Meeting Information

Sharon 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 1:45 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 9, 2026 at 2:00 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in Conference room A (upstairs).

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic: Install a free “Virtual Machine Program” into an existing Windows PC

Presented by Francis Chao

If you install a free “Virtual Machine Program” into an existing Windows computer or a macOS computer or a Linux computer, you can use it to create virtual machines.
These virtual machines are software entities that act like real hardware computers.
You can then install any version of Windows or any distribution of Linux into a virtual machine. Using virtual machines provides you with a simulated hardware
environment that isolates operating systems and software apps to prevent them from conflicting with existing hardware and/or software apps in your physical Windows computer.
o Overview of virtual machine programs running “guest operating systems”
o Installing free “virtual machine programs”
o Virtual networks created by virtual machine programs
o Copying or moving virtual machines in VMware Workstation Pro
o Copying or moving virtual machines in Oracle VM VirtualBox
o Copying or moving virtual machines in Hyper-V.

Francis Chao is a volunteer for the APCUG organization. He has been presenting for them for the past 16 years. He is currently a member of the Tucson Computer Society where he maintains an online presence via Zoom since he now lives in California. Francis is an avid user of Windows, macOS, and Linux computers.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Aug 9, 2026 at 2:00 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux: No Meeting

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.

The August 2026 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vGkZEvNYMvhfh7qmtvIVecEyvmg1Gta9/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: Using Virtual Machines in Free Virtual Machine Programs in a Real Computer mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/198EChFFEXTA333xtE14zkpiwdoA9eeK7/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: No Meeting.

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

SIG-Computing Meeting:

Virtual Machines–An Overview PDF:
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/virtualmachines/0-virtual-machines-overview.pdf
and pptx:
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/virtualmachines/0-virtual-machines-overview.pptx

Comparison Of Free “Virtual Machine Programs” For Your Real “Windows..” Computer PDF:
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/virtualmachines/1-comparison-vm-programs.pdf
and pptx:
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/virtualmachines/1-comparison-vm-programs.pptx

Installing Free “Virtual Machine Programs” For Your Real “Windows..” Computer PDF:
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/virtualmachines/2-installing-vm-programs.pdf
and pptx:
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/virtualmachines/2-installing-vm-programs.pptx

Installing “Virtual Machines” via the virtual machine program PDF:
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/virtualmachines/3-installing-virtual-machines-generic.pdf
and pptx:
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/virtualmachines/4-installing-virtual-machines-generic.pptx

Copying or Moving Or Starting Up A Virtual Machine in “VMware Workstation Pro” PDF
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/virtualnetworks/movingVMs/movingVMwareVMs.pdf
and pptx:
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/movingVMs/movingVMwareVMs.pptx

Copying or Moving Or Starting Up A Virtual Machine in “VirtualBox” PDF:
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/virtualmachines/movingVMs/movingVirtualBoxVMs.pdf
and pptx:
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/virtualmachines/movingVMs/movingVirtualBoxVMs.pptx

Copying or Moving A Virtual Machine in “Hyper-V” PDF:
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/virtualmachines/moving/movingHyper-V-VMs.pdf
and pptx:
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/virtualmachines/movingVMs/movingHyper-V-VMs.pptx

Virtual Networks In Virtual Machine Programs PDF
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/virtualmachines/virtualnetworks-Windows.pdf
and pptx:
http://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/virtualmachines/virtualnetworks-Windows.pptx

SIG-Linux Meeting: No Meeting.

June 7, 2026by Sikander Rashid

Meeting Information

Sharon 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 1:15 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, June 14, 2026 at 1:30 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in Conference room B (upstairs).

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic:  Ethical Framework for AI

Presented by Donald Mark Hayes

Generative AI (gen AI) and large language models (LLMs) are revolutionizing personal and professional lives. From supercharged digital assistants that manage email to seemingly omniscient chatbots that can communicate with enterprise data across industries, languages, and specialties, these technologies are driving a new era of convenience, productivity, and connectivity. We have heard horror stories of AI chatbots lying and their Nazification. What is to stop them from turning evil or operating under bad actors, to the detriment of individuals and society? Do we require embedded control, similar to Isaac Asimov’s three laws of Robotics? Why not provide AI with a set of professional ethics?

• What should those rules be?
• Who should monitor and police them?
• How can they fail?
• And what can we do when they do fail?

Do we require something similar to Azimov’s Laws of Robotics:

A robot may not harm humanity, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm.Generative AI (gen AI) and large language models (LLMs) are revolutionizing personal and professional lives. From supercharged digital assistants that manage email to seemingly omniscient chatbots that can communicate with enterprise data across industries, languages, and specialties, these technologies are driving a new era of convenience, productivity, and connectivity.

A robot may not injure a human being, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm

A robot must obey the orders given to it by a human being except where such orders would conflict with the First Law

A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law

And what can we do when they do fail? What should those rules be? Who should monitor and police them? How can they fail?

I am a Renaissance man trapped in a specialist’s body. I started as a biologist. That’s why I became an IT guy. I love science, but it doesn’t pay the bills. I’ve been an IT professional for many years. I was a software developer with an elegant language for a more civilized age. I became a Quality Assurance Analyst because it’s better to give than receive. I have been a process improvement specialist because it’s easier to negotiate with a terrorist than a Methodologist. I’ve worked as a Scrum Master and Agile Coach. I have drunk the Kool-Aid, and it tastes good. I’m currently focusing on writing and speaking. Agile is a philosophy, not a methodology. In interviews, people ask how long you have been Agile. My answer is always. I didn’t know what to call it before.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 1:35 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux Topic:  FOSS (Free  and Open Source Software) Featuring LUBUNTU

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

We have talked about many many distros – especially lightweight ones for older desktops/laptops. 

As some of you are already aware:  I loathe to consign these old faithful pieces of hardware the recycling bin, always finding a way to repurpose them!.

But we never got around to discussing/bringing up ‘Lubuntu’ – a lightweight version of the highly popular UBUNTU distro. 

So for me, Lubuntu remains a distribution that continues to deliver excellent performance on relatively older hardware. 

As long as you’re not using truly ancient hardware, you should have no trouble with Lubuntu.

We will demo it and talk about every useful app available on the big boys as well as faded hardware.

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, June 14, 2026 at 3:00 P.M.

The June 2026 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X5rNG3ZKgNB9qOkyDry59il8VEfD_wRy/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: Does AI Require an Ethical Framework? mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11BIgOIb5wHs1BzXSO4wMq6nf2HeR6dsH/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: LUBUNTU mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DYBdmm7P-Cv8f9qOsfK0DHT-fFWCkq0J/view?usp=sharing

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

SIG-Computing Meeting: Does AI Require an Ethical Framework? PowerPoint pptx: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/14RP3T8WUBnfrB8dDoLyTBe3L83bkTYAH/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102339897980761090015&rtpof=true&sd=true

SIG-Computing Meeting: Does AI Require an Ethical Framework? PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ygEDSYAd4efHGYhgblQy9skI93j2tBrM/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: Does AI Require an Ethical Framework? Link to presenter’s website: https://dmarkhaynesconsulting.godaddysites.com/

Meeting Information

Sharon 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 1:15 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 12, 2026 at 1:30 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in Conference room A (upstairs).

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic: “Using Microsoft’s Bundled “Phone Link” App for Controlling “iPhones” and Samsung or Android Cell Phones”

Presented by Francis Chao

Francis Chao will demonstrate how you can use Microsoft’s “Phone Link” app in “Windows 10” or “Windows 11”, to sync with and operate your iPhone or Android cell phone faster than you can by tapping on the screen of your cell phone. He will demonstrate how to install or re-install the “Link to Windows” client on your cell phone and how to install or re-install and use Microsoft’s “Phone Link” to control and transfer files to and from your cell phone.

Francis Chao is a volunteer for the APCUG organization. He has been presenting for them for the past 16 years. He is currently a member of the Tucson Computer Society where he maintains an online presence via Zoom since he now lives in California. Francis is an avid user of Windows, macOS, and Linux computers.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, July 14, 2026 at 1:3 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux: No Meeting

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.

The July 2026 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eR5B100x6UGC6NFx501cUwEyfVOGbwi0/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: Using Microsoft’s Bundled “Phone Link” App for Controlling “iPhones” and Samsung or Android Cell Phone mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18TjEjxDw4kmOkkg716_imkSEAu7_qonx/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: No Meeting

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

Computing Meeting: Using Microsoft’s Bundled “Phone Link” App for Controlling “iPhones” and Samsung or Android Cell Phones pptx: https://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/cell-phones/pc-control/0-PhoneLink-demo.pptx

and PDF: https://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/cell-phones/pc-control/0-PhoneLink-demo.pd

Configuring “Phone Link” in a “Windows 11” Computer pptx: https://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/cell-phones/pc-control/1-configure-PhoneLink-to-LinkToWin.pptx

and PDF: https://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/cell-phones/pc-control/1-configure-PhoneLink-to-LinkToWin.pd

Building an Inexpensive USB Headset pptx: https://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/cell-phones/pc-control/2-An-Inexpensive-Headset-For-Computer.pptx

and PDF: https://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/cell-phones/pc-control/2-An-Inexpensive-Headset-For-Computer.pdf

SIG-Linux Meeting: No Meeting.

Meeting Information

Sharon 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 1:15 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 10, 2026 at 1:30 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in Conference room B (upstairs).

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic:  Windows 11 – Tips, Tricks and Tweaks

Presented by Rob Truman

When you unpack a new Windows 11 laptop or desktop, the operating system often arrives with more than just the OS: promotional games, trial utilities, vendor utilities, and background helpers that quietly launch at startup.  Want to take control and get rid of Microsoft tracking, make your computer faster, or just do some cleaning and take out the garbage.  Join us as we examine a variety of Tips, Tricks and Tweaks for the Novice to help make your copy of Windows 11 ‘Not Suck’..

Rob is a member of Computer Booters of Sun Lakes Computer Club and serves on their Board of Directors as their Web Director. He has over 40 years of experience in Information Technology and Internet-related fields. He is a retired U.S. Navy Chief Electronics Technician and has worked as a Technical Support professional for Microsoft over the years.  Rob holds a Master of Arts degree in Adult Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology (BSIT).  He is a staunch proponent of lifelong learning and runs a website/blog called GeezerTek which focuses on helping the senior community with their technology needs. Rob also volunteers and teaches adult education technology classes through his local community college and their lifelong learning program: New Adventures in Learning.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 1:35 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux Topic:  FOSS (Free  and Open Source Software)

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

So far we have been waxing lyrical about lots of FOSS (Free  and Open Source Software), especially Linux.
Linux has so many (distributions) aka distros (over 500) that the standard response/phrase is often : “there is a distro for almost any requirement/shape or profile of users”.

However, there are some distros – that do not suit many folks, especially beginners or users switching over from Windows or other Operating Systems. In this session, we will talk about certain distros – that need not be tried by the average user, for a variety of reasons. Amongst them are: Arch Linux, Gentoo, Slackware, etc.

We will also highlight reasons to treat these distros carefully.

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 10, 2026 at 3:00 P.M.

The May 2026 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: No meeting.

SIG-Computing Meeting: Windows 11 – Tips, Tricks and Tweaks mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KzZdnjSl3GgwMz6wEzupkMVCoPynS3ap/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: No meeting.

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

SIG-Computing Meeting: Windows 11 – Tips, Tricks and Tweaks: PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18tF_YHtcjsEFhFpMkKHTjV__My_WIwr6/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: Windows 11 – Tips, Tricks and Tweaks Chat txt: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_F7OeB3wEfU1AfguR1O3A_YYQGklnxBl/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux There was no meeting but here are the slides that would have been used for the meeting: Linux distros beginners may want to avoid pdf: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19S3b_h549BZWJk1SMyW1h0AabiQfr7hX/view?usp=sharing

Meeting Information

Sharon 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 1:15 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, April 12, 2026 at 1:30 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in Conference room B (upstairs).

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic:   Passkeys & Two Factor Authentication

Presented by Rob Truman

In the world of online security, when a public key and a private key when combined, create a passkey that can unlock your account. Passkeys have plenty of benefits; for example, they cannot be guessed or shared. Also, passkeys resist some phishing attempts because they’re unique to the sites they’re created for, so they won’t work on fraudulent lookalikes. This presentation will examine what passkeys are, how to set them up and why you should consider using them.

Rob is a member of Computer Booters of Sun Lakes Computer Club and serves on their Board of Directors as their Web Director. He has over 40 years of experience in Information Technology and Internet-related fields. He is a retired U.S. Navy Chief Electronics Technician and has worked as a Technical Support professional for Microsoft over the years.  Rob holds a Master of Arts degree in Adult Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology (BSIT).  He is a staunch proponent of lifelong learning and runs a website/blog called GeezerTek which focuses on helping the senior community with their technology needs. Rob also volunteers and teaches adult education technology classes through his local community college and their lifelong learning program: New Adventures in Learning.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 1:35 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux Topic: Q4OS: a light-weight Linux distro

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

In April we will dive into Q4OS, which is a light-weight Linux distribution based on Debian,

targeted as a replacement for operating systems that are no longer supported on outdated hardware.

It is surprising that it has not gotten much visibility as I have found it to be fast and easy to use!

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, April 12, 2026 at 3:00 P.M.

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

The April 2026 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12KlwEbdxenudWqj0ansNgW0Oylsg89r5/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: Passkeys & Two Factor Authentication mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q0B2RACOe2uo224TgU4x5XldNP4S8Zt_/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: Q4OS mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/184UHi8wmhjhKbRPFyffCtE06b-UyDZF5/view?usp=sharing

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

SIG-Computing Meeting: Passkeys & Two Factor Authentication PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IZZRk0_HkrjnEpN0t0g4_7j0ajQ2bMJq/view?usp=sharing

SEMCO 2026 April SIG-Computing Passkeys & Two Factor Authentication Chat txt: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Yr2vLvWyvzoe-XSWBVBVisaLdB5qWek/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: Q4OS pdf: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MIvAiUhO8EZ-YuWyjrHSKzako6KQWgxp/view?usp=sharing

Meeting Information

Sharon 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 1:15 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, March 8, 2026 at 1:30 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in Conference room B (upstairs).

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic:  All you want to know about the Dark Web

Presented by Bill James

Delving into the enigmatic realm of the dark web. This presentation will explain the purpose and pitfalls of the Dark Web.

You may be surprised for what the original purpose for the Dark Web and who created it. We will also explain its peculiarities.

Bill James is a member of the APCUG and the Computer Club of Oklahoma. He is a frequent speaker to other  groups around the country. 

Bill has been involved with computer groups for over 40 years. His main focus has been with the Windows platform.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 1:35 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux Topic: ONLYOFFICE Office Suite

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

This month I will review a new Office Suite called ONLYOFFICE. It is free and open source. It can handle: text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF, forms creator and ebooks. Apparently it also has an AI component as well. More to share when you attend inperson or online at our next meeting..

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, March 8, 2026 at 3:00 P.M.

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

The March 2026 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BbpV48Fa4Wu0oGnSdVXzWU9NmLHrS3ia/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: The Dark Web—Delving into the enigmatic realm of the dark web mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rru8C2hvNr3H_hXBnnwS0exlcdebtrx3/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: ONLYOFFICE Office Suite mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10EgI147UnlTZHKLSurovPF1QSoyn_pBg/view?usp=sharing

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

SIG-Computing Meeting: The Dark Web—Delving into the enigmatic realm of the dark web PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v0GjgHavQy16cOGXtdWpTqvlgfiyujTd/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: ONLYOFFICE Office Suite pdf: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y8YDL1cUEBEtPwTPIYnorOwSGj6Q7v0t/view?usp=sharing

Meeting Information

Sharon 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 1:15 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, Feb 8, 2026 at 1:30 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in Conference room B (upstairs).

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic:  Keeping your Data private with VERACRYPT

Presented by Mark Schulman

VeraCrypt is one of the most popular “on-the-fly” encryption programs.  It enables you to store sensitive data on your PC, laptop, flash drive, or external hard drive in an encrypted format, and to access that data easily.  It also enables you to encrypt your entire hard drive — a feature that is especially useful for laptops which can be potentially lost or stolen.  In this presentation, you’ll learn what VeraCrypt is and how to use its most popular features.

VeraCrypt is open source and completely free.

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, Feb 8, 2026 at 1:35 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux Topic:  FOSS project management packages/applications

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

This month onwards we will feature applications which are free and open source in their basic nature. Almost everyone needs to track their activities and projects.

Well there are plenty of FOSS project management packages/applications. The list is nice and long – we will cover many of their pros and cons.

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, Feb 8, 2026 at 3:00 P.M.

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

The February 2026 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17-jZxmE6KO3Y3FZ9yRucibfy0NooJcGr/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: Keeping Your Data Private with VeraCrypt mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jEFtae2IPf5gxZ5AGvsHihhejq04r2Op/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: Project Management Packages/Applications mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y2330oUBoyg1ylFUUAVZUtkIUNqr1gFt/view?usp=sharing

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

SEMCO 2026 Board Meeting Chat txt: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rLxUWFvXIvJWMk9fO3zZuLy1gWhRvcfM/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: SEMCO Keeping Your Data Private with VeraCrypt PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tH13aXBcewoaM6ew8jnZVfe8rCvZl-zf/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: Project Management Packages/Applications pdf: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hegICzLY6lp5_NSJeqNCAwX1g4l7RONX/view?usp=drive_link

Meeting Information

Sharon 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 1:15 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. The following nominations were taken during the December 2025 meeting.

Sharan Kalwani for President, Jeff Pynnonen for Vice President, Trevor Karty for Treasurer, Julie Comptois for Secretary, and Robert Clyne and Sikander Rashid for the two Board Members‑at‑Large positions.

The ballots have been mailed to all members. Completed ballots can be turned in at the General meeting on January 11, 2026 or sent by mail (no on-line voting).  Ballots in the mail must be received by the Secretary by Sunday January 18th at 11:59 p.m. to be counted.

When: Sunday, Jan 11, 2026 at 1:30 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in the Multipurpose Room.

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic:  A Future Worth Hoping For: Artificial Intelligence and Human Destiny

Presented by  Nathaniel Borenstein

In this talk I will discuss the nature and diversity of intelligence, the options that information technologies are offering humanity, and the kind of future we should try to envision.  Some of the fundamental questions we face include:

• How might we create an economy based on abundance rather than scarcity?
• How will access to today’s vast sea of information change our fundamental beliefs and traditions, and the nature of the human journey?
• What rights should non-human intelligences have, and how do they affect our notion of what it means to be human?
• Can we work in harmony with Artificial Intelligence for the benefit of all living things, biological and artificial, human and animal?

As food for radical thought, I suggest how the economic security of a Universal Basic Income might allow the elimination of many laws and regulations, including copyright, minimum wage, and many kinds of worker protections.  I also imagine a world in which lifelong AI companions help protect and raise children far better than any human parents could do alone, and where all AIs are required to be open source.  Understanding the widest possible range of options may not lead us to utopia, but might help us to envision and pursue a better world for our descendants.

Nathaniel is best known for his pioneering email research that culminated in MIME, the standard for multimedia data on the Internet. He founded four companies, holds 33 patents, and was Mimecast’s Chief Scientist and a Distinguished Engineer at IBM.  He tells the story of his fifty years as an activist and student of how information technology will change the human journey in his forthcoming book, “The Spirit of a Cyborg:  AI, the Internet, and a Future Worth Hoping For.”  You can read more about him at https://guppylake.com or his wikipedia page.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Jan 11, 2026 at 1:35 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux Topic:  no meeting this month

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

no meeting

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, Jan 11, 2026 at 3:00 P.M.

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

The January 2026 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uaBZi2za4G0bjrRD0QZZYBKxHAZDTyWw/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: A Future Worth Hoping For Artificial Intelligence and Human Destiny presented by Nathaniel Borenstein mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HD0VKQXJ61K8TJ8bl4FyzQ9RPL1unVzQ/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: No Meeting

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

SIG-Computing Meeting: SEMCO 2026 January SIG-Computing A Future Worth Hoping For Artificial Intelligence and Human Destiny PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/176cR0fyF6VULYWauiVp431FpBmQqkyk4/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: SEMCO 2026 January SIG-Computing A Future Worth Hoping For Artificial Intelligence and Human Destiny Chat txt: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wrt_bh-c549qq3Pv_A0GK0-wYTYx9QTZ/view?usp=sharing

Meeting Information

Sharon 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 1:15 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 2026 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 14, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in Conference Room B.

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic: Cybersecurity Best Practices

Presented by  Jon C Mularoni

Jon will present some common indicators of scams, the technical aspects behind them, and prevention strategies for our community.

He has been working as a Firewall Engineer for 3 years as of January.
He is Certified with A CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), Comptia Security Plus and is working on or have a AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification.
Also serves on the Advisory Board at The Living and Learning Enrichment Center. He is also certified in recreational therapy for young adults with disabilities

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Dec 14, 2025 at 1:35 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux Topic:  Focus on AlmaLinux distro

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

 Ever since the decision by Red Hat to stop work on the CentOS distro, the  Linux server world has been erupted by the ripple effect. We first did a SIG Linux report on this a couple of years back. Since there a  few valiant and widely hailed replacements have emerged: one of them is AlmaLinux. 

We will share in detail the various contributions it has been making and why it matters. { NOTE: this is server centric – but pivotal for all – small to large organizations }

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, Dec 14, 2025 at 3:00 P.M.

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

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

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I0HdV65H2uutQW8_O3cS6h3Uswyscjc8/view?usp=sharing

SEMCO General Meeting (Nominations) mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11RM9Q_A9DzDFyqwT0IrIYJs3sz0B3qjh/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: SIG-Computing: Cybersecurity Best Practices presented by Jon C Mularoni mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hK4atG_gXFG-LsS9fMFI0QP-Ppqp3FOz/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: AlmaLinux Distro mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j-lNghurLqHwUzfd1PGtAqG-8CUUIVEB/view?usp=sharing

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

SIG-Computing Meeting: Cybersecurity Best Practices PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14_IooXw5BdzAHbSfLSETP7nOY933EYqd/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: AlmaLinux Distro PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CkltjsOffDgO5igqcma5PMCTkDNGwvCC/view?usp=sharing