Computer Skills for Freelance Writers
Jim Thing, owner of JGT Consulting Co., a Streamwood-based computer consulting firm, will present a "Computer Skills for Freelance Writers" seminar at IWOC's February 8th meeting. Thing will offer his theories for achieving computer reliability, explain how to properly set up and network a computer, discuss how to minimize the scourge of spam, and instruct how to set up a firewall to avoid the many forms of computer viruses, worms and Trojan horses running loose over the Internet.
"Keeping your computer running properly in a manner so it won't byte back doesn't require a lot of technical savvy, just some basic skills and a little vigilance, " says Jim Thing.
Special attention will be paid to the twin threats of adware and spyware, which
are rogue problems embedded into your computer by outside entities to record
and relay reports on how you use your computer and where you've been on the
Internet. The nastiest forms of spyware can take control of your computer, limiting
where you can surf on the World Wide Web; and poorly written versions of spyware
can cause computers to crash and even cease operation. Thing will explain how
to avoid downloading adware and spyware, and how to remove such programs from
your computer system.
In his seminar, Thing will call on his long experience in creating computer
systems for businesses, which began in 1975 before the era of desktop personal
computers. He designed and built computer systems for Miller Fluid Power Co.
from 1991-2002, and currently performs the same services for Parker-Hannifin
Corp.
At the conclusion, Thing will answer your computer questions.
The meeting will take place at The Feltre School, 22 West Erie. Networking begins at 5 p.m., the program at 6 p.m. No charge to IWOC members, $15 for nonmembers. Plan to stay for a buy-your-own dinner afterward at a nearby restaurant. For additional information, or to learn more about IWOC, call 847-855-6670 or visit www.iwoc.org.
IWOC is a nonprofit professional association of freelance writers who work primarily throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area. IWOC members serve large corporations, small businesses, and not-for-profit organizations; together they represent a broad range of writing talents and specialties.