Christmas is the time we can expect to see a whole range of new gadgets hitting the shelf and this year is no exception. From Intel comes a new QX9650 Core-2-Quad CPU, but at $1,690 is not cheap. For those of you who are looking for a new monitor there is a plethora of new 19”, 22” and 24” LCD models from Acer, Benq, Dell, HP, Philips, Samsung and Viewsonic. However, if you are after a new multi-purpose inkjet printer once again there is a whole new range on the way from Canon, Brother, Epson, HP, and Lexmark and one of the very best is the Canon PIXMA MP610 Advanced ($299 RRP). And finally, the Mobile Phone manufacturers are not about to be left behind with Nokia, Motorola and Sony Ericsson about to inundate the market with new 3G models. 

Now, with all these new shopping distractions do not forget to do your PC housekeeping. Over the past week there have been a number of critical updates released by Adobe, Apple, Mozilla that need your immediate attention. If you are using Windows 2000/XP/Vista you should have the following updates installed Adobe Reader (V8.1.1), Apple QuickTime (V7.3) & iTunes (V7.5) and Mozilla FireFox (V2.0.0.9).   

Tip: Last week we gave you a tip on how to move a large number of files and or folders using the “Ctrl” and “Shift” keys. However, sometimes when moving large amounts of data you might accidentally dray & drop them into the wrong location (we have all done this at one time or another). Never fear, there is an undo option! Simple, hold down the “Ctrl” key and press the “Z” key and the files and or folders will be returned to there original location. This undo option (Ctrl+Z) is used in many programs like image editing, word-processing, spreadsheets and others to correct errors.

New release: GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) one of the most popular free open-source image editing programs has been had a facelift. Version 2.4.1 is now available for all Windows 2000/XP/Vista users. Download it from http://gimp-win.sourceforge.net/ (15MB).

Reminder: The 5th December 2007 is International Volunteer’s Day and the Oberon CTC along with the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) and the Oberon Council would like to say thankyou by holding an afternoon tea (starting at 2pm) for all the Volunteers in the Oberon area at the CTC. It is only a small thing, but it is very important that we all acknowledge the major contribution volunteers give to our community. Please RSVP to the CTC (Ph 6336 0666) in you would like to come.