If you're not using Windows, I can't help you

I know that statement has the potential to annoy 15% of you. (Roughly 15% of the visitors to the St. Luke's web site are using something other than Windows.) Believe me, I do not mean to offend you. I am trying to be honest here. You see, in my day job, I am fortunate enough to be able to work on the latest computer technology. I help define what our software products need to do to help identify and solve computer problems. Most all of my work is in Windows (with a bit of Linux and DOS thrown in) because this is where our customers are focused.

What this means is that I have a Windows-worldview. I don't even have an iPhone, it's just a simple Samsung phone (that makes and receives calls just fine, thank you very much). In the interest of full disclosure, our household does have at least one iPod. However, we universally dislike iTunes.

So anyway, in this blog I will be discussing important computing topics like:

• The need to keep your computer up-to-date (for free!)
• Backing up your files--because that hard drive will fail some day
• Protecting yourself online
• Detecting and removing viruses and malware
• Wireless networking
• Social networking (Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Parental controls

The discussions will be from a Windows perspective. Non-Windows readers will need to translate as appropriate. Now you may have all these topics figured out. Or maybe you have used your favorite search engine to solve a problem only to discover millions of opinions on the subject. Maybe you are not sure where to go for answers. Either way, let me know.

Speaking of Windows, you may have heard that Microsoft Windows 7 is slated for release October 22. I have been using it for some time and I think it is great. If you like Vista, you will love Windows 7. If you've heard (or had) horror stories related to Vista, I predict you will be very pleased with Windows 7. Some have described it as, "What Windows Vsita should have been" and I have to agree. Sure, some things are different but they make sense. I will go into more detail next time. The Elder Webmaster is here for you.

What's in a Name? Part 2

Let's face it. "Elder Webmaster" is a bit of an oxymoron. Webmasters aren't elderly. They're young, hip (they still use hip, don't they?), eco-enabled, social commentators who would rather txt or tweet than talk to someone 3 feet away. Talking is so 20th century.

Maybe I should have come up with a different name. But I was under pressure and this sounded good at the time. Looking back on it, I still like the name. It has, I hope, stickiness. It gives me some freedom to talk about things religious and things technology. Sometime both at the same time.

This month, it may interest you to know that 75% of visitors to our church's web site (http://www.stlukesreno.com/) are running Microsoft Windows. I haven't seen any visitors running Windows 7 yet but then, it won't be released to the public until October 22. Nearly 15% are using MAC OS, and 4% are using an iPhone.

Did you catch, that? I managed to seamlessly weave both religion AND technology in the same sentences! Now I'm not planning on discussing the web server logs in detail since most people are just not that interested. I am planning on starting with the basics, helping you to feel more confident in your computing. I will also point out some great resources as I run across them. Is there something you want to know more about? If so, drop me a note and I will do my best to answer.

One last thing. In some church circles, the term "webmaster" sends the wrong message. Some feel the term "webservant" is a more accurate description of the role carried out by the person responsible for a church's web site. I'm not one of those. I have used the term "webmaster" for more than a dozen years. It's a hard habit to break. Besides, it sort of gives me the illusion of power. Kind of like when I finally get the satellite dish remote control yet there is nothing on any of the 147 channels.

The Elder Webmaster. Religion and Technology. See, Lutherans can be hip (they still use hip, don't they?).

What's in a Name?

I'll admit. I still struggle with the idea that someone considers me old enough to be an Elder. Growing up, I always envisioned Elders as, well, old guys with grey beards, wearing robes, and issuing sage advice. Charlton Heston in the Ten Commandments was an Elder's Elder. Looking in the mirror, I'm not that kind of Elder. Not even close.

In Titus 1:6-9, the Apostle Paul lays out a pretty good definition of what an Elder is to be. That definition, when applied to me results in a bit of good news and bad news. Let's start with the bad news. To be honest, it's bad. Really bad. I look at Paul's list of qualifications and I don't measure up: I sometimes have a quick temper, I'm not always self-controlled, hospitable, or disciplined. That's just for starters. What was the leadership at St Luke thinking? Did anyone even read Titus before giving me the nod? For that matter, what was God thinking?

OK. Let's step back and look for some good news. First, Paul doesn't mention anything about personal grooming standards or a dress code. Check. I'm the husband of one wife and my children are believers. Check and check. I hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught so I can give instruction in sound doctrine. Now we're talking! On a related note, Sunday morning Adult Bible Study starts September 20th, 2009.

But the really good news is the Good News. I can never be good enough on my own to be an Elder. No one can. The definition Paul presented in Titus is not his own. It is is God's. God demands perfection. But, since we are incapable of perfection due to our sinful natures, He sent Perfection to us in the form of His Son Jesus. Because Jesus died on the cross, I am saved.

I am a sinner still. But, I am also a saint. I can be an Elder, too. Even if I don't feel old enough.