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.
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 20 - 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 24 - Saturday
No PCS meeting is scheduled.
Upcoming Meetings
November 27 - 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.
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December 1 - Saturday
No PCS meeting is scheduled.
December 4 - 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.
December 8 - Saturday - 1:00-3:00 PM
General Meeting - Leader: Ray Carlson
Location: Touchmark at the Ranch's Grand Lodge - Mingus Mountain room
Please note the change of location for this meeting.
The Library has reserved all but one of the Saturdays in December for their own use. The only
available date was December 1 and that's the date of the Christmas parade
which pretty much takes over the entire Prescott downtown for the day.
Instead, the meeting will be held at Touchmark at the Ranch, the senior
living facility located near the Walmart on Rt. 69 in Prescott. We will meet
in the Mingus Mountain room of Touchmark's Grand Lodge.
Parking is available all around the Grand Lodge and at The Finn restaurant.
Map to Touchmark
Don't worry - the satellite photo was taken some time ago and the Grand Lodge really has been built!
First Hour: Is this the End of Passwords?
Passwords can be irritating, but they are also a weak component of computer
security. Users get rushed and can chose weak passwords but, more seriously,
hackers often steal usernames and passwords from companies that store such
information. In response, a consortium of major computer software companies
have been developing alternatives that would allow computers and the
Internet to be secure but password-free.
The recently recommended approach is to use a security key that can be
placed in a computer's USB drive. In addition, special security apps have
been created for use with phones. The key and app each contain a set of
unique codes that identifies the user to the computer, browser and websites.
In case the key is stolen, a second means of identification is needed such
as a PIN code or fingerprint scan. Recent progress suggests this process
will be effective in a short time.
The Prescott Computer Society is planning a special meeting, open to the
public, for December 8th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM in the Mingus Mountain forum
room at Touchmark at the Ranch's Grand Lodge. During the first hour of this
session, Ray Carlson, Society President, will summarize and demonstrate this
password-free protection process. During the second hour, Phil Ball,
Vice-President of the Society, will offer another in his popular series on
Tips and Tricks to maximize the usefulness of a personal computer. Both
parts of the meeting will use non-technical language and encourage comments
and questions from those attending.
Touchmark will provide light refreshments for this meeting. If you'd like to
have lunch at the nearby The Finn restaurant (it's within easy walking
distance) prior to the meeting, it is suggested that you get reservations at 928-708-3131.
Following the meeting, there will be an opportunity for interested people to
have a tour of the Touchmark facilities.
December 11 - 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.
December 15 - Saturday
No PCS meeting is scheduled.
December 18 - 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.
December 22 - Saturday
No PCS meeting is scheduled.
December 29 - Saturday
No PCS meeting is scheduled.
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