IT Users Group
of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce

Question: How do I turn off the formatting marks in Microsoft Word (dots where spaces are and backwards “p” at the end of a line)?

Answer: In Microsoft Word and other word processing programs, users may wish to view formatting marks to find formatting errors. To hide the formatting marks:

1. Click Show/Hide on the Standard toolbar.
2. You can also show or hide formatting marks by clicking Options on the Tools menu and then clicking the View tab. Under Formatting marks, select or clear the check boxes.

Question: I am trying to understand SSL certificates - the choices are many and varied. I do understand the basics of SSL encryption, but am confused as to what is needed for websites and why. There are many options and pricing varies greatly - as cheap as $19.95 per year which simply verifies domain ownership up to thousands of dollars for more secure environments. How does one know how much security is needed to ensure safe handling of data without paying for more than is required?

Answer: SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browser remain private. SSL is an industry standard and is used by millions of websites in the protection of their online transactions with their customers.

SSL Certificates are required when a website seeks to gather confidential information from the user, i.e., social security numbers, credit card payments, health information, etc.

The fees associated with SSL Certificates are based on the value of financial protection that is provided by the SSL Certificate authority. A low cost SSL certificate might simply verify the owner of the domain, while higher priced SSL certificates would protect the site owner from losses incurred if security is breached.

The level of security required for a website, therefore, would be determined based on the value of the transactions that occur and the need to protect the site owners from financial losses.

For more information about SSL, visit Verisign’s SSL Information Center.

Minutes: May 17, 2007
IT Users Group
Central PA Chamber of Commerce Boardroom
8:00 am

Members Present:

Max Foust, Rachelle Mausteller, Marsha Sherman, Maria Culp, Kari Walgran

Welcome:
The meeting was called to order at 8:00am by Max Foust.

Introductions:
Max Foust introduced Peggy Shields of Projects by Peggy, a new member; Daniel Gasteiger of CSSI; and Jim Baker of SEDA-COG

Discussion:
Daniel Gasteiger discussed users groups generally and his previous attempts to start an IT Users Group in the area. He distributed a proposal and a list of discussion points.

Jim Baker of SEDA-COG discussed his role as director of the Broadband Advisory Committee, and offered the support of his staff to give trainings and presentations, answer technical questions, etc. He emphasized the importance of Chamber support for an IT Users Group, as previous attempts without such support have failed.

Group discussion centered on several topics:

• How would the group define itself, and what form would it take?
• What would the group want to learn? What services/trainings would it provide?
• Is it possible to generate enough interest and support among potential members?

The group agreed to add an “Ask the Experts” feature to the Chamber website, and to add a monthly IT Users feature to the Chamber newsletter.

These topics will be addressed further at a future meeting.

Next Meeting:
June 21, 2007 at 8:00am in the Wood Mode A Conference Room at Evangelical Community Hospital.

Respectfully Submitted,
Kari Walgran
Central PA Chamber of Commerce

The next meeting of the IT Users Group will be held:

June 21, 2007

8:00 AM

Evangelical Community Hospital
Wood Mode A Conference Room