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TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR OHIO NONPROFITS
MARCH 2007
The Electronic Newsletter of Project Connect
330-315-1335
800-780-8299
infolineinc.org/connect.htm
GAR Foundation furnishes PC training room
Are you getting the best deals for your technology dollar?
How can Project Connect help you?
2K all over again? The daylight savings patch ...
If you haven't heard about the daylight savings patch, you soon will. Many of our clients have been getting emails offering to do the patches for merely hundreds of dollars!! Our network vendor Amos Data Systems has sent us the following information:
What is the patch for?
In August of 2005 the United States Congress passed the Energy Policy Act, which changes the dates of both the start and end of daylight saving time (DST). When this law goes into effect in 2007, DST will start three weeks earlier and will end one week later than what had traditionally occurred.
What if I don't install the patch?
If you don't install it, then your computer clock (and your Outlook calendar) will be incorrect three weeks earlier before DST and one week later, resulting in the following:
When your time zone settings are incorrect your clock may be off by one hour, and certain applications running on your Windows based computer may not display the correct time.
Users with incorrect time may be logged off of the network.
Appointment Times will be skewed.
File Timestamps will be off.
Horrible problem? No! Will things like they promised in 2K occur? No! Irritating and frustrating? Sure!!
How do I install the patch on my local computer?
Amos Data has sent us the link to the patch. Go to www.pclivehelp.org and click on the appropriate link. It will take 3 seconds ... and you don't have to pay anyone to do it!! Just make sure all of your staff does this.
How do I install the patch on my server?
This is where a professional is needed. If you have a server, talk to whoever maintains your network. If you don't have anyone who maintains it (or if you're not sure if the person really knows what they are doing), call Amos Data Systems at 330-836-3132.
Planned Giving: Is Your Organization Ready and How Do You Get Started?
Western Reserve Planned Giving Council
Breakfast Workshop
March 15, 7:30 - 9:00 AM
American Red Cross of Summit County FirstEnergy Room East 501 W. Market Street Akron, OH 44303
$10 members • $12 non-members • MasterCard and Visa now accepted
Reservations Required • Deadline: March 8, noonVisit www.wrpgc.org for more information.
GAR Foundation supports Project Connect operating costs, training room set-up
Info Line is extremely grateful for the GAR Foundation's 2007 grant to Project Connect. Their monies will be used to support our operating expenses and to furnish the new training room in our new building with laptops and training furniture. The GAR Foundation has been a major supporter of Project Connect since it began in December 1998. A big thank you to all the staff and distribution committee members at the GAR Foundation!!
Job Opening: HMIS Administrator
Info Line is hiring a full-time HMIS Administrator to manage the operation of the Homeless Management Information System of Summit County. Key functions include serving as liaison and technical support to the HMIS Advisory Committee, the Minor Home Repair Network, and other HMIS programs, and providing content, methodological and strategic input and support. Focus is on recruiting agencies for participation in HMIS and developing and providing training in the use of the HMIS software.
Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning, public policy, community development, sociology or related discipline, or equivalent level of education and experiences; at least two years of professional project management experience required in a public, non-profit, educational, evaluation, research or philanthropic organization. Successful candidate will demonstrate high proficiency in the use of relational databases and computer software. Must have clear, concise writing, speaking and presentation skills, including the ability to express technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Complete job description at infolineinc.org/jobsboard.htm.
Send application letter (including salary requirements and resume) to by March 15th.
EEO - ABSOLUTELY NO PHONE CALLS
Register for Upcoming Classes ...
Project Connect now offers classes "on demand": just call 330-315-1335 or e-mail to have your name added to the list, and as soon as we have enough folks registered, we'll schedule the class. This way, we can run whatever classes you need, when you need them!
Online classes
click here for more details
click here to register for online training classes
Click on the class name for a description of the class ...
The Database Developers Series
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Microsoft Access 1: Database Planning & Set-Up
3/6/07 - 9:00 AM - Noon-
This first session will focus on identifying what needs to be included in a nonprofit-related database and how to structure it so that the database will be easy to use and easy to retrieve useful information. Attendees will plan the database they need for their own organization. Prerequisite: Skills covered in Microsoft Excel 2.
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Microsoft Access 2: Database Tables & Relationships
3/13/07 - 9:00 AM - Noon-
In the second session, we will actually set up the database planned in the previous session. Tables will be closely examined, especially field properties. We will also do quick searches, filters, and sorts. Relationships between tables will be a major focus. Prerequisite: Skills covered in Microsoft Access 1 and completion of homework.
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Microsoft Access 3: Database Queries & Basic Forms
3/20/07 - 9:00 AM - Noon-
Queries are used to analyze data, combine data from different tables, and retrieve data from one or more tables using criteria you specify. Forms can be created to "pretty up" your data, make data entry easier, and combine data from different tables and queries. We will also integrate the data into Microsoft Word and Excel for file exchange and publication. Prerequisite: Skills covered in Microsoft Access 2 and completion of homework.
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Microsoft Access 4: Database Forms & Reports
3/27/07 - 9:00 AM - Noon-
More extensive work on the forms will be covered. We will also cover creating and editing reports, which present your data in meaningful ways. Sub-forms and sub-reports will be discussed. Skills covered in Microsoft Access 3 and completion of homework.
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Microsoft Access 5: Troubleshooting the Database
4/3/07 - 9:00 AM - Noon-
This class will focus on troubleshooting the database and other useful tools. Also covers the important compact-and-repair tool. Prerequisite: Skills covered in Microsoft Access 4 and completion of homework.
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How online training works ...
Learn from your office -- no travel involved!!
In response to myriad requests for training throughout Ohio, Project Connect is implementing ONLINE TRAINING!! Here's how it works:
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Visit http://projectconnect.webex.com and click on the [Registration] button for whatever class you want to register for. Enter your information into the form and click on the [Register] button again. Click [ok] and exit.
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You will get a confirming email with all the information: date, time, session number, phone number, etc. Copy this to your calendar for that date starting at 8:45 AM.
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On the day before the class, I will send you the handouts for the class. Please print them and have them with you on the day of training.
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You must have the software you are training in loaded on the computer that you use to connect to the training session.
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On the day of training at 8:45, sit comfortably at your own desk with the handouts and any necessary refreshments. Go to the email link that you pasted in your calendar. Fill in the information (the password is also in that information you pasted) and then join the session.
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Once you join, you will be given a phone number to call. Call that number and enter the codes from the screen.
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You will see my screen on your computer and be able hear me from your phone!
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We'll keep the class to three hours with a break in the middle.
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Get ready to have fun!!
Other details:
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Online training is limited to 12 students per class. Classes fill quickly, so be sure to register early.
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Cost is $60 per person. We will invoice you or you can call 330-315-1335 and pay by credit card.
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The registration deadline is 2 business days before the class. Payment must be made by the date of the class; checks, cash, and Mastercard/Visa are accepted. Cancellations must be received by 4:00 pm two days before the class in order to be eligible for a refund.
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Those who register for a class but do not attend will be charged for that class.
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If you attended a class previously in the past year, you can repeat the class at no charge.
Ryan's PC Tip:
Stop the Flickering!!
Sometimes you may notice that your monitor may flicker, or you may see pulses that appear to be moving across your screen. This is caused by your PC’s refresh rate setting. If you notice any of these characteristics, it is probably a good idea to lower the refresh rate of your monitor to the next lowest setting to prevent damage to the unit -- and your brain!!
The refresh rate is measured in Hz and can be found by right-clicking on the desktop and going to properties. Select the settings tab and click the [Advanced] button. Select the monitor tab and adjust the monitor settings until the flickering and pulsing go away.
If you need any help with this, go to www.pclivehelp.org and complete the form. We'll walk you through these excellent time-savers!!
Answers for sale!!
You and your staff have more important things to do than fight with your technology! Instead of spending hours of frustration trying to do it yourself, let us help you!
Project Connect offers Live Help for staff of all Ohio nonprofits! If you are having problems with a Microsoft Office or Adobe product, simply go to www.pclivehelp.org and complete the form. Follow the directions, and then we'll be able to see your computer from our office. We can then walk you through the problem.
Cost is $15 per increment of 10 minutes.
Are you getting the best deals for your technology dollar?
Don't buy anything technology-related until you've visited these three websites first!! They offer significant discounts for nonprofits with Microsoft, Dell, CDW, Adobe, and more!
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www.techsoup.org/stock/
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www.giftsinkind.org
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www.techfoundation.org
How can Project Connect help you?
As always, we are interested in hearing from you to learn how we can best meet your technology and connectivity needs. Give us a call at 330-315-1335 or e-mail us at .
Enjoy!
