DATE OF MEETING: August 11, 2001

The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. by President Amy Ruell. The minutes were read and approved as written.

Amy announced that Maria Rueters would be demonstrating Homesite in September. She also reminded people that the annual meeting would be held in October, and that people who were interested in running for any of the five offices should contact the nominating committee. She explained that the nominating committee would recommend a slate of officers in September, but that people could also be nominated from the floor. The Committee's chairperson is Ginny Alverson who can be contacted by phone at (617) 776-9706.

Amy asked people to note that National Braille Press had made us a voicebox on their system. It will be used for leaving messages such as cancellations of meetings due to snowstorms, and as the place where people wishing information about VIBUG can now call. She pointed out the fact that this means that in case of the President's absence, another officer can retrieve any messages left on the system. Amy will check this box every few days. The contact number for VIBUG is now (617) 266-6160, ext. 48.

Amy asked if anyone knew anyone who could assist her with designing the printed form of our brochure. Several people said they would do some research and get back to her.

Amy has begun researching tutorials for purchase by VIBUG to begin a lending library for VIBUG members. She has looked at formats in Braille, on tape, and interactive tutorials for Microsoft word, windows, Eudora, internet explorer, outlook express, sound forge, and excel. She has projected that she should be able to purchase the tutorials for under $300.00. She will be discussing the tutorials at other meetings as the logistics of purchasing and receiving them are worked out, and they actually become available.

Amy announced that public beta of Window-Eyes 4.11 is now available for download. The JFW public beta will be available on Aug. 13, 2001. Changes in Jaws include that the help file has been changed, and reportedly JFW itself is not so dependent on scripts.

Amy announced that ESP Software has now created a pinball game. They have also previously made Packman and Soccer star games.

In our question and answer segment we discussed where to go to buy inexpensive computers when on a limited budget. We talked about Norton's protected recycle bin and why it might be advantageous to uninstall it. We also talked about purchasing laptop computers.

Following our monthly demonstration of Recipe Sites, PeaPod, and a website where package directions and label information are listed, the meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jeanette Kutash,
Vibug Clerk