APCUG’s FREE 2020 Winter Virtual Technology Conference (VTC35)
Thank you to the presenters and attendees for participating in the first 2020 Virtual Technology Conference. Below are a few reviews of some of the presentations.
Winter Virtual Technology Conference
Leah Clark, President/Editor, Los Angeles Computer Society
Another Saturday morning was dedicated to learning with the APCUG Virtual Technology Conference on February 8. I thank all those who make these conferences possible. The first session I attended was on “The Browser – Your Most Important App.” The primary function of a web browser is to render HTML, the code to design webpages, to enable us to access content on the internet. Hewie Poplock showed a lot of things we can do to personalize our browsers, including syncing between devices, saving passwords, adding extensions like AdBlocker, Web of Trust (WOT), Grammarly, and Evernote. He said Firefox is similar to Chrome, and he talked about the new Edge Browser that is based on Chrome. He covered a lot more in one hour.
The second session I attended was with Ron Brown on “What will 5G mean to you?”
He explained the advantages and disadvantages of 5G. Many more towers will be needed; small cell towers can be mounted on lamp posts. The waves do not go through buildings and the spectrum is between that of radio and microwaves. So Ron, a physician, isn’t worried about health risks with 5G. There has been no increase in brain cancer in the last 20 years. Ron recommends waiting two to three years before purchasing a mobile 5G phone. But, there are now good deals for fixed-based 5G, and you should sign up now if it has come to your neighborhood.
The last session I attended was on “Creating a Podcast for Your Group” by Michael Crose. Michael showed what is needed to make a podcast: a microphone, a mixer, and software. He also discussed album cover art, hosting, marketing, and setting up a podcasting studio. Most of this was above what we need to make a podcast of a general meeting.
Yomar Cleary, Big Bear Computer Club
The “Browser” presentation was excellent. Some of the Extension tools that Hewie showed, I did not know existed within the various browsers. He was moving right along and I found it difficult to take notes though I know it will be posted on the APCUG website. The question and answer period, I found very informative.
“What will 5 G mean to you?” Ron Brown did a good presentation in comparing the 3 G thru 5 G. Though the 5 G is still in the future, it gave us a broad overview. I have heard different things about the 5G but had nothing to compare it with. Good job Ron!
TRACK 1
1:00 PM ET
The Browser – Your Most Important App
Hewie Poplock, APCUG Rep, Central Florida Computer Society & Sarasota Technology User Group; Chromebook Evangelist
The computer program or app that we all use the most is the browser. A browser, which is short for web browser, is a software application used to locate, retrieve and display content on the World Wide Web or Internet. Hewie will describe some of the important features of browsers and describe many important settings used in most browsers. He will also talk about little add-on programs called extensions for browsers, including where to find them, how to add them, and talk about some that he has found invaluable.
The Browser-Most Important App, Hewie Poplock – APCUG VTC 2-8-20
2:00 PM ET
What will 5G mean to you?
Ron Brown, Program Coordinator, Silvercom Computer & Technology Club
This year all the major wireless providers will be offering 5G services. This will affect you in 3 different ways that will include infrastructure upgrade, fixed-base and mobile services. This technology will require a lot more cell towers that can be big or small. It is estimated that to fully implement Mobile 5G; every 10th house in the neighborhood will require an antenna. This may change the look and feel of the part of the world you call home. There will be people resisting change and questioning the safety of 5G. What is the difference between fixed-base and mobile 5G? Should you be purchasing a 5G phone this year?
What will 5G mean to you, Ron Brown – APCUG VTC 2-8-20
3:00 PM ET
Getting started in researching your Family History (Even if you have been researching for years)
Jeri Steele, Genealogist
Whether you are just getting started or have been researching your family history for years, Jeri presents some steps to organize, plan, document, and record your work. These steps keep you moving forward with your research instead of getting buried in the details. Case studies will be presented as examples.
Genealogy-Getting Started, Jeri Steele – APCUG VTC 2-8-20
TRACK 2
1:00 PM ET
Future of Technology
Dave Dockery, President, Tampa Bay Technology Society
While it’s obvious that change in the world has been speeding up in the last several years, Doc will explain why the world is going to speed up even more in the future. What does that mean for those of us who want to keep abreast of all of the coming changes.
The Future of Technology, Dave Dockery – APCUG VTC 2-8-20
2:00 PM ET
Introduction to Home Automation
Bill James, Vice President, Computer Club of Oklahoma City
Bill’s presentation covers: What is home automation, how to get started, what is required, two approaches – device or system, commercial home automation and security systems, do it yourself devices, types of hubs or controllers, security and privacy.
Introduction to Home Automation, Bill James – APCUG VTC 2-8-20
3:00 PM ET
Creating a Podcast for your group
Michael Crose, Board Member and Podcast Creator, Tampa Bay Technology Center
Is there a podcast in your group’s future? Michael’s presentation covers:
- What is a podcast?
- What can you podcast about?
- How hard is it to start a podcast?
- What kind of equipment and software do you need?
- Do you need a website?
- How do you get your podcast out there?
How do you start and publish a podcast, Michael Crose – APCUG VTC 2-8-20