October Wednesday Workshops at 9 am PT

Posted on 2021-10-09 by George Bowden

October 13: Complete Robocall Defense, John Krout
October 20: Learning Linux with Orv Beach and John Kennedy
October 27 :Windows 11 Presentation & Demo, Tom Burt

10/13 – Complete Robocall Defense, John Krout, Presenter & Newsletter Contributor, Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society
Register Here https://forms.gle/ppnY9ooVVL3hFtqD9
Registration closes at 8:30 pm on October 12.This presentation will show you:
  • How to prevent your smartphone from ringing when someone outside of your Contacts list calls.
  • How to create and install a custom voicemail greeting that includes the Special Information Tones (SIT) to convince robocaller systems that your number is not in service.
  • How to use the free Audacity app to create a custom voicemail greeting, including the SIT recording posted online by the presenter.
  • How a free app for Android enables the installation of a custom voicemail greeting via Wi-Fi.
  • Learn how simple cables allow iPhone users to install a custom voicemail greeting.

In 2019, John’s smartphone received about 25 robocalls per week and recorded nearly ten robocall voicemails per week. He applied deterrence techniques to his phone in mid-2020. Using the custom voicemail greeting technique, as of April 2021, the presenter’s smartphone now receives an average of 2 robocalls per week and no robocall voicemails.

10/20 – Learning Linux with Orv Beach and John Kennedy, Linux Evangelists
Register Here    https://forms.gle/FGgzQNDLiHpgEpCF9
Registration closes at 8:30 pm on October 19.

Join us this month as Orv will start things off by reminding us “Why Linux is So Secure.” He’ll follow that review presentation with information about vi/vim, nano, ne, and tilde? Say what? He’ll tell us what they are, why we would use them, and how to use them.

Then John will tell us about another feature of Linux in a presentation entitled “User Groups in Linux: Another Layer of Protection and Security.”  Following that, he will be sharing with us “Workspaces and Virtual Desktops.” What are they and the benefits of using them? And how do you set them up and use them efficiently?

And maybe, if there’s time, a few keyboard shortcuts to head you down the road to becoming a “power user” (this is for beginners as well as experienced users). We’ll also look at how you can create custom keyboard shortcuts that add to what’s available in your Linux distro. Finally, of course, we’ll have time for Q&A and some lively conversation.

10/27 – Windows 11 presentation & demo with Tom Burt, Vice President, Sun City Summerlin Computer Club, Nevada 
Register Here   https://forms.gle/YGn4qCfGaTXg67eK9
Registration closes at 8:30 pm on October 26.

Tom will give us a tour of Windows 11 with what’s new, what’s changed, and more. If your computer is Win 11 ready, you have a notice in Settings>Update & Security letting you know if your computer is ready for the download, mine is but….

We will need to decide if we want to upgrade or keep Windows 10 for a while longer, try Linux, or even WindowsFX, or there might be a Chromebook in our future.

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Presentation Wed. Oct 5th 9:30am: Is Cyber Security Really Important?

Posted on 2021-10-02 by George Bowden
Norbert “Bob” Gostischa

Norbert “Bob” Gostischa

Paying attention to Cyber Security is more important today than it has ever been. COVID-19 has exposed many more vulnerabilities than in prior years. More of us are now working from home, many children are learning from home, and many of us have added more IoT devices to make our lives easier. These devices present their own dangers which need to be addressed. 

This presentation points out the dangers and offers suggestions that will aid in keeping you secure. Using the right programs and apps can help keep you safe and secure as well as reduce your privacy exposure. Using free programs and apps whenever possible to accomplish this goal is an added bonus and this presentation includes information on many recommended free programs. Join presenter Bob Gostischa as he guides you towards secure Cyber Security practices. 

About the Presenter:

Norbert “Bob” Gostischa, after a successful career in banking, enjoys his retirement as an enthusiastic IT security expert, most notably for Avast; the creator of Avast Antivirus software.  The Avast website has a discussion and help forum where Bob has been helping with security-related and general computer issues since 2004. He has contributed over 44,000 forum interactions.

Avast Antivirus is currently the most used antivirus software in the world. 

Avast has been making security software for over 30 years and has more than 435 million users worldwide.     You can learn a little more about Bob’s presentations in his Blog

 

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September Wednesday Workshops.

Posted on 2021-09-18 by George Bowden

September 22
Encryption Software & Safety for Seniors
These workshops start at 10am PT, 
Click here to Register  https://forms.gle/NHSTLqCSuJhd7Xsh6
Registration closes on 9/21/21 at 8:30 ET

Encryption Software, Mark Schulman. Losing a laptop or flash drive might mean you’re out some money, but it doesn’t have to mean that your private data leaks out into the world. Learn how to use encryption software to protect your private data on a PC, laptop, external hard drive, or USB flash drive.

Safety for Seniors, Lieutenant Kim Lopez, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma. This presentation is for senior adults who may not be able to protect themselves, yet it is applicable for all ages as violent crime occurs every 24.6 seconds. Attendees will learn why they should have a plan, what plan they should have and the tools to carry out that plan; how to avoid becoming a financial victim; the most common human response to violent crime; and it will answer questions like: which purse to carry, which purse NOT TO EVER CARRY, how men should carry wallets and why parking lots are so dangerous. Participants will leave knowing which method is the safest and why you should always get a shopping cart and never push it through the checkout line!

September 29

VirtualBox and Custom Linux Installation
9am PT

Click here to Register  https://forms.gle/gkkZmYWsKK9RnKSf7
Registration closes at 9/28/21 at 8:30 pm ET

VirtualBox and a Custom Linux Installation with John Kennedy. At past Learning Linux workshops, we talked about using VirtualBox to test out Linux.  But VirtualBox can also have other uses. We will talk about getting, installing (on both Windows – since most new users will be using Windows to test Linux, and Linux), and then using VirtualBox to create a “virtual machine” (actual operating systems that aren’t really there).

Then we will use VirtualBox to do a custom install of Linux Mint-MATE (John’s choice). A good while back we did a standard install and let the installation program handle everything.  This time we’ll show you what options you have when you do a Linux install customized for what you want to be able to do.

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APCUG 2021 contests Sept 6th to 30th.

Posted on 2021-09-10 by George Bowden

APCUG is pleased to announce its 2021 Contest categories: eBulletin, Digital Photography, Newsletter, and Website. The winners will be announced at the Annual Meeting following the November 6 Virtual Technology Conference.
**Contests are only open to APCUG-member groups**

 

For further info, see https://mailchi.mp/e383601609bd/apcug-last-minute-reminder-winter-2021-vtc-13424467?e=74bef65f8f

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In-person meeting requirements

Posted on 2021-08-28 by George Bowden

Silver Threads is slowly re-opening so the Computer Club finally have some in-person meetings, with big changes, so please read carefully.

In-person one-on-one Help and in-person Social is on Friday mornings from 9:30 to 12:15. Help will be limited to 45 minutes per person, so will be limited to advice, tips, and short fixes.  Time constraints do not allow migrating to a new computer, or version upgrades.

In-person Classes are on Tuesday mornings 9:30 to 11:30 
Because of distancing requirements, classes will be limited to 9 attendees.  Bring your own fully charged mobile device / laptop.
Virtual meetings via Zoom, and on-line help via Windows Quick Assist and phone will continue to be offered to those emailing help@victoriaComputerClub.org.  See the events below and our complete website calendar.

Pre-Registration, Fees, Masks and Vaccinations for in-person attendees
All attendees will need to wear masks and show proof of full vaccination when asked by the volunteer or client. You must pre-register at least 2 days in advance of attending, using on-line forms  for classes and  for one-on-one help.  With only 9 seats available each day, we must ask members to attend in-person just once a month to begin with.  All attendees must check in at the front desk, to pay $2 for Silver Threads members or $5 for non Silver Threads members, except for the AGM on Feb 15th. Only Social attendees will not need to pay.

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APCUG Summer Tech Conference Sat. Aug 21

Posted on 2021-08-09 by George Bowden

August 21, 2021
Register here    https://forms.gle/Q9g1FaccjpjwNKE46
Registration closes at 11:30 ET on August 20.

SESSION 1
9:00 am PT, 10:00 am MT, 11:00 am CT, 12:00 pm ET

TRACK 1

Introduction to Geocaching
John Krout, Presenter & Newsletter Contributor, Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society

Learn how geocaching has become a worldwide outdoor game, the first such game based on computers and the Web. See a few of the most interesting caches found by the presenter in 45 U.S. states. Learn how to get started in your own area and how to create an anonymous account on geocaching.com.

TRACK 2

Making Your Own Travel Maps with Google Maps
Chris and Jim Guld, Geeks on Tour

There are many mapping programs; Chris and Jim use Google Maps and this presentation will show you how easy it is to put a map together before you travel.

SESSION 2
10:00 am PT, 11:00 am MT, 12:00 pm CT, 1:00 pm ETTrack 1

Genealogy Road Trip: It’s All About the Prep Work
Sue Mueller, Genealogy SIG Organizer, Computer Users of Erie
How to research where your family members are buried and what you should know before you go. What you should take with you to record the information you find in cemeteries. Make your list and check it twice! Social Media (Facebook) is your friend–the benefits of personal contacts before you travel.

Track 2

Computers during the early U.S. space program
Mark Schulman, Member, Central Florida Computer Society, an author, speaker, web designer, software designer, and technology enthusiast
Did the spacecraft have computers? What were their goals? How did we accomplish the goals and land on the moon? Mark will answer these questions and more during his presentation.

SESSION 3
11:00 am PT, 12:00 pm MT, 1:00 pm CT, 2:00 pm ETTrack 1

Make your vacation photos look better with GIMP
Art Gresham, Editor, Under the Computer Hood User Group

Were you taking the picture and would like to be in the group photo? Easy to do with GIMP. Art will demo this and more during this presentation.

Track 2

The State of Electric Vehicles
Michael Young – Electric Vehicle Professional

Electric vehicles are one of the hottest technology sectors in the past few years. Companies like Tesla, Nio, and Rivian are leading the charge in this space. In addition to many of the traditional automotive manufactures are selling or soon will be selling electric vehicles. This presentation will provide a summary of the latest information about the technology of the various electric vehicles that are on the market and what will be coming along in the near future.

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APCUG Wednesdays at 9am

Posted on 2021-08-07 by George Bowden

August 11 – It’s all about Cars!
August 25 – Review and New with the Linux Team

August 11 – Register here    https://forms.gle/6iqD7gBZQofyXD7b8
Registration closes at 11:30 ET on August 10.

Music in the Car with Ray Baxter, President, Payson Computer Meet-Up Club
Remember when it was so “cool” to have a push-button AM radio in the car? This presentation will review how to utilize your existing Compact Disc collection, now that many new cars no longer have a CD player, by streaming from an online service, using Bluetooth, flash drives, smartphones, etc.

Automotive Diagnostics and Blue Driver with John Krout, Presenter & Newsletter Contributor, Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society
Learn how the commercial Blue Driver car interface, and the free Blue Driver app, enable you to read and maybe even understand the English-language descriptions of trouble codes recorded in your car’s internal network. All vehicles sold new in the U.S. since 1996 are required to include the standard interface to which the Blue Driver Bluetooth interface connects. Learn the difference between transient codes and permanent codes. Keep your car maintenance vendor honest by ensuring they focus on what is necessary according to your car.

August 25 – Register here    https://forms.gle/PqYwtFiCkh3CVD548
Registration closes at 11:30 ET on August 24.

Review and New with the Linux Team
This is a separate workshop not in the Learning Linux series and has a unique registration link. It is only for those new to Linux or interested in learning about Linux. And those attending our series who need to clarify and review some of what we have talked about.

The primary focus will be an open mic Q&A session where beginners can ask those questions they felt they couldn’t ask before. This will be the time for you to get the answers you need to some of those burning questions like: “What did you mean by .…?” or “Will you repeat ..…?” or “Show me again … ?” or “I still don’t understand ….?” or “How do you …?” or “Can you explain ……. in a different way?”

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July APCUG Zoom meetings

Posted on 2021-07-10 by George Bowden

July 14 – Evernote Basics for 2021 & OneNote
July 21 – Linux #10
July 28 – Email 101 & ProtonMail

9am -11am each Wednesday morning.  Register on the day before using the links below.

7/14 – Evernote & OneNote registration closes at 11:30 pm (ET) on July 13.
https://forms.gle/RwVcdskywdacd6vL7Evernote Basics for 2021 with Hewie Poplock, Central Florida Computer Society
Evernote gives you everything you need to keep life organized—great notetaking, project planning, and easy ways to find what you need when you need it. You can capture anything by adding more than text to your notes, including photos, files, and to-do lists. You can keep it together by creating a personal space for all your most important ideas and information. You can find it fast and get the right note right away with powerful search and keyword tags. You can sync your notes to all your devices, so they stay with you, even if you are offline. Hewie has used Evernote since 2008 and has almost 17,000 notes. He talks about the differences in the Free and Premium plans and demonstrates Evernote’s search speed and accuracy. If you use Evernote, he will show you some of the differences between version 6 and version 10.

OneNote with Mark Schulman, Central Florida Computer Society
This presentation provides a brief overview of Microsoft OneNote and how people can organize the flood of information we all have to deal with. Topics include How information is organized in OneNote, creating Notebooks, editing information, including graphs, tables, audio, video, and drawings, sharing information with others, including real-time collaboration, where to get OneNote, add-ins, and searching.

7/21/21 – Linux #10 registration closes at 11:30 pm (ET) on July 20.
https://forms.gle/i62MmV2THE9191Kq6Linux – Gnome Desktop Environment and more with the Linux Team
John Kennedy, Orv Beach, and Cal Esneault, Cajun Clickers Computer Club
The 10th edition of the Learning Linux Wednesday Workshop will include “the Gnome Desktop Environment, reviewing what is featured in the Gnome 3 version – to the new generation of totally redesigned Gnome 40; digging deeper into the sharing of files in the Linux network with the use of SSH; and Partitioning of internal/external drives along with discussing the custom installation of Linux.”  And we may even address some other items.

7/28/21 – Email 101 and ProtonMail registration closes at 11:30 pm (ET) on July 27.
https://forms.gle/r5rZeDigmMVD8W167

Email 101 with Dale Harrington, MICRO-PC
Let’s talk about email. Is it dying? All about it! How to use it effectively

ProtonMail by John Kennedy
John will tell us about how we can ensure our emails stay private with end-to-end encryption and they are stored on ProtonMail servers in an encrypted format. So not even ProtonMail can read our emails. It is a 100% free community, open-source service hosted in Switzerland that has the world’s strongest privacy laws.

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Silver Threads Zoom Sessions

Posted on 2021-06-13 by George Bowden

Brain Games Class – Virtual

Join Amaiah via your computer, IPad or tablet to challenge your brain with word games, puzzles, local trivia and fun topics to spark conversations and anecdotes.  Connect with us from the comfort of your home through the user-friendly Zoom platform.  Call 250-388-4268 for more information.

Date: Thursday June 10th to July 8th (4 weeks – no class July 1st)

Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm

Location: On-Line via ZOOM

Cost: $16 Silver Threads members/$24 Silver Threads non-members

We also have space in our “in person” Brain Games for those who wish to connect in a small group.  Take place at the Victoria Centre at 1911 Quadra

Brain Games Class – In Person

Join Amaiah and a small group to challenge your brain with word games, puzzles, local trivia and fun topics to spark conversations and anecdotes.  Call 250-388-4268 for more information.

Date: Mondays June 7th to June 28th (4 weeks); Can join in anytime!

Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm

Location: 1911 Quadra Street

Cost: $16 Silver Threads members/$24 Silver Threads non-members

Zoom Travel Series

The ever popular travel series is back! From the comfort of your own home, Zoom in and join our talented and well-travelled speakers as they share stories, facts, and stunning images from their past travels abroad. The series will be hosted online once monthly.   The “trip” in June will be Amazing Africa hosted by Cliff & Diana Cunningham.

Date: Friday June 25th

Time: 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Cost: $2 Silver Threads members/$5 Silver Threads non-members

(for convenience, you may purchase a punch card for multiple travel series events!)

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Registering for these APCUG June workshops

Posted on 2021-06-13 by George Bowden

9 am Pacific Time

June 16 – Learning Linux #9
June 23 – Roundtable – In-person, hybrid, online meetings
June 30 – Robots for Seniors and My 3D Printing
6/16/21 – Linux registration closes at 11:30 pm (PT) on June 15.
https://forms.gle/Bk4DaqtLJmjqaen26Learning Linux #9 – Orv and John, Linux Evangelists, respond to your comments and suggestions from the Linux #8 workshop.

We received a lot of good suggestions at the last workshop. Today, we will respond to those questions and let you know what we are going to do to answer them. We will talk about:

  • being honest about our limitations and Linux on a Chromebook
  • more command line tools that do things easier for you
  • running multiple versions of Linux on a single USB/thumb drive
  • using a Raspberry Pi as your desktop replacement, NAS (network attached storage) and some possible software alternatives, maybe talk about running Windows programs in/on Linux
  • release cycles for Linux, reviewing use of live media, and where to find previous recordings.

Join us for a lot of information about Linux and then we will have some time for more questions in the open mic portion.

6/23/21 – Roundtable registration closes at 11:30 pm (PT) on June 22. https://forms.gle/LiCbarmbhUaBsrd6ARoundtable – Now that in-person meetings are possible…
Let’s get together and talk about the plans we have for our groups as our areas open up to in-person meetings and if/how APCUG can help.

  • All in person
  • Hybrid – Zoom (online) + in person
  • All Zoom (online)
  • How will you be handling your classes, SIGs, Forums, etc.
The main problem seems to be those on Zoom not being able to hear what is going on in the in-person meeting and interaction between the two groups of people. Please let us know if you have found a solution.
  • What equipment is needed and how much everything costs?
  • What are you doing with the equipment you used in your meeting room?
  • Have you created a survey for member input? If so, please send Judy a copy to share with the other groups.
By sharing, everyone should get helpful ideas for their group.
6/30/21 – Robots for Seniors & My 3D Printer registration closes at 11:30 pm (PT) on June 29.
https://forms.gle/e8FT6UopKfT6AWdJ9Robots for Seniors, George Bowden, Vice President/Webmaster, Victoria Computer Club, and Andrea Slane, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Programs-Legal Studies, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Ontario

From intelligent audio to humanoid robots.

My 3D Printer, Larry Fortna, President, Lakes At Leesburg Computer and Technology Club

There are numerous 3D printing capabilities from FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) to SLA (Stereolithography), ranging from a couple hundred dollars upward to thousands. Larry is not going to explain how all of them work, just his setup, which he has been using for over six years now.

Larry will cover the tools he uses to design a 3D object for printing, the software he prefers to use to process the 3D objects into gcode (the 3D printer’s language), and the
software he uses to make 3D printed objects. He will talk about the filaments available, their pros and cons, and ways to improve the look of the finished product, the build plate, calibration, and maintenance of your machine, as well as some homemade tools he uses.

Larry is constantly finding uses for his 3D printer. He doesn’t know how he would get along without one now. So, join Larry to learn why and how you, too, should have a 3D printer.

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