Windows Basics: We’ll review key concepts from the last meeting then explain the Windows user interface, aka “Desktop.” You’ll learn the meaning of Icons, what the Taskbar and Systray are telling you from the bottom of the screen, how to exploit the Quicklaunch bar and how to use the Start button to do most anything on your PC.

See the Beginners SIG page for location, contacts, etc.

Computer Fundamentals: At our first meeting of the new year we’ll start our learning cycle anew by introducing the terminology, components and concepts of computers. You’ll see the insides of a computer and learn how to recognize the power supply, hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, CD-ROM drive, motherboard, expansion slots, expansion boards, microprocessor chip, memory sticks and battery. And you’ll learn what all those things do. We’ll explain the difference between Hardware and Software and we’ll introduce the Human Body and Office metaphors that make it easy to understand computer workings in everyday terms. We’ll explain fundamental software terms like Programs, Data, Files, Bits & Bytes. This is the ideal first meeting for computer neophytes. If you have a neighbor, friend or relative who could use a new hobby or a business productivity enhancer, please bring them to this meeting.

See the Beginners SIG page for location, contacts, etc.

Computer Troubleshooting:  We’ll show you how to fix most computer problems. You’ll learn the three categories of problems: hardware, software and wetware and why you must be open to all three possibilities when diagnosing problems. We’ll discuss the most important diagnostic technique: substitution. We’ll explore CMOS setup problems and using Safe Mode and System Restore. Come and learn how to drive your computers out of the ditch and back onto the road.

See the Beginners SIG page for location, contacts, etc.

We’ll demonstrate some basic disk maintenance programs like defraggers, disk cleanup and msconfig. We’ll discuss updating Windows, auxiliary programs and device drivers. Also some nifty utilities like SysInternals Software Explorer and other tools to keep your computers running at top speed and without hangups.

See the Beginners SIG page for location, contacts, etc.

Sometimes the unthinkable happens: Your computer fails and your programs and data are lost. The cause might be a virus, hardware failure, lightning or operator error. Hardware is replaceable and programs can be reinstalled but your precious photos, financial records and emails may be lost forever–unless you took some simple measures to back them up beforehand. Some people haven’t backed up because they haven’t thought about it much, don’t know how or they think it’s a hassle. But it’s actually fast, easy and crucial. Doing frequent backups rewards you with security, confidence and worry-free computing. Come to this meeting and get a safety net for your computers.

See the Beginners SIG page for location, contacts, etc.

The topic is TBA.

See the Beginners SIG page for location, contacts, etc.

The internet isn’t always a nice place to be and most people don’t fully protect themselves from the bad actors like Viruses, Worms, Trojans, Spyware, Adware, Hackers, Pfishing, Pharming, Root Kits and Evil Twin (identity theft) scams that stalk computers. We’ll show you how to avoid traps and use anti-malware software better secure your computer.

]]> http://www.ccaustin.org/beginners-sig-august-2011-pc-security/feed/ 0 http://www.ccaustin.org/beginners-sig-july-2011/ http://www.ccaustin.org/beginners-sig-july-2011/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:00:11 +0000 mgoggin http://www.ccaustin.org/?p=1120 July 9, 201110:00 amto12:00 pm

Email & Internet: Imagine sending letters, pictures and documents to people almost instantly and without ever touching paper. That’s E-mail and we’ll show you how to do it. We’ll also show you how to find out about anything or anybody on the Internet’s World Wide Web. You’ll learn about Browsers, Road Runner, DSL and more. Computers have radically changed the way we send letters and do research.

See the Beginners SIG page for location, contacts, etc.

Digital Photography: If you haven’t yet abandoned your old film camera for a new Digital camera you’ll learn why you probably should. And getting the pictures out of the camera and onto paper has never been so easy or fast. You’ll learn how to take better pictures and how to crop, enlarge and print your snapshots. You’ll learn how to email pictures to your friends or put large collections of photos on CDs for cheap and easy distribution to others.

See the Beginners SIG page for location, contacts, etc.

We’ll demonstrate how to use the Microsoft Office Word word processor to create memos, letters, envelopes, flyers, signs and even business cards. You’ll donate your clunky, old typewriter to a charity once you’ve used a word processor.

See the Beginners SIG page for location, contacts, etc.