George invites you to plug in your own user group name below...
Computer User Groups
The Untapped Resource
by George M Engel
Help, my (fill in the blank) doesn’t work! Where do I go for help? Where do I buy
(fill in the blank)? Everyday questions for todays untapped resource, the local/area
computer User Group for your computer system. Luckily, you’re in the middle of a
great area for User Groups. The Macintosh group has been around for 17 years and
is over 600 members strong. The DOS/PC group just went over 1,000 members. That’s
a lot of untapped talent, folks.
Fortunately, there is no national registry of computer owners, but who knows, the
best in the state may live just around the corner from you and you’ll never know
it.
What is a Computer User Group? What do they do?
I’ve been involved with Computer User Groups in many states since 1977 and can speak
with some expertise on the subject. Your User Groups in this area are here to empower
and enrich you, the end-user, with knowledge -- cheaply and efficiently, leaving
you with a desire to come back for more. Where else can you learn about your hardware
for free? Do you want to see the latest demonstrations of software by Microsoft,
Claris or Adobe? We’ve had them all here at one time and they’re coming back. Questions
on your software operation? We have ‘Help-Lines’ with members available on most software.
What do we get out of it? Satisfaction in helping people. Believe it or not, that’s
it. There’s no self-serving reason other than that.
Most of the members are in businesses that utililize todays high-tech computers,
but they have smaller systems at home. They understand your problems, having been
there themselves. Learn from their experience. Tap this great resource.
There are so many questions that remain unanswered by most people. When do you add
RAM? Do you know when to add a larger Hard Drive? Can you sell your older computer
and upgrade to a newer one? How? Unknown to most people, Apple Computer has special
deals for computer User Group ‘members-only’ with a purchase program direct from
California. You can save lots of money. Our members do it almost every day. The Upstate
Apple User Group is now the largest ‘Apple purchasing program’ User Group in the
country, believe it or not. Maybe the DOS group has a similar program. There are
many reasons to join your local group. How about access to the Internet; cheap dues;
Help-Lines; access to major vendors; software and hardware demos; monthly major meetings
with color projector systems (no huddling around a little screen); Special Interest
Groups, and much more. All for a cost of about $3.00 a month.
Having been an Apple Certified Technician for over 12 years, I’m aware of the technical
issues surrounding computers, so we pass on free advice and tips to our User Group
members. We also do a lot of free service over the phone. In many cases, resolving
software issues that would necessitate a service call elsewhere. I was with the group
when there were only two Macintoshes. Now there’s over 600 Macintosh members. We
pride ourselves in knowing almost all our members and their strengths and weaknesses.
That’s one reason why we’re so effective in diagnosing over the phone. We know what
our members can and cannot do. User Groups and a friendly technical helping hand
do wonders in restoring self-confidence with your computer.
Think of your local User Group as the lifeguard of your computer pool. Jump on in,
the water’s fine!
Upstate Apple User Group (Macintosh) info: George Engel @ 315-792-9606
Mohawk Valley PC Users Group (DOS) info: Bill Gorrell @ 315 -793-0036 (borg)
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