Monday, December 31, 2012

Eltham Lower Park is located at 570 Main Road, Eltham

Accessible play-space open at Eltham Lower Park ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Eltham Mud Brick Tour

Paul and Louise Bailey's home will be opened as part of an Eltham Mud Brick Tour.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Possible traffic delays in Main Road Eltham Dec 17-21 and Jan 7-14

Nillumbik Shire Council is warning of possible traffic delays in Eltham as essential tree pruning works take place from Monday 17 December.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Arrests after Eltham graffiti crackdown

TWENTY offenders have been arrested since the start of a police crackdown on graffiti in Eltham.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Artist Fu Hong and his portrait of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch for the 2009 Archibald Prize

THE owner of an Archibald portrait of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch hopes the painting will be displayed in a public place.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Christmas Memorial Service in Eltham

FAMILIES who have lost a loved-one in the past 12 months are invited to attend a Christmas Memorial Service in Eltham.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Pair charged over stolen car in Greensborough

A 40-year-old Mooroolbark man and 42-year-old Eltham woman were charged with theft of a motor vehicle.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Burglars broke through a mesh fence at MGS Garden Centre in nearby Peel Street Eltham

Burglars broke through a mesh fence at MGS Garden Centre in nearby Peel St and unsuccessfully tried to break into an office about the same time, he said.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Skaterz in Susan Street Eltham had its front window smashed

He said skating rink Skaterz in Susan St had its front window smashed and a small amount of chocolates and ice creams stolen between 3am and 5am on November 21.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

WHC Machinery Sales in Susan Street Eltham was broken into

Banyule police Constable Jamie Mackenzie said the front door of WHC Machinery Sales in Susan St was broken into and two digital cameras stolen about 9.30pm on Sunday.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Eltham man guilty of fraud

AN Eltham man has been ordered to repay thousands of dollars to the TAC after pleading guilty to fraud.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Internet Explorer 10 - The preferred Australian English spelling now available

I’m pretty excited to announce I’m now making available the preferred Australian English spelling file for Internet Explorer 10 running on Windows 8.

Internet Explorer 10 has Australian English spellchecking built in, but like Microsoft’s Office products, the spellchecker accepts thousands of secondary spelling variations such as words with “ize”, American spelt words such as “mom” and some errors. The preferred Australian English spelling file corrects these issues.

If written communication matters to you the preferred Australian English spelling file is a must have. If you’re a student, applying for jobs, or write reports or sales material, the preferred Australian English spelling file is a must have.

You can find the preferred Australian English spelling file for Internet Explorer 10 at www.Australian-Dictionary.com.au.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
The creator of the preferred Australian English spelling dictionary.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Kirsten Parry started Little Cookie six years ago

Self-taught designer Kirsten Parry started Little Cookie six years ago, selling her wares - including hair accessories, pillows and personalised towels - at Eltham Market, online and selected stores.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Snakes caught in schools in Melbourne's north-eastern suburbs

Heath Morehu, of Heath's Snake Control, said he had been called out to nine kindergartens, primary and secondary schools in and around the Nillumbik shire, which includes Eltham, since September.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Eltham author and historian Mick Woiwod

ELTHAM author and historian Mick Woiwod has won a state award for his comprehensive research into an Aboriginal station near Healesville.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Ukuleliest AJ Leonard will perform with David Billings and Ozotica at Montsalvat in Eltham

UKULELIEST AJ Leonard sums up the simplicity of his instrument the way he plays it - effortlessly.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Eltham to get $9.5m fire station

The Victorian Government has announced a new $9.5 million fire station for Eltham, in Melbourne's north-east.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Clockwork Bicycle Couriers

Anthea from Eltham Primary School won the `Who is Captain Clockwork?' competition.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Police are investigating how an Eltham man rolled his car off Main Rd

Diamond Creek Highway Patrol Senior Constable Darren Morgan said the Eltham 20-year-old was driving a silver Toyota Camry along Main Rd when he rolled the car near Antoinette Boulevard about 6.45am.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Eltham local Daniel Colangelo

The Eltham Basketball Club is pleased to announce and welcome two new staff to the organisation.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

New site for The Preferred Australian English spellcheck dictionary

Recently Google changed their algorithm which significantly impacted the position of the Australian English spellcheck dictionary in the Google search results. From number one position to nowhere to be found. In essence traffic to the site dropped 80% overnight. This should be a warning for anyone who puts a lot of time and money into obtaining a position in Google. All your time, energy and money could be wasted overnight by decisions Google makes in terms of generating traffic to your site.

The preferred Australian English spellcheck dictionary is the only free service available to Australians to assist them with using the preferred Australian English spelling. Over a thousand people a week used the site and Google simply changed their algorithm making the page almost impossible to find. The original page will remain (www.justlocal.com.au/clients/oooau), but in addition, you can now find the main page at www.Australian-Dictionary.com.au.

 

The site www.Australian-Dictionary.com.au will become the main site for my dictionary work.

 

You can still find the main page if searching (“Australian Dictionary”) using Bing, where the site is positioned in first position and in Yahoo where the site is positioned second. My apologies for any inconvenience. What Google does is outside of my control.

I hope you find my work to be of assistance.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au   

Monday, November 19, 2012

Artists Kay Steventon, Ellen Jenkins and Liz Cameron are exhibiting as part of Nillumbik's Open Artist Studios

Ellen Jenkins, Kay Steventon and her daughter Liz Cameron will have their works on display at Overbank End Studio as part of the Nillumbik Open Studios program this weekend.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

The Artists Open Studios Program is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year

Studios will be open on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18 November 2012 as well as Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November 2012. In 2013 Open Studios will be held on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Stalker forced couple to move

A MAGISTRATE has described as ''enormous'' the harm and sadness caused to one of Australia's best-known businessmen and his wife at the hands of a man who stalked them.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Teen stabbed at Eltham station

A TEENAGE boy has been stabbed after being confronted by a gang outside Eltham railway station.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Rocks thrown at cops at Eltham Festival

DRUNKEN louts pelted police with rocks at the Eltham Festival, with one officer taken to hospital with head injuries.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

CFA Sunday is held at the end of Fire Action Week which runs from November 18-25

FIRE brigades at Christmas Hills, Diamond Creek, Eltham, Research and Wattle Glen will hold "CFA Sunday" this month.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Amateur winemakers for grape and fruit wine.

The 43rd annual wine show to be held 18 November 2012. Wine Show Public Tasting, Awards Presentation. Eltham Community Centre, Melways 21 J6.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

ELTHAM residents are invited to comment on plans to redevelop precincts

ELTHAM residents are invited to comment on plans to redevelop precincts three and four of the Major Activity Centre.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Minister 'stoking fire fear' in Nillumbik

A LABOR MP has slammed State Emergency Services Minister Peter Ryan for trying to "capitalise on the fears" of Black Saturday survivors with comments about emergency services.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Tony Arena is angry after a council tree damaged his property3095

AN Eltham man whose property was damaged when a tree fell during the September storms says residents are not protected from dangerous council-owned trees.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Nobel Prize winner Peter Doherty to visit Eltham

NOBEL Laureate Peter Doherty will speak about how birds can indicate the planet's health at Montsalvat in Eltham this month.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Paralympian Jack Swift joined Eltham North Primary School kids for a fun run and Olympics day last week

ELTHAM North Primary School pupils enjoyed an afternoon of sports during a fun run and Olympics day.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Eltham Child Care Co-Operative is a finalist in the Diamond Valley Leader Local Grants

Eight worthy community groups are vying for the chance to receive $1000 for their project.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Eltham Town Festival Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th of November 2012

The festival is nearly upon us!... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Reader spies Holden's top secret new VF Commodore testing in Victoria.

Drive reader Stephen Clarke spotted two heavily disguised new VF Commodores testing in and around Eltham, north-east of Melbourne.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

THE Eltham & District Woodworking Club is celebrating its 25th annual art exhibition

The free exhibition will feature more than 250 items, plus woodworking demonstrations and children's woodwork activities.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

AN 18-year-old Campbellfield man was arrested by police at his property this afternoon over a series of alleged armed robberies at gaming venues.

Seven armed robberies occurred across five gaming venues in January, March, April, July and September this year. The venues were in Bulleen, Eltham, Bentleigh East, Doncaster and Thornbury.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Owner Bree Morley gets a high-five from her talented four-year-old dog Charlie at the park

Dog owner Sandra Nash said during the summer, dogs running around off leash would cause problems between pet owners and sporting groups who used parks in the evening.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Eltham East Primary School teacher Naomi Ivers among Victorian teachers up for national awards

Teacher Naomi Ivers with students, Cameron, 7, Mia, 7, and Eden, 7, is a Victorian finalist in the national teacher of the year awards... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Windows 7 to Windows 8 Pro upgrade is not a straight forward upgrade for all Windows 7 editions.

I decided to buy the Windows 8 Pro upgrade from the Microsoft Online Store this morning. I have an older development machine I’d like to install Windows 8 Pro on. The machine is currently running the trial version of Windows 8 Enterprise Edition which expires after three months. I opened my notebook and went to download. From the first screens presented on the Microsoft Online Store I couldn’t just buy and download Windows 8 Pro and then burn it to a disk. The screens take me through the steps of checking my machine and at this point I decided I’d rather go to Officeworks and buy Windows 8 Pro on special for around $9 more. I’m hoping the special also includes the DVD so I don’t have to spend the time downloading and burning a DVD.

The problem I find with downloading programs is things can and do go wrong. When I support people I take into account people have a range of skills. If things go wrong for me, then they’ll go wrong for others and really, I want people to have the best experience they can, given what technology often puts us through. On a number of occasions when I’ve assisted people who have downloaded their software, they don’t have a copy of their software to reinstall when there is a major problem. This means to fix the problem they have had to buy the software again. In other situations people have lost their product key, or the product key is in their emails on their computer which is no longer working. People should have a copy of their software and their product key stored separately to minimise the chance of having to incur additional costs and delays.

One big surprise for me was the following statement on the Microsoft Online Store.

“If your PC is running Windows 7 Home Basic or Home Premium, your files, programs and settings will easily transfer to Windows 8. If your PC is running Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate, Windows XP or Windows Vista, you will need to reinstall your programs. Some features such as touch may require a new PC. To check compatibility, visit your PC manufacturer’s website and check out www.windows.com/upgrade to run the Upgrade Assistant to check for compatibility and get more details on system requirements.”

To me an upgrade is you insert the disk, run the program, the upgrade occurs and you continue working. This is generally relatively easy for anyone who is comfortable working with technology. Having to reinstall all your programs is much more time consuming. You never know if you’ve got all the disks, the licence numbers and even if some of the programs such as drivers will even work. Reinstalling your software can often wipe existing data for some applications and that is pretty scary if you don’t know what you’re doing. I’ve often reinstalled Windows and then spent hours downloading and updating drivers for sound cards, video cards and other devices in the computer. An upgrade to a new version of Windows can mean some of your peripheral devices don’t work and may never be able to be used again with your upgraded computer.

What surprised me and I didn’t know, even though I’ve spent numerous hours researching, installed Windows 8 Release Preview, installed Windows 8 Enterprise Edition, and attended a Microsoft day-long seminar, that the upgrade will only work easily with Windows 7 Home Basic or Home Premium. I mostly now support micro and small business clients (as well as home users) and for business I’d always recommend the Pro version of Windows. People buying Home editions would often bring a computer into a large business or government environment wanting to use their computer for work, but couldn’t because it couldn’t connect to their network at work. There were also other features missing in the Home edition. Thus it was safer to purchase the Pro edition of Windows.

Now every one of those computer running the pro edition of Windows 7, will now effectively have to do what is nearly a complete reinstall of their computer. That is a very costly exercise if you are using an IT consultant to upgrade your computers. I wouldn’t upgrade a machine without first doing a review of the machine, determining what programs and data the user has on their machine, performing a backup of their hard disk, and then installing the new operating system, reinstalling all their applications, bringing across their data and then fixing any issues that have been created, such as drivers for hardware or peripherals not working. This could easily be a $300-$500 (or more) cost per machine. I personally find it hard to justify putting that amount of money into an older machine.

Windows 8 is not a simple upgrade anymore and it is now an upgrade you need to think seriously about. If you have to pay $300-$500 to upgrade an older machine, that sum of money could easily go a long way towards the cost of purchasing a new machine. With a new machine at least you know the machine has been designed to run the new operating system. You don’t have to try to fix things that didn’t work in the upgrade. Because your data is still on your old machine you can take your time to migrate your data and applications. I often leave the old decommissioned machine with the client for two weeks just in case something they hadn’t realised the was something on their old machine they needed to be migrated and now doesn’t work on their new machine. Then after that period the old machine can be cleaned and reused in another part of the business.

As an extra tip I don’t generally buy the Office software licence with the machine as that software can only be used with that machine. I purchase the more expensive stand-alone version of the Office. That enables me to use the software on two machines (a desktop and a notebook) and to transfer the software to a new machine. (I’ll need to recheck the licence to see if this still applies.) I’ve had clients who have had their computers stolen. The insurance companies won’t pay for the software and the software is only licensed for the machine that was stolen. The client can’t use the software on the new replacement machine and are thus out of pocket hundreds of dollars. I’ve also confirmed this with Microsoft.

Until today I didn’t realise that only the Home editions of Windows 7 will be a relatively straight forward upgrade exercise. That means for me, the majority of machines could potentially be equivalent to a reinstall and that is a much more time consuming and thus expensive exercise. Many of those who purchased a machine recently running Windows 7 with a $14.99 upgrade to Windows 8, will probably now be regretting they didn’t just wait and buy a new computer and save themselves the time and energy required to upgrade. I’ve recommended that my clients defer purchasing machines until after Windows 8 ships. Retailers who just wanted the sale would have been pushing out machines and not advising clients of the time and effort to upgrade. Consultants who have advised clients to purchase a Windows 7 machine and then to later update may get some agro from their clients. Some consultants would have done this knowingly to obtain additional support work and others would not have known the upgrade wouldn’t be a simple upgrade.

I’m posting this article to all my blogs including my Online Connections blog (www.blog.onlineconnections.com.au) and also each of the JustLocal postcode blogs I maintain, to ensure people I support now know if they are thinking of upgrading to Windows 8, there is more work involved than previously anticipated.

If you’d like to be kept informed with technology related news, most news is posted to my Online Connections blog (www.blog.onlineconnections.com.au). For clients I also provide the MyAnswers solution database where I post problems and solutions I find when working with clients. This enables me to share solutions between clients reducing the costs overall for all clients. You can keep updated on new solutions on the MyAnswers site (www.MyAnswers.biz)  by looking at the Recent solutions posted. I expect to post quite a number of issues and solutions relating to Windows 8.

Kelvin Eldridge
Online Connections
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for computer advice and support.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham, Templestowe Lower, Lower Plenty, Doncaster East, Montmorency, Bulleen, Warrandyte and Research with no travel or call-out fee. For suburbs outside this area travel time is chargeable.
 

Friday, October 26, 2012

Windows 8 release date in Australia is today. Windows 8 Pro upgrade available now.

Windows 8 Pro upgrade is now available for download from Microsoft’s Online Store for $39.99. There are a number of things you should keep in mind.

1. Whilst at $39.99 the Windows 8 Pro upgrade is a bargain compared to previous upgrades, if you have an ageing computer think about whether it is best to save the money and put it towards a new computer, or to install Windows 8 Pro to keep your existing computer going and use the latest version of Windows.

2. Keep in mind Windows 8 is very different from what you are used to. At first this will be frustrating for most, but as with all past changes, once you get used to it, it won’t really matter.

3. Around 10% of older computers I’d estimate won’t be able to be upgraded. I estimate there will be over 100 million computers currently being used worldwide which won’t handle the upgrade. Check Microsoft’s refund policy, or the policy of the store where you purchase the software. The system requirements stated on the Microsoft web site do not take into account many computers which exceed the minimum requirement cannot install the Windows 8 upgrade. This is based on testing the Windows 8 Preview Release and I don’t believe this has changed.

The Microsoft Online Store provides a link to the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant which you can use to test if your computer can install Windows 8. I’d recommend running the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant before purchasing the Window 8 Pro upgrade. On the netbook computer I use (it is around three years old) 11 issues were found and one was quite serious.

4. Keep in mind only upgrading from Windows 7 is what we’d normally consider a real upgrade. Windows Vista and Windows 8 will require reinstallation of your applications and isn’t an upgrade to me. My concern here is people running the upgrade on a Vistra or Windows XP machine will end up with a machine where there programs won’t run if they don’t understand how the upgrade works. I’d suggest Windows XP and Windows Vista users consider the upgrade to be like a fresh install. If you had to do a new install of your computer what do you need to save first.

5. You should perform a backup of your data (including programs you may have download and any settings your programs may store) before you perform any upgrade to your computer.  

I’m suggesting to my clients they should purchase the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro even if they don’t install the upgrade right now. Until January 31st 2013 you’ll be able to buy Windows 8 Pro via download for $39.99. After that date the price will most likely revert to the very expensive upgrade prices of past, which means it may no longer be worth upgrading an older machine. This of course may change and Microsoft may decide to keep the upgrade prices at a reasonable level, but I wouldn’t count on it. Based on what I’ve read the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro on DVD could cost as much as $290. To me it doesn’t make sense to pay that much money to upgrade an older machine when that money could go to a new and faster machine.

You can buy Windows 8 Pro upgrade from a retailer, or save some money and download the upgrade from the Microsoft Online Store. The upgrade from a retailer will cost around $20-$30 more. I’m not sure at the moment, but I suspect the retail version may include a DVD. You should check if the DVD is included in the purchase from a retailer.

As I find issues with Windows 8 I’ll add the issues and solutions to MyAnswers for clients. I’ve already identified and documented a shortcoming of Windows 8 Mail which largely stops me from using Windows 8 Mail and may stop others.

Most importantly, do run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant first to make sure upgrading your computer won’t cause you any grief. Well, no more grief than normal.

If you forget where you can download the Windows 8 upgrade, the Microsoft Online Store is available on the main page of JustLocal (www.JustLocal.com.au). JustLocal is an advertising service I’ve created to help local businesses advertise cost effectively.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for computer support.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

NOTE: The link to the Microsoft store above is an affiliate link. Purchasing using this link means I receive a commission but does not affect the price you pay.


Thursday, October 25, 2012

Graffiti vandal caught in Eltham

A TEENAGER, 17, was arrested after he was caught spraying graffiti in the Brisbane St tunnels in Eltham last Wednesday.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Professors Richard Dowell and Graeme Clark with the world's first commercial multi-channel cochlear implant

But the life-changing technology would not have happened without two northeastern suburbs men - professors Richard Dowell, of Lower Plenty, and Graeme Clark, of Eltham.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Eltham College science students have won an online environmental competition. Nathan Jasper,) with Nathan Robolas and Nicholas Nolan

Nathan Robolas, 12, Nathan Jasper and Nicholas Nolan, both 13, beat more than 35,000 children to win national online environmental science game Murder under the Microscope.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Charges laid after deadly Vic assault

A 60-year-old man from Eltham North, in Melbourne's northeast, was injured in an altercation at a hotel in Hogan Street, Tatura, on October 1, police said.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Police post $100,000 reward in hunt for armed robbers

Investigators believe that the same four men were involved in seven armed robbery attempts across gaming venues in Bulleen, Eltham, Bentleigh East, Doncaster and Thornbury.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Man loses fingertip in Eltham worksite accident

WorkSafe Victoria spokeswoman Rosanna Bonaccurso said the 27-year-old was using a table saw this morning when his left hand made contact with the blade.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Eltham man dies after Montmorency car crash

AN ELTHAM man has died in hospital seven days after being a passenger in a car which crashed in Montmorency.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Crash fears at Eltham bridge

Eltham Sgt Steve Perry said police had received reports from motorists concerned about potential crashes at Wattletree Rd Bridge, which is undergoing a $320,000 upgrade.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

CFA north-west metro regional director Greg Esnouf

THE CFA may have found a site for a multi-million dollar fire station in Eltham after a search spanning more than 18 months.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Mature-age workers want fair go in Eltham

Eltham's Philip Rainford, 59, is part of the recently formed not-for-profit group Willing Older Workers, which advocates on behalf of mature-age workers looking for employment.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Mel Pavlovic and Rick Breese with Aaron Moloney and Monty Husen

A 55-year-old man collapsed with a severe heart attack at Shadow's Gym in Susan St about 6pm on September 13... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Eltham Chamber of Commerce committee member Liam Jones

Eltham Chamber of Commerce committee member Liam Jones said the revised plan for the town square redevelopment had the in-principle support of the group.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Google search Australia and Google advertising has now been removed from JustLocal.

Recently Google updated their search algorithm which resulted in my dictionary page going from the number one position in Google when people search for “Australian dictionary” to nowhere to be seen. That means around a thousand people each week using my free Australian English dictionary service will no longer find a free Australian English dictionary service. If Google can do that to me so easily, they can do it to any business.

I’ve also noticed that between 25% and up to possibly 40% of searches coming to my site have no search term, which means people are logged onto a Google service and whatever they search for is being tracked to them individually.

These actions concern me. I don’t want to encourage people to put time and effort into creating a presence in Google search results when any time, effort, or money they outlay, could easily end up being wiped away so easily. I’m also very concerned about the privacy of Australians. Over 90% of Australians use Google for searching with 25-40% of those having their search activity tracked to them individually. I’ve read this information can be handed to law enforcement agencies without a court order. How this information is being used by others is not known to us and for me that is a concern.

Whilst I can’t stop using all Google services, I’ve decided at this point to remove Google advertising from my site and the Google custom search engine.

JustLocal has been designed to provide single click access to businesses in an area. Something which is very difficult and time consuming with a search engine. For example, a very popular fish and chip shop called Shark Tank Seafood opened a few months ago in Templestowe. My blog entries appear in Google’s search results, but the page with the menu at http://www.justlocal.com.au/clients/shark-tank-seafood-templestowe/ cannot be found. If you visit www.JustLocal.com.au/3106 (the page for Templestowe), you can access the Shark Tank Seafood menu with a single click.

JustLocal offers single click access to local businesses. Google offers endless searches with no guarantee of finding what you want.

By continuing to include Google’s custom search in JustLocal, people will continue to unproductively search for local businesses often being presented with large overseas businesses, or business not in the area with deep pockets to advertise. Once people realise there is a better way to find a local business using JustLocal, JustLocal will grow to service locals better. Shark Tank Seafood receives over a hundred views of their menu a month as a result of JustLocal’s efforts to promote them. That’s a lot of potential business.

 

Thank you for your continued support and I trust JustLocal assists local businesses and residents.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au
Help to build a stronger local community through stronger local businesses.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Asbestos scare for Research thieves

Banyule police detective Sgt Andrew Beames said the decontamination unit was broken into at Eltham College between 4pm on Friday, September 21, and 7am yesterday.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Will the government automatically refund red-light camera fines and demerit points they weren't entitled to?

Eight red-light cameras have now been shown to have an incorrect timing for the amber light causing thousands of motorists to be fined and lose demerit points.

The cynic in me wonders whether the government will show integrity and refund the money and points they weren’t entitled to. If the government requires people to lodge some form of request they know full well there will be a large number of people who won’t be bothered and many who simply won’t even realise. A way to gain revenue I do not consider to be ethical or appropriate.

For those who were fined at the red-light camera on the intersection of Doncaster Road, Manningham Road and Tram Road I’ve posted videos of the traffic lights as they were when people were fined when the amber timing was set to 3 seconds, and after they’ve been corrected which shows the amber light at 4.5 seconds.

Manningham Road, Doncaster Road, Tram Road Red-Light Camera. Amber Traffic Light set at 3 seconds

Manningham Road, Doncaster Road, Tram Road Red-Light Camera. Amber Traffic Light set at 4.5 seconds

The first picture is taken 0.5 seconds after the light turns red which would indicate anyone with a fine of up to 2 seconds may be entitled to a refund.

The details of the red-light cameras which were not set to AustRoads guidelines are the following:

Terminal Drive & Centre Road, Melbourne Airport
AustRoads guidelines: 3.5 secs
Actual time: 3.0 secs
Incorrect amber period: 16 Nov 10 - 24 Jan 12

Doncaster Road and Williamsons Road/Tram Road, Doncaster
AustRoads guidelines: 4.5 secs
Actual time: 3.0 secs
Incorrect amber period: 5 Oct 11 - 7 Aug 12

Fyans Street & Moorabool Street, South Geelong
AustRoads guidelines: 4.0 secs
Actual time: 3.5 secs
Incorrect amber period: 11 May 10 - 24 Aug 12

High Street & Mahoneys Road/Keon Parade, Thomastown
AustRoads guidelines: 4.5 secs
Actual time: 3.0 secs
Incorrect amber period: 20 Oct 11 - 26 Sep 12

Warrigal Road & Centre Road, Bentleigh East
AustRoads guidelines: 4.0 secs
Actual time: 3.0 secs
Incorrect amber period: 1 Aug 10 - 16 Aug 12

Heatherton Road & Gladstone Road, Dandenong North
AustRoads guidelines: 4.0 secs
Actual time: 3.0 secs
Incorrect amber period: 29 Dec 04 - 16 Aug 12

Foster Street and McCrae Street, Dandenong
AustRoads guidelines: 4.0 secs
Actual time: 3.0 secs
Incorrect amber period: 18 Oct 10 - 16 Aug 12

Stud Road & High Street, Wantirna
AustRoads guidelines: 4.5 secs
Actual time: 3.0 secs
Incorrect amber period: 28 Dec 06 - 23 Aug 12

Whilst I haven’t confirmed (as I was not able to get through on the Fines Victoria telephone line) you should review your fine with regards to the time difference and keep in mind the first picture is taken at 0.5 seconds after the light turns red. Thus I suspect you should be able to add the 0.5 seconds to the time difference between the AustRoads guidelines and the Actual time.

In an ideal world the money and points should be automatically refunded. Being far from an ideal world it would be prudent to lodge a submission for a refund of the money and points.

There is still no guarantee the government will be refunding anything, just that the situation will be reviewed.

My own experience at the Manningham Road/Doncaster Road intersection is that during the time whilst the amber light timing was incorrectly set it created a very dangerous situation for drivers. Whilst approaching the lights at normal speed, well below the 70kph speed limit, the amber light changed so quickly you have to brake much harder than normal which could easily cause a car behind to crash into the rear of a vehicle. I believe the intersection should also be reviewed for crashes which may have occurred as a result of the amber light timing being incorrectly set.

Please let others know about the situation at the intersections mentioned above. The number of people who have been incorrectly fined could easily be in the tens of thousands and may be someone you know. They may not have even mentioned being fined as many people are embarrassed by being fined. In this case they could have easily been fined for something which was not their fault, but the fault of VicRoads, if VicRoads is in charge of setting the timing for the amber light.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Kitchen whiz Anne-Marie Primmer of Eltham North entered 72 baked offerings in this year's Royal Melbourne Show

ANNE-Marie Primmer admits her behaviour is obsessive - even a bit nutty. Every year in the lead-up to the Melbourne Show, the champion cook goes stir crazy. Literally.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Watsonia North artist Marcello D'Amico, 71, has a new exhibition at the Light Factory Gallery

Now, D'Amico, of Watsonia, will hold an art exhibition at the Light Factory in Eltham this month.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

23-unit, two-storey residential building on Wattletree Road Eltham

The submission for a 23-unit, two-storey residential building on Wattletree Rd attracted 13 objections, including from a primary school in the area.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Murray and Carol McKenzie-Slattery

CAROL and Murray McKenzie-Slattery narrowly avoided disaster during the recent storms after a tree fell and crushed the bonnet of their car as they drove through Eltham.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Smartbus 902 information lights not working

Just caught the Smartbus 902 at Eltham Station which goes in the Chelsea direction. Noticed the lights on the front of the bus letting you know the bus route was black. I also noticed the other Smartbus 902 heading to Airport West was the same.

You may wish to double check with the driver to make sure you're on the right bus.


Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
No problem too small.

Gina Wilson is sharing her collection as part of an exhibition

Eltham's Gina Wilson, who always appreciated the beauty of embroidery, began collecting them years ago.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Axe-wielding Eltham North man in police chase

Sen-Sgt O'Connell said a helicopter located the 32-year-old in Laurel Hill Drive, where he ignored police requests to drop the axe.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Does Graffiti art reduce graffiti?

When I read the following article I couldn’t help feeling commissioned graffiti art just adds to the problem. How does a visitor to the area know if the graffiti is commissioned or vandalism?

When I visited Rome a few years ago one thing I noticed was graffiti everywhere. I’d not seen this before and to me, it made me feel the areas with graffiti were potentially rough and unsafe.

I can’t help wondering, “does commissioned graffiti just further encourage vandalism in other areas?”

To the untrained eye, commissioned or non-commissioned graffiti just looks like graffiti.

NILLUMBIK Council will start a street art program this month as part of its efforts to rub out graffiti.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Sparking power lines in MacAuley Street Eltham

A CFA spokeswoman Kayla Maskell said a pumper and tanker from Eltham were called to MacAuley St at 8.49am.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Chris Peters and Lyn Hatherly will also be opening their Eltham home, at 69 John St.

Ivanhoe and Eltham homes open for Sustainable House Day... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Wild weather in Eltham yesterday brought down a large tree crushing a car and blocking Main St in Eltham for several hours

A COUPLE in their 50s narrowly escaped injury after a huge tree fell on their car as they were driving in Eltham. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

A tree on a car in Kerrie Cres, Eltham

Eltham SES unit controller Glenn O'Donnell said crews had been deluged with calls since storms hit the outer north just after noon.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Trees fell on to cars at Eltham High School

ELTHAM High School went into lockdown as wild wind gusts hit the suburb this afternoon.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Tree on Fitzsimons Lane Eltham Eastern lane

Take care if you ate travelling from Eltham to Templestowe on Fitzsimons Lane. Near the curve (which is not clearly visible from a distance) a tree has fallen down from the embankment due to the wind and is on the road.


Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
No problem too small.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

A PLAN to hand control of almost a third of Melbourne's bus routes to one company

Public Transport Victoria will appoint a single operator next year to run 30 per cent of the city's bus network - including the four heavily used Doncaster rapid-bus routes and three growing orbital routes that ring the middle and outer suburbs.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Council to replace Eltham Leisure Centre roof

Nillumbik Shire Council will be replacing the 30 year-old roof at Eltham Leisure Centre between Monday 24 September and 14 October.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Police nab speeding motorists in Eltham school zone

Diamond Creek Highway Patrol Sgt Andrew Roberts said drivers were caught travelling up to 25km/h over the 40km/h speed limit along Wallowa Rd near St Helena Secondary College between 2.30pm and 4pm on August 28.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Eltham driver fined after empty car crashes into fence

AN ELTHAM pizza delivery driver has been fined after his empty car rolled across a road and into a brick wall in Montmorency.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Eltham's Bo Trainor

With the help of his sons Ryan and Lincoln, the 70-year-old accomplished 20 lifelong dreams, which included sky-diving, playing golf at Pebble Beach and visiting Las Vegas.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Students James and Lauren in Eltham College's new senior science building

ELTHAM College students are taking advantage of the school's modern senior science learning centre.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Kris Isaacs was driving on Main Rd east of Eltham when his 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe exploded

Kris Isaacs was driving along Main Rd earlier this month when his 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe exploded four weeks after he had started using the fuel.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Good Samaritan foils attempted robbery in Eltham

A BUSINESS owner narrowly avoided losing $15,000 in an attempted robbery in Eltham on Monday.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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No problem too small.

Jane Evans, Margaret Houghton, Judy Crocks and Louisa Barbieri are the Eltham Attackers

Margaret Houghton, Jane Evans, Judy Crooks, Louisa Barbieri - also known as the Eltham Attackers - are participating in the Oxfam Trailwalker in Sydney on Friday.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

The Melbourne Tigers will hold a twilight training session

The Melbourne Tigers will hold a twilight training session this Wednesday at the home of the Eltham Wildcats, which we are excited to announce, is expected to be the first of many. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Resident painter Nigel Killalea

ARTIST Nigel Kilallea says he has a strong empathy with Eltham's River Bend residence.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

A POLICE crackdown in Eltham has caught four drivers travelling at excessive speeds

Another three drivers - a 26-year-old Lower Plenty man doing 82km/h at 8.30pm, a 23-year-old Diamond Creek man travelling at 81km/h at 8.47pm, and a 42-year-old Eltham North woman caught at 79km/h at 9.14pm - would lose their licence for a year, he said.... Read More

If anyone knows where this section of road is I’d be interested in checking it out. I find it interesting to read that three people were booked doing 79, 81 and 82 km/h, just a range of 3 km/h. Those numbers are too close. Is this a case of coincidence or is it near an 80km/h section of road and a trap for unsuspecting motorist?

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Drink driver crashes in Eltham

A DRINK-DRIVER whose car span out of control before crashing in Eltham was later found to be three times over the legal alcohol limit.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Suspended Eltham driver busted driving behind police

Diamond Creek Highway Patrol leading Sen-Constable Steve Wood said he was travelling to the 22-year-old's home to talk about a suspended driving charge from May when he spotted her driving behind him about 6.20pm on Wednesday.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Race commentator Don Kinsey, of Eltham,

Race commentator Don Kinsey, of Eltham, said the annual event attracted veteran, vintage and post vintage cars with participants vying to complete the 800m course in the fastest time.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Det-Sgt Cuxson said the pair were childhood mates who had grown up together in Eltham.

AN ACCUSED murder middleman has arrived in Melbourne to face charges over slaying of a 'vampire gigolo' after being extradited from Queensland. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

False alarm at Eltham Leisure Centre

FIREFIGHTERS were called to Eltham Leisure Centre for what turned out to be a false alarm.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Ruby is a little shaky before having dental surgery done at Eltham Veterinary Practice during Pet Dental Health Month

Dr Gus Braniff, a veterinarian with 20 years experience, says 83 per cent of pets have some form of dental disease.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Eltham crash driver's 'cocktail of drugs'

A MOTORIST ran a stop sign and crashed into a car while allegedly affected by a cocktail of drugs in Eltham this morning.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Friday, August 3, 2012

Rats infest Eltham

ELTHAM residents are getting jumpy over a rat population they believe is growing out of control.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Dropsaw stolen in Fordhams Rd, Eltham

Banyule detective Sgt Andrew Beames said the resident provided police with number plate details after a home was burgled and a dropsaw stolen in Fordhams Rd, Eltham, on Sunday.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Young Nillumbik photographers are presenting their best work in Eltham

The snappers, aged 12 to 17, are presenting a selection of their best work, completed during Nillumbik Youth Services' eight-week Insight program, at Eltham Library until August 1.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Councillors argue over right to use Eltham SES HQ

A STOUSH has erupted over whether Eltham SES should have sole use of its headquarters.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Split feeling on Eltham town square plan

ELTHAM traders are split over the proposed town square, with some believing it will boost tourism while others fear a loss of customers and parking spaces.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Eltham North school still waiting for lift

Eltham North Primary School principal David Foley said the school had to pay $500 a month for the toilet after the student returned to school last week.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Student Sarah Klink won the Premier's award for German language.

SARAH Klink's love of the German language is likely to take her all over the world when she finishes high school.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Margaret Toohey's family has been rugging up this winter because of a lack of heat in their home.

Sherbourne Rd resident Margaret Toohey, whose house was damaged during last year's Christmas Day storms, said she was still waiting for GIO Insurance to repair most of the damage.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Eltham's Luke Benness lives with type 1 Diabetes and needs regular treatment.

A DIAGNOSIS of type 1 diabetes can be a tumultuous event for children, but Eltham's Luke Benness is taking it all in his stride.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Police warn on hit-man scam

Eltham Constable Jessie Foley said there had been an influx of reports about the texts to her station this morning, the first at 9.20am.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

PATRICK HENRY RUSSELL-YOUNG

DR PATRICK Russell-Young, 86, a distinguished engineer, gifted Meccano builder and enthusiastic bushwalker and musician, has died of a stroke doing what he loved.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Eltham's Jane and Jake Dean

VOLUNTEERING is a rewarding activity, as Eltham's Jane and Jake Dean can attest.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Allison and Madison have the biggest mushroom in Eltham in their yard.

For the past two months, a mushroom had been growing, and growing, in Graeme Aggett's yard, much to his grandchildren's delight.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Plans to rezone Eltham Gateway on hold

PLANNING to rezone the Eltham Gateway has been put on hold while Nillumbik councillors consider recent State Government changes.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Directories clogging up Google search results for Australians

Often I find the results provided by Google search are next to useless. If you search all pages you end up getting many directories and large sites from overseas. The actual sites of the business I’m looking for is unlikely to appear. If you reduce the search to pages from Australia it is better, but then the results of overwhelmed by directories of review sites. I find others feel the same way.

To make it easier for Australians for find local businesses I’ve decided to add a Search feature to JustLocal. JustLocal doesn’t require people to search. The aim is for people to have single-click access to businesses in an area. However, I appreciate it will take some time until the goal of JustLocal is realised. In the meantime, people will still search to find sites on the internet, but the Search feature on JustLocal now makes it easier for Australians to find local businesses.

First the Search is limited to only find results from pages on sites which use Australian domains. That removes large overseas companies dominating the results. Next I’ve identified and filtered out dozens of directories and review sites.

Now if I search for “Doncaster East Pizza” I get a good list of the sites in the area and that is the result I want.

Give the Search feature of JustLocal a go and let me know what you think. If you find a directory or review site in the search results I’ve missed, let me know and I’ll add the site to the exclude list.

Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.justlocal.com.au/
Helping the local community prosper by strengthening local business.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

PHOEBE Couyant and Joel Drew

PHOEBE Couyant and Joel Drew knew making their Eltham home environmentally friendly would pay off in the long term.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Madeline Nelson, Rachel Faulkner and Andrea Magill will be touring Queensland with the Australian Girls Choir

THREE talented Diamond Valley singers will tour Queensland this month with the Australian Girls Choir.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Police were called to a domestic dispute in Railway Parade about 11pm on Wednesday

Banyule detective Leading Sen-Constable Dean Kamolins said police were called to a domestic dispute in Railway Parade about 11pm on Wednesday.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Eltham's Georgia Bonora

SHE might be a seasoned competitor at Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and world championships, but don't think for a minute Eltham's Georgia Bonora is taking her second Olympic tilt for granted... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Eltham North Combined Playgroups president Sophie Walsh

Eltham North Combined Playgroups president Sophie Walsh said her Glen Park Rd group could fix its playground with such a large amount of cash.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

POLICE are searching for thieves who stole an expensive kayak from an Eltham front yard

Eltham Constable Jessie Foley said the kayak, a cream-coloured Hobie mirage series outback, was taken from an Orchard Avenue address overnight on June 28.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Eltham College of Education in Research

Eltham College of Education in Research will get $47,350 for training.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Eltham's University of the Third Age

Eltham's University of the Third Age steering committee member Lou Empson said the organisation, which launches tomorrow, could only fit up to about 40 people across its two venues.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Oliver Hibbert and his little brother Joshua

WHEN Oliver Hibbert and his little brother Joshua saw hungry and homeless children in the Philippines during a family holiday they knew they had to do something to help.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Friends of Eltham Copper Butterfly group

ELTHAM'S endangered copper butterfly has been given a huge boost with a $459,000 grant to help save it from extinction... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Eltham Bookshop's Meera Govil

Eltham Bookshop’s Meera Govil is the Australian Booksellers Association-Text Publishing bookseller of the year.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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CFA volunteer firefighter Andrew Rankine

In August the Eltham firefighter will travel to Cambodia to offer a masterclass of sorts to the country’s burgeoning firefighters.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Tim Ratje and Chris Moffat are off to the world cup

In less than a week, two youngsters from Eltham will be heading to America for warm-up matches and then on to Finland for the cup.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Nillumbik Council proposes an average 5.9 per cent rate rise

The 2012-13 draft budget, which proposes an average 5.9 per cent rate rise and charge increase, heads a list of 15 items listed for discussion.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Melbourne screenwriter Michael Lucas

Growing up in Eltham, Lucas lived within spitting distance of Montsalvat’s artistic community, and enrolled in art classes before working there as a teenager. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Monday, June 25, 2012

Eltham Hurstbridge 100 Years Rail

An exhibition will be held in Diamond Creek this weekend to mark the 100th anniversary of the opening of the line between Eltham and Hurstbridge, on June 25, 1912. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Sunday, June 24, 2012

Red Finch opened in Eltham last month

When Sarah Woolway’s two children flew the coop, she asked herself the obvious question: “What do I do now?” The answer, however, wasn’t so predictable. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Shafquur Rahman shifting the levers at Eltham railway station

Automatic system signals the end for station's tradition ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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BER funding shortfall shafts Eltham North school

A WHEELCHAIR-bound girl will be forced to travel almost 500m to go to the toilet unless a lift is installed at her school... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Eltham police hunt gun wielding speedster

Sen-Sgt O'Connell said the car stopped at the Banks Rd roundabout and the driver aimed the firearm directly at the victim before taking off without firing a shot.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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WORKS to replace an Eltham bridge are causing long delays

Vehicles travelling north from Eltham were backed up almost to the town centre this morning as VicRoads started a $7.9 million upgrade of Wattletree Rd bridge.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Pam Vardy is producing a radiothon to keep community radio station 3CR on air for another year.

Mrs Vardy, a volunteer co-ordinator and producer with 3CR Community Radio 855AM’s weekly Gardening Show for 17 years, said the program had built a large base of committed listeners.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Metro's practice of skipping stations

He has also said his hands are tied regarding Metro's practice of skipping stations, which has become more common since a timetable change on April 22, because there is nothing in the company's operating contract to stop it doing so.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Saturday, June 16, 2012

Emergency vehicles Bolton Road Eltham

Just got spooked by police car in Bolton Road. It put its siren on as it was next to us to turn right into the area.

From the internet there is an incident in Belmont Crescent Montmorency.

Saw two more police and the fire brigade.

Take car in the area.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
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Thursday, June 14, 2012

JESSICA Page is posing for photographs in front of her artwork at Eltham's Light Factory Gallery

JESSICA Page is posing for photographs in front of her artwork at Eltham’s Light Factory Gallery, when a visitor approaches her and brings everything to a halt. “Is that you?” she asks excitedly, pointing to Page’s drawing... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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Nathan and Lachlan Jetson

SPEND a few minutes talking to brothers Nathan and Lachlan Jetson and it’s soon evident how much they love taking part in Gang Show. Both members of 1st Eltham Scout Group, the boys are hanging out for opening night. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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The man has hit shops in Chelsea Heights, Brighton, Fawkner, Doncaster, Eltham and Essendon

The man has hit shops in Chelsea Heights, Brighton, Fawkner, Doncaster, Eltham and Essendon on 13 separate occasions between May 21 and June 10, entering the shops and stealing more than $6000 worth of bourbon and whisky in cartons.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.