Meetings

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

When: Sunday, Aug 10, 2025 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in the Multipurpose Room.

Map to Rochester Hills Public Library: https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=rochester+hills+library&atb=v411-1&ia=web&iaxm=maps&source=places

SIG Computing Topic:  Quantum Computing Architectures: Feynman’s “Wonderful Problem”.

Presented by  Alex Burgers

In the 1980s, Richard Feynman articulated that any computer hoping to properly simulate nature would have to be quantum mechanical, since nature is not classical. Over 40 years later, we are still trying to solve this, as Feynman described it, “wonderful problem.” In this talk, I will describe the capabilities a quantum computer can enable in technology and scientific discovery and why it is fundamentally different from classical computing. I will also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the many quantum computing architectures all vying to achieve the ultimate goal of fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Alex Burgers received his PhD in Physics from the University of Michigan and worked as a postdoc at Caltech and Princeton. Alex became an Assistant Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at the University of Michigan in fall 2022. His work focuses on building quantum technologies using neutral atoms. He has research grants funded by the Army, Air Force, and DARPA, and has received the NSF CAREER Award.

.Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Aug 10, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux:  No Meeting

The August 2025 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jrdVG3u8oqpJzis4JUOZaDvwNYJi8dHP/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: Quantum Computing Architectures Feynman’s ‘Wonderful Problem’ mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xfZuB_JhtjY7THJobkVp7z4y8M7B6bnC/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: No Meeting

Supporting files were used in the meeting. Below are links to the files:

SIG-Computing Meeting Quantum Computing Architectures Feynman’s ‘Wonderful Problem’ PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A4_tQvR6W7ah6hYe9NxmKYwQDSjeSVpp/view?usp=sharing

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

When: Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic:  Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Binary Logic & Encryption.

Presented by  Jeff Pynnonen

We will first discuss simple binary logic (Boolean Logic). AND, OR, NOT. And move onto to SHIFTing, and the XOR(eXculsive OR)The Exclusive OR, XOR, is the basis of encryption. It basically flips or not flips bits in a message. I will show that with a key you can completely encrypt and decrypt messages (texts, data, and information).

Jeff is an engineer, with  a BSEE from the University of Michigan, primarily involved circuit design and programming. He is experienced in C, C++, Visual Basic, Fortran, assembly language, and other languages.
Today, he likes Python and wants to learn Rust. He has worked doing data analysis for automotive customer experiences, developed a Computer Aided Phone Survey Interviewing Language (CAPSIL), allowing easy design of a survey, and easy to back up to correct wrong responses. He has also worked in programming in assembler code, C, C++ and other languages for automotive modules, like engine control, brake software, emission software, diagnostics, radio and entertainment systems.

.Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  Network Analyzer demo

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

Network monitoring and analyzing used to be considered the domain of major enterprises and limited to big &%@ servers. However, even the little guy or  home network users do have a need for knowing what is going on in their direct neck of the “cyberbit” woods. In the distant past, all we had was command line netstat and years of stumbling across interpretations of the cryptic output, or worse yet: swimming thru endless logs. Most folks don’t enjoy that at all. So an open source network analyzer with a GUI is generally welcome — and that’s where ntopng comes in.

Network “top” Next Generation is a tool we will give a demo of and see what it can tell us for our next SIG Linux session.

Sharan Kalwani is a High-Performance Computing Aficionado, a specialist for all things open source, soft skills, and contemporary IT Knowledge Expert. He is open to a wide variety of training & knowledge delivery projects.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

The July 2025 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hDQFW6NXGdxOd__iY4isXr9xy89B0hyk/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Binary Logic & Encryption mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rfYqH0W7fWyF7Sklp5hr_fkeKTdU_SO3/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: Demonstrating ntopng to See What It Can Tell Us mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JT-CfkjU2_EbJ5EVp92Ug6cXcKOrC3Z6/view?usp=sharing

Supporting files were used in the meeting. Below are links to the files:

SIG-Linux Linux Demonstrating ntopng to See What It Can Tell Us PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RKtk8VBzuEneJ74YymGKWomWVFhB1Odb/view?usp=sharing

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

When: Sunday, Jun 8, 2025 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic:  How to maximize the Raspberry Pi for a low cost high-speed personal computer system.

Presented by  Jeff Pynnonen

Jeff Pynnonen will demonstrate how to set up and use a Raspberry Pi 5 as a high-performance personal computer.

 Jeff has a BSED from the University of Michigan with an emphasis in computer engineering. Jeff was an automotive embedded systems engineer for most of his professional career.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Jun 8, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  Linux Kernel 6.15 &  Rust program language

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

For the month of June – we will be discussing the latest Linux Kernel 6.15 and what’s new inside of it. Also we will have a brief overview of the Rust program language, designed to be system friendly, in a way that is more efficient, less prone to memory leaks and more robust.

Sharan Kalwani is a High-Performance Computing Aficionado, a specialist for all things open source, soft skills, and contemporary IT Knowledge Expert. He is open to a wide variety of training & knowledge delivery projects.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, Jun 8, 2025 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

The June 2025 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BlMWRNk2SikIHmpkwF8wHu4Co-sjQZBB/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: How to Maximize the Raspberry Pi for a Low Cost mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YatTsSB2NFBccw1YkHqcDXuu3A_xZmcQ/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: Linux Kernel 6.15 and Rust mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uMoQzi-F3cnYBX6pUw9hFypLbAcp4gCf/view?usp=sharing

Supporting files were used in the meeting. Below are links to the files:

SIG-Computing Meeting: How to Maximize the Raspberry Pi for a Low Cost: URL for video shown at the meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtLyX72-688

SIG-Computing Meeting: How to Maximize the Raspberry Pi for a Low Cost Chat txt: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14TdS_DzrfIoPgZM3LEZIy-fVNntCID8k/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Linux Kernel 6.15 and Rust PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QINlPeBwL6JfSQ2mlVEzs0BWi2rAQ5b-/view?usp=sharing

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

When: Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic: Microsoft PowerToys

Presented by  Mark Schulman

PowerToys is a free collection of small, useful Windows utilities, designed to make life with Windows easier and more productive. Each PowerToy addresses one simple task, but often with very useful results. Users can pick and choose the PowerToys they find useful, and most people find at least a few that become part of their daily Windows experience. This presentation reviews the PowerToys available in 2025.

Mark Schulman has spent his career as a computer instructor, software designer, and small business owner. He has taught a wide range of programming courses for major corporations and worked on large software development projects. He is currently the IT manager for a group of family practice physicians. His major geek interest these days is the computer technology that brought about the moon landings in the 1960s. He lives near Orlando, Florida.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  What will power the massive growth of Open Source/Linux/Cloud and AI in the next 10 years?

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

 In a slight departure from the diversity of topics in the Open source world, one thing is clear: growth has accelerated during the last few years due to AI. 

A recent question asked of me was, “where is the electricity coming from for all this?” Essentially data centers are sprouting all over, ready to deploy Linux/Open Source in a cloud format for running AI workloads. In today’s topic we will explore where new sources of energy are being tapped—both renewable and non-renewable. As technology professionals we should be more conscious of our ever growing demands for energy and potentially creating huge inequity in this area.

Sharan Kalwani is a High-Performance Computing Aficionado, a specialist for all things open source, soft skills, and contemporary IT Knowledge Expert. He is open to a wide variety of training & knowledge delivery projects.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

When: Sunday, Apr 13, 2025 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic: Using NordVPN’s Meshnet & Using RustDesk

Presented by  RichardTheTechMan

NordVPN’s Meshnet is a Peer-to-Peer Networking Solution, which allows you to create secure, private connections between your devices, regardless of their location. This presentation will guide you through the usage of NordVPN’s Meshnet.

RustDesk is a Fast Open-Source Remote Access and Support Software. Switch from TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Splashtop to RustDesk for a secure and reliable remote desktop experience with your own self-hosted servers.

RichardTheTechMan has a degree in Computer Science. His website is https://RichardTheTechMan.com.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Apr 13, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  Recent trends in AI & related changes in Linux Distros

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

 We will be looking at the recent trends in AI and the changes being introduced into various Linux Distros to enable AI development.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, Apr 13, 2025 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

Please remember that Daylight Savings Time starts today. 

When: Sunday, Mar 9, 2025 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic: Software Defined Radio (SDR)

Presented by  Tom Allen

This talk will cover Software Defined Radio (SDR).    And example of a SDR will be given.  The theory of SDR’s will be discussed.

Tom Allen is a retired electrical and computer engineer. He has a   BS and MS from U of M. 

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Mar 9, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  All about USB but did not know who to ask

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

USB is now practically ubiquitous, but it has had a long journey behind it and was adopted very early by the Linux community. In this detailed presentation,  we will dive into the history of USB,

current standards, some hardware background (enough to make you dangerous) and the future of USB.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, Mar 9, 2025 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

Election of Officers and Board Members-at-Large. Based on the receipt of completed ballots received by Jan 19, 2025, the results of the election will be announced for the open positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and two Board Members‑at‑Large.

When: Sunday, Feb 9, 2025 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic: Power to the People

Presented by  Tom Allen

The presentation will discuss how electric power in generation, how it gets to your house, what can go wrong, and what devices use the most and least power.

Tom Allen is a retired electrical and computer engineer. He actually worked at the old Connors Creek  power plant.   

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Feb 9, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  Linux Kernel Internals

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

The Linux kernel is the heart of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing hardware resources, providing essential services, and facilitating communication between software components. It serves as an interface between user-space applications and the underlying hardware, abstracting away hardware complexities and providing a unified platform for software development. In this talk we will skim the surface of the design of the kernel, so we can gain a glimpse into why things work the way they do, and gain an appreciation for the work involved.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, Feb 9, 2025 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

Election of Officers and Board Members-at-Large. Based on the nominations in the Dec 2024 meeting, ballots were mailed to all members. All ballots must be may be deposited in the ballot box at the meeting or mailed in. The closing date for receipt of completed ballots is Jan 19, 2025.

The open positions are President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and two Board Members‑at‑Large. You may also write in any member including yourself for any of the positions. Please consider running for these positions.

When: Sunday, Jan 12, 2025 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic: Protect yourself from the Internet slime

Presented by  Carl T. Miller

There are some real hazards to using the Internet, especially when using wifi devices like cell phones and laptops.  We will
look at a simple technology to protect yourself and your data, the VPN (Virtual Private Network). We will be discussing NordVPN

Carl has been involved in computers and technology for over 50 years, including over 25 years of consulting services for
individuals, libraries, businesses and corporations.  He enjoys learning, implementing and sharing new programs and services. 
Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Jan 12, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  VI Editor Basics

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

While there a many open-source text editors available in the Linux world, none comes close to the versatility and power of “VI”.

In this session we will share how to use “VI”.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, Jan 12, 2025 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

Nominations for Officers and Board Members-at-Large. We will be taking nominations for candidates to run for our 2025 Officers and Board of Directors at the beginning of our meeting.

The open positions are President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and two Board Members‑at‑Large. You can nominate any member including yourself for any of the positions. Please consider running for these positions.

When: Sunday, Dec 08, 2024 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic: Buying Tech and not get Taken!

Presented by  Tom Allen

This presentation will cover how to buy tech items such as cell phones, tablets, smart TV’s, etc. and get the best deal and the best that suites you.  The talk will cover negotiating tactics as well technical considerations.

Tom Allen has a BS in Electrical Engineering and MS Computer Engineering from the U of M.

He has worked at Ford and GM reseach and in the past owned his own consulting firm.

He now gives technical presentations and does consulting. 
Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Dec 08, 2024 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  A review of LInux events in 2024 and what to look for in 2025

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

We will have a potpourri round up of what took place in the world of Linux in 2024 and also some thoughts on what to expect in 2025.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, Dec 08, 2024 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.