User Groups Help Solve Your Computer Problems
Modern life is so complicated that only wilderness hermits cope with it alone. We're all connected to, and benefit from, personal support systems including family, friends, neighbors, healthcare providers, trusted auto mechanics, favorite restaurants, lawyers and accountants. Everyone's network is unique, though they have in common combining generalists (e.g., family and friends) and specialists (financial advisor, veterinarian). The first group is probably more sympathetic than helpful about most complex issues, and the second group is likely more goal-oriented than social.
But as we all use technology more—PCs, the Internet, cable and DSL Internet access, picture-taking cell phones, PDAs (Palm, Pocket PC), digital music players—it's easy to be overwhelmed. Sometimes we face problems and feel alone with troublesome gizmos that are supposed to make our lives simpler and more fun—and yet require their own care and feeding! And technology can fall between our empathetic and specialized helpers.
So what's better than finding people—online, and often nearby - that are attuned to the wonders of technology and also willing to be social and sympathetic? Since the early days of computing, technologists have assembled for mutual support, held meetings and conferences, solved each other's problems, published papers, and formed organizations called "user groups". As computers and technology became mainstream tools and accessories, affordable and easy to acquire, formerly geeks-only user groups have evolved to attract and support everyone from beginner to professional.
Through different phases of my career I've greatly benefited from a number of different user groups. As I began using PCs, I joined the Washington, DC region's largest user group, Capital PC User Group (CPCUG). More than 20 years old, with about 1500 members, CPCUG shares a motto with hundreds of similar groups throughout the United States and around the world: "users helping users". Groups like CPCUG are a powerful antidote to feeling alone with one's PC and its problems. Belonging to CPCUG gives me access to a ready-made community, within which I find kindred spirits to share tips, pointers to resources, news, problem solutions, and more.
If CPCUG were unique, this story wouldn't be worth telling beyond the geographic area it serves. But CPCUG is similar in operation and attitudes to hundreds of other such groups. I've been privileged to attend the Association of PC User Groups (APCUG), an umbrella group for PC groups, where I've met hundreds of dedicated "user groupies" from around the world. Just like personal networks, user groups are unique creations of people who organize and run them. It's easy to find user groups through simple Web searches and umbrella organizations like APCUG. Searching Google for "user group" "northern virginia" and "pc" begins a search than can zero in on a conveniently located group targeting relevant interests. Adding the word "seniors" to the search focuses on the many groups with specific senior-oriented activities. (CPCUG, for example, has a regular monthly seniors meeting, and is exploring adding another for more geographic diversity.)
Another way to locate groups is to visit APCUG's Web page, and then click User Groups and UG Directory. You'll see a list of countries from Australia to South Africa, and US states from AK to WY. Click your geographic area of interest to see a table of groups and contact information. Visit their Web sites, contact leaders, explore, ask questions, volunteer. User groups love new members and it's easy to join, get to know people, and quickly feel like a long-time member. I'd hate to think about facing my computer without my 1,499 fellow CPCUG members beside me!
Among CPCUG's many programs and membership benefits, two stand out as illustrations of what's available from user groups.
First, the "Before You Buy or Build a Computer" offering provide a comprehensive seminar on components and issues to consider before buying a computer. It's an awakening to realize all the decisions that must go into buying a computer, though they're often made by default or by a salesperson. Six weeks after the seminar comes the build workshop, during which people who intend to build their own PCs are assigned mentors. This culminates in "Build Day", at which builders, mentors, and partner vendors collaborate in creating working PCs from new parts. Builders aren't finished until their PCs have booted successfully; a common builder comment is that assembling a PC from scratch demonstrates that it's a technology that can be conquered, and building a PC greatly facilitates debugging, repairing, and upgrading it. And builders include average people, often with little or no technical background. PCs are built from standard components that assemble easily.
Second, CPCUG's HelpLine lists hundreds of people who volunteer to help and advise members. The monthly magazine includes five pages of small type listing help available by topic such as modems, spreadsheets, Unix, Word, WordPerfect, and nearly any topic imaginable. Members often comment that CPCUG's $42/year dues are a bargain, providing all the free consulting one needs.
CPCUG holds more than a dozen meetings every month, provides classes at discount rates for members, offers members-only door prize raffles, operates members-only email and Web services, arranges vendor discounts for members, and acquires books and software for members to review in the magazine. In addition, as a volunteer organization, CPCUG is similar to a credit union, in that the more effort people contribute the more payback CPCUG provides them and their community. As a non-profit organization, CPCUG is committed to serving the community. All meetings are open to the public; most are free. The group provides science fair judges to a dozen school jurisdictions and recycles computers from donors to worthy destinations such as schools and disadvantaged communities. And hardly least important, user group membership provides a setting to make friends, socialize, and give and receive help.
The more I contribute time and effort to CPCUG activities, the more I benefit from membership. I give advice and support in some areas and receive it in others. My efforts are not an expense for me, but a rewarding investment in my community and myself. Yours can be too!
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