Category Archives: Uncategorized

The introduction of the personal computer in the late 1970’s was a culture-changing shift, but it was the introduction of a mouse-driven interface in the mid-80’s that allowed this shift to become mainstream. I believe that the mouseless, touch-screen interface of tablet devices such as the iPhone and the iPad is as great a leap forward, and makes technology accessible to even more people, including those with “special needs.” The combination of a simpler interface, network ability, rich multimedia and portability makes the iPad a particularly appropriate technology for special needs students and their families, as discussed at a presentation on Monday evening, 3 May 2011, to the Vancouver special education PTSA.
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“A place for everything and everything in its place” is great advice, but how well can you do it when “everything” has been accumulating for a dozen years, in scores of programs, across half a dozen computers? Whether you are an individual, run a small business, or are responsible for the records of a non-profit, business-wide data and file management is a subject worth considering.
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A basic overview on managing schedules and contacts on Mac OS X, including online integration with services such as Google and iPods or iPhones. Written to complement the February program of the Portland Macintosh Business Association.
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Slides from a ninety-minute presentation I gave for the Non-Profit Network of Washington on “Google Docs for Non-Profits.”

The Macintosh Business Association of Portland is a group for businesses who use Mac OS and associated technologies. MBA’s goal is to help members network and better learn how to manage technology in their businesses. Monthly meetings are on the fourth Monday of each month at the Oregon School of Massage, Clasroom F @ 9500 SW Barbur Blvd, with additional special interest groups (”SIGs”) expected in the future.
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One of the great advantages of using Macintosh technology in small business is that it is simpler, more secure and requires less maintenance. A little information technology (IT) or computer planning, though, can make your Apple and other systems work even better. This column discusses the basics of a good technology plan for you, your organization or small business.
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The end of the calendar year is a good time to review currently available hardware, falling as it does near the end of the tax year for most businesses, and with several federal holidays for changing and configuring equipment with … Continue reading →

One of the most common questions I get from users is “should I upgrade my Mac?” My first response is to note that “upgrade” is a marketing term, not a technical one, and then to clarify what exactly they mean by upgrade. Updates and upgrades are different things, and people often mean different things by both. The recent release of Windows 7 and “snow leopard” Mac OS 10.6 offers an excellent opportunity to discuss this.
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Born and raised in Clark County as a fourth-generation Washingtonian, I was brought up to treat people fairly. Not everyone will be as successful or happy as everyone else, but everyone should have the same opportunities. It is for this reason that I support Referendum 71 to preserve rights for state-registered domestic partners.
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I had the good fortune this past month to be the first volunteer instructor for what promises to be a terrific series of free computer classes in Vancouver. Spearheaded by executive director Oso Martin, a founder of Free Geek, Upgrade Your Community’s education classes are poised to do great things for our community.
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