About SEMCO

SEMCO
The SouthEastern Michigan Computer Organization, Inc. (SEMCO) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) group dedicated to providing information, education and a forum to both professional and amateur computer users. SEMCO is one of the country’s oldest personal computing organizations and was established to help individuals better understand personal computing.

ORGANIZATION
SEMCO is managed by a Board of Directors. The President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer are elected by the membership. The Publications Committee Chairman is a member of the Board and each Special Interest Group (SIG) also has a representative that sits on the Board. The Board and various committees serve the needs of the membership by arranging for meeting rooms, audio-visual equipment, and by maintaining a common treasury.

In addition to providing administrative functions for the membership and the SIGs, the SEMCO Board arranges for meeting speakers on topics of interest to the membership as a whole. Past speakers have included: CEO’s from software, hardware, manufacturing and retail organizations, and representatives from major companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Adobe, and Apple Computers.

SEMCO is a community service organization providing technical support. SEMCO has also provided hardware and software repair to schools and disadvantaged individuals. Computer components and entire systems are also donated when appropriate. In addition, all meetings are open to the public.

HISTORY
The SouthEastern Michigan Computer Organization first began meeting in 1976. The original mailing list consisted of student members of an early computer organization at Wayne State University plus attendees of a seminar put on by MITS, the company, which produced the Altair computer.

The greatest change since the early years of the organization is an increased emphasis by members on “off the shelf” software and operating systems. In the past, more members wrote their own programs and built or modified their own hardware. This in turn parallels the changes taking place in the computer industry as a whole. You no longer need to know how to write your own software or how to operate a soldering iron to enjoy computing.

PRESENT
SEMCO maintains a presence on the World Wide Web at http://www.semco.org. Stop in and view our ever evolving web site. We can also be reached by e-mail at semco@semco.org.

SEMCO currently holds its general meeting at 1:30 PM on the second Sunday of every month virtually on the Zoom video platform. Present membership is approximately 30. Usually  ~ 10 members and guests attend the main monthly meetings, with more for special speakers.

Several SIGs meet on a regular basis. These currently include: SIG-Computing (DOS, all versions of Windows, Linux); and SIG-Linux. Some SIG meetings are held immediately after the general meeting, others meet at other locations and times throughout the month. SIG meeting notices are published each month on the SEMCO Web site. Feel free to contact individual SIG chairpersons for additional details.

FUTURE
Members will be kept up-to-date on the latest industry developments and future trends by way of our regular meeting. SEMCO will continue to engage knowledgeable speakers, from both large international corporations and small domestic businesses, to discuss a wide range of exciting topics.

Perhaps foremost is the personal contact with other computer users, which provides for an open exchange of ideas in an informal setting.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to all persons. Those under 18 must be sponsored by a parent or guardian. Visitors are welcome at all meetings.

Dues are $30.00 per year. For general information about future meeting topics, location, dates and times check our web site at http://www.semco.org. Any questions can also be addressed to SEMCO at our email address: semco@semco.org.

Follow the link to our membership form to join or just come to a meeting (try before you buy).

WHY JOIN SEMCO
SEMCO provides a unique array of opportunities that only a user group can provide. At SEMCO it is possible to converse with friendly people ranging from students to retirees, including novices, computer professionals and hobbyists, as well as a wide assortment of people from many other walks of life.

SEMCO is a great place to:

  • Learn more about computing in an informal, non-academic setting.
  • See new software and hardware demonstrated, sometimes before officially released.
  • Get a chance to win software or accessories. (Vendors frequently donate copies of software for door prizes.)
  • Get honest answers to computer questions without commercial bias.
  • Learn of the best places to buy that new hardware or software item you’ve been looking for.
  • Learn how to write your own software programs.
  • Meet and interact with other computer users.
  • Get questions answered ranging from how to work the latest DOS, Windows, or LINUX software to getting advice on network problems.
  • Swap and trade components, shareware and public domain software.
  • Gain access to members willing to provide help in response to a phone call or e-mail.


SEMCO meets virtually on the Zoom video platform on the

Second Sunday of Every Month
General Meeting: 1:15 PM
SIG-Computing: 1:30 PM
SIG-Linux: 3:00 PM

VISITORS WELCOME

SouthEastern Michigan Computer Organization, Inc.
P.O. Box 707
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303-0707
e-mail: semco@semco.org
https://www.semco.org

SEMCO Membership Form