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The Bug Report |
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The only Bug that's good for your computer! |
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A Publication of the Greater South Bay PC Users Group |
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Volume 19 Number 5 |
May 2001 |
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INTERNET TALK
DEMYSTIFYING GRAPHIC FILE FORMATS
Did you get the AnnaK worm yet?
INTERNET TALK
by Frank Chao
Welcome
to the 33rd article in the AInternet Talk@ series. During the Spring break week
of El Camino College, where I teach, I and Liz took off for a little cruise in
Belgium and Holland. We found the Internet to be alive and well in both of
these countries.
VIRTUAL
AND REAL TRAVEL
As
stated in previous articles in this series, you can supplement real travel to
near and far places by using Web access to learn about the places that you are
planning to visit. Prior to leaving taking off to Belgium and Holland, I
started a Web page about our pending trip
by
adding hyperlinks to the on-line itinerary that was provided by our tour
company. The Web page that I created is located at
http://www.elcamino.cc.ca.us/Faculty/fchao/uniworld/
After
returning home, I viewed some of the Web sites of the places that we
visited. I then added additional hyperlinks to these Web sites, into my
above-mentioned Web page.
INTERNET
ACCESS FROM EUROPEAN
While
we were roaming through Bruges, Belgium last month, we happened upon an
Internet cafe. I paid the equivalent of 4 U.S. dollars for 15 minutes of
lightning-fast World Wide Web access. Using a Pentium computer that was
running the Dutch version of Windows 98, I accessed my Yahoo mail
account. Using the ACheck Other Mail@ feature of Yahoo mail, I was able to grab
my e-mail from some of my regular e-mail accounts, including my e-mail at El
Camino College. I was also able to reply to e-mail messages from two of
my students before I ran out of time. The Internet access at this cafe was
excellent. It was faster than Internet access via the T1 link at El Camino
College. The cafe in Belgium apparently had an E1 link, which provides a raw
data speed of 2.048 Megabits per second. The E1 lines that the telephone
companies provide between end-users and Internet Service Providers in Europe
are similar to the T1 links that we have in North America. (The T1 links in
these parts have a raw data speed of 1.544 Megabits per second.)
Liz
and I found Internet cafes and computer stores in many towns in both Belgium
and Holland. With the exception of the Internet cafe in Bruges, Belgium, we
were unable to visit any of these places due to the fast-paced nature of our
trip.
BLUE
ZONE FTP
As
most of you know, File Transfer Protocol is the main method for copying files
from your local computer to a Web server, when you are revising or creating a
Web site. In order upload files using FTP, you have to use software that
is called an AFTP client@. My colleague, Dr. Herb Feldman , recommends a free
FTP client called ABlue Zone FTP@: In an e-mail message to his fellow
mentor/volunteers at the Los Angeles Free-Net, he stated:
AAn
alternative FTP client that I use is BlueZone FTP. It is free and can be found
at www.renex.com. It supports socks5 and
works well with lafn. It's pretty straight forward to set up, about the only
problem
I had, is when it came to specifying "User". If you use it and have a
problem email me at: (az944@lafn.org)@
When
I typed http://www.renex.com
into
the address box of my Web browser, I ended up at the Web site for a company
called Seagull. This Web page stated that Renex has been acquired by Seagull. I
then clicked on AVisit Renex Website@.
Finally
I clicked on ARegister Free FTP@ and I arrived at:
http://www.renex.com/download/bzFtplicense/
after
downloading and registering the Blue Zone FTP software, I have used it
extensively without problems. It is better than all of the FTP software
products that I have purchased over the past two years.
I
wish to thank Dr. Feldman for telling us about this fabulous free software for
performing client FTP file transfers.
ED
TUNING FOR BROADBAND ACCESS
If
you have a DSL link or a cable modem, you can to learn how to tweak your
computer for maximum Internet downloads and uploads at:
http://www.speedguide.net
This
fine Web site was mentioned in the November 21st issue of APC
Magazine@. However, they gave out the incorrect URL.
DSL
REPORTS
To
learn everything about DSL, including the actual speed of a DSL connection, see
DSL Reports at
http://www.dslreports.com
CONSUMER
COMPLAINTS
According
to page 30, of the May issue of AComputer Shopper@, if you need to
complain about a service or product that does not meet your expectations,
plenty of Web sites can now help you out for gratis:
http://www.bitchaboutit.com
http://www.ecomplaints.com
http://www.ugetheard.com
http://www.planetfeedback.com
So
please vent online instead of going postal !!
LEARNING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY
Knowledge is power and understanding how devices and systems work is both fun and empowering. To get a high-level working knowledge about how anything works, go to http://www.howstuffworks.com to view a fascinating Web site called AMarshall Brain=s How Stuff Works@.
At this site, you can learn about cars, boats, trains, computers, networks, the human body, etc.
COMPUTER TRAINING AT EL CAMINO COLLEGE
For
low-cost, quality computer training, try El Camino College. Their Web site is
located at:
http://www.elcamino.cc.ca.us
Kostek
Haussmann, a long-time GSBUG member, volunteers time as a computer lab
assistant. He teaches students about Web browsers, FTP, and e-mail. Let me know
if you wish to participate in a similar manner.
I
am currently teaching two sections of a course called AComputer Information
Systems 19 --The Internet and Networking Principles@. These classes will
conclude at the end of May.
In
August, I will teach two sections of AComputer Information Systems 13 B
Introduction to Computers@. One section meets on Tuesday evenings and the
other meets on Thursday evenings.
You
too can participate as either a teacher or as a student, contact me for
details.
MAKING THE INTERNET SAFE FOR CHILDREN
In
order to make Internet access safe for children, you have to do two things:
You
have to implement Internet filtering software and you have to
activate
an Internet rating system in your Web browser software. To learn more
about child-proofing Internet access, see
http://www.safesurf.com
ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE COMPARISON
In
order to get an idea of how well the various anti-virus software products work
against real live computer viruses, Karl Springer of the Los Angeles Computer
Society recommends that you look at
http://www.virusbtn.com/100/vb100sum.html
In
order to protect yourself from the thousands of computer viruses that exist,
you need to install one of the products that is listed at this Website. You
also have to keep your anti-virus products current by installing the updates
that are available on a weekly basis.
WAYS
TO CONTACT ME:
If
you have any questions or problems, I can be contacted by the following
methods:
1.
Leave a voice message for me at 310-768-3896.
2.
Send me e-mail at: fchao@elcamino.cc.ca.us
3.
Send "snail" U.S. Postal Service mail to
Frank Chao
PO Box 6930
Torrance, CA 90504-0030.
Or
sell your computer and take up golf instead !
JUNE PROGRAM
By John Sellers
A
representative of Pacific Bell Telephone will make a presentation of the
technology available to enhance our access to the Worldwide Web.
The
presentation shall be basically technical and provide us with a better
understanding the telephone functions for voice, modem operation, DSL and
perhaps what the future may provide. Most of our members may not understand the
basic telephone fundamentals but are using modems with telephone to access
Internet Service Providers to gather information worldwide and to send email
letters to others. A simple understanding is desired of the telephone operation
within the locality and perhaps what is achieved in long distance switching and
number of lines used. The basic difference in voice and that of communicating
via the computer. Namely how the modem couples to the phone and what is being
accomplished today by the telephone industry to improve their services to
enhance the use of the phone for digital packets such as being accomplished
today when a PC interconnects via the telephone to ISP and on to web sites for
email and other nodes for other destinations.
REMEMBERING SHELLY
By Bob Ackerman, Past
GSBUG President
A
friend of mine was kind enough to send me a copy of the latest Bug Report that
reported the death of Sheldon Chelsy. The news told me that I had lost a friend
for over 15 years, and now a very important part of GSBUG is gone.
When
I first joined GSBUG in the mid 80's I learned that everything involving GSBUG
involved Shelly. He was at the general meetings, at the SIG groups (even the
Pig SIG), at all board meetings and other special events. His input was
listened to with respect and his suggestions were taken quite seriously. He was
the first friend I made at GSBUG. After I moved away in 1994 he remained my
friend. We have corresponded over the years through email and telephone and
remained in close contact throughout. He was one of the sources that I used to
keep in touch with GSBUG.
As the club grew, Shelly was there too. I remember
many hours at my home, as well at other locations, pouring over proposed By‑Laws
changes and suggestions. We wrote and rewrote and then revised again. I
remember board meetings where we hashed out ideas, suggestions and generally
argued with others. When I was the Vice President of GSBUG, and then President,
I used Shelly as my sounding board prior to a meeting to reassure me that my
suggestion was worth considering. He had suggested that I obtain the opinion of
certain Board Members since their opinion and mine frequently clashed. Whether
my suggestion was good or bad, the Board always decided what should be
accomplished for the good of the club. Once a decision was made, Shelly was
fully behind the decision.
I remember at the end of each general meeting we had
the Bob and Shelly Show where members asked us questions about any computer
related topic. One of us usually had an answer and, what everybody didn=t see, was that we reviewed the questions later to be
sure that we did answer the question properly. Sometimes, if we were not sure
of our answer, we would do a little research to ensure that we did answer
correctly. As time went on the questions grew tougher. That kept us on our
toes.
When GSBUG needed him to be President, he stepped up
and took the role. When GSBUG allowed him to sit back on the sidelines, he did.
But whatever GSBUG did, Shelly was there. What most members didn=t see was that behind the scenes Shelly was always
there ready to pitch in, give support, offer a suggestion or dish out advice.
Shelly may be gone, but he is not gone from GSBUG.
Everything GSBUG has been, or will be was shaped by his input. The respect
GSBUG gained over the years in the eyes of members, computer users, other user
groups and vendors, was obtained by his involvement in everything GSBUG did. As
GSBUG moves forward I know his work will be remembered.
Shelly, my friend, you will be missed.
Bob Ackerman is the Assistant Vice President for the
Bank of Kirksville in Kirksville, MO. He can be reach at boback@cableone.net,
or at RR1 Box 627A, Kirksville, MO 63501
MAY PROGRAM
by John Sellers
MGI
Software, a market leader in photo and video editing software, will be
featuring some award-winning products presented by Randal Whittle.
Are
you interested in digital photos or video but didn't think you could afford
it? Find how MGI Software can deliver any imaging, anytime, anyplace by
attending our next user group meeting!
Two
market‑leading products from MGI Software, PhotoSuite 4.0 and VideoWave
4.0, give you unlimited options when it comes to your photos and videos.
PhotoSuite 4.0 is your complete PC photography solution. It's the fastest
and easiest way to edit, enhance, and organize your photos while giving you a
creative freedom you've never had before. Turn your photos into greeting
cards or incorporate them into personal calendars, web pages, family letters,
and share them with others via email or the Internet. PhotoSuite 4.0
makes it not only possible, but easy and fun! And with VideoWave 4.0, you
can now capture, edit, produce, and share your own videos on your PC, videotape,
and even over the web! You can add special effects, transitions, sound
tracks, and on‑screen text effects along the way.
Also new to the MGI lineup, and which will also be
shown, are PhotoVista 2.0 and SoftDVDMax 4.0. PhotoVista incorporates
full‑featured stitching capability enabling VR‑style walk‑throughs
and immersive panoramas, enabling you to create stunning panoramic views with
tools especially made for use in web pages‑all automatically
generated! SoftDVDMax incorporates an exclusive "Dolby Headphones"
feature enabling mobile users to experience a surround‑sound cinema
experience right through ordinary headphones.
The guest presenter will be Randy Whittle, speaking on
behalf of MGI Software. Randy has been enthusiastically received at user
groups around the country, considered to be one of the most entertaining and
dynamic speakers in the user group community. He holds an MBA from the
University of Southern California and works as a Marketing Strategy Consultant
that specializes in helping companies identify how their business and the
economy will be changed by electronic commerce, helping them to formulate
strategies for making such changes work in the firms' favor.
Randy learned very early the importance of feature‑rich
and easy‑to‑use software when, without the budget to hire outside
resources, he was put in charge of designing brochures and marketing materials
for a small startup company. He later became the founding Director of the
Electronic Commerce Program at the University of Southern California's Marshall
School of Business, where he developed an innovative graduate‑level
curriculum for business students‑‑the first of its kind as required
course curriculum for MBA's at a major business school. During his tenure
at USC, Randy was quoted by Family Money Magazine and arranged for USC to host
a week‑long symposium of industry leaders.
Randy and his wife Vicki are the proud parents of
two young children, MacLean and Brittany. He uses pictures of the family
extensively in his presentations to illustrate how personally useful you will
find the software.
You will come away from this meeting entertained and
informed, and find yourself months later still talking about that great
presentation at your User Group meeting. Randy will provide time for an
open Q&A period and will bring valuable door prizes, informative handouts,
and special user group pricing for those wishing to purchase these outstanding
products at the meeting. See you then!
DEMYSTIFYING GRAPHIC FILE FORMATS
By Ben Luna, Coastal
Area Users Group, Corpus Christi, TX
The purpose of this article is to briefly describe
some of the most common graphic file formats for image files, as well as how to
determine which file format to use for Web graphics and print publications.
When an image is saved to a specific file format, you are telling your
applications how to write the image's information to disk. The specific file
format you choose depends on the graphics software application you are using
(e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Freehand, Adobe Photoshop) and how and where you will
use your image (e.g., the Web or a print publication.)
Graphic file formats can be broadly categorized into
bit‑mapped formats and vector formats.
Bit‑mapped formats
This format is a representation, consisting of rows
and columns of dots, of a graphics image in computer memory. This is sometimes
called raster graphics. The value of each dot, whether it is filled or not, is
stored in one or more bits of data. The density of the dots, known as the
resolution, determines how sharply the image is represented. This is often
expressed in dots per inch (dpi), or simply by the number of rows and columns,
such as 640 by 480. To display a bit‑mapped image on a monitor or to
print in a printer, the computer translates the bit map into pixels for monitor
screens, or ink dots for printer. Programs that manipulate bit‑mapped
images are called paint programs.
Following are descriptions of some commonly used bit‑mapped
file formats:
BMP: The Bitmap file format is used for bitmap
graphics on the Windows platform only. Unlike other file formats, which store
image data from top to bottom and pixels in red/green/blue order, the BMP
format stores image data from bottom to top and pixels in blue/green/red order.
This means that if memory is tight, BMP graphics will sometimes appear drawn
from bottom to top. Compression of BMP files is not supported, so they are
usually very large. When saving a
file to the BMP format, add the ".bmp " file
extension to the end of its file name.
GIF: The
Graphics Interchange Format was originally developed by CompuServe in 1987. It
is one of the most popular file formats for Web graphics and for exchanging
graphics files between computers. It is most commonly used for bitmap images
composed of line drawings or blocks of a few distinct colors. The GIF format
supports 8 bits of color information or less. In addition, the GIF89 file
format supports transparency, allowing you to make a color in your image
transparent. (Please note: CompuServe GIF87 does not support
transparency.) This feature makes GIF a particularly popular format for Web
images.
GIF, is a "lossy" file format. It reduces an
image's file size by removing bits of color information during the conversion
process. The GIF format supports 256 colors or less. When creating images for
the Web, be aware that only 216 colors are shared between Macintosh and Windows
monitors. These colors, called the "Web
palette," should be used when creating GIFs for the Web because colors
that are not in this palette display differently on Macintosh and Windows
monitors. When saving an image to the GIF format, add the ".gif" file
extension to the end of its file name.
PCX:
Originally developed by ZSOFT for its PC Paintbrush program, PCX is a common
graphics file format supported by many graphics programs, as well as most
optical scanners and
fax modems. When saving an image to the PCX format,
add the ".pcx" file extension to the end of its file name.
TIFF: Tagged
Image File Format is a standard file format for storing images as bit maps. It
is used especially for scanned images because it can support any size,
resolution, and color depth. When saving an image to the TIFF format, add the
".tif" file extension to the end of its file name.
Vector Graphics
The other method for representing images is known as
vector graphics (or object‑oriented graphics.) With vector graphics,
images are represented as mathematical formulas that define all the shapes in
the image. Vector graphics are more flexible than bit‑mapped graphics
because they look the same even when they are scaled to different sizes. In
contrast, bit‑mapped graphics become ragged when they are shrunk or
enlarged. Programs that enable the user to create and manipulate vector
graphics are called draw programs. Images stored as vectors look better on
monitors and printers with higher resolution (bit‑mapped images always
appear the same regardless of a device's resolution.) Another advantage is that
images in vector graphics often require less memory that bit‑mapped
images. Almost all sophisticated graphics systems, including CADD systems and
animation software, use vector graphics.
Following
are descriptions of some commonly used vector graphics file formats:
EPS: The Encapsulated PostScript file format is a metafile
format; it can be used for vector images or bitmap images. The EPS file format
can be used on a variety of platforms, including Macintosh and Windows. When
you place an EPS image into a document, you can scale it up or down without
information loss. This format contains PostScript information and should be
used when printing to a PostScript output device. The PostScript language,
which was developed by Adobe, is the industry standard for desktop publishing
software and hardware. EPS files can be graphics or images of whole pages that
include text, font, graphics, and page layout information.
JPEG: Like GIF, the Joint Photographic Experts Group format
is one of the most popular formats for Web graphics. It supports 24 bits
of color information, and is most commonly used for photographs and similar
continuous‑tone bitmap images. The JPEG file format stores all of the
color information in an RGB image, then reduces the file size by compressing
it, or saving only the color information that is essential to the image. Most
imaging applications and plug‑ins let you determine the amount of
compression used when saving a graphic in the JPEG format. Unlike GIF, JPEG
does not support transparency.
Use
JPEG for scanned photographs and naturalistic artwork with highlights, shaded
areas, and shadows. The more complex and subtly rendered the image is, the more
likely it is that the image should be converted to JPEG.
JPEG,
like GIF, uses a "lossy" compression technique, which changes the
original image by removing color information during the conversion process. The
JPEG file format supports
millions
of colors. In theory, JPEG was designed so that changes made to the original
image during conversion to JPEG would not be visible to the human eye. Most
imaging applications let the user control the amount of lossy compression
performed on an image, so you can trade off
image
quality for smaller file size and vice versa. Be aware that the chances of
image degradation when converting to JPEG increase proportionally with the
amount of compression you use. When saving a file in the JPEG format, add
the"*.jpg" file extension to the end of its file name.
Use
the JPEG file format for images with only a few distinct colors, such as
illustrations, cartoons, and images with blocks of color, such as icons,
buttons, and horizontal rules.
PICT: The Picture file format is for use primarily on the
Macintosh platform; it is the default format for Macintosh image files. The
PICT format is most commonly used for bitmap images, but can be used for vector
images as well. Avoid using PICT images for print publishing. The PICT format
is "lossless," meaning it does not remove information from the
original image during the file format conversion process. Because the PICT
format supports only limited
compression
on Macintoshes with QuickTime installed, PICT files are usually large. When
saving an image as a PICT, add the file extension ".pct" to the end
of its file name. Use
the
PICT format for images used in video editing, animation, desktop computer
presentations, and multimedia authoring.
PNG: The Portable Network Graphics format will likely be
the successor to the GIF file format. PNG is not yet widely supported by most
Web browsers. Netscape versions 4.04 and later, and Internet Explorer version
4.01 and later, currently support this file format. However, PNG is expected to
become a mainstream format for Web images and could replace GIF entirely. It is
platform independent and should be used for single images only (not animation.)
Compared
with
GIF, PNG offers greater color support and better compression, gamma correction
for brightness control across platforms, better support for transparency, and a
better method for displaying progressive images. When saving an image to the
PNG format, add the file extension ".png" to the end of its file
name.
CGM:
The Computer Graphics Metafile is a
format developed by several standards organizations. CGM is supported by
many PC Software products. When saving an image to the CGM format, add the file
extension ".cgm" to the end of its file name.
DXF:
The Data Exchange File is a format
developed by Autodesk. Almost all PC‑based CAD systems support DXF.
GEM: The graphics file format used by GEM‑based
applications. GEM is a graphical user interface (GUI) developed by Digital
Research.
HPGL: Hewlett‑Packard Graphics Language is one of the
oldest file formats. Although it is not very sophisticated, it is supported by
many PC‑based graphics products.
IGES: Initial Graphics Exchange Specification is an ANSI
Standard for three‑dimensional wire frame models. IGES is supported by
most PC‑based CAD systems.
PIC
This is a relatively simple file
format developed by Lotus for representing graphs generated by Lotus 1‑2‑3.
PIC is supported by a wide variety of PC applications.
PICT: Developed by Apple Computer in 1984 as the standard
format for storing and exchanging graphics files. It is supported by all
graphics programs that run on a Macintosh.
WMF: The Windows file format is used for exchanging
graphics between Microsoft Windows applications. WMF files can also hold bit‑mapped
images.
The
debate over which format is better still surfaces once in a while. My opinion
is that each format has its place, just as the native format of the various
paint‑and‑draw programs. One format may be better than others in
terms of quality; at other times, another format may be better in terms of
size. Best way is to take the time to view and store your images in different
formats and select the one optimum for your needs, storage capability, and ease
of use.
Ben
Luna's experience includes writing manuals for computers and software. Email
him:
akosiben@netscape.net
There
is no restriction against anyone using the article as long as it is kept in
context, with proper credit given to the author. This article is brought
to you by the Editorial Committee of the Association of Personal Computer User
Groups (APCUG), an International organization to which this user group belongs.
Did you get the AnnaK worm yet?
[Here's a quick and easy way to trick the worm]
Rod Ream, Pasadena IBM Users Group
Visual Basic Scripts (VBS) are popular with virus
writers. That's because they're easy to create and will launch if sent as an e‑mail
attachment. And the recipient double‑clicks on them. But there's an easy,
free way for you to defeat Visual Basic Script viruses.
Every file type has a default action that takes place
when we double click on a file. The default action for double clicking on a VBS
(Visual Basic Script) file type is to open and execute the script file. That
means double clicking on the attachment runs or launches the script. This
default action is the mechanism that can result in system infection if a user
unknowingly launches an infected attachment received in an email
message.
You can easily change this action and stop the
accidental launch and execution of a VBS file by making it do something else
when double‑clicked on.
Some users have disabled or removed the capability of
the system to run a VBS file out of fear of potential viral exposure. However,
there's a relatively easy fix for this that will still permit a web page or
other application to run a VB script when such function is actually needed, but
will block the double click action. The fix is to change the default action to
Edit, which causes the file to open in Notepad rather than execute.
Here's the Step‑by‑Step
In Windows Explorer (not Internet Explorer), open
Folder Options under the View pull‑down menu (moved to Tools in Windows
Me). Select the "File Types" tab and scroll to VBScript Encoded File.
Click on the "Edit" button ("Advanced" in Windows Me).
What happens is another window will open showing the
possible file actions, with the default action indicated in boldface type. The
default action is likely "Open." Highlight instead the word
"Edit" and click on the "Set Default" button.
"Edit" should now appear in bold face.
In some older systems the Edit function may not be
listed. In such instances, click the NEW button and enter "Edit" in
the action field and "NOTEPAD.EXE" in the application field. When
"Edit" has been added make it the default action as shown above.
While in the file type screen, also make sure the
boxes for "always show extension" and enable quick view" are
also checked. Click "OK" to close the open windows.
Windows usually has several example VBS files on the
system, in a folder named "sample." Find one of them and double click
on it. If the action caused Notepad to open and display the content of
the file, you've done it correctly and are now safe from an accidental VBS
infection.
Rod Ream is senior tech support for the Pasadena IBM
Users Group and president of PC Consulting, 626/280‑6850
RodReam@techie.com.
There is no restriction against anyone using the article
as long as it is kept in context, with proper credit given to the author.
This article is brought to you by the Editorial Committee of the Association of
Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG), an International organization to which
this user group belongs.
Editor: this is a timely piece and something you might
consider using right away.
Please send Rod a quick note telling him when and
where it was used?