Speakers Bureau

My Favorite Android Apps (E)
Life is made easier with apps. Bill will share some of his must-have apps during this presentation: Productivity, Communication, Remote Control, Entertainment, Games, Social Media

Bill James, Computer Club of Oklahoma City

Your Smartphone is like a Swiss Army Knife (E)
Smartphones are capable of doing multiple tasks and Bill will show how to make use of many of the features of your smartphone (Android and iPhones): all is takes is the right apps and a different mindset to make the device work for you. Bill covers these topics and more: Use it as a remote control, control over other devices within your home – Nest Programmable Thermostat, Roku, Google TV or Smart TV; Remote printing using Cloud Print; View files using Cloud Storage; Remote access to your desktop and productivity suite.
Bill James, Computer Club of Oklahoma City

Backing up, Sharing, Protecting and Organizing Your Hard Drive (E)
In today’s computer networks, the ability to share conversation and pictures with others is a growing trend. Facebook and Twitter have become overnight sensations. However, these tools are not the best way to share your photos and other computer files with others. Acronis True Image a function that allows you to easily share certain files with your other computers and with friends across the internet.
Gene Barlow, User Group Relations

The Cloud is Here – Don’t Get Left Behind (E)
Are you using the Cloud? Many people still answer, no. We seem to need buzz words to define anything related to computers and this is one that seems to mystify people. You’ll be surprised when you find out how much we are all using the Cloud and how much more is out there that we can take advantage of. We no longer have just one computer, we have a smart phone, a tablet and probably a second computer. How can we keep our data files in sync on all of them? We want to be able to share files with family, friends and associates, but emailing them is not very efficient. Is there a better way?

How can we use cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and others to make things easier?
Judy Taylour,  SCV Computer Club

To Cloud or Not to Cloud. That is the Question (E)
You have heard of the term the Cloud. What does it mean? What can you do there? One of the great things you can do with THE CLOUD is to share and store data. What if you have many devices, a desktop, laptop, tablet and phone — how important is it for you to share files and information between them. How to share and store data using the cloud will be covered in this presentation by using cloud storage; you will also lean about some of the programs and websites that can make your life easier.
David Williams, Central Iowa Computer User Group

How to Succeed at Close-up Photography (E)
There are many ways you can do close-up photography and this presentation explores the most popular ways that are used and gives information about why one approach works better than others. The presentation covers some of the challenges of shooting excellent close-up photos of wild flowers so you can control the shot to get the very best possible pictures. Gene uses his and his wife’s wild flower photos to demonstrate the dos and the don’ts of close-up photography. Gene will also talk about the importance of backing up so you don’t lose your beautiful photos.
Gene Barlow, User Group Relations

Netiquette and E-mail Tips & Tricks (E)
Do you communicate effectively when you send an e-mail? Do you know which closing gets more positive responses? Do people take offense because you SHOUT? Email etiquette and netiquette skills are becoming more crucial as our world grows more virtual. This presentation includes tips and tricks to help you become a better communicator via e-mail.
Judy Taylour, SCV Computer Club

Good Computer Habits: Ergonomics, Netiquette, & How to Make a Difference (E)
Abby will discuss online netiquette for e-mail and blogging, tips on how to be sure you’re not hurting yourself when on the computer, and how to do good deeds with a click of the mouse.
Abby Stokes, Is This Thing On?
A Friendly Guide to Everything Digital for Newbies, Technophobes and the Kicking & Screaming
Abby Stokes

Free and Alternatives to Free Software (E)
Where money doesn’t have to speak and you still want quality software, learn about many alternative programs that you can get for free to do your computing tasks. Many of these programs are cross-platformed (meaning they have versions for Windows, Macs, and Linux) so it’s easy to share files with just about anyone.
John Kennedy, East Central Ohio Technology Users Club

Chromebooks 4 Seniors (E)
A Chromebook is a perfect solution for those who don’t want or need a powerful computer and who can do everything they want and even more, without worrying about viruses or malware, having to learn how to maintain their system, and having the system crash. Many of us don’t want to know what’s happening under the ‘hood;’ Chromebooks cut out the confusion. There are some settings, but nothing really needs to be changed for the machine to work perfectly out of the box. Keeping your PC, phone, tablet, and software all updated to the latest version can be a full-time job. Chromebooks are much more secure with updates on an almost-weekly basis so security flaws or loopholes are dealt with almost instantaneously. An icon prompts the user to restart – it’s fast, easy, and secure.
Hewie Poplock, Central Florida Computer Society / Sarasota Technology Users Group

Cut the Cord (E)
There are many reasons to cut the cord. Most do so to save money. Others do it to have better choices and just to be able to fire their cable company. There are many choices of products and equipment, as well as services that are now available to let us change the way we have done things in the past. Hewie will talk about over the air and over the Internet services, including the many ways to fulfill your wants and needs as to TV viewing. He will include information about Broadband and even Internet home phones.

This presentation will help you understand many of the newest possibilities for TV viewing and what to look for to satisfy you and your family. Be prepared to have a lot of the confusion make some sense and to determine if it may be the move for you soon. TV, as we know it will disappear in the next few years and you will understand what is happening and what choices are available now and what to look for down the road.
Hewie Poplock, Central Florida Computer Society / Sarasota Technology Users Group

Demystifying Computers (E)
A reassuring, jargon-free talk to introduce late bloomers, grandparents, technophobes, and the digitally challenged to all the wonders of using a computer, e-mail, and the Internet. (This is really an ultimate beginner’s talk for people who’ve never used or are JUST starting out – super basic).
Abby Stokes, Is This Thing On? A Friendly Guide to Everything Digital for Newbies, Technophobes and the Kicking & Screaming

Digital Asset Estate Planning: Your ID Isn’t Safe, Even After You’ve Died (E)
Each year the identities of nearly 2.5 million deceased Americans are used to fraudulently open credit card accounts, apply for loans and get cellphone or other services, according to fraud prevention firm ID Analytics. (Source: AARP)

The complexity of our digital lives has resulted in many different types of accounts, logins and passwords. The year after somebody dies is one of the most at-risk times for identity theft. Because death certificates are public records and obituaries are posted in newspapers, it is easy for criminals to search through the recently deceased’s records and create fake identities. This presentation covers many ways your identity can be stolen and ways to prevent it being stolen after you are no longer here. You will also learn how to make it easier for your Digital Asset Executor to close your accounts.
Judy Taylour, SCV Computer Club

How Technology Has Changed the Way We Listen to Music (E)
This is a two-part presentation: a quick review of our music listening habits during the last 65 years and a look at today’s download and streaming offerings. From 78s to 45s, LPs, the 8-track tape, cassettes, the Walkman, Compact Discs, iPods and more – Ray will cover it all.

Ray considers himself an early Rock and Roll historian and has a digital collection of over 45,000 songs that began when he first started collecting records (most of which he still has) in his pre-teenage years. When living in California, he was the President of the Doo-Wop Society of Southern California, a non-profit organization that for almost 14 years produced live quarterly musical stage shows featuring vocal groups of the 1950s.
Ray Baxter,  APCUG Treasurer; President, Payson Area Computer Society

Is This Thing on? Navigating the Digital World (E)
The digital divide widens with the rapid pace of new innovations and gadgets. What is out there and how it might benefit you can be lost in all the tech talk. Should you buy a tablet or a computer? Stick with a PC or move on to an Apple? How do you maximize your searches and why on earth do people want to share on Facebook? Abby helps “digital immigrants’ (those baby boomers and beyond not born with a keyboard and mouse in hand) understand what everyone is talking about and how to decide what might work best for them.
Abby Stokes, Is This Thing On? A Friendly Guide to Everything Digital for Newbies, Technophobes and the Kicking & Screaming

Learning Resources For Seniors (E)
No matter our age, there is still a lot to learn. Hewie’s presentation covers many websites where we can add to our knowledge – not always about technology. Lifelong learning is the process of keeping your mind and body engaged—at any age—by actively pursuing knowledge and experience. The pursuit of knowledge through lifelong learning—whether it’s learning how to dance, speak a foreign language, write a newsletter, improve your golf swing, or repair your car—has wonderful benefits for adults 50-plus.
Hewie Poplock, Central Florida Computer Society / Sarasota Technology User Group

Make Every Click Count (E)
With our busy lives no one can spare time to search the computer for a lost photo or letter. Abby helps you organize and simplify computer files as well as shows you how to protect your privacy and computer data. Learn how to find volunteer opportunities online and use your voice and your mouse to make a different in your community and beyond.
Abby Stokes, Is This Thing On? A Friendly Guide to Everything Digital for Newbies, Technophobes and the Kicking & Screaming

Tech Skills for an Easier & Safer Computing Experience (E)
No matter how savvy you are, there are certain things every one of us must deal with when using a computer – and we don’t always deal with them in the most efficient ways. This presentation covers tech skills that everyone can (and should) learn to keep their computer fast, safe, and easy-to-use.
Judy Taylour, SCV Computer Club

Troubleshooting Your Computer 101 (E)
Before you make that $99 tech support call, there are many easy things you can do to troubleshoot problems that you encounter with your computer. Can’t start your computer? Does your hard drive make grinding noises? Is it taking forever to start? Does it randomly turn off and restart? Has your printer stopped working? This presentation covers problems and solutions that just might help if and when….
Judy Taylour, SCV Computer Club

Your Digital Legacy (E)
How do you want to be remembered? A will takes care of your physical possessions, but what about your digital life—photos, email, files, and the like? Learn the steps you need to take now to make sure your digital assets will be handled in the future the way you want them to be.
Joe Kissell, Take Control Books

Upgrading Your Computer to a Solid State Drive (E)
Gene is an excellent technical presenter and can make complex topics easy for even the novice to understand. At the same time, the more advanced user will learn many new facts from his well thought out presentation. You will enjoy attending this session and will come away with a better understanding of the topic.
Gene Barlow, User Group Relations

Home Automation – An Introduction (E)
This presentation shows how Home Automation technology allows us to control your connected devices and appliances from a central hub using our Smartphone or Tablet. The presentation will explain how we can setup a system using widely available Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Samsung Smarthings Hubs.
Bill James, Computer Club of Oklahoma City

Basic iPad / iPhone, Part 1 and Part 2(B)
For the beginner on iPads or iPhones. Basic operations and using settings.
Jere Minich, Lake-Sumter Computer Society

Basic iPad / iPhone Maintenance (B)
Clean out your iDevice, battery life, tips and tricks, useful features.
Jere Minich, Lake-Sumter Computer Society

iPhone and iPad Apps
Learn how apps can transform the way you use your devices:
creating, learning, playing games, plus getting more done.
Jere Minich, Lake-Sumter Computer Society

Avast’s Secure Browser (E)
Bob’s presentations beings with an explanation as to why you should be using this new free browser. He will then show a video on how to install this new Secure Browser and cover the:

• Settings
• Features
• Extensions
• Privacy and Security features
• Banking Mode

and anything else you may want to ask about how to use this new Secure Browser.

The presentation ends with a hands-on Q&A with answers demonstrated on the browser.
Bob Gostischa, Avast Evangelist

Good Computer Habits: Ergonomics, Netiquette, and How to Make a Difference (E)
Abby will discuss online netiquette for e-mail and blogging, tips on how to be sure you’re not hurting yourself when on the computer, and how to do good deeds with a click of the mouse.
Abby Stokes, Is This Thing On? A Friendly Guide to Everything Digital for Newbies, Technophobes and the Kicking & Screaming

Getting Better Google Search Results (E)
The presentation will show various ways to get better results quicker. You will learn many tips & tricks to help in your Google search. There will also be numerous ways demonstrated to get information quickly without having to go to websites but get the answer in your search results.
Hewie Poplock, Central Florida Computer Society / Sarasota Technology Users Group

How Technology and the Internet are Changing the Way To Do Things (E)
What is it? Twitter. According to twitter.com, it is “a free social messaging utility for staying connected in real-time.” Twitter, along with Facebook, YouTube, blogs and the rest of the Internet, are changing the face of media as well as how people handle day-to-day tasks such as getting their news or staying in touch with an old friend. As Twitter, Facebook, blogs and podcasts take over our lives will it help us stay more in touch or push us father away from each other? Only time will tell.
David Williams, Central Iowa Computer User Group

Online Privacy (E)
Using almost any electronic device potentially puts some of your personal information at risk. Discover what you should and should not worry about, and how to take reasonable, common-sense steps to protect your privacy online.
Joe Kissell, Take Control Books

Readers View on the Internet (E)
How can I read an article on the internet and skip all the ads?
Jere Minich, Lake-Sumter Computer Society

Easily Migrate from Windows to Linux (E)
Much of the software is the same.
John Kennedy, East Central Ohio Technology Users Club

Introduction to Linux (E)
A free operating system that looks, acts, and meets most people’s everyday computing needs. See what all the talk is about going to Linux and how well it works on both new and older computers AND remains free to all.
John Kennedy, East Central Ohio Technology Users Club

Linux is Like Cars (Why are there so many?) (E)
One of the many “concerns” about Linux is that there are so many different versions / distributions (or distros as Linux users call them) that a new user doesn’t know which one to use. An equal questions is, Why are there so many cars? Because everybody doesn’t like the same car and that also pertains to the Linux desktop. John will take you through the ‘Linux showroom” so you can see for yourself what Linux is all about.
John Kennedy, East Central Ohio Technology Users Club

Linux on the Desktop (E)
Linux on your home firewall and router and media center and video security system and… Easier than you think!
Orv Beach, Training Chair, Southern California Linux Expo (SCALE)

Linux Software Store (E)
John will share information about the wide choices of free software available to the Linux user. He will have examples of software that relates to all the common computer tasks we do on a day to day basis. Attendees will see that running a Linux operating system doesn’t hinder them doing anything. A lot of the software John uses is also available for Windows and even Mac’s.
John Kennedy, East Central Ohio Technology Users Club

Selecting the Best Version of Linux for You to Use (E)
Unlike Windows/Macs, there are lots of choices.
John Kennedy, East Central Ohio Technology Users Club

Configure Storage Sense and Clean Manager Windows 10 (E)
Keep your Windows 10 PC clean and running at top performance.
Jere Minich, Lake-Sumter Computer Society

Create a Restore Point Windows 10 (E)
How to Create a restore point made easy.
Jere Minich, Lake-Sumter Computer Society

File Networking and Storage (E)
Folders are not just for “My Documents” anymore, you can store files anywhere you want to. David will show you how to set up a network, set up storage devices and how to organize your folders.
David Williams, Central Iowa Computer User Group.

Free programs to use with Windows 10 (E)
Where to get free apps and skip piggy back software.
Jere Minich, Lake-Sumter Computer Society

Security/Privacy Settings Win 10 (E)
Make sure Security and Privacy settings are what you want with Windows 10.
Jere Minich, Lake-Sumter Computer Society

Windows 10 EOL: What are your options? (E)
The life support of Windows 7 came to an end in the middle of January. Microsoft has decided to even stop security updates on this old operating system. And like Windows XP, Microsoft has put Windows 7 out to pasture.

So what are your options for future computer usage? There are a number of options available to you, some good and some maybe not so good. John Kennedy goes over what some of those options would be. He will share with you the one that he likes to recommend and why. This program is specifically geared towards Windows 7 users or people that have friends still using Windows 7. It might also be of interest to Windows 10 users and those using Macs as well.
John Kennedy, East-Central Technology Users Club

Windows 10 Spring/Fall Hands-on Demo (E)
Bill is a member of Microsoft’s Insider program, working with the various updates that lead up to the Spring and Fall updates. His presentations cover many of the latest features in the updates we receive twice a year.
Bill James, Computer Club of Oklahoma City

Declutter Your Digital Life (E)
You spend a lot of money on your equipment – take care of it and it will last longer. Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to declutter all things digital? How about doing some digital device spring cleaning or, your computer runs slow, it takes you too long to find a document, e-mail…. This presentation will show  how you can declutter your digital life and be more organized to work faster and smarter.
Judy Taylour, SCV Computer Club

Tune Up your Windows PC (E)
Improve performance, clean up hard drive, operate with max security.
Jere Minich, Lake-Sumter Computer Society

How to Save $$$ on Ink (E)
Cut your cost of printing and ordering ink.
Jere Minich, Lake-Sumter Computer Society

How to Safely Surf the Internet and Find (Almost) Anything Online (E)
Everyone is fearful of security breaches and identity theft. Abby walks you through how to create a memorable, safe and unique password. She also shows how to get the most out of your searches online; to safely shop and bank online and share recommendations for websites for travel, health, finance, and more.
Abby Stokes, author, Is This Thing On? A Friendly Guide to Everything Digital for Newbies, Technophobes and the Kicking & Screaming

Identity Theft – How to avoid it (E)
Hewie Poplock, a victim of identity theft, presents this informative session which includes many videos of actual occurrences of events and articles that pertain to how ID theft can happen. Then Hewie gives many great suggestions on how to prevent you and your family from experiencing ID Theft. This session is frequently updated with more recent information.
Hewie Poplock, Central Florida Computer Society / The Sarasota Technology Users Group

ID Theft: Protect Yourself, Yourself  (E)
Some town, 225,000 residents, USA:

• Four arrested in suspected ID theft ring
• Six ID theft suspects arrested at a local Walgreens
• Bank ID Theft notice to consumers
• Woman suspected of using identity theft to steal tens of thousands of dollars
• Four out-of-towners accused of mailbox vandalism, identity theft
• Identity thieves reassembled shredded documents
• Former Physical Therapist convicted of Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious crime. It happens when someone uses information about you without your permission. Judy’s presentation covers how your ID can be stolen, how to help prevent that from happening, and what to do if you become a victim of ID theft.
Judy Taylour, SCV Computer Club

Password Managers (E)
What are they and can they keep me safer?
Jere Minich, Lake-Sumter Computer Society

Take Control of Your Passwords (E)
Password overload has driven many of us to take dangerous shortcuts. If you think ZombieCat12 is a secure password, that you can safely reuse a password, or that no one would try to steal your password, think again! Learn how to overcome password frustration while keeping your data safe.
Joe Kissell, Take Control Books

What is a Password Manager?
How does it work?  Why should I have one?  Why am I so resistant to using one?  How safe are they in the Cloud?  Will a PM sync between my devices?  Free vs. yearly fee. Can I use it as a source for my digital asset manager to close my accounts?
Judy Taylour, SCV Computer Club

Every Traveler Needs a Blog (E)
A quick and easy website to post your photos and tales of your travels. All your family and friends can follow along. If you haven’t seen a blog yet, check out ours: go to www.geeksontour.blogspot.com and click on Our Blog.
Jim and Chris Guld, GeeksOnTour

Facebook: Not Just for Kids (E)
Reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a life time. Expand both the quantity and the quality of your friendships with more frequent contact.
Jim and Chris Guld, GeeksOnTour

Social Networking: What the Heck are Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn??? (E)
Abby explains what everyone is talking about when they bring up Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites. She’ll also share how you can enjoy the benefits without risking the loss of your privacy.
Abby Stokes, Is This Thing On? A Friendly Guide to Everything Digital for Newbies, Technophobes and the Kicking & Screaming

Why Engage in Social Media-Especially if you are over 50? (E)
What is Social Media? Why should I care? You use some form of social media every day; we will be talking about the different types and forms of social media as well as how you can get the information you want and need without having to search endlessly to find it. You do not have to sign up for Facebook or Twitter to engage in social media, but we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages to help you plan your strategy. This presentation will also cover how you can use different types of social media to target the information you need.
David Williams, Central Iowa Computer User Group

All About Avast (E)
This will be a mainly hands-on presentation and demonstration so if your members have questions on this topic, make sure they have them ready for the presentation.

We’ll be covering a custom install of the free version of Avast. Bob will explain about some of its features  and take a look at the many settings available in Avast.

• Answers to any questions will be demonstrated right on the product.
• Bring your own laptop and follow along.
• Take notes to make it easy to do the task yourself once we’ve finished the presentation.
  Bob Gostischa, Avast Evangelist

Evernote – (E)
The presentation will include using Evernote on several platforms, including Windows, iOS (iPad & iPhone), and the Android phones & tablets. It also works with the Blackberry OS, HP’s WebOS, and Mac OS X. You can capture anything, access it anywhere, and it works with nearly every computer, phone and mobile device out there. It helps you find things fast. You can search by keyword, tag or even printed and handwritten text inside images. Once you save information in Evernote, it is available to you on any of your devices.
Hewie Poplock, Central Florida Computer Society / The Sarasota Technology Users Grou

TeamViewer – Providing free tech support from the comfort of your home (and in your fuzzy slippers) (E)
A “picture is worth a thousand words” as we are told. The same goes for being able to “see” people’s computer problems. This program allows you to see someone else’s computer screen, and even talk to them about their problems. And when they are having trouble trying to do what you tell them, you can take over their keyboard with your’s and take over their mouse with your mouse. I have solved a computer problem with TeamViewer in about 10 minutes that I wasn’t able to do after 25 minutes over the phone.
John Kennedy, East Central Ohio Technology Users Club

APCUG and Your $50 (E)
Your user group has rejoined APCUG for another year but is it using all of the benefits that are offered to member groups? This presentation will show you about those benefits; you might find some you aren’t using and your members will find worthwhile.
Judy Taylour, Chair, APCUG Board of Advisors

How to Publicize Your User Group (E)
Are you looking for new members? This presentation will give you an overview of many ways you can publicize your user group / computer club.
Judy Taylour, Chair, APCUG Board of Advisors

Ideas for Revitalizing Your User Group (E)
PCUG member groups were surveyed in 2007, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2016 – asking about the top challenges for their group; 50-60 groups usually responded. Over the years, the topics have mostly been the same: lack of volunteers, maintaining and increasing membership, officer burn-out, presentation ideas, finding presenters, attendance at meetings….
This presentation answers some of those questions for your group
Judy Taylour, Chair, APCUG Board of Advisors

Presentations, General Meetings, Board Meetings, and Conferences with Zoom (E)
Learn to use the program APCUG uses for Virtual Technology Conferences, SLO Bytes in California uses for their board meetings, and the Potomac Area Computer and Technology Society uses to stream meetings to members who are unable to attend. John’s group also does this.
John Kennedy, East Central Ohio Technology Users Club

Tips for Getting Presentations for Your Group (E)
We are all scrambling to find presentations for our user groups and many of us are tired of seeing the same presenters and those presenters are probably tired of being the only person giving presentations to your group. Are you thinking out-of-the-box to come up with new programs? You just might get some new ideas from this presentation.
Judy Taylour, Chair, APCUG Board of Advisors

Making Humpty Better Again (E)
Your old computer went south or is heading that way. What do you need to put on it?

How do you get it back into something useful? This presentation will look at some utilities and programs that will help you out.
David Williams, Central Iowa Computer User Group

Must Have Utilities for Your Computer (E)
Ever wonder how fast your computer is actually running Do you wonder what type of motherboard you have? Do you want to know the best way to clean up your registry? How about what wireless networks are running in your neighborhood. All this and more is covered in David’s presentation.
David Williams, Central Iowa Computer User Group

Some Utilities and Programs to Help You Stay Connected (E)
Twitter, Facebook, blogs and podcasts – how is technology changing the way we go about our daily business? This presentation will discuss programs and utilities that will help you stay in touch with what is going on in the world around you and your own computer.
David Williams, Central Iowa Computer User Group

Utility Apps (E)
What is a utility? An app that performs a specific task and adds functionality to your computer or helps your computer perform better. System monitoring, backing up, system maintenance, password management, virus protection, and more — we all have our favorites. Judy shares some of favorite apps in this presentation. Please plan to share one or two of your favorites during the Q&A part of the meeting. Hopefully, we will all learn about at least one new utility we want to try.
Judy Taylour, SCV Computer Club