2014 Winter Virtual Technology Conference

2014 Winter Virtual Technology Conference

Saturday, February 22, 1:00 - 5:00 pm ET

APCUG’s FREE 2014 Winter Virtual Technology Conference (VTC) will be held on Saturday, February 22, from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Eastern time. The sessions are 50 minutes in length and offer attendees the opportunity to ask questions via a chat window. Videos from earlier conferences can be found on APCUG’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/apcugvideos.

To register for this VTC, please click on the below link:

http://bit.ly/APCUG-2014-Winter-VTC-Registration

Spread the word by forwarding this e-mail to your members. VTCs are a great way for your members to expand their technology experience and be introduced to new skills. Below are the sessions that are currently scheduled.

http://bit.ly/APCUG-2014-Winter-VTC  This link is where you can view the presenter bios and, after the conference, you can download the handouts and get links to the videos.

If you would like further information, send an email to virtualconferences@apcug.org  

TRACK 1

So You've Got a New Computer. Now What?

Bob Gostischa, Avast

A new computer is a wonderful new tool but can also be a source of real frustration. Turning this new addition into your friend and something that will make your life easier is what this presentation is all about. This presentation focuses on normal computer users, rather than “IT geeks,” and clearly explains the following topics:

• Installing avast! Free on your new computer so you’re protected against virus, worms, Trojans, rootkits
• Removing pre-installed unwanted/unneeded programs before you’ve ever used the computer
• Setting up a backup routine to prevent a disaster - before it happens
• Creating a bootable System Recovery USB thumb drive or CD / DVD
• Computer safety tips
• Other free software used to create layered protection
• Features and benefits of Avast's free antivirus program
• Android Smartphone and Tablet safety and protection recommendations

Quick & Beautiful Web Pages
Jim Evans, Director, APCUG

Sometimes you just need a simple one-page web page. You don’t want to bother with messy HTML, your friend of a friend expert is too busy and those so-called easy website creation sites are a pain. Well, there are solutions and they are free. In this session, we will look at:

• About.me – Remember business cards? Yeah, they are still around, but this is a web version. You can have your group’s logo, a picture, contact information and even a description of you or your group.
• Tackk.com – Remember the flyers you used to post on bulletin boards? Now there is web version. Got a great meeting coming up and want to promote with information, directions, map and pictures? In just a few minutes you can have a professional looking flyer that you can share on the web and via email.

A Comparison of Windows 7, 8, and 8.1

Francis Chao, Member, Tucson Computer Society, AZ

At the present time, you have a choice between running Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. Your selection between these operating systems should depend on the differences in their various features. Francis will explore those features.

User Group Session
APCUG and Your $50

Judy Taylour, President, SCV Computer Club; Chair, APCUG Board of Advisors

Your user group has rejoined APCUG for another year but is it using all of the benefits that are offered to member groups? This presentation will show you about those benefits; maybe you will find some that you aren’t using and your members will find worthwhile.

TRACK 2

Manage your Passwords with RoboForm Pro
Dave Gerber, Director, APCUG

We’re always told to use a different password for each account and sometimes we feel that our brains are full and can’t remember one more. If you need to manage your passwords, RoboForm remembers them so you don’t have to. RoboForm has been around since 1999 and has millions of users worldwide. The RoboForm Identities feature lets you securely store your name, address, email, credit cards, and all other personal information which makes it super simple to fill in forms. RoboForm runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Windows USB drives.

They also have apps for most popular mobile phones including the iPhone, Android, and Blackberry. Dave has arranged with RoboForm to give away five copies of their Pro program. All presentation attendees are asked to sign-in with their name and user group to be eligible for the drawing.

What do I do now with my old XP Computer?
Stew Botoff, Linux SIG Leader, Tampa Bay Computer Society

This April Windows XP® goes away. Has your computer has become slow and slower? Should you buy a new computer? 

Give your legacy hardware new life by installing Linux on it. Make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. The conversion is simple and most Windows tasks are duplicated using free open source applications. 
Stew will show you how simple it is for a Windows person to switch: walking you through a full conversion is less than an hour. You'll gain a more secure connection on the Internet that no longer requires antivirus solutions. Plus, the conversion is free of cost except an hour of your time.

iPad in the Classroom, How We Can Learn More on the iPad
Greg West, APCUG Advisor, Regions 6 and International; Chair, Marketing Committee