An International Association of Technology and Computer User Groups

An International Association of Technology and Computer User Groups

Staying Connected with Your Group

APCUG MEMBER GROUPS OPEN MEETINGS TO OTHER GROUPS – LIST UPDATED 7/9/20

Click on the below link for the list, by state, of groups that are welcoming other group members to their meetings.

Groups sharing meetings — UPDATED 7/9/20

NOTE:  When asking to attend a group’s meeting, include your name and the name of your user group. Please make sure your Zoom name matches the name you send the group in the request as these will be matched to admit you into the meeting from the Zoom waiting room.

Staying connected with your group by using APCUG’s Zoom account, using the Internet to learn something new or just have fun, scam information, and more.

Since so many of APCUG’s member groups meet in senior centers, libraries, community rooms, etc. and we are safer at home so we can no longer meet in person, we’ve put together some tips for our group members. We hope you take advantage of APCUG’s offer to use one of its Zoom accounts to keep your members connected and have the opportunity to still learn about technology, have Q&A sessions, and just keep in touch with each other.

The Zoom version that you will use lets all participants see each other, providing they have a webcam. If they don’t have one, they will still be able to hear what is going on as well as participate in the discussion. I (Judy) recently participated in a Zoom session with the Under the Computer Hood User Group in San Diego. They were doing a shakedown cruise via their board meeting. If your group takes advantage of our offer, I suggest that you also have your board members meet to become familiar with the Zoom process before your general meeting. They are also having two dry runs for members, before their first Zoom meeting.

Computer Users of Erie hold a Zoom general meeting with Bob Gostischa giving his 2020 security presentation. From a March 7 email from John Fair, CUERIE, to me (Judy).  ….”Bob Gostischa is scheduled for our March 19 meeting and we are using it to kick off our series of “COVID-19 avoidance meetings” which will emphasize folks concerned about the virus staying at home and joining us remotely. I will be putting on an all-court press by sending out an email with detailed Zoom instructions, links to the appropriate Zoom help areas, and scheduling several practice sessions before March 19.”

John’s thank you to Bob.

“Bob,

Thank you again for the interesting program you provided us last night. Although we had only 14 participants, I have heard from many of them who took the time to email me and comment on how much they gained from the material you presented.

What our session did illustrate is the versatility of the Zoom platform as we had nearly every type of device that exists logged in to the session: several generations of Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Android phone, iPad, iPhone, etc.

We wish you continued success and good health as you serve user groups of APCUG who are stuck at home in this trying time.

John Fair

“Hello John,

Thank you for those kind words. I thought last night’s meeting was eye-opening for quite a few people. I just wish there was a way to relay this to those that are skeptical and aren’t even willing to give this a try.

The mini-meeting we had before the actual program to me was also very nice. It was like having a remote social that went off very well.

I hope the other clubs become a little more adventuresome and give this a try. It’s one way to keep the clubs together.

Thanks again for a great get together last night,

Warmest regards,

Bob”

From Bob Gostischa to me: “Canceling meetings until this is over could result in the Club is over. People will find other outlets unless you keep reminding them that the club is still here and a valuable commodity that needs to be supported and attended even when the meeting is held remotely.”

The below list will be updated regularly. If you have anything to add to the list, please send it to Jtaylour (at) apcug.org.

  • Information for using APCUG’s Zoom Account
  • ComputerWorld – How to set up your environment for a Zoom meeting
  • C|net – Customize your Zoom background
  • Tips for using Zoom from various websites
  • Free book offer from Take Control Books on working from home, temporarily
  • Hewie Poplock’s articles re It’s Time to Hold Your Meetings Online and Why Your Zoom Invite Failed
  • Keep Learning at Home – GVR Computer Club, Arizona
  • Google – The Hidden World of the National Parks
  • FTC Scam articles
  • Krebs on Security – Coronavirus Money Mules
  • National Cyber Security Alliance (Stay Safe Online) information
  • Consumer Reports How to Avoid Coronavirus Scams
  • Secret Service – Cybercriminals Exploiting Coronavirus Fears
  • How-To Geek – If you get a Phone Call about a Coronavirus Vaccine, it’s a scam

KEEP MEETING USING AN APCUG ZOOM ACCOUNT

APCUG How-Tos

Geeks On Tour Zoom Training Videos

Geeks on Tour Offers APCUG Member Groups a 20% Discount

How-To Geek

Help Desk Geek

TechBoomers

ComputerWorld

C\net

Online Tech Tips

Take Control Books

———-

TechMoxie

GVR Computer Club – Keep Learning at Home – GVR Computer Club

How-To Geek

Review Geek

livesavvy

Google

Seniors Computer Group

SECURITY, SCAMS….

FTC (Federal Trade Commission)

Krebs on Security

  • Coronavirus Widens the Money Mule Pool
  • With many people being laid off or working from home thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic, cybercrooks are almost certain to have more than their usual share of recruitable “money mules” — people who get roped into money laundering schemes under the pretense of a work-at-home job offer.

National Cyber Security Alliance (Stay Safe Online)

Consumer Reports

Secret Service

How-To Geek