“Users helping users” is the motto of the Chicago Computer Society (CCS). This group has been around for twenty-five years and holds over a dozen face-to-face meetings every month. Members attend for several reasons.
- Request help with computer problems
- Learn something about computers they didn’t know before
- See the latest technology demonstrated with an opportunity to ask questions
- Take advantage of special club pricing on selected computer supplies and equipment
- Developing friendships with peers
In the Beginning…
One of the first computer clubs was the Homebrew Computer Club. They held their first meeting in Menlo Park, California, March of 1975. Among the members, attendees and presenters at these meetings were people like Adam Osborne (manufacturer of the Osborne 1, the first commercially successful portable computer—only 23.5 pounds), 20 year old Steve Jobs (co founder, CEO of Apple Computers) and a 24 year old Steve Wozniak (co founder, designer of the first Apple Computer).
Meetings would begin with members commenting and discussing industry rumors, swapping components, and solving problems. Members would show off their latest success—or sometimes failure.
Help with Technology
Most club meetings will begin with a Q&A or Tips & Tricks session. Users ask questions about the technology (hardware, interface, software, etc.). Members feel safe asking questions because they know they won’t be judged by the other members.
Whether the questions are basic or more complex. One member asks for information on a quicker method for selecting multiple paragraphs of text in an MS Word document. The next asks about getting a printer connected to a network containing an XP Server with a Vista work station. Each question is discussed with respect and a sincere desire to help solve the problem. One question leads to another which spontaneously leads to a solution for another member’s problem.
Depending on the technology available, a demonstration of the solution may take place on the spot. Whether a display screen is available or a member has a laptop they will demonstrate a fix for a spreadsheet formula. This is much better than reading a techno jargon book or trying to follow instructions given over a telephone conversation and the inevitable waiting queue to contact tech support.
View the Latest Technology Available
While the technology vendors don’t make presentations nearly as often as they used to in the early days of personal computers, they may send a sample of their product for a more experienced member to demonstrate. After this type of presentation there is usually a (members only) special price made available. It’s not unusual for a product that normally sells for several hundred dollars being made available to members at a significant discount, with limited quantities being offered for less than $100.
Members are given an opportunity to see and touch the product. They are not limited to the 30-second news sound bite or streaming video from the manufacturer. They have opportunities to ask specific questions that affect them.
It Ain’t Over Even When It’s Over
When the meeting is over, many members go out to relax over pizza and/or beer. Do the questions and answers stop? Seldom.
- Plans for the next meeting
- Further solutions to questions from the meeting
- Additional solutions to problems discussed at previous meetings
- Questions not covered at the meeting
- Friendships are forged, connections are made, networking of the best kind occurs.
Questions
Where are these clubs?
They are all over the country. The Association of Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG), maintains a data base of computer clubs with locations and contact info.
How often do they meet?
The Chicagoland Home Automation Users Group, which focuses on all aspects of home automation, meets every two months. The broader interest base of the Chicago Computer Society has lead it to branch into regional and special interest groups, resulting in over a dozen meetings each month.
How Much Does it Cost?
Membership fees vary with the organization’s expenses. Local libraries or public recreation organizations may sponsor and absorb the costs. Other groups are non profits that need to pay for equipment and venues. While policies differ from one organization to the next, many will allow free attendance for a limited number of meetings.
Online forums, phone tech support, books and magazines are all excellent sources of computer information. The old fashioned face-to-face meetings can also play a significant role in finding computer solutions. Find a club. Attend a meeting.
Organizations Mentioned in this Article
Association of Personal Computer User Groups
Chicagoland Home Automation Users Group
Homebrew Computer Club
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