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APCUG Reports
July-September 2006

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Region 3
(OH, PA, WV)
by Bob Kwater, Advisor
bkwater@apcug.net

Northeast Ohio
PC Club
Cleveland, Ohio
www.noepc.org

The Ladies Special Interest Group is a user group for women, whether members of NEOPC or not. The intent of this SIG is to help each other learn to use computers and software more effectively and explore practical uses of the computer. The SIG meets in the Library’s computer room which has 12 computers for hands-on use, and also a Smart Board where the group leader can demonstrate examples of discussion points as needed. If more than 12 people attend, they share computers with one another. A beginner may be paired up with a more experienced person, which proves valuable to both.

This is an opportunity for all women to get together to discuss computer and software subjects. The meeting is in a non-technical setting and the group is very informal and friendly. All skill levels are invited and no reservations are necessary.

FUNdamentals Special Interest Group (FUN SIG)

The inception of the FUN SIG was basically a novice’s time to ask questions during a portion of the monthly general meeting. Most novices and gurus alike appreciated the concept but were disappointed to be missing out on some presentations that were interesting and informative. Thus began the “Beginners SIG” on an evening separate from the general meeting.

As time passed, those leading the SIG noticed that not only beginners were attending, but knowledgeable users who were looking for some not so basic answers. The group then morphed into the “Fundamentals SIG”, a presentation format that allowed the audience to ask questions regarding the specific topic being presented. The last change and the current format has returned more to the roots of this group in that it’s informal, anyone may attend, and any question or topic will be discussed. On the chance that a question or topic is not thought of until after the meeting or possibly between meetings the NEOPC “Messenger” or “Message Board” is available for all who have a question, problem, or comment. There are currently two meetings a month for the FUN SIG.

Exton PC Council
West Chester, PA
www.extonpccouncil.org

EPCC’s popular Christmas 4 Corners meeting was featured in July as Christmas in July – 4 Corners. This meeting is presented by EPCC members and is an open house featuring concurrent demonstrations and exhibitions of Digital Imaging, Microsoft Office, Gadgets and Hardware, LINUX and Downloadable Freeware. Attendees were invited to see the talents of the EPCC members and benefit from their depth of knowledge. What a great way to recruit new members.They also served refreshments!

Background on the Microsoft Office 2007 corner:

They had two laptop computers running Microsoft Office 2007. One ran demos from Microsoft’s Office Web page. The other was available to field specific questions. While they attempted to answer questions on previous versions, attendees were asked to bring a laptop with the version in question. If they couldn’t answer the question, they showed attendees how to sign in to Yahoo Groups at EPCC to post their questions. While anyone can read messages there, you do need to be a member to post questions.

What a great way to recruit new members.

Akron Area Computer User’s Group
Akron, Ohio
www.acorn.net/aacug/

The AACUG annual picnic was held in August and each member who attended won a prize. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes were gift certificates to Comp USA, Staples, or Office Max with $50 being the main prize followed by 2nd and 3rd prizes of $25 each. In addition attendees could win one of the following:

Hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, condiments and coffee were provided by the club. Members were asked to bring folding chairs and games; i.e., horseshoes, bocce ball, etc. and a covered dish to share and their own beverages and table service.