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This Month's Newsletter
Hello again! With tax time so much on everyone's minds, we are focusing this issue of the Mindshare newsletter on preparing for the future. In this month's newsletter, you'll find a great review of CES 2006 that gives you an overview of exciting new developments in technology, as well as a Windows Vista sneak peek (to help lessen tax-time anxiety) and Windows Defender (to cut down on sneaky spyware). You'll also hear more about our latest Presentation in a Box on Windows Live OneCare and Windows Defender. Read on and help your group get prepared for a secure and successful 2006!
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Just a Click Away - Microsoft Presenters for Your User Group!
You've asked for presenters, and we've answered! Now Mindshare can help you can arrange for a Microsoft presenter to present to your group on the latest inside information about Microsoft products, programs, and initiatives. Presentations cover a wide range of topics related to Microsoft desktop and server technologies-including Windows XP, Microsoft Office, Windows Server, Small Business Server, and more. E-mail your request for a presenter to us at mindshar@microsoft.com and we'll walk you through the process of selecting and scheduling a presenter in your area.
Windows Vista Sneak Preview: Windows Sidebar
We're all excited to hear more about Windows Vista as it gets closer to the end of its development cycle. To help share that excitement, we are adding a new feature to the Mindshare newsletter and Web site: the Windows Vista Sneak Preview. Each month we'll tell you about a new feature in Windows Vista. This month we get the ball rolling with the Windows Sidebar.
The Windows Sidebar is a customizable pane where you can organize and use your favorite Windows Vista gadgets. The Sidebar is designed to help you get to the information you need in a way that fits seamlessly into your current task. The Windows Sidebar opens in a pane alongside your work area, giving you access to your gadgets while you work; no need to open a browser window to check your stocks, look up the latest news headlines, or see who's online with Windows Live Messenger. Click here to read more about Windows Sidebar on the Windows Vista site.
A Look into the Future: A Review of CES 2006
Did you miss out on CES 2006 in Las Vegas this year? In connection with the event, Mindshare Manager Aaron Coldiron presented the keynote to more than 300 group leaders at APCUG and gave a demonstration of Windows Vista; if you attended, we hope you had a chance to stop by and say hello!
If you missed CES and APCUG this year, you can get a sense of what it was like to be out there on the show floor by reading this review by Windows XP Expert Zone Community Columnist Barb Bowman. Find out what went on in the Microsoft Pavilion and discover the latest announcements on Windows Vista, Portable Media Centers, Internet Explorer 7, and WiFi and digital imaging. While you're there, be sure to click the link to see which products were named in the Best of CES 2006 awards.
Dos and Don'ts for Great PowerPoint Presentations
Do you know what makes a great presentation great? Or do you simply create lists of bullet points and hope things go smoothly? Read " Presenting with PowerPoint: 10 Dos and Don'ts," from Jeff Wuorio. Discover great tips that will guide you in creating effective presentations that will inspire, motivate, and inform your user group.
Alert - Prevent Identity Theft from Phishing Scams
If you get an e-mail message wanting to know specifics about you - watch out! There's a new form of spam, called "phishing," arriving in our Inboxes. A phishing scam looks like a legitimate e-mail message from a company you trust-your bank, for example, or a reputable Web site you've purchased from before. The message will say something to the effect of, "We suspect someone has been tampering with your account" and it will ask you to click the link provided and confirm your information to "safeguard" your account by entering a credit card number or giving other sensitive information. But be on the lookout-these e-mail messages are dangerous hoaxes, and a potential threat for identity theft. Be sure to share the article Help Prevent Identity Theft from Phishing Scams with your group
members so they don't fall prey to one of these scams.
Free Download: Get Windows Defender Now
Beta 2 of Windows Defender (formerly Windows AntiSpyware) is now available as a free download. Windows Defender helps you protect your computer against pop-ups and spyware that can slow your system, install unwanted software, and threaten your data security. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx to find out more about Windows Defender and download this free utility. Plus look for more details about this program in our new Presentation in a Box.
Resources for Leaders: New Windows Live OneCare & Windows Defender Presentation in a Box
Security is foremost on computer users' minds. Help your user group understand how to take charge of the security of their systems using our latest "Presentation in a Box" about Windows Defender and Windows Live OneCare. These Presentations in a Box contain everything you need to host a meeting on the topic, including fully built presentations, demo scripts, and even door prizes. Watch for your new Presentation in a Box--it should be arriving in the next four to six weeks!
Get Rebates on Popular Microsoft Programs
Mindshare User Spotlight: Sue Crane
Big Bear Computer Club User Group
Sue Crane moved to Big Bear in 1997 and in 1998 was diagnosed with MS. She joined the Big Bear Computer Club in 1998. MS has not held her back. She has held various positions within the Big Bear Computer Club, including the roles of Refreshments Coordinator, Membership Chair, Columnist for the Computer Club newsletter Bearly Bytes, Mindshare Representative, Vendor Liaison, Reviews Editor, and finally, Editor of Bearly Bytes. During Sue's time as editor, Beary Bytes received both 1st Place and 3rd Place awards from Southwest Regional User Group, as well as Honorable Mention at the APCUG Conference.
For the last 3 years, Sue has been Vice President and Program Chair. As Program Chair, she has scheduled and coordinated with local and national speakers. Big Bear is a mountain community at 7,000 feet elevation--our guest speakers are treated to an overnight bed and breakfast lodging so they don't have to drive down the mountain at night.
Sue established various programs for the Computer Club. For example, she introduced the monthly buffet at club meetings, established the "New Member Welcome Bag," designed the Membership Brochure, and is currently working on a cookbook as a fundraiser. Sue teaches Microsoft Word in partnership with the Big Bear Library Literacy Program and coordinates the Club's Help Line.
Sue attended her first APCUG Conference in 1998 and has been a regular attendee since. She also attends the yearly Southwest User Group Conferences. She has also been a regular attendee of SCRUGS meetings until last year when she lost her transportation.
The Big Bear Computer Club board and membership highly recommends Sue Crane for Mindshare's User Spotlight. She has been instrumental in the success of our computer club. Is your group doing something for others you'd like to share with the rest of the Mindshare community? Or do you have a member of your user group you want to recommend for a future User Spotlight? If your group as a whole or a dedicated member of your group is doing something good, we want to hear about it! Share your nominations and suggestions with us by clicking here, and help to inspire others in 2006!
Coming Next Month
Here are a few of the stories we're working to bring you next month. Be sure to write to us at mindshar@microsoft.com and let us know what topics you would like to share with your user groups!
. The latest and greatest in Microsoft Mobile technologies
. What's New with Windows Live?
. Windows Vista Sneak Preview: The New User Experience
. Give your group newsletter a makeover with Microsoft Publisher
. Tips for great digital images
. Downloads for spring: Project planning, gardening, vacation spots, and more
. The latest on new technology updates
. Your stories, events, and more!
Also, a closing note: For almost two years now I've been the manager of the Mindshare program, and I've immensely enjoyed getting to know you, the user group leaders and members, and I've enjoyed running this program. During the time I've been here, I've sent out speakers to almost 100 user group meetings, began the presentations in a box offering, made sure your e-mails are answered within a few days (thanks, Theresa!), and licensed dozens of newsletter articles that user groups can use free of charge.
I'm really excited about the changes that are happening with the Mindshare team. I'm moving into a manager position in this group, and Sheri Sullivan is stepping in to be the new Mindshare lead. I'll still be involved behind the scenes cheering for the great work Sheri is going to do, and Sheri is taking over leadership for Mindshare program. She is now your main contact at Microsoft. Be on the lookout for more news from Sheri in the coming weeks; I know she has great things planned. As for me, I hope to visit the APCUG event next year at CES. Thank you!
As always, thanks so much for being a part of the Mindshare program!
Aaron Coldiron
Mindshare Manager, Microsoft Corporation mindshar@microsoft.comwww.microsoft.com/mindshare
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Big Blue and Cousins: The Greater Victoria Personal Computer Users' Association—
