By Doug Mullis, for Secretary Peggy Pulliam
dmullis@tampabay.rr.com

This being our annual Holiday Season Party, we did not have our usual SIG session. We did have a presentation by Smart Computing Magazine scheduled. This publication was formerly called PC Novice.

President Kevan Sheridan started the meeting at 7:00 PM by introducing Marcy Gunn to tell us about the magazines and web site offered by Smart Computing. Marcy was assisted by Scott Banks and Kelly Lambertson, all from Nebraska and happy to be in Florida at this time of year.

Packets were distributed containing the January 2005 issue of Smart Computing, a 2005 calendar/mouse pad, a publication, How To Get Trouble-free Email, a pen and user survey, the submitting of which gave us a chance at door prizes. Marcy outlined the offerings of the subject magazine which is presented in plain language for the novice PC user. They also offer PC Today and CPU (Computer Power User) for more technically oriented users.

Smart Computing has a Cover Story section on current items of interest, a Tech Support Center, a Review section for both software and hardware, and a section on how to keep your system operating at peak.

Next Marcy told us about the Smart Computing web site, free to magazine subscribers or for $17 annually to non-subscribers. This gives you online access to all four of their publications, allows you to research articles and then create your own personal library of research results. Also the web site has a Question & Answer board and a Tech Support Center which lists many error messages you may encounter and actions for you to take.

Finally, there is a feature which lists all registered PC user groups and how to contact them. If you make purchases, you should have your group credited toward future promos and discounts.

After a short break, the following door prizes were awarded by Smart Computing:

• Don Patzsch -A Smart Computing Reference Library
• John Witmer - A fancy binder containing the 2004 issues of Smart Computing
• Doug Mullis - A One Year Gift Certificate for Smart Computing Magazine.

Next were drawings for Club prizes, the winners of which were too numerous to record.

No official business was conducted due to the party atmosphere and the changed venue. Meeting adjourned about 8:40 PM. See you all next year. Have a Happy New Year !!!! u