 The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Editorial Carol Daniels cad@melbpc.org.au |
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One of the "perks" of editing PC Update is spending time looking for
material on issues, products, services, etc, that interests our members. This month I think I've found some
gems to entertain and enlighten you. Unfortunately I also had to look for more than the usual volume, some of
it at short notice, which meant that I didn't have time to finish my article on the vendor presentations at
the APCUG fall conference.
Hearing the echo of an old friend's voice, I took that as an "opportunity" and called upon the resources of
the Association of PC User Groups (APCUG). Many of our members won't know just what APCUG is, or why we
belong. Here's a practical example of how we benefit from membership in this international organisation. Our
readers won't have to wait another month for a summary of the vendor presentations or read my draft that was
about two cycles short of being ready for print.
Thank you, William Cowell
During February Peter Smith wanted to try an experiment with some of our production methods. He needed a ZIP
drive and disk. We didn't want to buy a drive, or even a disk, before we knew the results of the experiment.
Peter was able to borrow a ZIP drive but couldn't get a spare disk from the same source. So he asked me to
put out a call for help in melbpc.pcupdate. Within hours William Cowell put up his hand. Thank you
William, Peter will report on the experiment and results in due course.
Do you remember your first time?
I don't remember the first time I used a computer, but I remember the frustration I used to feel. It seemed
as if no matter which keys I pressed, the infernal machine did something unpredictable. Every so often I get
to "enjoy" that frustration all over again, usually when I'm trying to do something new and completely
different with a new program. As humbling as those experiences are, I still value them. I guess that's a good
thing, it is also part and parcel of editing PC Update.
Recently, I've been reminded of just how useful such experiences can be because my mother received a computer
for Christmas. Although she uses a computer at work, it's a purpose-built system, developed before "user
friendly" was even a concept. Essentially, her experience with that computer reduces her fear factor, but it
doesn't help her actually use a real world, Windows 95 computer.
She's having a ball though, learning how to do new things (including how to play solitaire on the computer!),
sending e-mail hither and yon. She's learning to master something new, through trial and error with a little
long distance coaching and the security of knowing that my little brother, a certified computing genius is
just a five-minute drive away. I'm enjoying testing my ability to write clear instructions in reply to her
queries.
Despite advances in user friendliness, there's a lot to learn before you take one out for a spin on your own.
For years, Melb PC and PC Update had a treasure in Ron Wilby. Ron could share his adventures
(and misadventures) in a way that appealed to just about everyone.
Filling Ron's role would be a big ask for anyone, but if each of us puts in just a little bit, we'll all
benefit in many ways.
There I've done it. I've issued my first call to action for 1998. PC Update always needs new writers.
(Bernie Houghton has already taken up the challenge to members to write about how they use their
computers for fun. I hope she will inspire other members to do the same.)
While I'm at it, I might as well remind you that every aspect of Melb PC needs more volunteers to help us
achieve our goal of helping each other.
Reprinted from the March 1998 issue of PC Update, the
magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
