Welcome to the Prescott Computer Society

A typical PCS meeting scene.

The Prescott Computer Society (PCS) is a PC-based users group located in Prescott, Arizona. Our primary attention is focused on IBM-compatible computers, associated software and smart phones. We strive to provide personal, home office and small business computing solutions and presentation topics. You may obtain both basic and advanced information about computers by attending our club's meetings.

We hold several meetings each month to show you how to get the most out of your computer. These consist of our General meeting as well as several Special Interest Group meetings. Anyone with an interest in computers is welcome to attend our meetings and join PCS.

PCS is a member of the Association of Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG).

Interested in Membership?

Additional information about PCS is available at our About Us page. For information about becoming a member of PCS, please contact Murray Smolens, our Membership chair.

Membership Info Mobile-Friendly Schedule

Fun Stuff

A typical Q&A meeting chaired by some of our favorite PCS members. It's known as a "Stump The Geeks" session which is always enjoyed by all those who attend.

We often hold Question and Answer sessions at General meetings where our members attempt to "Stump The Geeks" with their questions about computer and smartphone problems and other related issues.

Do the geeks ever get stumped? Of course, once in a while they do but we all appreciate the very interesting and informative discussions that are held. I guess you'll just have to come to a meeting to see for yourself.

Meeting Info

Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will be held in the Founders Suite (1st floor) of the Prescott Public Library. The Library is located at 215 E. Goodwin Street, Prescott, Arizona. Our extended meeting schedule (5-6 months in advance) is available here.

Free Android App

The free Android app which conveniently displays the complete extended schedule for PCS on your Android smartphone or tablet can be obtained here. Don't miss out on any of our very interesting meetings because you forgot to check your calendar!

Map to Library

This Week's Meetings

November 12 - Tuesday - 10:00-11:00 AM
Technology Help Hour - Leader: PCS Staff
Location: Prescott Public Library Training Lab; Third Floor

Ask a technology question and get help from members of the Prescott Computer Society. Bring your own laptop or mobile device or use a library laptop. This is a weekly drop-in service and registration is not required.

November 16 - Saturday - 1:00-3:00 PM
General Meeting - Leader: Ray Carlson
Please note the change of location for this meeting!
Location: Touchmark at the Ranch - Grand Lodge, Mingus Mountain Forum, Prescott

Map to Touchmark at the Ranch

First Hour: Virtual Reality's Potential for Mitigating Pain

Virtual Reality is a method by which a person uses a headset to watch 3D videos that immerse the person in a situation like swimming with dolphins. The concern about the addictive risk of opioids has generated interest in some medical researchers in finding non-pharmacological ways to mitigate pain. Initial studies of seeing what happens when people who frequently experience pain watch a relaxing virtual reality video have been encouraging. For this presentation, Ray Carlson, the President of the Prescott Computer Society, will address the nature and impact of virtual reality in non-technical terms. In addition, the types and costs of VR headsets and videos will be reviewed. The research on VR's impact on pain will be summarized as well as key questions that remain to be resolved before VR can be advocated as a pain killer.

Second Hour: Phil Ball will present Tips and Tricks with insights into various topics that assist with regular computer activity.

In addition to the presentations, the following are typical events which take place at our General meetings:

1) We hold an informal Flea Market in which you are encouraged to bring in your excess computer equipment or software and make them available for others to enjoy at no charge. Please deposit give-away items on the table in the back marked "Free Stuff." Any items left here at the end of the meeting are subject to disposal.

2) If you have items that are just too good to give away, you may set up a separate table and hold your own sale.

3) We conduct a free drawing for gift cards at the end of the meeting, so make sure to get a pair of tickets from whoever is in charge and place one in the container provided.

4) We will also accept your used ink and toner cartridges for recycling. They are turned in to Think4Inc for credits which PCS uses to purchase office supplies from them.

Future Meetings

November 19 - Tuesday - 10:00-11:00 AM
Technology Help Hour - Leader: PCS Staff
Location: Prescott Public Library Training Lab; Third Floor

Ask a technology question and get help from members of the Prescott Computer Society. Bring your own laptop or mobile device or use a library laptop. This is a weekly drop-in service and registration is not required.

November 23 - Saturday - 1:00-3:00 PM
Smartphone SIG - Leader: Murray Smolens
Location: Prescott Public Library; Founders Suite A & B

"Gadgets Galore: Best Accessories for Your Smartphone"

Just in time for the Christmas shopping season, Smartphone SIGmeister Murray Smolens unwraps an array of accessories for that special phone in your life. From stands to chargers to batteries to data storage, you'll find something that will make your phone more useful and fun. Murray will review a number of items from various websites, some that you'll recognize and some that are a bit off the wall. There will also be a "show and tell" segment where he'll present some of the gadgets that he has accumulated.

If you have any phone add-ons that you'd like to show off, feel free to bring them along to present, time permitting.

November 26 - Tuesday - 10:00-11:00 AM
Technology Help Hour - Leader: PCS Staff
Location: Prescott Public Library Training Lab; Third Floor

Ask a technology question and get help from members of the Prescott Computer Society. Bring your own laptop or mobile device or use a library laptop. This is a weekly drop-in service and registration is not required.

November 30 - Saturday

No PCS meeting is scheduled.