Go Direct >>       http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jlcrowe59 

 

Information for Rookies –

          Not expert information, mind you,  just my opinions.  (That is my disclaimer!)

 

How do you join a Group Site? – (Short Version)

1.       Click on this -- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jlcrowe59  (the Group Site)

2.     Sign up at Yahoo.ca (or Yahoo.com) as a new member.  You’re in!

3.       Bookmark the page to find it later (add to your favourites)

 

How do you join a Group Site? – (Long Version)

1.       Sign up at Yahoo.ca (or Yahoo.com) for an e-mail address. Free. (Same as “Windows Live” but not from Microsoft.)

2.     Find the “Yahoo Groups” web page. (click on this -- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jlcrowe59 ) or search for “jlcrowe59” in the Yahoo Group page. 

3.     Sign in using your new Yahoo e-mail address and password.  Now you can see the Photos, other Members, etc. (you can also list your hotmail or “live” webmail address but I don’t know if it works as well.)

4.     Put up with some advertising. – That’s why it is free. 

 

Group Site Outline:    What is a Group Site?

1.       Have you heard of Facebook?  That is a Group Site widely used by the younger generation.  They can tell you all the benefits, and the security restrictions. 

2.     The Yahoo Group Site is similar except it is set up for specific Groups of users.  Not so public as Facebook. 

3.     If you surf the Group Sites, you will find every Group from Navy Ships to Model Train Collectors.  Thousands of them!  ( And some from the dark side too.)

4.     It is like having your friends next door – even if they are half way around the world. 

5.     The sites can restrict entry to protect from Spammers and Snoopers.   

 

Group Site Advantages: 

1.                   Membership is restricted to those users with the specific interest.  A Moderator keeps track of new members and can delete unknowns. 

2.                 Messages and photos can be shared with other members of the group or sent to all.  Each member can control which type of messages they want to receive.  (General or Specific)

3.                 In our case, it is a way to keep in touch with other members of our Grad Class for news etc. 

4.                 The site also identifies who is on-line so you can type them “Chat” messages

5.                 -- or connect a Voice line (just like a phone, but free)-  you need a  headset for your computer.  (New laptops have built-in speakers, microphones, and webcams.)  

6.                 You can also display your webcam and see theirs. (with permissions).  Great for distant Grandparents. 

 

Other Benefits : --

1.       You can also sign up with Yahoo Messenger Voice.  Make phone calls anywhere in the world.  Talking to another computer is free.  You can set up an account with about $15.00 and phone most places for 1 cent a minute.  (30 cents to a cel phone).  A real saving if you are on holiday and have to use Long Distance thru the hotel switchboard.

2.     You can type Text messages to Celphones too.  (Easier on a real keyboard!)

3.     Set up your own Family Group Site – if you have a widespread family. 

 

Note: --

1.       The Messenger chat system is also available from Microsoft Windows – I don’t know if they do Voice. 

2.     The Voice is also available from Skype and many suppliers of “Web” phone systems.

 

 

Hope you join us – and enjoy!