Webmaster
In 1996, our first Webmaster John Pollett, suggested the concept of the Club having its own web site, and then carried it out on behalf of the Club.
At the annual meeting held in June 2001 John did not seek re-election and Tom Wills was elected Webmaster.
In early 2002 due to Tom's heavy workload following the resignation of President Harry Caris, Ron Hooper agreed to accept the position of Webmaster. He put a lot of time in, adding to, and updating data, but sadly passed away in September 2002. The role was then accepted by Alan Powell.
The Homepage is hosted by Shoalhaven Internet Services, who as a major sponsor, provide are our Internet Service Provider.
The Club Computer
The first Club computer was an IBM running Windows98 which was used for demonstrations at Club meetings. Prior to this a member would bring along their computer to the meetings for demonstration purposes. The Computer was completely rebuilt and upgraded in August 1999, by Harry Caris.
In 2002 the Club purchased a laptop, running Windows 98, to facilitate storage and handling between meetings. Our aim is, in the near future, to have another unit loaded with Windows XP to give greater flexibility in solving member problems, as we all gradually upgrade.
Meeting demonstrations:-
At Club meetings we use our computer connected to a large TV screen (approx 1200 x 800mm) via a TV encoder. The TV faces the members in the body of the meeting. The operator sits at the front of the room facing the members with the computer monitor in front of them. They can see the monitor but the members watch the TV. The operator can see the monitor but not the TV and is slowly learning to use the mouse pointer to point out an item on the screen, instead of pointing with his finger at the monitor screen.
During 2003 the Club laptop was partitioned and Windows XP added so that we could address members questions for the growing number now using that system. The purchase of a projector improved visibility for all and the large screen television was no longer required.
During 2004 the club purchased a new laptop commputer to replace the older, slower laptop. All demonstration are done in XP - where needed it is switched to "classic" format to suit Win 9x queries.
2005 saw the latest addition to our equipment list, a wireless microphone, which connects directly into the R.S.L sound system. Ever conscious of safety, we reduced the number of cables connected to our computer to a minimum, without compromising our demonstrations.
In 2006 the club acquired the website www.sussexinlet.info. This site will be used exclusively to promote SUSSEX INLET. Our thanks to our sponsor "Shoalhaven Internet" for their support in this project.
2007 saw further improvements with a large "state of the art" drop down screen. This was achieved with the support of the Sussex Inlet RSL Club (a major sponsor). Also the projector was relocated in the ceiling for better viewing and less clutter.
In 2008,to assist with members questions and demostrations, the Club has been able to get connected to "Broadband" - coutesy of the RSL Club, and an additional lap top with a "Vista" operating system was purchased to work in tandem with our XP machine.
In 2009 our club monthly newsletter commenced production in PDF format and then being emailed to members.
2010 - Our "Vista" computer was upgraded to Windows 7 whilst still using our XP computer as required.