowing us to see and type - but all of our emails are actually being stored and/or written on/from their computers....hence "cloud computing"

Today many of these same email vendors are providing us with additional free space, so that in addition to our emails we can also store our documents, photos, movies & music in another part of our "email account" - like having an additional file cabinet...  Why would we do that?

Well, like your emails, you can access any of these items stored on their "cloud" when you are away from your computer (home or work) because remember it's stored on their computer - in their cloud...

If you have multiple devices - you may want to "sync" them, so that when you enter information on one device, it appears on all your devices...   

For example:

You have a Windows based computer, a Smartphone & a tablet - if you have a Gmail account and use the Google Drive Cloud - whatever is entered in these on one computer shows up on the rest

Or You have an iPhone, iPad and MacBook - by simply having an iCloud ID and password (and the iCloud ID can be your existing email address w/hotmail, Gmail, etc..) you can select in the settings of your iCloud what you want to share among your devices-Photos, emails, contacts, calendars, etc..

Or maybe you have a Windows PC, an Android Smartphone and a MacBook - you could simply choose to have the Apple iCloud on all your devices to share your music, data & moves...

And the combination goes on and one..

If you have been using hotmail/live/msn accounts - you have "SkyDrive" which is their free cloud computing for us to store data and photos - but anyone can go to SkyDrive.com and download the app and receive a certain amount of storage for FREE - Gmail users have the free Picasa Web Albums and Google Drive cloud; and again anyone can use this or Apple/MAC's iCloud or any of the other hundreds of companies... most allow some free storage - others charge an annual or monthly fee - some based on the amount of storage, some are by computer - it varies..

Shop around and remember you can use multiple "cloud services"; I know some people who store all their music in iTunes synced with the iCloud; and use their SkyDrive for their documents; maybe DropBox for their data from work; Google Drive w/Picasa Web Albums for their photos and Carbonite, so everything is backed up every time they are on the computer (no limit) but this service doesn't allow you to use a syncing feature (yet)!

The list of companies offering cloud computing is growing every day.  Each has their own features, it depends on what you are looking for... I always think it's better to begin with the FREE services while you learn, and once you've mastered that and understand what it is you are using, then you can always switch to or add another service if needed...Here is the link to an article recently published about some of the popular "cloud computing companies" -

http://www.consumer-rankings.com/online-backup

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday

On behalf of myself and the entire staff at Mohave Community College we want to to wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving... Cherie Houston

"May we all be thankful for the warm family memories we have gathered over the years and may we all get our chance to make our wish on the turkey's wish bone" ~ Father York..

A little Thanksgiving Trivia...

Was Turkey served at the first Thanksgiving? There is no evidence that turkey was eaten at the first Thanksgiving, a three-day meal shared between the pilgrims and Wampanoaug tribe in 1621. It is more likely that they ate venison and a lot of seafood

Did Thanksgiving become a holiday with the pilgrims? No-Thanksgiving became a public holiday in 1863, when president Abraham Lincoln declared it so

Of the three utensils we will use at Thanksgiving (fork, knife & spoon), which wasn't available at the first Thanksgiving? The fork. What did they use to eat their meal with? A knife, a spoon and their fingers. The fork was not brought by the pilgrims. Governor Winthrop of Massachusetts introduced it 10 years later, but it did not really catch on until the 18th century.

In colonial times, did all the Colonies celebrate Thanksgiving or was it just a New England custom? All colonies celebrated Thanksgiving but at different times depending of their harvest

The idea of a “children’s table” at Thanksgiving stemmed from the original feast. What did the

children have to do before they could eat? Children were made to set, serve and clear the tables for the adults.

The Pilgrims invited the Indians to join them for their Thanksgiving feast.  According to history, how many came? 90 Indians from the Wampanoaug tribe including their chief Massoit

Does Turkey really make us sleepy? Not really. Trytophan does make us tired and it is in turkey. But more of it can be found in soybeans, parmesan and pork. So what is to blame for the post-meal coma? Well, it could be the quantity of food over-consumed. The huge serving of dessert could have an effect. Or it could be the amount of booze drunk midday

Do people consume a lot of liquor during this holiday? YES! It has been claimed again and again that the night before Thanksgiving is the biggest drinking night of the year -- beating out New Years Eve and St. Patricks Day. Why? It is the number one evening where people return home and reunite with their high school buddies. Or possibly the anxiety of being surrounded by family drives some to drink

Did the Pilgrims serve their own version of a green bean casserole? They didn't. Green been casserole came into being just 50 some years ago and was created by Campbell's soup. It came about when the company was making new recipes for its annual cookbook. Now, Campbells sells about $20 million worth of cream of mushroom soup, most likely for people to make the casserole

How many turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving in the United States? An estimated 46 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving (the birds weigh, on average, 16 pounds). That is more than double the amount eaten on Christmas (22 million) and Easter (19 million). In 2010, more than 244 million turkeys were raised and about 226 million of those were consumed in the United States

Making your new printer the default printer

If you've just bought a new printer and want it to be your "default printer", so it is always used unless you specify otherwise when giving the print command (versus the printer you might be replacing) - it is easy:

·       Go to your Start Menu (easy access is tap the Windows Flag Key)

·       Devices & printers (on most current start menus)

·       When you open your printers, you will see your new printer listed along with your previous printer (s) - The one that is the current default will have a green or black check mark on it

·       Right click on the printer you want as your DEFAULT and when the action menu appears, choose Set as Default Printer

Close the Dialog Box and this new setting will be saved

Note-if you do not see the "Devices & Printers" listed on your Start menu, you are using an older operating system, but that's not a problem, simply open Control Panel, then Printers-which used to be listed in the Hardware & Sound Group on older operating systems)

Remember if you want to choose a different printer than the default at anytime, when you choosing option for your print job, simply change the printer - all printers will be listed in the first option line of the Printer Dialog box, with a drop down access arrow-when you left click on that arrow-you will see the various printers for your computer-just choose the one you want to use.

When you want to delete a printer that you may no longer have or use

·       Go to your Start Menu (easy access is tap the Windows Flag Key)

·       Devices & printers (on most current start menus)

·       When you open your printers, you will see your new printer listed along with your previous printer (s) - The one that is the current default will have a green or black check mark on it

·       Right click on the printer you want to remove and choose DELETE printer - and the driver software and icon for this printer will be deleted

Close the Dialog Box and this new setting will be saved

Greetings from MCC Hodel Library

Greetings from the Hodel Library on the Lake Havasu Campus of Mohave Community College! 

The weather is beginning to cool off, so it’s a perfect time to take your reading outside. Come to the Library and check out a Danielle Steel or a Ken Follett to read on the patio. You can also use the Library’s online databases to look at articles from journals such as Consumer Reports, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, PC World, U.S. News and World Reports, etc. The best part – it’s all FREE! 

Come on in and sign up for a Library card and see what we have to offer. For more information, give me a call at 928-505-3311 or 866-664-2832, or

or email me at wbirkhead@mohave.edu.

Thanks,

Wendi Birkhead, Campus Librarian

Wendi Birkhead, MLS

Campus Librarian and Library Coordinator

Hodel Library – Lake Havasu City Campus

Mohave Community College

1977 Acoma Blvd. West; Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

Tel 928-505-3311; Fax 928-453-8335; Toll Free: 1-866-664-2832

Email: wbirkhead@mohave.edu

Today is Veteran's Day - Thank You

Take a moment to say a special Thank You to all who continue to serve and protect us today and to those who served before them - we can't thank you enough for your sacrifice.. 

They Did Their Share By Joanna Fuchs 

On Veteran’s Day we honor Soldiers who protect our nation. For their service as our warriors, They deserve our admiration. Some of them were drafted; Some were volunteers; For some it was just yesterday; For some it’s been many years. In the jungle or the desert, On land or on the sea, They did whatever was assigned To produce a victory. Some came back; some didn’t. They defended us everywhere. Some saw combat; some rode a desk; All of them did their share. No matter what the duty, For low pay and little glory, These soldiers gave up normal lives, For duties mundane and gory. Let every veteran be honored; Don’t let politics get in the way. Without them, freedom would have died; What they did, we can’t repay. We owe so much to them, Who kept us safe from terror, So when we see a uniform, Let’s say "thank you" to every wearer.

Did you know these 10 interesting facts??? From website: 

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2340240/10_interesting_veterans_day_facts.html

• Veterans Day was once called Armistice Day. Armistice Day was created to honor veterans of World War I.
• November 11, 1919 was the first day Armistice Day was celebrated. Germany signed the armistice slowing the hostilities of WW1 in the 11th month, on the 11th day, during the 11th hour
• November 11 is both a federal and state holiday
• June 1, 1954 was when the United States changed the name to Veterans Day, honoring all military veterans
• Between 1971 and 1977 Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday of October
• Arlington National Cemetery has a ceremony every year on Veterans Day honoring those who died during war
• There are roughly 24 million living veterans
• During World War II Disney made films for each branch of the United States government 90% of Disney employees worked making propaganda and training videos during WWII
• 400,000 of the United States Armed Forces died during WWII.

Other Websites to check out for Veteran's Day trivia

www.urf.atlantic.net/features/veteransday

www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/veterans-day/tomb-of-unknown-soldier

How to know how much "computer memory" is on your PC?

It's easy to find out just how much memory your computer has.

• Find the My Computer/Computer icon (on your desktop or in the Start Menu List.
• Hover your mouse over the My Computer (in Windows 98, XP or Vista) or Computer (in Windows 7)
• When the function menu appears, left click on Properties. 
• The details of your computer will now appear, including Operating System, Hardware manufacturer, the memory (RAM-Random Access Memory) and other helpful details. 

Most of us agree that the quickest and most effective way to improve the overall performance of computers is to increase the amount of memory it has... But you can't install just any memory, it has to be compatible so if you aren't sure - check with a technician you trust, and/or go to the website for your computers manufacturer and look up what is needed when you put in your computers model number.

A few things you and or your technician need to know before purchasing additional memory for your computer; all of which you can learn all of this from your manufacturer's website.... 

• Know your motherboard - What type is it? How many pins are on it (30, 72 or 168)? and how many open RAM slots are available on your motherboard?
• If your computer is still under warranty - Check with your hardware manufacturer before you install new hardware to ensure to make sure your warranty will not be revoked if you remove the cover from your computer.
• Know if the RAM on your computer is parity or non-parity
• Know if your computer uses single (SIMM's) or dual (DIMM's) memory modules.

What is Windows 8, Windows RT & Microsoft Surface???

MICROSOFT WINDOWS 8 - Microsoft 8 is Microsoft's newest operating system which was released last Friday, October 26th...Designed with increased security, reliability and performance improvement.  Windows 8 is designed with touch screen tablets in mind, first thing you'll notice a very different start screen with "tiles" for your applications, instead of icons...and the tiles light up when new info (emails, photos etc) are available to keep you up to date.. It offers "picture passwords"; ability to go from full-screen video to your spreadsheets in one swipe, or snap them side-by-side for easy multi-tasking. Find and access files much more quickly; instant searches from any app you're in and open favorite programs in lightning speed!! Just a few of the many new features and Microsoft states on their website, that Windows 8 can be purchased and downloaded to any computer currently running Windows XP, Vista or 7.. although others don’t agree at all, unless you have a Windows 7 computer bought in the last few months..

MICROSOFT WINDOWS RT - Available as Oct. 26th, 2012 on one version of the new Microsoft Surface Tablet.. This is an operating system (formerly known as Windows on ARM*) - ARM is not acronym….  Windows RT is a version of the Windows 8 operating system for ARM devices* such as tablet and the Microsoft Surface that was released on October 26, 2012. Unlike other Windows operating systems, it will only be able to run software that has been certified by Microsoft and placed in the Windows Store. Windows RT will include additional applications such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote 2013 RT.

*ARM is designed for low-power applications because it's a less complicated microprocessor... These microprocessors are found primarily in phones, calculators and other hand held devices where less calls are made to memory so they quickly and efficiently. Windows has ARM in the Operating Systems for hand-held devices for sometime now....

The public can't purchase Microsoft Windows RT, it will be sold strictly to device manufacturers directly and is going to be used primarily for Microsoft's new tablet computer called Microsoft Surface that will be available in two versions: one will run with Windows RT system, and the other tablet computer will run with Windows 8..  Windows RT doesn't include Windows Media Player, but for free, will include Office 2012 Home & Student RT.  Those of us buying systems with Windows 8 will still have to purchase and install Office separately.  Also Windows RT will only run  applications that have been included in Microsoft's App store, on apps receiving Microsoft certification.. To most, this sounds a lot like the Mac Apple world of Apple products only... where Microsoft and Apple will both restrict what applications are available to their consumers...

MICROSOFT'S SURFACE.. Microsoft Surface Microsoft Surface is a series of tablets designed and marketed by Microsoft, the first version which includes Microsoft Windows RT became available October 26th, 2012.  The Microsoft Surface will be available in two versions, the first became available October 26th with Windows RT (price range $499-$699).  The newer Surface Windows 8 Pro 2, is still not available, but some say cost start about $899+. The Windows RT model will use an *ARM CPU, while the Windows 8 model will use an Intel CPU.  Both models will be able to install new applications via the Windows Store, however only the Windows 8 model allows the installation of traditional desktop programs

*So consider holding off getting one of the new Microsoft Surface Tablets with Windows RT – some suspect that what we create on them (using the Office Home & Student RT version) might not be compatible with other systems, so give it some time to get the kinks worked out..Windows

Clocks don't change in Arizona

For most of the country, when they go to bed tonight - they will set all clocks, watches and other time pieces BACK 1 HOUR. Most computers, cell phones and cable boxes will make this change automatically without any help.. 

 

Several states, including Arizona (except some Indian Reservations), Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa have chosen not to observe Daylight Saving Time so they do not change their clocks at anytime during the year.

But no matter where we live -this is always a great time to change the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

So tomorrow morning, Sunday morning, November 4th at 2am, Daylight Savings Time will end and most states in the US will revert back to Standard Time; they will then move them ahead to begin Daylight Savings Time and put the clocks ahead "1 hour" at 2am on the second Sunday in March, March 10th 2012..

Next year… Daylight Saving Time begins on Sun, Mar 10, 2012 and ends on Sun, Nov 3, 2013.

Using Auto Complete in Excel (and Word)

Auto Complete in EXCEL helps save time by reducing the amount of text we have to type (enter) when we are filling out a table with duplicate entries (like names, cities, states, and you can add more of your own... And this feature is also available in WORD.

 

By default, AutoComplete is turned on in Excel. These steps will first show you how to turn it off.

Turn AutoComplete On or Off in Excel 2010

• Click on the File tab of the ribbon to open the File menu
• Click on Options to bring up the Excel Options dialog box
• Click on the Advanced button in the left hand pane
• Under the Editing Options section
• Click on the Enable AutoComplete for cell values option box to remove the checkmark and Click OK
• AutoComplete should now be disabled
• To re-enable AutoComplete, re-check the option box

Turn AutoComplete On or Off in Excel 2007

• Click on Office Button > Excel Options to bring up the Excel Options dialog box
• Click on the Advanced button in the left hand pane
• Remove the checkmark from the Enable AutoComplete for cell values option box, Click OK
• AutoComplete should now be disabled
• To re-enable AutoComplete, re-check the option box

Turn AutoComplete On or Off in Excel 2003

• On the Tools menu, click Options
• Now  click the Edit tab.
• To allow automatic completion, click to select the Enable AutoComplete for cell values check box.
• To prevent AutoComplete click to clear the check box.
• AutoComplete should now be disabled
• To re-enable AutoComplete, re-check the option box

Trick or Tracker Cell Phone APP for parents

What will they think of next...  This cell phone APP is getting rave reviews from tech forums, parent organizations and news rooms everywhere - and it's been on our local news, so thought we should pass it on.....  This is an app with parents of tweens & teens who have cell phones.. 

Trick or Tracker Cell Phone APP for parents

Check it out: www.trickortracker.com

 Trick or Tracker cell phone app is designed to link parents and their children's cell phones and uses each phone's GP"S capabilities so you can monitor their locations..  Children must have an Android phone , but parents don't need one; they can use their iPhone, BlackBerry or Windows 7 phone.

Parents can set a boundary or what is referred to as a "geo-fence" by specifying a desired radius around the home on the cell phone app's map. If the tween or teen then wanders out of range, the parent will receive a text message alert immediately; curfews can also be enforced through Trick or Tracker and they now offer a "latchkey kid" feature which sends a text message alert to the parent's phone when children arrive home..

 
This amazing Trick or Tracker by Iconosys, Inc. costs $4.99 for lifetime usage. But, those downloading it specifically for Halloween Day from the official website would be able to utilize it for FREE between 8 a.m. and 11.59 p.m. EST-great way to try it before you buy it.. 

Windows 8 is here!!!!

Yes, the long awaited newest operating system "Windows 8" is here...

Windows 8 Microsoft's newest operating system, was released yesterday, October 26th just after midnight EST.....BUT before you rush out and buy an upgrade or a computer with Windows 8 on it, take a little time and do some homework... read some of the articles online, so you will have a better understanding of what this long awaited new operating system is all about.  Yes, it is very different and Yes there will be a "learning curve" so I think it's advantageous to take the time to understand what it's all about first...

A few easy to understand articles...check them out or go to your favorite search engine and simply search for "what's windows 8 all about"...

www.lifehacker.com/5839777/first-look-at-whats-new-in-windows-8

www.cnn.com/2012/10/25/tech/gaming-gadgets/windows-8-faq/index.html

www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-rettinger/windows-8-is-here-8-thing_b_2022868.html

Typing Tutorial Websites

How can I improve my typing skills? a question we hear quite often.. 

Like the piano - it's simply a matter of practice, but remember this isn't crucial - lots of our famous authors and reporters spent their entire careers "pecking away" and did very well...   Now if you are getting ready to take a typing test that's a different story, but I doubt that most of us are worried about that...

But if you think you'd like to improve your typing skills - speed, accuracy or both - you don't have to run out and purchase an application software program - there are wonderful FREE websites that can help you with this new goal - here are "hyperlinks" to some of our favorite typing tutorial websites, so check them out...

Note-some sites will ask you if you want the "tutorial" for a "QWERTY" or "DVORAK" keyboard-ours in the classroom, as are most keyboards, are "QWERTY" style...  

Not sure what the difference is - check out our blog posting pack in November 2009 about these two types of keyboards

http://www.utseniorpcgeeks.blogspot.com/2009/11/whats-difference-between-qwerty-dvorak.html

Free Typing tutorial websites:

www.powertyping.com

www.typingweb.com

www.rapidtyping.com

www.freetypinggame.net

www.alfatyping.com

Enjoy and Good Luck

Social Security Updates for 2013

For those of you who may not have seen this article, there are several Social Security Changes that may affect you - so here's the scoop to help you stay informed...

Social Security recipients will get a small increase next year, and the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax will rise - By MSN Money partner  10/16/2012-This post comes from Emily Brandon at partner site U.S. News & World Report.

Social Security recipients will get slightly bigger checks in 2013. The Social Security Administration also recently announced several other ways the program will be tweaked in the coming year.   Here's a look at the Social Security changes workers and retirees will experience next year:

Bigger monthly payments. Social Security payments will increase by 1.7% in 2013. That's considerably less than the 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment retirees received in 2012. Social Security payments are adjusted each year to reflect inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Previous inflation adjustments have ranged from zero in 2010 and 2011 to 14.3% in 1980. The average Social Security check is expected to increase by $21 as a result of the change, from $1,240 to $1,261 in 2013. Couples will see their benefit payments grow from an average of $2,014 to $2,048.

Payroll tax cut scheduled to expire. Workers will pay 6.2% of their income into the Social Security system in 2013, up from 4.2% in 2012. The temporary payroll tax cut expires at the end of December under current law.

Higher Social Security tax cap. The maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security taxes will be $113,700 in 2013, up from $110,100 in 2012. About 10 million people will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum.

Increased earnings limit. Retirees who work and collect Social Security benefits at the same time will be able to earn $480 more next year before any portion of their Social Security payment will be withheld. Social Security recipients who are younger than their full retirement age (66 for those born between 1943 and 1954) can earn up to $15,120 in 2013, after which $1 of every $2 earned will be temporarily withheld from their Social Security payments.

For retirees who turn 66 in 2013, the limit will be $40,080, after which $1 of every $3 earned will be withheld.

Once you turn your full retirement age, you can earn any amount without penalty and collect Social Security benefits at the same time. At your full retirement age your monthly payments will also be adjusted to reflect any benefits that were withheld and your continued earnings.

Maximum possible benefit grows. The maximum possible Social Security benefit for a worker who begins collecting benefits at their full retirement age will be $2,533 in 2013, up from $2,513 per month in 2012.

Paper checks will end. The U.S. Treasury will stop mailing paper checks to Social Security beneficiaries on March 1. All federal benefit recipients must then receive their payments via direct deposit to a bank or credit union account or loaded onto a Direct Express Debit MasterCard.

Retirees who do not choose an electronic payment option by March 1 will receive their payments loaded onto a prepaid debit card. Most people already receive their benefit payments electronically, and new Social Security recipients have been required to choose an electronic payment option since 2011.

iMac Workshops & other Computer Classes at MCC

I am so pleased to announce that the “Everything i/Mac 4 hour Workshops” are now being offered at MCC this fall and winter. Cassandra Pham will be teaching these workshops and her love and understanding of all things MAC will really impress you; I can’t wait to hear your feedback… 

Class sizes will be limited, so be sure to contact MCC and register so you have a seat.. For those of you who already have “I”devices, such as iPads, MacBooks, iPhones etc.. be sure to bring your Macs with you (along with your questions)  - For those of you who are thinking about purchasing a MAC product, these workshops will help you better understand the features available with Apple/MAC’s and which device might be best for your needs…

Learn how to find & organize what’s on your MAC, work with photos & apps, how to have all your “i” devices work together, and much more…

November-December 2012: 8:30am-12:20pm

· Saturday, Nov 10 LSC 040-121

· Tuesday, Nov 13 LSC 040-122

· Wednesday, Dec 5 LSC 040-123

· Saturday, Dec 8 LSC 040-124

January 2013: 8:30am-12:20pm

· Wednesday, Jan 16 LSC 040-121

· Saturday, Jan 26 LSC 040-122

More of these 4 hour "Everything i workshops" will be offered beyond January 2013, specific dates will be announced by mid-December for those of you who might not be returning to Havasu until after the holidays – so don’t worry…

We are also exploring the addition of several short 2 hour workshops for Android/Smartphones and hope to announce that in the next few weeks...

Call today for these or any of our wonderful classes and join with a friend, Just call Registration 928-855-7812 or 453-1139 and we’ll save you a seat for these workshops, or any of my computer classes or any of the great variety of classes held on countless topics in the arts, health, fitness and more… or Stop by and visit our campus at 1971 Acoma Blvd in Lake Havasu or our website: www.mohave.edu.

As for my computer classes – we have the following classes coming so be sure to call and get your seat and if you have specific questions, always feel free to email me:   cherie_houston@hotmail.com

internet and it’s many uses ~ LSC 071-121,  8:30am-12:20pm, Tues & Thurs, Oct 16 & 18 - Two 4 Hour classes internet tips & lingo, such as ISP, browser, blogger; when/why to use F5 & F11; website basics, hyperlinks, email basics, using “Google & Bing” to search web, images, news; translating to & from different languages; blogging

EXCEL-LIST AND DATA MANAGEMENT ~ LSC 069-121, 1pm-4:50pm, Tues & Thurs, Oct. 16 & 18 - Two 4 hour classes-Learn to work with numbers & text (budget, contact lists for mail merges) Workbook vs. worksheet; cells, columns, rows, auto-formats; margins, grid lines, sorting numbers & data & print basics - Bring an address book or contact list to class

DIGITAL CAMERA BASICS ~ LSC 100A-121, 1pm-4:50pm, Fri & Mon, Oct 19 & 22 - Two 4 hour classes-Intro to digital cameras; pixels, camera lingo, basic how to’s, move photo’s to your PC with memory card & memory card reader, organize photos on your PC using Windows Explorer; save photos to portable drives Bring your digital camera to class

WORD-CREATe GREAT LOOKING DOCUMENTS ~ LSC 068-121, 8:30am-12:20pm, Tues & Thurs, Oct 23 & 25 - Two 4 hour classes-reviewing the basics to open, create, save documents; highlight; cut-copy-paste, set & change margins; create letters, envelopes, labels & use clip art, word art to enhance documents, create flyers & invitations & lots of printing tips

HOW TO BUY & SELL ONLINE ~ LSC 101-121, 1pm-4:50pm, Tues & Thurs, Oct 23 & 25 - Two 4 hour classes-Buy and Sell on Line, find what you want; searching, making travel arrangements, general shopping tips, intro to online sales with sites such as eBay; eBid; craigslist & others: shortcuts, security

PICASA PHOTO EDITING ~ LSC 081- 121: 1pm-4:50pm, Mon’s & Wed, Oct 29, 31 & Nov 5 – Three “3”- 4 hr classes to learn to edit & print digital photo’s using Picasa (this is free Google software); learn to upload photo’s from your camera and/or scanner to the PC & learn to order prints online; how to create a quick movie or collage; use Picasa online web albums; use face & geo tagging & more - Bring your digital camera to class

Computers FOR THE FUN OF IT  ~ LSC 062-122, 8:30am-12:20pm, Tues & Thurs, Oct 30-Nov 1  - Two 4 Hour classes reviewing computer hardware, software, printing tips, keyboard shortcut tips, customizing desktop-changing backgrounds, create shortcuts, using quick launch bar, Start Menu, Task Bar, control panel & much more…

POWER POINT ~ LSC 069D-121,  1pm-4:50pm, Tues & Thurs, Oct 30 & Nov 1 - Two 4 hour classes-Use your digital photos to create Slide Show presentations, enhance presentations with text, photos & clip art, animation, music, transition & timing, and how to save slides as photos.. Bring photos and flash drive to class

WINDOWS 7 OPERATING SYSTEM ~ LSC100-124, 1-4:50pm, Wednesday, Nov. 7 – One 4 hour workshop helping you get more comfortable with Windows 7 and the many Features & Improvements (vs XP-Vista), such as Desktop customizing; Use Libraries to manage files; Jump Lists vs Task Bar or put taskbar back; Run apps; Shuffle wallpaper & screen savers; System Tray; Media Player; Alerts vs action centers & more

LAPTOP BASICS ~ LSC 100-121, 8:30-12:20pm, Thursday, Nov. 8^th – One 4 hour workshop learning about  desktop/laptop differences, laptop tips, accessories, Fn key, maneuvering around, internet & WiFi Basics, shortcuts, security & more – Bring your laptop, netbook etc. if you have one

EVERYTHING “i” APPLE/MAC WORKSHOP ~ LSC040-121, 8:30am-12:20pm Saturday, Nov. 10^th – One 4 hour workshop taught by Cassaundra Pham, discussing the varied features of the Mac products, focusing on iPad, MacBook and iPhone – including working with efinder, photos, apps, emails, syncing your “i” devices and much more – Bring your “I” Apple/Mac devices and your questions

HOW TO SKYPE OR GOOGLE VOICE  ~ LSC100-123, 8:30am-12:20pm, Monday, Nov. 12 - One 4 hour workshop learning how to use Skype and/or Google voice to make free phone calls & web calls world wide from any pc or smartphone.. lots of tips

MOVIE MAKER ~ LSC100A-125, 1-4:50pm, Mon & Thurs, Nov 12 & 15 -  Two 4 hr classes to learn to create movies with your photos, music & other special effects: transitions, titles/credits, your favorite music, timeline narration, and much more.  This software is free With Windows Xp, Media, Vista And/Or Windows 7 - Bring Photos To Class (On Your Camera Or Flash Drive)

FIND/ORGANIZE WHAT’S ON YOUR PC ~ LSC 062-123, 8:30am-12:20pm, Tues & Wed, Nov. 13 & 14 - Two 4 hour classes Using Windows Explorer to find what you’ve saved on your PC; organize your work, files & photo’s to find them quickly & easily.  Learn to back up your pc, photo & documents with portable flash & hard drives, memory cards and memory card readers..

EVERYTHING “i” APPLE/MAC WORKSHOP ~ LSC040-122, 8:30am-12:20pm Tuesday, Nov. 13^th  – One 4 hour workshop taught by Cassaundra Pham, discussing the varied features of the Mac products, focusing on iPad, MacBook and iPhone – including working with efinder, photos, apps, emails, syncing your “i” devices and much more – Bring your “I” Apple/Mac devices and your questions

Word – WORKING WITH TABLES ~ LSC100-122, 8:30am-12:20pm, Thursday, Nov. 15 - One 4 hour Workshop learning to use Word to create “TABLES” using columns, rows, cells – merge cells, change borders & shading, tables are used in correspondence – quick budgets, to create forms including newsletters with clip art & more

MAIL MERGE USING BOTH WORD & EXCEL ~ LSC068-123 , 1-4:50pm, Mon & Wed, Nov 26 & 28 - Two 4 hr classes create a data list using both Excel and Word software Learn to enter & sort data various ways; to merge data for multiple “personalized” documents such as mailing labels, other labels, envelopes or form letters.. Bring An Address Book Or Contact List & Flash Drive  To Class

EMAIL HOW TO’S – ADVANCED ~  LSC 071-123, 8:30am-12:20pm, Tues & Wed, Nov. 27 & 28 - Two 4 hour classes to enhance your basic email skills – work extensively with attachments of all types – documents, photos, videos, power point – learn to open & save, find & attach.  Learn to work with hyperlinks; to copy & paste to & from emails, internet and word

CREATE/PUBLISH YOUR OWN BOOK ~ LSC 081-122, 1-4:50pm Tues, Thurs, Fri, Nov 27, 29 & 30 – Three “3”  4 hr classes to Learn to create & publish your own book, using free book publishing software from Walgreens & CVS as well as blurb.com (for a book that’s copyrighted) using your WP skills & digital photos and learn in quantities as small as just one.  You decide: soft or hard cover, various sizes, all text, all photos or a combination of photos & text, story book or recipe book Bring photos to class (on camera or flash drive)