Check out a variety of different Web sites, providing services and ministries for Christian Internet users.

Editorial

by Steve Hewitt

The response from our readers from last month’s rant on spam was very interesting. Most “got it” and sent e-mails expressing their similar frustrations at sending legitimate broadcast emails to their memberships or supporters (see some of the responses in this month’s Letters-to-the-Editor). Most of the responses were from people who were on the sending end of broadcast emails. However, I also heard from a significant amount of readers who receive spam and were appreciative of the article because they have a better understanding of the problem. I even received a few e-mails from people that admitted that they had reported e-mails by accident because they clicked on the wrong button when using AOL or Yahoo.

Internet Ministry

by Walt Wilson

Google is all we can think about these days in Silicon Valley. It is the topic of conversation at every water cooler and in every Starbucks. The answer to every question? Google it. Google has validated our native belief in this Valley that technology can change the culture and make a lot of people rich in the process. Those are two simple facts.

• Consistent Computer Bargains, Inc. Adds Apple Special Pricing Program
• Relationships.com delivers a fresh new look and added features for Christian singles
• Online Giving And Event Registration Tools Give Churches Ability To Reduce Administration, Increase Fundraising

Music & Multimedia

by Terry Wilhite

Are the people who are listening to you learning? Learning is directly dependent upon the listener taking an active role in the message. Since participation is the key to comprehension, I want to share some insight with you regarding where our culture is going with interaction, what this means for us in ministry, and finally some ideas and resources we can use to engage our listeners during a sermon or Sunday School class, that is, if you want your message to click and to stick.

Tech Talk

by J.D. "Doc" Watson

Several years ago, I offered a five-part series on how to use the Windows Registry, but a lot has changed since then, both in Windows and in CCMag readership. I thought it time, therefore, to take a look at this subject again. The Registry is in reality a database that is organized in a tree format (Fig. 1) and stores most of the configuration information for your computer in two files: SYSTEM.DAT and USER.DAT. In this series, we’ll explain the sections the Registry contains, how to back it up in case we mess something up during editing, and offer many ways to tweak your system by editing the Registry.

Ministry Communications

by Yvon Prehn

Recently, a friend who attends a large and growing church asked me about hiring a communications person at their church. Should they hire a professional designer specifically to do ministry communications? Should they use a professional volunteer or keep communication creation as part of a staff position? Hiring a communications person for a church is a unique process and to do it well requires an understanding of the requirements detailed in this article.

Information Security

by G. Will Milor

As I was reading the security trade deluge that overflows my inbox on a daily basis, I came across a news item about Microsoft “admitting” that re- imaging a machine after a malware attack might be better than cleaning. This revelation wasn’t from an official Microsoft press release, it was an opinion given at the Infosec World conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida by Mike Danseglio, program manager in the Security Solutions group at Microsoft. I was fascinated that each article said “Microsoft admits” or “Microsoft says” as if to convey the message that they’re finally admitting there’s no hope if you get hit by whatever is out there. I think that’s a stretch. I don’t necessarily disagree with Mr. Danseglio’s opinion, but the statement started me thinking that maybe this is a good time to talk about imaging and alternatives to cleaning.

Higher Power With Kevin

by Kevin A. Purcell

Podcasting is all the rage! In fact, the most feedback I have received on an article in CCMag was from the article in February with the description of how to record your Podcast. This month we will look at how to push your Podcast to the masses. Ministries have an opportunity to get involved in a media revolution while it is getting started. Churches and other Christian ministries are doing a good job in this area. Community Bible Church in Pierre SD (www.cbcpierre.org) is one such church.

Nick at Church

by Nick Nicholaou

Every now and then a new technology takes hold that has tremendous impact for ministries. RSS— Really Simple Syndication— is one of those technologies. RSS is a communication distribution technology that pushes content to those who want it. It’s very easy to use— hence the definition of Really Simple Syndication.