Learning to use the computer is no easy task, and there is no definitive way of acquiring computer skills that suits everyone. Taking classes can be an excellent way to learn, but it is often difficult to find the right class with the right teacher at the right time. Investigating the use of a computer on your own is also a possibility, but this can sometimes be a slow and frustrating experience.
Human beings are social by nature and often learn best by example or demonstration. The easiest and most enjoyable way to learn to use the computer may well be to learn from enthusiastic computer users who are willing to share their knowledge and their love of computers. Although finding such individuals may seem like a difficult task, it is not. Personal computer users began seeking each other out in earnest not long after the development of the IBM personal computer in the early 80's. These enthusiastic users came together then, as they do now, to form associations and enjoy each other's companionship as well as to combine their expertise and experience.
PC users groups vary in both size and focus. While the original groups were often called PC users groups or Mac users groups, many of the newer clubs are simply called computer clubs. Organized both formally and informally, these clubs and associations tend to be non-commercial in nature and most have a goal of helping their members learn about and operate personal computers.
Some users groups are highly technical and focus on a particular software program or technical area. For instance, there are groups that are dedicated to sharing knowledge about PhotoShop, Linux, and/or desktop publishing. However, there are many groups that deal with general computer-related interests. These are associations where users meet together to tackle tasks, share knowledge, and help each other solve problems. The shared support found in these groups is especially helpful when the territory is as new and uncharted as it always is in the fast changing technological world.
Users groups are often an integral part of the community, offering support for schools, charities, and senior centers. Many are also involved in programs that benefit needy groups and individuals in the community, such as the recycling of old computer hardware and software.
Computer clubs normally hold regularly scheduled meetings, publish newsletters, and hold discussion events where they can share knowledge with peers. Many clubs also maintain electronic bulletin boards, operate software lending libraries, and provide links to information on the Web. They often organize Special Interest Groups, called SIGS, which reflect the specific interests of their members. Each computer club and every SIG is different. For instance, a financial SIG at one club might cover many different aspects of online record keeping and investing. At another club, the financial SIG might focus on one particular investment program. From learning how to use the computer to programming and Web development, users groups provide many educational programs.
TheAssociation of Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG) is an organization "dedicated to fostering communications among and between personal computer user groups and assisting groups in the fulfillment of their educational missions and activities." The APCUG is not a users group itself, but is, rather, an umbrella organization, which has individual users groups as its members. The presidents from three users groups started this association: the Boston Computer Society, the Capital PC User Group, and the Houston Area League of PC Users. The formation of the APCUG took place at a meeting in the fall of 1986 at COMDEX, the largest computer exposition. The APCUG still meets every year at fall COMDEX. This past fall, I had the privilege of meeting and addressing the members of the APCUG. This dedicated group of individuals offers guidance for users groups, supplies information to the users groups, and provides information about the services of the organization.
The Compu-KISS Web site also offers an extensive list of computer clubs and PC users groups. This directory is more comprehensive since many smaller computer clubs are not APCUG members. If you are looking for a users group in your area, simply click on your state and scroll down the list to find a club.
Traditionally members of PC users groups are people with a common interest who enjoy getting together to combine their expertise, educate their members, and improve their communities. They use the combined know-how of their members to help each other find answers to their needs. If you don't already belong, find a PC users group today. You'll be glad you did.
