Welcome to the Prescott Computer Society

Interested in Membership?

Information about joining PCS is available at our Membership Info page.

Online Meetings Using Zoom

PCS meetings are available to anyone, including non-members, who wish to join us online. We are using Zoom as a means of holding our meetings in the convenience of your own home.

Even if you're not a member of PCS we urge you to attend our online meetings. Both members and non-members may do so in advance of the meeting by registering below. You will receive a password and link to the meeting by email. This step is necessary to keep out spammers and hackers. You may join the meeting no earlier than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

Like what you see at PCS? Get all the benefits of membership when you JOIN NOW!

For information on how to get and use a Zoom account please click the button below.

Getting started with Zoom

For additional information about Zoom by John Carter please click the button below.

Zoom Help

PCS UPCOMING MEETINGS

July 13, 2024 - Saturday - 1:00-3:00 PM
General Meeting – Leader: JB Burke
Bill James – "MacOS vs Windows OS"
Zoom (ONLY) meeting opens at 12:30 PM

Many individuals are familiar with the Apple ecosystem, primarily through an iPhone or iPad. However, using a Mac PC, such as a Mac Mini or MacBook Pro, presents a new opportunity to gain experience with MacOS. As a newcomer to the Mac Operating system and transitioning from a Windows environment, it was intriguing to compare the functionality of Mac to Windows. Furthermore, it was imperative to evaluate how the knowledge and skills gained from Windows could be applied to the Mac, considering the Mac is just another PC. Through this evaluation, Bill sought to understand the similarities between the Mac and Windows keyboard and the similarities and differences between built-in applications. This presentation aims to share his discoveries, particularly the similarities between the two operating systems, specifically focusing on web-based cross-platform applications.

The second hour of today's program will be Windows Adventurer Phil Ball with another helping of his famous Windows Tips & Tricks. No matter how well you know Windows, you will be sure to come away from Phil's session with at least one new insight - and probably many more as well.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

August 3, 2024 - Saturday - 1:00-3:00 PM
Everyday Use of Android Devices and Apps Part 5 – Leader: JB Burke
Zoom meeting will open at 12:30 PM

Part 5 - Using Camera and Gallery Apps
This 6-session class will cover many topics that are of interest to Android Phone and Tablet users.

This class is intended to gradually introduce Android device basics, leading up to more advanced features and uses in the final session. It's designed to empower seniors to navigate and use their Android phones or tablets independently, and safely. Each session includes time for questions and answers to ensure understanding.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

August 6, 2024 - Tuesday - 4:00-5:00 PM
PCS Board of Directors Meeting
Zoom meeting will open at 3:45 PM

The board will meet to discuss PCS operations - Meeting Schedules, Zoom issues, etc.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

August 10, 2024 - Saturday - 1:00-3:00 PM
General Meeting – Leader: JB Burke
Rob Truman – "YouTube – An Introduction"
Zoom (ONLY) meeting opens at 12:30 PM

YouTube is a great education resource once you understand some of the ground rules. YouTube gets billions of hits a day, with hundreds of hours of new content uploaded every minute. Searching through that deluge of video can be harder than searching the entire web. This presentation will start with the basics and examine some of the tips and tricks to finding what it is you are looking for.

The second hour of today's program will be Windows Adventurer Phil Ball with another helping of his famous Windows Tips & Tricks. No matter how well you know Windows, you will be sure to come away from Phil's session with at least one new insight - and probably many more as well.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

September 7, 2024 - Saturday - 1:00-3:00 PM
Everyday Use of Android Devices and Apps Part 6 – Leader: JB Burke
Zoom meeting will open at 12:30 PM

Part 6 - Advanced Features and Wrap Up
This 6-session class will cover many topics that are of interest to Android Phone and Tablet users.

This class is intended to gradually introduce Android device basics, leading up to more advanced features and uses in the final session. It's designed to empower seniors to navigate and use their Android phones or tablets independently, and safely. Each session includes time for questions and answers to ensure understanding.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

September 14, 2024 - Saturday - 1:00-3:00 PM
Zoom meeting will open at 12:30 PM
General Meeting – Leader: JB Burke

JB Burke - How the Electric Telegraph Changed the World
In this enlightening program, we'll journey back to the 19th century to explore the revolutionary invention of the telegraph. We'll delve into how this remarkable technology transformed the world, shrinking vast distances into mere dots and dashes. The telegraph, for the first time, allowed for instantaneous communication  over long distances, breaking down barriers and fostering a new era of global interconnectedness. We'll discuss its profound impact on various aspects of life, including commerce, news dissemination, warfare, and social interactions. This program aims to help participants appreciate the telegraph's pivotal role in shaping our modern world, setting the stage for today's digital age. Join us as we unravel the fascinating story of the telegraph and its immense effect on life on Earth.

The second hour of today's program will be Windows Adventurer Phil Ball with another helping of his famous Windows Tips & Tricks. No matter how well you know Windows, you will be sure to come away from Phil's session with at least one new insight - and probably many more as well.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

October 1, 2024 - Tuesday - 4:00-5:00 PM
PCS Board of Directors Meeting
Zoom meeting will open at 3:45 PM

The board will meet to discuss PCS operations - Meeting Schedules, Zoom issues, etc.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

October 5, 2024 - Saturday - 1:00-3:00 PM
Digital Photography SIG – Leader: Phil Ball
Zoom meeting will open at 12:30 PM

Professor Phil Ball will resume our ongoing education in all things Digital Photography. Phil regularly peppers his programs with an eclectic mix of digital photo examples, shooting suggestions and post-production demonstrations. If you have a digital camera, and who doesn't with a smartphone in their pocket, you will benefit from Phil's expertise.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

October 12, 2024 - Saturday - 1:00-3:00 PM
General Meeting – Leader: JB Burke
Bob Gostischa - October is Cyber Security Awareness Month
Zoom meeting will open at 12:30 PM

Highlights of Bob's talk:

Phishing attacks: Watch out for emails or messages pretending to be from trusted sources, aiming to steal your information.

Malware: Be cautious of viruses, worms, and Trojans that can damage files, steal data, or give attackers control of your device.

Ransomware: This sneaky software encrypts your files and demands a ransom for their release, with no restoration guarantee.

Spyware: Watch for this nosy software that tracks your activities and can lead to identity theft or financial fraud.

Adware: Annoying pop-up ads that can also track your browsing habits.

DDoS attacks: Overwhelm servers to make websites unavailable, causing financial and reputational damage.

Bob's presentation centers around a comprehensive video and your questions. You ask, and he'll do his best to give a simple, understandable answer.

The second hour of today's program will be Windows Adventurer Phil Ball with another helping of his famous Windows Tips & Tricks. No matter how well you know Windows, you will be sure to come away from Phil's session with at least one new insight - and probably many more as well.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

November 2, 2024 - Saturday - 1:00-3:00 PM
Touring the Web SIG #11 – Leader: JB Burke
Zoom meeting will open at 12:30 PM

JB will serve up another carefully researched and finely tuned program of Special Topics. You will learn many useful, interesting, unusual, educational, humorous, and ancient chunks of knowledge that you just never thought of. Now you don't have to because JB has thunk them for you.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Other Computer Groups Sharing Meetings

Through PCS' affiliation with APCUG (see below) you may also virtually attend other computer club meetings throughout the country. Check out the wide selection of programs available to you.

A typical PCS meeting scene.

General Information About PCS

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 are our General meeting and several Special Interest Group meetings. Anyone with an interest in computers is welcome to attend our meetings and join PCS.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

PCS is affiliated with OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) as a Special Interest Group which is based at Prescott's Yavapai Community College. From the OLLI website: "Yavapai College is one of only five community colleges in the nation to boast an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, our locations in Prescott and Sedona-Verde offer a variety of learning and teaching opportunities for mature adults, 50 years of age and over." (Source)

Association of Personal Computer User Groups

PCS is a member of the Association of Personal Computer User Groups (PCS APCUG page). PCS uses materials from APCUG in many of its presentations. From the APCUG website: "Membership in APCUG is open to any non-commercial organization whose primary purpose is to help its members learn about technology. It is a cross-platform organization supporting operating systems such as Windows, OS X, iOS, Android, Chrome, and Linux." (Source)

Fun Stuff

A typical "Stump The Geeks" Q&A session which is chaired by some of our favorite PCS members. It's always full of laughter and is 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.