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Bits & Bytes

Bits & Bytes is a monthly publication written for members involved in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's Department of Information and Communication Services.  Each issue provides CS and IS staff officers with the latest information on current and upcoming: projects, programs, standards, training, technical tips, and resources.  Content comes from all areas within the department including District, Division, and Flotilla units.  Article submissions should be sent to the Bits & Bytes Editor at: dc-id@cgaux.org  The deadline for each month's articles is the 15th of the current month.

Bits & Bites is distributed to the top National Leadership, including NACO, NAVCO, NACOS, District Commodores, and District, Division, Flotilla CS/IS officers. If you are not currently receiving Bits & Bytes, contact your IS Staff Officer to verify your email address is up-to-date in AUXDATA.

Year: 2007  |  2006  |  2005  |  2004  | 2003

Bits & Bytes 2007

·         Volume 5, Issue 5 -- May (65KB PDF)

Contents: A Word from Our New Deputy Chief ◊ AUXDATA Tidbits ◊ Clarification of AMLOC AUXDATA Input ◊ eDirectory Milestone ◊ More on Websites and Flotilla Finder ◊ Top Tips for Mobility in the Workplace ◊ How to Build a Video Podcast in 3 Steps

·         Volume 5, Issue 4 -- April (66KB PDF)

Contents: AUXDATA and JINITIATOR ◊ Best of Web [Nominations are now being accepted] ◊ Float Plan Central [New URL] ◊ AuxInfo Quick Access Report Development ◊ Websites and Flotilla Finder ◊ Passwords Revisited ◊ An Easy Way to Remember a Password Passwords ◊ Bits and Bytes Archive New Look ◊ Member-Only Discounts from Softchoice [Adobe products] 

·         Volume 5, Issue 3 -- March (97KB PDF)

Contents: Emergency Phone Call Usage (Correction) ◊ C School Opportunities ◊ Auxiliary Knowledge Base ◊ Chain of Leadership ◊ Auxiliary Style Usage Guide ◊ Microsoft Vista and AUXDATA ◊ Passwords

·         Volume 5, Issue 2 -- February (94KB PDF)

Contents: Emergency Phone Call Usage ◊ PHP ◊ Email Etiquette ◊ Vista Upgrade vs. Clean Install ◊ AUXDATA and Popup Windows ◊ Phishing or Spoofing

·         Volume 5, Issue 1 -- January (108KB PDF)

Contents: New AUXDATA/AUXINFO Elected Officers Training PowerPoint ◊ Annual Member Letter Reinstituted ◊ New AUXplusPE Version 2.0 ◊ Welcome to the Auxiliary Electronic Dictionary ◊ C-School Dates ◊ Microsoft Vista and AUXDATA; Passwords

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Bits & Bytes 2006

·         Volume 4, Issue 11 -- November (142KB PDF)

Contents: I Department Vision/Mission 2007-2008 ◊ Improved/Redesigned USCG Internet Website ◊ Help Navigating the New USCG Website ◊ One-click AUXINFO Reports ◊ AUXINFO and Internet Explorer 7 ◊ Attention ALL IS Officers ◊ Optoutprescreen.com lets you opt out of pre-approved credit cards and the risk of credit card fraud - FREE

·         Volume 4, Issue 10 -- October (126KB PDF)

Contents: Message from Outgoing DC-I ◊ Update on Auxiliary Activity Report (AuxAR) Program for AUXDATA ◊ AUXplusPE – The PE Program of 2006 ◊ A Technique to Share AUXINFO Bookmarks

·         Volume 4, Issue 9 -- September (246KB PDF)

Contents: 2006 “Best of the Web” Awards Announced at NACON ◊ Commandant's Intent SITREP 2 - First 100 Days ◊ AuxPlus PE Now Available for Flotilla Use ◊ National Staff Guide Book Ready

·         Volume 4, Issue 8 -- August (244KB PDF)

Contents: Are you up to date? ◊ Purchasing from Shop Auxiliary ◊ Check Your Email Address Now ◊ AuxPlus PE Now Available for Flotilla Use ◊ AUXDATA: Printing Of Labels from the Member Roster Report ◊ Standby for the Winners [Best of the Web]

·         Volume 4, Issue 7 -- July (80KB PDF)

Contents: Dear IS and CS Officers ◊ USCG ICS 100 Course Available on the USCG Learning Portal ◊ Crossing the Bar [Neil Xenos]

·         Volume 4, Issue 6 -- June (194KB PDF)

Contents: Travel Made Easy ◊ New Website Template Selection ◊ Last Call for AUX-04 & AUX-10 September C-Schools ◊ Attention All Elected Officers Running for Office and IS Officers at All Levels ◊ Processing a Site Listing Change Request ◊ Welcome Aboard ◊ Site Design Clarification

·         Volume 4, Issue 5 -- May (277KB PDF)

Contents: Want to Publish Your Own Unit Website or Learn PowerPoint? ◊ AUX Unit Mail Systems ◊ Last Call for 2005 BOW ◊ ATON-AV Workshop Added ◊ AUXDATA RBSPV Workshop Code Added ◊ What Works [a CS resource]

·         Volume 4, Issue 4 -- April (277KB PDF)

Contents: Website Criteria using Bobby/508 Compliance ◊ AUX-10 C School ◊ Early deadline for May Issue

·         Volume 4, Issue 3 -- March (277KB PDF)

Contents: Web Site Accessibility Standards ◊ Website Approval Check ◊ New AUXDATA Code: 65C ◊ AUX Student Support Update ◊ How To Library [for CS Officers]

·         Volume 4, Issue 2 -- February (147KB PDF)

Contents: New Appointments Announced ◊ A Word from Our New Deputy Chief ◊ Authorized Auxiliary Websites ◊ CHDIRAUX - 2005 Workshops and REYR Status -005/06

·         Volume 4, Issue 1 -- January (131KB PDF)

Contents: Happy New Year ◊ Looking for an Email Address? ◊ Want to Publish Your Own Unit Website or Learn PowerPoint? ◊ DSO-CSs on the Road Again! ◊ Float Plan Central ◊ Value-Added Training [courses] ◊ Chief Director’s Site has a New Address ◊ Julian Date

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Bits & Bytes 2005

·         Volume 5, Issue 2 -- February (94KB PDF)

Contents: Emergency Phone Call Usage (Correction) ◊ C School Opportunities) ◊ Auxiliary Knowledge Base; Chain of Leadership) ◊ Auxiliary Style Usage Guide) ◊ Microsoft Vista and AUXDATA) ◊ Passwords

·         Volume 3, Issue 11 -- November (109KB PDF)

Contents:  New National Web Site (NWS) formally Launched ◊ The Great Migration has Begun ◊ Attention All who are in the Air Program ◊ Ask Mr. Techie Branch Chief: What’s a Database For? ◊ Odd’s ‘n Ends: The Spellchecker Song

·         Volume 3, Issue 10 -- October (220KB PDF)

Contents: Mass migration is drawing near ◊ Operation Life Ring ◊ Browsers and Their Caches ◊ Coast Guard Auxiliary Association (CGAuxA) Website Update ◊ Email Netiquette ◊ Two I-CS Department Staffers with FEMA ◊ Using AUXINFO to Track Your Activities ◊ Odd’s ‘n Ends: Ever Wonder How Many Bytes a Gigabyte Really Is? / CD and DVD Data Access Speeds

·         Volume 3, Issue 09 -- September (117KB PDF)

Contents:  2005 Best of Web Awards Announced At NACON ◊ Update FEMA & CG HQ Assistance ◊ AUX Webmaster Unit Website Migration Update ◊ Attention Auxiliary Webmasters [Official DHS Seal and Signature Usage Guidelines] ◊ Odd’s ‘n Ends: Space Shuttle Booster Dimensions / Ever wonder how many bytes a Gigabyte really is? / CD and DVD Data Access Speeds

·         Volume 3, Issue 8 -- August (325KB PDF)

Contents:  Attention IS Officers: Urgent change ◊ Computer Savvy Help Wanted [Forms Division] ◊ DSO-CS’s to Attend NTrain 2006 ◊ REWK Clarification ◊ Odd’s ‘n Ends: Americans & Computers / Moving Experience / Triskaidekaphobia

·         Volume 3, Issue 7 -- July (76KB PDF)

Contents:  Auxiliary NETiquette ◊ Important Information for Auxiliary Webmasters [new URL format] ◊ A Success [new skills in Power Point and Web design] ◊ AUX-10 AUXDATA/AUXINFO C School ◊ Odds ‘n Ends: Great Link / A Tuneful Way of Explaining Hard Drive Technology / Factoid [what is a "Factoid"] / Computer Code Names

·         Volume 3, Issue 6 -- June (82KB PDF)

Contents:  Welcome Aboard [new IS team members] ◊ [Good news for] Local Unit Webmasters ◊ CITRIX has upgraded ◊ New Feature: Download Saved Searches [in Aux eDirectory] ◊ CORRECTION - Adobe Acrobat Maintenance ◊ PDF Alternatives to Adobe Acrobat 7 ◊ Factoid [Google Picasa] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month [new C-School Portal] ◊ Did you know? [Bluetooth security issue]

·         Volume 3, Issue 5 -- May (66KB PDF)

Contents:  New Opportunities in the I-CS Department Staff ◊ Website Seal of Approval ◊ Important Reminder ◊ Want to publish your own Website or learn PowerPoint? ◊ Adobe Acrobat Maintenance ◊ Factoid [automatic security updates in MS Windows] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month [Google Maps] ◊ Did you know? [what to do with your old computer]

·         Volume 3, Issue 4 -- April (165KB PDF)

Contents:  Welcome to our newest Staffer [Tom Miller] ◊ Reminder - Website Seal Contest ◊ CORRECTION TO: An Alternate Access to AUXDATA--it requires no JINITIATOR ◊ A Perfect Combination ◊ Good News for Travel Reimbursement ◊ Factoid [new pocket "jump drives" or "memory sticks"] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month [Microsoft home computer security] ◊ Did you know [National "Do Not Call Registry"]

·         Volume 3, Issue 3 -- March (80KB PDF)

Contents:  Time to get your websites "Ship - Shape" ◊ The 7029EZ makes reporting Easy ◊ Attention All IS Officers ◊ Time is running out! – Please ◊ What is Phishing or Spoofing? ◊ Factoid [updated duties for SO and IS Officers] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month [Dell tips on protecting yourself] ◊ Did you know? [easier eDirectory "Find" feature]

·         Volume 3, Issue 2 -- February (73KB PDF)

Contents:  Welcome to our newest Staffer [Todd Thuma] ◊ Website Seal Contest ◊ An Alternate Browser May Work [Mozilla Firefox] ◊ POMS On-Line CG-5132 Form ◊ New address update ◊ Revised ANSC 7028 ◊ A New Tool for Auxiliarists ◊ Factoid [some addresses may change on new server] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month [Bandwidth Speed Test] ◊ Did you know? ["C" Schools]

·         Volume 3, Issue 1 -- January (67KB PDF)

Contents:  Welcome to our new Officers ◊ All Aboard for AUX-04 and AUX-10 ◊ Spring Cleaning [Spyware] ◊ Where do I find what I need? [AUXINFO and AUXDATA] ◊ Updated Numbers [AUXDATA] ◊ Attention All New Information Services Staff Officers ◊ Factoid [product "Activation"] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month [new CS Officers Guide] ◊ Did you know? [AUXDATA and elected/appointed officers]

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Bits & Bytes 2004

·         Volume 2, Issue 12 -- December (54KB PDF)

Contents:  Happy Holidays ◊ Information Systems Division [year-end reminder] ◊ Don't forget Form 7006 ◊ Factoid [Adware and Spyware] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: Verizon's Internet tutorial  ◊ Did you know? [Windows desktop]

·         Volume 2, Issue 11 -- November (50KB PDF)

Contents:  Vicki Vose - Our new Deputy Department Chief ◊ Welcome to our New I-CS Department staffers ◊ New AUXINFO "How To's" ◊ I-CS Dept. on the Move ◊ Factoid [customer service] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: Ready.gov ◊ Did you know? [Google Picasa]

·         Volume 2, Issue 10 -- October (59KB PDF)

Contents:  Looking Ahead ◊ HELP! Train Me ◊ We have a Winner [National website design contest] ◊ AUXDATA Printing ◊ 2004 BOW Awards correction ◊ Factoid [protecting your computer from viruses] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: Service Pack 2 for Microsoft XP users ◊ Did you know? [7006 Change of Officer Report]

·         Volume 2, Issue 9 -- September (82KB PDF)

Contents:  2004 Best of Web Awards Announced ◊ If you have XP, what Service Pack 2 will do for you? ◊ AUX-04 "C" School set for ISC - Alameda, CA ◊ Great new PowerPoint for the eDirectory ◊ ShopAuxiliary.com is here! ◊ Last Call on Adobe Acrobat Approval ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: Web Eyes ◊ Did you know? [synchronize your PC clock]

·         Volume 2, Issue 8 -- August (138KB PDF)

Contents:  Don't miss the boat ◊ Our Editor is under the weather... ◊ AUX-04 "C" School set for ISC - Alameda, CA ◊ Worms making the rounds ◊ AUXDATA - REWK and REYR flags ◊ Factoid [special services available to those listed in AUXDATA] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: Symantec System Check ◊ Did you know? [affordable PC back-up]

·         Volume 2, Issue 7 -- July (186KB PDF)

Contents:  Win big with a new cgaux.org ◊ Patrol Schedules and the Web? ◊ AUX-04 "C" School a huge success ◊ A tiny "aspirin" for the "Spam" headache - at least those using Outlook ◊ AuxInfo - Custom Individual Award Summary ◊ It just got even easier ◊ On the Road Again? ◊ Factoid [Phishing] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: NACON 2004 registration ◊ Did you know? [lightning damage to computers]

·         Volume 2, Issue 6 -- June (148KB PDF)

Contents:  All Aboard for AUX-04 at ISC Alameda, CA ◊ How-To Library still Growing ◊ FutureWeb Features Instant Messaging ◊ Are your AUXDATA entries showing up ◊ Just a click away ◊ America’s™ Boating Course Website Banner Ads ◊ 100% Coverage [for Division 8 websites] ◊ Factoid [making regular backups] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: Float Plan Central ◊ Did you know? [Windows XP "rollbacks"]

·         Volume 2, Issue 5 -- May (154KB PDF)

Contents:  2004 BOW Competition Reminder ◊ Use it or loose it ◊ Not receiving your email? ◊ Blocking pop-ups and opening reports with Jinitiator ◊ Want to check your Currency? ◊ AUX-04 "C" School Student Support Website ◊ Factoid [using msconfig] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: Spybot-Search and Destroy ◊ Did you know? ["What's New" banner]

·         Volume 2, Issue 4 -- April (159KB PDF)

Contents:  LAST CALL for AUX-04 at the CG Academy ◊ Want to change your own address? ◊ For All FSO/SO/DSOs-IS ◊ Welcome Aboard [Neil Xenos] ◊ Auxiliary E-Commerce ◊ Factoid [SeniorNet] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: Hallmark cards ◊ Did you know? [commonly used in email abbreviations]

·         Volume 2, Issue 3 -- March (149KB PDF)

Contents:   WebWatchers Ride Again ◊ AuxInfo in New Clothing ◊ AUX-04 "C" School Reminder ◊ Welcome Aboard [William Helton] ◊ Adobe deal still available ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: Symantec Security Check ◊ Did you know? [painless way to learn about your Browser or your Operating System]

·         Volume 2, Issue 2 -- February (124KB PDF)

Contents:  NTRAIN 2004 a Huge Success ◊ Know your way around FileMaker? ◊ Online testing is a great capability ◊ Raise your hands ◊ Factoid [bandwidth speed test] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: Auxie Notebook ◊ Did you know? [Avast 4 FREE anti-virus]

·         Volume 2, Issue 1 -- January (158KB PDF)

Contents:  Bits & Bytes 1st Anniversary ◊ AUXDATA - What's Coming? ◊ DSO-CSs touch down in St. Louis ◊ New AUXINFO debuts this month ◊ Factoid [submit your Form 7007 Annual Unit Officer report] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: Buying new hardware/software guides ◊ Did you know? [Firewalls]

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Bits & Bytes 2003

·         Volume 1, Issue 12 -- December (162KB PDF)

Contents:  2004 Officer Updates ◊ Recent AUXDATA Changes (19 Nov 03) ◊ FutureWeb Features POMS ◊ Just a click away ◊ Factoid [new Department of Homeland Security logo] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: Float Plan Central ◊ Did you know? [keeping MS Office applications up-to-date]

·         Volume 1, Issue 11 -- November (146KB PDF)

Contents:  Tips for Exporting from AUXINFO into MS EXCEL ◊ Adobe Update ◊ New Directions = New Competencies Available ◊ Monthly What's New Banner ◊ Factoid [AUXDATA] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: Google Images ◊ Did you know? [Windows' Critical Updates]

·         Volume 1, Issue 10 -- October (123KB PDF)

Contents:  Almost time for officer entry in AUXDATA ◊ New Home for eDirectory ◊ ALERT ALERT ALERT ◊ Aux-eNews ◊ Factoid [number of adults online] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: AuxETrain ◊ Did you know? [synchronizing Windows' desktop clock]

·         Volume 1, Issue 9 -- September (133KB PDF)

Contents:  Patrick Buckman appointed BA-IRP ◊ Election time is fast approaching ◊ 2003 Best of Web Awards Announced ◊ Factoid [speeding up a slow computer] ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: MapQuest ◊ Did you know? [Blind Carbon Copy function]

·         Volume 1, Issue 8 -- August (124KB PDF)

Contents:  Frequently Asked Questions ◊ Opening a New Aux Website? ◊ LCD is the Way to Go ◊ Factiod [17,901 members listed w/email addresses in AUXDATA] ◊ Cyberspot of the Month: You're in Command ◊ Did You Know? [BeLarc Advisor (a PC auditor)]

·         Volume 1, Issue 7 -- July (HTML)

Contents:  You Live Where? ◊ DSO-CS Selected for NTRAIN 2004 ◊ FutureWeb Improved ◊ Are you into Adobe? ◊ Latest NACON 2003 Information ◊ Factoid [Who gets Bits & Bytes?] ◊ Cyberspot of the Month: Chief Director (CHDIRAUX) Mailing List ◊ Did you know? [opting out of telemarketing phone calls]

·         Volume 1, Issue 6 -- June (HTML)

Contents:  Where do I find what I need? [AUXDATA Cubes] ◊ ADOBE opportunity continues ◊ Cyberspot of the Month: ZoneLabs ◊ Did you know? [Microsoft Viewers]

·         Volume 1, Issue 5 -- May (HTML)

Contents:  IR Division Activities ◊ The eAuxiliary Hits the Road ◊ Have you "Activated" Yet? ◊ Cyberspot of the Month: LavaSoft ◊ Did you know? [about Defraging]

·         Volume 1, Issue 4 -- April (HTML)

Contents:  Congratulations to the "IS" officers ◊ AUXDATA forms ◊ 2003 BOW Competition Reminder ◊ Are you into Adobe?? ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: Microsoft offers a FREE Design Gallery ◊ Did you know? [Rich Text Format]

·         Volume 1, Issue 3 -- March (HTML)

Contents:  CS Officer Support ◊ The new eDirectory ◊ Help Wanted ◊ Submitting Articles for Bits & Bytes ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: AUXImage ◊ Did you know? [Annual Unit Officers report Form 7007]

·         Volume 1, Issue 2 -- February (HTML)

Contents:  Are you ready for the 2003 BOW Competition? ◊ AUXDATA - Functions explained ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: new I-CS Department website ◊ Did you know? [Symantec's free service]

·         Volume 1, Issue 1 -- January (HTML)

Contents:  Welcome to our Inaugural Issue ◊ What is Bits & Bytes? ◊ Feeling "Out of the Loop"? ◊ Who's Who in the Department of Information & Communication Services ◊ Cyber Spot of the Month: new CHDIRAUX website ◊ Did you know? [AUXDATA/AUXINFO tutorial]

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