Seminars to tackle computing

Before I present one of my favorite software programs I want to mention a series of "free" Lee County Library seminars David Keller, a SWFPCUG consulting technician, will be hosting.

His 2009 "How To Not Kill Your Personal Computer" seminar schedule:
Thursday, October 8th, 10:00 A.M. at North Fort Myers Library.
Thursday, October 22nd, 10:00 A.M. at Lakes Regional Library.
Tuesday, November 3rd, 10:00 A.M. at Fort Myers Library.
Thursday, November 12th, 10:00 A.M. at Cape Coral Library.
Thursday, December 3rd, 10:00 A.M. at North Fort Myers Library.
Thursday, December 17th, 10:00 A.M. at Lakes Regional Library.

David’s seminars are well know for their unique combination of wit and wisdom. And are always appropriate for both novices and experienced users.

I’m sure if you’re anywhere near my age you can remember having to sit through hours of boring slide or 8mm film presentations of Uncle Bob’s or Aunt Jenny’s vacations. Presented in their entirety regardless of the quality of the photography.

However, if you’re among those who because you suffer from childhood side show and film presentation flashbacks have been reluctant to take your place as the official historian of your family know that today you can create entertaining slide shows featuring scanned in film and/or digital photos you’ve edited or at least selected for quality of content. And to entertain the guests held hostage during your presentation, you can add appropriate music, dialogue and titles.

Photo Story 3 for Windows is an excellent free slide show software program with which to begin your adventure, but Photodex ProShow Gold is my recommendation if you’re ready to edit a more feature filled slide show presentation.

In my opinion, for adding video and music, panning, zooming, fading, custom captions, rotation and backgrounds ProShow Gold’s user friendly interface is second to none. And when you’re ready to add transition styles e.g., dissolves, fades, wipes, and shapes, PhotoShow’s 280 transition styles will meet your every need.

When you’ve completed a slide show ProShow Gold can output it in over 40 formats to include DVD, Blu-ray, CD, the Web and devices such as cell phones, mp3 players and game consoles. You can even upload your slide shows directly to YouTube.

ProShow Gold provides excellent novice friendly tutorials, a basic photo editing feature and as you become more skillful, a user friendly way to re edit earlier slide shows to improve their content.

Photodex (www.photodex.com) offers a free trial download.

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.