Mary Sheridan started our Windows SIG at 6:00 pm. The main topic of the SIG was the growth of CD recorders in home PCs. There are a growing number of members who have purchased CD recorders in the last few months, and using a CD for a backup media as a replacement for tape or (Heaven Help You) floppy disk has caught our attention. If anyone has a suggestion for a backup utility that can recognize a CD recorder, come to our web site. Your opinions would be appreciated in our discussion group.

The arrival of the "Bubble Boy" virus was brought up. If you were unaware of its presence, don’t be alarmed. No one had yet reported an actual infection. If you are concerned about any e-mail related virii check out http://www.ZDNet.com for virus warning updates.

Merle started the general meeting at 6:30 PM. Current nominations were announced at this time and the floor was opened for any additional nominations. A motion was placed before the group to accept the nominations. It was seconded and passed unanimously. The nominations for this year's Board of Directors will be:

A vote for board members will be taken at the December 8^th meeting. We will be having a pizza party after the conclusion of business.

Mr. Matt McCann presented Quicken 2000 to our group. Users of the latest version will recognize the layout and will find transition to this version easy. Mr. McCann highlighted several features designed to enhance use. Quicken 2000 also comes linked to its own web site, http://www.Quicken.com. This site tailors itself to each user based on your preferences. It creates a cookie that tracks your preferences as to which features to load when you access the web site. You can have stock quotes from your investment portfolio display automatically so you don’t have to go fishing for them.

Quicken also provides a way to estimate the value of your car or home. It uses Edmonds.com as a reference point. You can enter year, make, model and mileage and get an estimate. For your home, Quicken uses www.ConsumerInfo.com. This site allows you to enter your city, street, and square feet. The site will estimate the value based on similar homes sold within a ½ mile area of your home. There were questions as to the accuracy of getting a value this way. But, it was pointed out that banks and other financial institutions use this method of estimation. If you are using a 128 bit encryption capable web browser you can send bank book and expense information to your home computer while out on the road.

Quicken 2000 Deluxe was given out as a door prize. The meeting ended at 8:15. u