Donut King coming to The Pines Shopping Centre

I noticed some renovation at The Pines near Coles. One business has closed and the boarding has Donut King on it so we can expect to see Donut King at The Pines in the near future.

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

Pines Shopping Centre drivers disregard No Entry sign

This morning I dropped into The Pines Shopping Centre and car park was very full. When that happens people start to park in the Community Centre parking.

The design of that parking area is poor. Lanes are very narrow making it difficult to get in and especially difficult to get out. In order to park in the second row you can't go in the more convenient entry near the end of the main parking area. You need to drive almost halfway out of The Pines and go in the entry. You then need to go all around the back, then around and through the front row and back to the second row.

What I found interesting to watch is most people disregard the No Entry sign. It is interesting to watch people who simply disregard the law. Yes the design is terrible but some of those drivers then drive the wrong way and block the path of patient drivers who follow the rules. Whomever designed that car park did a shocking job.


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

Sledgehammer used to steal cash from Doncaster East shop

Investigators believe that two men broke into a shopping centre on Reynolds Rd with a sledgehammer at 1am on November 16.... 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.

John Vincent is putting away his tools after nine years as Milgate Primary School's maintenance man

Little John, as he is affectionately nicknamed to distinguish him from former vice principal Big John, has been a popular handyman at the Doncaster East school for about nine years.... 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 warning after Doncaster East scrub fire

THE CFA is warning people to check weather conditions before burning off after a scrub fire caused concern in Doncaster 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.

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.

Doncaster East man questioned about racist bus rant

Eltham Acting Sergeant Leanne Mead said the Doncaster East 35-year-old was discovered visiting a friend in Main St after an anonymous tip off to the police.... 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.

Doncaster (Manningham) SES volunteers Gary Birkett and Danielle Rimington hope more people will help

SES community education facilitator Sue Whitten said numbers were dwindling and more were needed, but volunteering was a big commitment.... 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.

Des Pitfield Photography (CVC Studios) has moved to Nunawading.

Doncaster East residents and business have said farewell to Des Pitfield Photography (also known as CVC Studios). For those wishing to continue to use Des’ photography services Des’ new studio is located in Nunawading close to the Nunawading train station. You can find Des Pitfield Photography on the Nunawading postcode page www.JustLocal.com.au/3131.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au/3109  

Amy McCann

DECORATED Australian representative Amy McCann will become just the second Doncaster player to reach 200 club games in Baseball Victoria's Summer League 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.

Doncaster East trader nabbed selling smokes to minor

MANNINGHAM Council has prosecuted a Doncaster East trader for selling cigarettes to a minor.... 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.

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   

Mystery Doncaster East punter wins Tattslotto

A DONCASTER EAST punter has scored one of nine Victorian first division Tattslotto prizes, worth more than $300,000.... 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.

Salvation Army's Christmas family festival

A giant nativity storybook will be part of the entertainment at the Salvation Army's Taunton St premises at 3.30pm on Sunday, December 2.... 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.

2-10 Montgomery Street, Doncaster East

Places Victoria, in conjunction with Manningham City Council, will breathe new life into 2-10 Montgomery Street, Doncaster 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.

Arson squad to investigate suspicious house fire in Bellevue Avenue in East Doncaster

The blaze caused about $50,000 worth of damage to the home in Bellevue Avenue in East Doncaster just after 4:00am (AEDT). ... 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.

180-200 Reynolds Road- the new land acquisition by JD International

There was a mention of this development in the The Weekly Review local paper and the article confirmed 308 intended apartments!... 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.

187-191 Reynolds Road- the Reynolds Gardens development

187-191 Reynolds Road- the Reynolds Gardens development. It’s not just 16 townhouses as in one sales brochure, but also 72 apartments (between United Petrol Station and Cherry Hill Tavern)... 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.

New Koonung ward councillor Stephen O'Brien

NEWLY elected Koonung Ward councillor Stephen O'Brien intends to bring better planning outcomes to Manningham.... 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.

Urban art hits Tunstall Square in Doncaster

AROUND the world, spectacular examples of aerosol painting have elevated what was once considered graffiti on a wall to contemporary urban art - and Tunstall Square in Doncaster now has its own piece.... 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.

Doncaster East's Pam Meddings is paying tribute to her late husband and community stalwart Ian Meddings

Mr Meddings died on September 20 after battling a degenerative lung disease aged 70 but, survived by his wife Pam, his son and daughter and six grandchildren, he has left a powerful legacy.... 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.

Jackson Court traders get boost from State Government

Trader James Bishop said since the centre had been involved in a legal battle with retail giant Woolworths over the future of an Aldi supermarket development, traders and residents had been uncertain about its future.... 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.

Elderly woman disturbs intruder in Doncaster East

A 64-year-old woman was woken by a man trying to get through her bedroom window at 1.15am on Tuesday, October 23.... 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.

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.
 

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 31^st 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.

Man dies after car rolls, catches fire

Police say the man was travelling west in George Street about 12.30am when he lost control of his vehicle and veered onto the wrong side of the road.... 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.

Mini-Field of Women event in Manningham

The Mini-Field of Women event will see The Pines shopping centre host a hub for information, advice and community connections surrounded by the iconic Pink Lady silhouettes.... 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.

Women warned over sex pest

WOMEN are being urged to travel in pairs at night and carry a phone in their hand as police continue to investigate a spate of sexual assaults across Manningham, Whitehorse and Boroondara.... 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.

Steven Rossitto of Doncaster East has been nominated for an ARIA Award

FLAMBOYANT Doncaster singer Steven Rossitto loves his bling.... 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.

Children at Minkins kindergarten enjoyed a football day

THERE was plenty of kicking at Minikins Kindergarten and Child Care Centre recently but nobody got hurt.... 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.

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.

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

Doncaster Road and Williamsons Road/Tram Road red-light camera

“The Government has asked Victoria's Road Safety Camera Commissioner, His Honour Judge Gordon Lewis, to broaden his investigation into the issue of amber light timing at red-light camera intersections after a VicRoads review identified seven additional sites that were found to be inconsistent with the Austroads guidelines.” – State Government Victoria Fines site.

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

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au

Haydn Lyall has been selected for the Victorian table tennis team

The Doncaster East 12-year-old has only been playing for two years but has already made an impression at the Victorian championships and will represent his state in Perth next month at the Australian Junior Table Tennis Championships.... 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.

Florist Dayne Robinson won gold at the World Skills Championships in Sydney last week

The Doncaster East resident, from Donvale Flower Gallery, won gold at the World Skills Championships in Sydney last week.... 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.

Hoons crash outside Heidelberg Magistrates' Court

Diamond Creek Highway Patrol Sen-Constable Lee Smith said an 18-year-old Doncaster East man in a 1986 Holden Commodore and a 19-year-old Bulleen man in a 1999 Subaru Impreza were involved in the incident at 1.40pm on Tuesday, September 4.... Read More

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

Doncaster East Camera Skills Workshop - CVC Studios

The next Camera Skills Course run by Des Pitfield of CVC Studios starts on the 25^th of September 2012.

The course is aimed at people with DSLR and compact cameras that allow selection of modes such as shutter speed and aperture priority. The evenings are relaxed, fun and interactive and no matter what your level of skill or particular photography interest is, you will learn all about your own camera and how to improve your photos.

Contact Des on 9842 0222 for more information.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au/3109

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.

Raelene De Felice, 61, and her mum, Betty Jackson, 83, have both enrolled in computer classes at the Pines

Raelene De Felice, 61, and her mum, Betty Jackson, 83, have both enrolled in computer classes at the Pines... Read More

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

Luke Rosenthal

A DONCASTER EAST man about to embark on the Great Victorian Bike Ride has had his bike stolen from his garage.... Read More

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

East Doncaster friends Michele Stagoll (above left) and Susie Lunt

It was over a spot of crafternoon tea – where knitting and sewing merge with cupcakes and coffee – that East Doncaster friends Michele Stagoll and Susie Lunt concocted an equally crafty idea. ... Read More

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

Five pedestrians including crossing supervisor hit in Manningham

POLICE are urging motorists to look out for pedestrians after five people, including a crossing supervisor, were hit in Manningham during the past week.... Read More

I’ve often felt shopping centre car parks are accidents waiting to happen. On one occasion I checked all around the vehicle and then started to reverse when a person came out from behind another car and walked past the back of my car. Often all it would take is for a  number of walkways to be placed in car parks for pedestrians. For example in The Pines in the underground parking area there is one walkway. There needs to be more. Ultimately it is the driver that needs to be more careful, but small children walking behind the many four wheel drives in the area is a real concern. Outdoor tables and seats going all the way up to cars forces people to walk behind cars and again creating a situation  where accidents can happen.

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

Doncaster East teenager Steven Rossitto is hitting all the right notes.

HE'S been invited to audition for American Idol, had almost half a million hits on YouTube and is tipped to be the next Frank Sinatra.... Read More

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

Jason Kendirian and James Barrett are teaming up to create a television show

BUDDING filmmakers Jason Kendirian and James Barrett have heaps of material for their comedy sketch project.... Read More

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

Manningham Council and Woolworths over disputed carpark space in Jackson Court settlement

DETAILS of the settlement between Manningham Council and Woolworths over disputed carpark space in Jackson Court have been revealed.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Cr Stephen Mayne tabled a motion without notice

Cr Mayne said he was compelled to act after substantial funding promised for facilities and the construction of tearooms in the Doncaster park were absent from Manningham Council's 2012/13 capital works budget.... Read More

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

David McNeill's Olympic debut

Their focus will be on David McNeill, who spent most of his early athletics career at Doncaster before taking up a scholarship at Northern Arizona University in the US.... Read More

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

Andrew Smith is now coach at the Doncaster Hockey Club

Andrew Smith played for the Kookaburras at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and is now coach at the Doncaster Hockey Club.... Read More

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

House prices fall in Doncaster, Doncaster East and Templestowe

Prices for houses dropped dramatically in Doncaster by 9.2 per cent and Doncaster East by 7.9 per cent from June 2011 to June 2012, while Nunawading fell 7.1 per cent, Templestowe fell 7.4 per cent and Vermont fell 5 per cent.... Read More

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

Australia Post outlet at Tunstall Newsagency

The new-look Australia Post outlet at Tunstall Newsagency opened last Monday much to the relief of Doncaster East residents.... Read More

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

Halls for Hire to cost more in Manningham

I recently read an article indicating Manningham council will make hiring security mandatory when hiring a hall.

Manningham Council chief executive Lydia Wilson said the council had liaised with Doncaster police to change the policies of its Party Safe program to make hiring security mandatory on council-owned property.

If you’re considering hiring a council owned hall for your next event you should enquire about, or at least make an allowance for hiring security.

When I checked the Manningham site for the halls they hire I noticed it didn’t cover the community owned facilities where functions are regularly held and young people attend.

It is a pity there are gate crashers in the area and my own experience verifies young people turning up to a party uninvited.

When looking at hiring a council owned hall compared to having a function at commercial premises make sure you take into account costs such as security as council owned halls. Commercial premises I’ve checked out make no mention of security and often already have security in place.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require computer support.
Providing support in Doncaster, Templestowe, Eltham and surrounding areas.

Directories clogging up Google search results for Australians

Often I find the result provided by Google 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
www.JustLocal.com.au
Helping the local community prosper by strengthening local business.

Doncaster East IT network engineer Luke Rosenthal

LUKE Rosenthal is busy preparing for a nine-day holiday at the end of the year that will see him experience the forest scenery, historic towns and gourmet offerings of the Gippsland district.... Read More

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

Doncaster's Lewis Thorpe signs with the Minnesota Twins

The Doncaster Baseball Club would like to congratulate Lewis Thorpe on signing a professional contract with the Minnesota Twins.... Read More

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

Doncaster pitcher Lewis Thorpe

DONCASTER Baseball Club is celebrating its second Major League Baseball export in six months.... Read More

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

Clarice Cliff crockery to be auctioned after it was donated to the Doncaster East shop

Over time I read a number of articles where people donate items and the items have significant value. I wonder if the person donating the item, if they knew the value, would have ended up donating the item. Is it just bad luck for the unsuspecting donator? Should donators be recorded so they can know the real value of their donation if it is much great than would normally be expected?

To me it just doesn’t quite feel right that someone may have passed on items of significantly more value than they otherwise would have. People don’t mind giving, but if they realised they’d inadvertently given away something worth hundreds or thousands, would that leave them with that sinking feeling and perhaps a bad taste.

Personally if there is something of significant value a donator perhaps unwittingly leaves, then perhaps it is only fair and reasonable they are notified. Perhaps recording their name and a contact number until the items are checked would be the honourable thing to do. Perhaps the charity organisations are doing this already, but from the articles I’ve read I’ve not read any mention about them contacting the donator.

Rotary Rummage manager Pierre Russo is inviting bids for collectable Clarice Cliff crockery to be auctioned after it was donated to the Doncaster East shop... Read More

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

THIEVES are targeting Manningham tradies

Sen-Sgt Volk said offenders had used screwdrivers to force locks on vans and trucks, with expensive heavy-duty power pools the most popular stolen item.... Read More

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

War medals found in Templestowe (Doncaster East)

The six medals with ribbons were found at a service station on the corner of Blackburn and Reynolds roads on Wednesday, May 23 and handed in to police.... Read More

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

The Doncaster East preschool worked with Eltham's Edendale Farm to install worm farms

The Doncaster East preschool worked with Eltham's Edendale Farm to install worm farms as part of an environmental education program.... Read More

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

On Thursday a Victorian Supreme Court jury acquitted Chris Kafkias of murder

John Kelly, 54, the former head of amateur soccer group Vicsoccer, was found dead in the foyer of his Doncaster East home in December 2010... Read More

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

Chief executive Doreen Stoves

The Doncaster East welfare agency has received a $50,000 grant to help shift to its new offices in Manningham Civic Hub, Doncaster.... Read More

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

A 43-year-old Doncaster East woman and a 68-year-old Warrandyte woman were taken to the Austin hospital

Sgt Egan said a 43-year-old Doncaster East woman and a 68-year-old Warrandyte woman were taken to the Austin hospital with minor injuries.... Read More

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

The motorcyclist, a 60-year-old male from Doncaster East, slammed on his brakes to avoid colliding

Sgt Egan said the motorcyclist, a 60-year-old male from Doncaster East, slammed on his brakes to avoid colliding with the car and was thrown onto the ground and suffered grazing.... Read More

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

Sgt Debbie Day is Doncaster station's new crime prevention officer

Sgt Debbie Day is Doncaster station’s new crime prevention officer, liasing between the public and police.... Read More

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

Accused found dead friend but told no one, court told

A MAN on trial for murdering a close family friend to whom he owed more than $180,000 has revealed in court that he discovered his friend's bloodied and bound body, but fled the scene and told no one about the gruesome discovery.... Read More

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

Former Koonung Ward candidate John Mitakakis

A letter on behalf of former Koonung Ward candidate John Mitakakis was sent to the council on June 4 over remarks he said were made about him at the May 29 council meeting. ... Read More

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

Current positions at Manningham Council

Finding local jobs can be difficult. I noticed the following page on the Manningham Council site for current positions with the council.

www.manningham.vic.gov.au/work/home_employment/home_current_positions.html

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require computer support.

Richard Williams has been awarded the OAM for his lifelong fundraising efforts

The fundraising became a lifelong passion for Mr Williams, of Doncaster East, who receives an OAM for his charity work.... Read More

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

Colin Holt Docaster East

IT WILL be a big celebration when Colin Holt’s “family” learn that he has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours list.... Read More

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

Doncaster East's Michael Bayliss wants to return to work after a suffering a workplace injury.

Michael Bayliss, 63, chipped a bone in his spine and shattered his ankle in a fall at his factory job.... Read More

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

Bob Slater has been connecting The Smith Family with local communities for 10 years.

Taking on a one-person community relations role in 2002, Mr Slater quickly turned it into a statewide operation of 30 volunteers, including local Voice, Interests and Education for Women club members.... Read More

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

Doncaster East Secondary College are amongst about 10,000 teachers striking statewide

Staff at Warrandyte High School and Doncaster East Secondary College are amongst about 10,000 teachers striking statewide as a response to the State Government’s rejection of a 30 per cent pay rise over three years for teachers and support staff and fewer teachers to be employed on contracts.... Read More

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

Councillor Jessica Villarreal quits 'toxic' environment

RESIDENTS in Manningham’s Koonung ward fear they will be under-represented, after councillor Jessica Villarreal quit the council blaming ‘‘toxic environment’’.... Read More

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

CVC Studios Doncaster East Camera Skills course starts next week

Would you like to find out how to make the most of your digital camera?
To learn about the rules of photography and how you can take great photos, then book now to start on June 12^th
Four Tuesday evenings and a group field trip
Limited numbers
Course run by professional photographer Des Pitfield in the CVC Studios.

CVC Studios can be found on the Doncaster East page www.JustLocal.com.au/3109.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au

Daniel Almaraz from 1st Doncaster East Cub Scouts

Daniel Almaraz from 1st Doncaster East Cub Scouts recently received the Grey Wolf Award - the highest award possible in Cub Scouts.... Read More

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

James Bishop on Dan Murphy's battle

James Bishop, who owns the Longevity Medical Clinic at Jackson Court shopping centre, wants politicians to hold Woolworths to account.... Read More

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

Random number plate scan leads to Box Hill drug bust

A 46-YEAR-OLD Doncaster East man has been charged with possessing and trafficking an alleged $40,000 worth of cannabis, cocaine and heroin.... Read More

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

Dan and Dani from The Block at Mitre 10 in Doncaster East (Doncaster Timber Hardware & Nursery)

Dan and Dani from the current series of The Block will be making a presence at the Mitre 10 on June 9^th from 12:30pm to 2:00pm.

Mitre 10 is located at 7-13 Andersons Creek Road, Doncaster East. The Doncaster East Mitre 10 appears to also be called Doncaster Timber Hardware & Nursery. Mitre 10 is located near the intersection of Blackburn Road and Andersons Creek Road in Doncaster East.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
If you need computer assistance call 0415 910 703.

Manningham Council faces car park court fight; ratepayers face bill

RATEPAYERS could be slugged with a legal bill of more than $700,000 if Manningham council fights court action by Woolworths over the development of a council-owned car park.... Read More

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

Doncaster East resident has pleaded not guilty to the stabbing murder of Mr Kelly

THE trial of a man accused of killing Donvale soccer identity John Kelly will continue in the Victorian Supreme Court today.... Read More

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

Talford St residents have submitted a case against Manningham Council's decision last month

Talford St residents have submitted a case against Manningham Council’s decision last month to approve a three-storey, 23-apartment building with a basement carpark.... Read More

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

Cherry Hill Tavern Hotel in Doncaster East, Victoria.

The other ALH assets offered at auction were the Westower Tavern in Ballina and The Macquarie Inn in Dubbo, both in NSW; the Club Tavern in Caboolture, QLD; and the Cherry Hill Tavern Hotel in Doncaster East, Victoria.... Read More

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

Hoons halted on Eastern Freeway

The Doncaster East man had his bike impounded for 30 days.... Read More

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

Doncaster East burglar charged

A HEIDELBERG West man has been charged over a spate of aggravated burglaries in Doncaster East.... Read More

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

Jean McCarthy celebrates turning 104 years old at Templestowe Orchards Retirement Village

JEAN McCarthy says she doesn’t feel any different since turning 104.... Read More

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

Megan Botha is making huge waves in the swimming world.

MEGAN Botha likes to win, and it shows. Her impressive collection of swimming medals is testament to the passion she displays in the pool.... Read More

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

Bronwyn Doran said she was in Grasmere Ave dropping her 15-year-old son off at East Doncaster Secondary College

AN ANGRY mother has hit out at Manningham Council over "paparazzi" parking officers snapping parents outside schools.... Read More

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

Doncaster Rail Study: Options divide community

I often think about the prospect of rail to Doncaster and often for me it doesn’t seem to make sense. One argument is we are the only municipality without a heavy rail line. Does that really matter? We have a line to Eltham to the North and a line to Box Hill to the South. I’m sure there are other areas around Melbourne that need to travel further to their rail line in a municipality that has one.

Where is the parking? Parking at existing stations is inadequate so are we to expect parking at new stations will magically be any better. Certainly paid parking at Shoppingtown would kill parking in that area for train travel and free parking would create a conflict with paid parking at Shoppingtown.

Interestingly I thought the comment was probably the best aspect of the article. The commenter suggested a light rail (tram) from Doncaster to Box Hill. That made me think about the Balwyn tram line and how it finishes in the middle of nowhere. On a Sunday to get from the end of the tram line to Shoppingtown can take hours between buses. That simply doesn’t make sense. That isn’t a public transport system that people will use.

Why not extend the Balwyn line to Shoppingtown and then to Box Hill to create a loop.

For me the missing element of public transport is a bus from The Pines in Doncaster East along Foote Street, Templestowe Road to Heidelberg Station. As it is now the delays caused by multiple buses means it isn’t a timely way to travel yet it would knock of a considerable amount of time having to go to Eltham first.

The biggest bottleneck is the bridge joining Bulleen and Heidelberg. If the Greensborough ring road was extended to East Link much of the traffic would be removed from that area making it much better for public transport. As it is now, buses are delayed with the heavy traffic.

What is really missing is for politicians to use public transport. If they did we’d have the best system in the world. As it is they make decisions on public transport they wouldn’t even use themselves. Force politicians to use public transport and we’d get some real world decisions being made.

Ultimately however JustLocal is about getting people to think about doing more locally. Do we really need a heavy rail system? If we put the same amount of thought and funding to create local jobs the need for heavy rail systems to the area and for much of the car traffic is reduced. Remember according to council figures only 15% of people regularly use public transport which means 85% don’t use public transport.

Next time you’re thinking about buying a product service think about buying local. Make sure you don’t get tricked by businesses outside the area with bigger advertising budgets. Use a local business. Buy locally if you can. Build a stronger local community and we’ll reduce our impact on the environment, save time and resources and heavy rail just won’t seem so important.

MANNINGHAM residents have failed to back any one of the three rail options proposed by the Doncaster Rail Study.... Read More

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

Former East Doncaster Secondary College student Peter Michalopoulos

Nunawading resident and former East Doncaster Secondary College student Peter Michalopoulos, 21, said he mocked up a winning ticket as a joke during Tuesday night’s $70 million Tattslotto Super 7’s Oz Lotto draw.... Read More

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

Pair on trial for multi-million post fraud

The crown also alleges Lane and Keefe were introduced to a licensee of an Australia Post branch in East Doncaster in mid-2007 and reached a similar agreement.... Read More

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

39-year-old Doncaster East man was also interviewed in relation to possession of a drug of dependence

A 39-year-old Doncaster East man was also interviewed in relation to possession of a drug of dependence and was released pending a summons.... Read More

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

Woolworths denies blocking competitor

''Woolworths would prefer not to go to court,'' said company spokesman Simon Berger. ''We made it very clear to [the] council we had absolutely no issue in principle with a supermarket at Jackson Court to the side or behind our store just not right outside our front door, as this would take away the car parking, access and exposure that is critical to the success of Dan Murphy's... Read More

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

Matt Wallace, 16, was Victorian finalist in the comedy festival's class clown competition

Matt Wallace, 16, of Doncaster East, was recently crowned runner-up in the 2012 Class Clowns National Grand Final.... Read More

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

Three-storey development at 51-53 Talford Street Doncaster East includes 23 flats and a basement carpark.

MANNINGHAM councillors have approved a Doncaster East apartment complex despite receiving 73 objections.... Read More

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

Broken Telstra pit

And finally, Robert says there's one in Saxonwood Drive, East Doncaster, on the corner of Blackburn Rd.... Read More

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

Thumbs up for 23 apartments in Talford Street Doncaster East site

MANNINGHAM City Council has approved the construction of 23 apartments near Doncaster East’s Tunstall Square Shopping Centre. ... Read More

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

Computers solutions in the MyAnswers database now available for purchase at a price you decide.

I like trying new approaches and enjoy seeing how people like or don’t like the approach. There is no right or wrong way to do things, just better ways. I always learn something when I try something new.

The MyAnswers database is a database of my notes on problems I’ve solved for clients and the solution to the problem. I use the solutions frequently myself and for assisting my clients. This saves myself and clients a lot of time and given time is money, that means a financial saving for clients.

I created the MyAnswers database so clients could request solutions to problems and use the DIY approach. If people can solve their own problems with a little assistance then why not. Clients can request solutions they are interested in from that MyAnswers database. If the solution doesn’t help them there is nothing to pay. If the solution solves their problem, I now let clients decide for themselves how much they wish to pay.

Check out the solutions at MyAnswers. There are a large range of solutions covering many aspects of IT, and some areas of interest to me. Because of my nature I often investigate things which interest me that aren’t IT related and I’m happy to share what I learn from those investigations as well.

You can find MyAnswers at www.MyAnswers.biz.  Please note the solutions are only available to clients. It is only because of the support of clients that the bills are paid each month. I hope and trust clients take advantage of the MyAnswers service to help them solve their problems themselves and in doing so, increase their knowledge, have some fun and at the same time, save some money.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

 

Google now tracking potentially 10-25% of Australians on the internet

The other day I was checking the statistics for a page on my site. I’m able to see what people searched for in Google and thus why they came to my site. I find this to be useful information. But lately I’ve noticed for the keyword a value of “(not provided)” started to appear, and more recently, on some pages this had become a considerable portion of the traffic.

I decided to investigate. Initially I didn’t know what may be causing the keywords used from not being provided. A bit of research indicated That recently Google decided to stop passing on keywords for searches on their overseas sites and more recently that was implement in Australia.

Knowing how and why people get to your site is quite important information and can assist you to make better decisions and where to direct your efforts. But if Google hides this information in effect, all you really know is they came from Google but you don’t know why.

Now what started to concern me even more, if what I read is correct, is the keyword is not provided if people are logged onto a Google service. The concern here for me, is Google is now able to identify and log an individual’s activity on the internet without them being really aware and I’m inadvertently assisting Google by using their services.

For example, most people will accept that if they perform a search that Google knows about the search. What may not cross their mind is, if they are logged onto a Google service, the searches can be associated and tracked to them. From what I see people don’t even realise they’re logged on to a Google service when they’re searching because they don’t make the connection with Google’s internet search and Google’s other services. I’d even suggest many people forget they are logged on. For example, many people use Gmail. They log on and then don’t log off so that when they open the Gmail site there are their emails ready for them to read. People at work are using the internet all day for work and during the day flip over to check their email.

In addition people are using other services such as YouTube and again remain logged on. Google have a range of services including their Android mobile phones, all potentially logging the activities of an individual without them realising it.

Even when you’re not thinking you’re using a Google service you may be. When you visit a site with advertising is that advertising provided by Google (as it is in many cases), are you being tracked. I’d guess you are. When you view a YouTube video, a Picassa photo, a page that has Google’s services embedded such as their analytics, are you being tracked? I’ve done searches on Google early in the day to visit a site later in the day, and found Google has remember what I searched for at the start of the day and provided ads later in the day based on the search I entered.

I was at a customer’s the other day and signed them up for hosting. When they went to a site with Google advertising that wasn’t related to hosting, there was a hosting ad in the middle of the page. Both the customer and myself was quite shocked to see the obvious tracking occurring, but had I not been there the customer would not have realised, as most people won’t realise.

The page that I originally noticed this keyword “not provided” message has today received 3,407 unique visitors. Of those 91.73% came from Australia and 12.24% produced keyword “not provided”, which from what I gather means they were logged onto a Google service at the time. In other words, 382 Australians were being individually tracked, or over a year that would be 4,000-5,000 people. That’s just from my site. What about the millions of other Australian sites.

Most of us don’t yet understand what is being done with our data or how it can, or even is affecting us. I don’t even know. As an example however, a while ago I searched for travel insurance and the usual ads appeared at the top of the page promoting super discounts and special offers. I decided to check them out. Most were around $700 or more for what I wanted. I then went and got a quote from the company I’ve previously used (I researched a number of companies a while ago) and ended up with insurance for around $450.

If Google knows what you’re doing and interested in, advertisers can use that to their advantage and present you with what looks like good offers, but in fact you end up paying more. The power of tracking you gives away your bargaining position. You’ve told the company already what you are interested in and since they know they have an interested buyer, you’ve lost your negotiating position and can easily pay more than you should or could. When you look at an advertisement in a newspaper they don’t know who you are and generally have to offer a much better proposal to you to get your interest.

The concern I have is Google is gathering too much information on us individually and not just as an anonymous pool of user statistics. How that information is used we aren’t fully made aware of. I’ll leave that to people’s creative imagination to come up with how they think their data could be being used both for good, and perhaps to their own disadvantage.

As an example I read about a leading GPS company overseas that uploaded data from people using the GPS unit. The authorities purchased the data and used the data to determine where people would speed and then they were able to book more people who were speeding. The people using the GPS units ended up potentially creating the situation where the fine they received only occurred because of the information they had themselves provided. Their own information from a service they were paying for had been used against them.

Whilst I can’t change the world, a change I will now make across the JustLocal site is to remove the Google Search facility. JustLocal has been designed to make it very easy to find a business in the local area. You don’t need to search. You just need to go to the postcode page and then click on the logo for the business you are interested in. Trying to find a local business in Google is often close to impossible. You’re more likely to get a list of directories than the business itself. JustLocal solves this problem by providing single click access to a local business advertising on JustLocal. In addition we don’t track what people do.

If you’re concerned about being tracked on the internet there are a couple of things you can do.

1. Make sure you log off any online service you are using when you finish. Don’t leave it logged on in the background.
2. Think about using Bing and Yahoo search as well as Google. If you split your searches evenly Google only sees a third of what you are doing.
3. Make sure you don’t have any toolbars from installed in your browser that may be tracking your searches.
4. Think about varying your use of browsers. Keep in mind Chrome is produced by Google and Firefox receives over 80% of their income as a result of searches using Google.
5. Install all three search engines in Internet Explorer. On my Fun With Search page (www.justlocal.com.au/clients/search-fun/) I provide links which enable you to easily install Yahoo, Bind and Google as search engines in Internet Explorer. You can then easily vary which search engine you use.
6. If you have an Android mobile phone or tablet it is very difficult not to use a Gmail account. It is possible. For a while I used the tablet without having any Google account. Only when I need to download an app would I re-enter the account and then delete it again after. You can use an email account that isn’t a Gmail account for your email. You can also log on to web based services from a Smartphone rather than use the built-in apps.

Right now over 90% of Australians search using Google. Giving a single company, no matter which company it is, access to all your online activities I don’t believe is the best idea.

As JustLocal grows and I have the resources available, I hope to remove the Google services I’m currently using and further reduce the ability for Google to track JustLocal users. This blog entry for example uses Google’s blogger. Sorry. I do this for business reasons and will be able to change once JustLocal’s momentum reaches a certain point. I look forward to that day.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au

Low cost web presence for small and micro businesses

I am often amazed at how much people pay just to have a web site. In fact I remember one company paying $500 dollars to have a domain registered. I asked the business owner what was his site address thinking this was quite a sum of money and would like to check out his site. He said he didn’t have a site, this was just the registration of the domain name.

It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to get your business started on the internet. With a small amount of knowledge it needn’t cost your anything, but I suggest spending an appropriate amount where the business has a single page site and the domain name reflects their business name or service. A one page site will enable the business to have an internet presence they are in control of, will enable their customers to find them on the internet and provide important contact and product or service information.

My approach is different to most web designers. As a computer consultant I charge for my time so my approach is to assist clients with my knowledge and empower them by setting them up so they are in control. Most web designers will set clients up using their facilities (most likely reselling larger companies services) and the designer retains control. I set clients up so they are the owner of the domain and in control of the hosting. Since most people don’t know how to create a web page I create the page for them, but they are free to use anyone, even a family member to create the page, or modify the page I create for them. The small business owner is not tied to me in any way.

The latest site I set up is Herding Dog Training (www.HerdingDogTraining.com). The cost or registering the domain was $12 for two years (discounted from $9 per year). I assisted the client to set up their hosting service which is where they’ll host their web page so the page can be found by others on the internet. I have a hosting company I suggest for reasons which provide future opportunities for the client, but the client is free to use their own preferred hosting company if they know one. The cost for hosting is around $10 a month which they pay directly to the company each month.

What I do is act as a facilitator. The time involved to register the domain and set up the hosting is around an hour.

Most people can’t create their own web page, so I’m happy to create the web page for their site. Once created however they are free to change it and update it if they wish to learn the skills, or know someone who already has the skills. The cost of creating the page can vary from one to two hours, but the approach I use is to have the client create a web page using a product they know such as Microsoft Word. There can be a lot of time involved in designing even a simple page, so if people design the layout themselves, that is a lot of time and thus money that can be saved. I then take the design they’ve created in Word and recreate the document as a web page. The software I use is reasonably priced commercial software and can be purchased by the client to maintain their own page if they want. Converting a page usually takes around an hour to an hour and a half.

An additional benefit to the client is the time from when they provide the material to the time the site goes live, which can be a matter of only days. One client provided their material on Tuesday morning, the web page was provided for review on Wednesday and changes were made. We organised a meeting for the Friday to set up the hosting (they already owned a domain), I then did the rest and they were live Friday afternoon. Their site appeared in Google in the first position when searching on their business name on Saturday night. I use some techniques which enables Google to quickly find sites and with some luck, usually provides the client with a very good position in Google. I say luck, but whilst the technique consistently works, I cannot control what Google may or may not do. As part of creating the page I also perform basic search engine optimisation (SEO) as part of the service, something others may charge hundreds of dollars for.

So in summary, if you’re thinking about a site to start your presence on the internet keep in mind it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can purchase an Australian domain for around $24 for two years and hosting for around $10 a month or less. If you don’t have the skills to set things up and don’t want to take the time to learn what you’d need to learn from the information provided on sites, a consultant like myself can assist you. I suggest to allow around an hour for registering the domain and setting up the hosting. If you need a page created and can create a document (most people are able to use Word to create a printed document they’d be happy to hand out to advertise their business) then you can have a web page created in one to two hours. You also don’t have to wait weeks or months as a site can be live within a matter of days. Keep in mind it also isn’t just about having a site. My approach often provides a strong presence on the internet, so make sure whoever you use can also give you a strong presence for your site to get you started without additional SEO costs.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Helping small and micro businesses get started on the internet.