Meetings

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

We will be using Zoom for this meeting. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Click here to be connected to the meeting. Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later.

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 2023 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 10, at 1:15 P.M.
Where: Meetings will be online until further notice.

Sig Computing Topic: Rise of computing in Automobiles

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

The growth of electronics within the automobile has been nothing short of phenomenal. In 2015 it accounted for 13% of the total value of the car and in 2018 it had jumped to 20%. A large portion of that has been purely due to the rise of computing components, such as ADAS, ECUs, etc. New technologies such as 3D laminated glass, haptic sensors, and augmented reality heads-up displays — which offer drivers alerts, safety aids, and warnings on invisible screens embedded in the windshield — have entered the vocabulary of traditional suppliers. Large navigation and entertainment display screens in the dashboard, offer Web-based information and media, as well as data arrays picked up from networked roads and other cars. The autonomous car will further up the ante, and soon. This talk will focus on many of what is the “under the hood” computing portions, technologies and the accompanying massive software baggage that needs to go with it. It is time we got more familiar with the computing technologies and underlying foundations that go with it.

He will introduce many terms, concepts and issues to help folks in Automotive technologies get better prepared for the future (or is fusion a better word?) world of automotive & computer tech. 

Sharan Kalwani is an industry technology specialist with 25+ years of experience. He has degrees in both Engineering and Computer Science. He has worked in many diverse areas and is a sought after speaker at many conferences and seminars: such as Supercomputing, HPC Advisory Council, SIAM, Infiniband Trade Association, etc. Sharan is a senior member of IEEE, an Emeritus member of Michigan!UNIX/user group (mug.org), ACM and SEMCO. He enjoys teaching, holds an Adjunct Faculty position at several local educational sites. He has published one book “Linux and Internet Security” and is now working on his second text, about a new computer programming language. He is a recipient of the 2018 IEEE MGA Achievement award for his contributions to IEEE activities. 

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Dec 10, 2023 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be online until further notice. Click on the link shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic: No topic this month

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

No topic this month

When: Sunday, Dec 10, 2023 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be online until further notice. Click on the link shown above.

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

We will be using Zoom for this meeting. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Click here to be connected to the meeting. Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later.

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, Nov 12, at 1:15 P.M.
Where: Meetings will be online until further notice.

Sig Computing Topic: iOS 17 Intro & Apple News 

Presented by Jerry Rogan

 iOS 17 doesn’t seem to have to many sweeping changes, as we have seen in some past updates, however the new features and enhancements do make it a very desirable upgrade. In fact, there are over 350 changes.  You’ll learn many of the major enhancements in this presentation.

Jerry will also present other news from Apple and answer any Apple questions that he can.

Jerry Rogan served in the US Air Force as a software engineer.  After the service he started an industrial software company, which was later sold. He then became the CEO of a software company in Europe, which had seven offices around the globe, until his retirement. 

He now spends summers in Iowa with his family, and winters in Arizona, where he enjoys golf and is currently a member of the Sunland Springs Village Technology Group, the Payson Computer Meet Up Group and a member of the APCUG Speakers Bureau.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Nov 12, 2023 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be online until further notice. Click on the link shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic: no topic this month

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

When: Sunday, Nov 12, 2023 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be online until further notice. Click on the link shown above.

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

We will be using Zoom for this meeting. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Click here to be connected to the meeting. Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later.

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, Oct 8, 2023, at 1:15 P.M.
Where: Meetings will be online until further notice.

Sig Computing Topic: Free Online Computer Training

Presented by Francis Chao

Your computer and its Internet connection can provide you with hundreds of hours of free training that you can access in the comfort of your home.

Francis Chao is a volunteer for the APCUG organization. He has been presenting for them for the past 13 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, Oct 8, 2023 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be online until further notice. Click on the link shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic: Some Essential and Useful Linux Commands

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

In the SEMCO world, we all know that Linux is a popular open-source operating system that is based on the open-source Linux kernel. We also know that it is widely used in 99% of cloud environments to support heavy-duty production workloads and run crucial enterprise applications. However, it appears that a now old notion STILL persists that Linux is meant for power users and enterprise environments. And that admin tasks are done with the command line interface (CLI) by running commands on a terminal console.

Today in general, modern Linux distributions provide a desktop environment and Graphical User Interface (GUI) that makes it easy to use the system. We have reviewed many popular desktop Linux distributions (distros) such as Ubuntu, Debian, Zorin, Elementary Linux, etc. Regardless of the numerous distros, IMHO a popular way is still to use the CLI.

So, knowing several Linux commands will help run one manage a Linux system. We will list many of the common ones.

When: Sunday, Oct 8, 2023 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be online until further notice. Click on the link shown above.

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

We will be using zoom for this meeting. This link will be active on day of meeting.

Click here to be connected to the meeting. Please join the meeting about 1:00 PM or later.

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 on to the meeting.

When: Sunday, Sept 10, 2023, at 1:15 P.M.
Where: Meetings will be on line until further notice.

Sig Computing Topic: Troubleshooting Your Computer 101

Presented by Judy Taylour

Before you make that $99 tech support call, you can do many easy things to troubleshoot problems you encounter with your computer. Can’t start your computer? Does your hard drive make grinding noises? Is it taking forever to start? Does it randomly turn off and restart? Has your printer stopped working? This presentation covers problems and solutions that might help if and when…..

Judy is a 35-year member of the Santa Clarita Valley Computer Club, where she serves as President and Webmaster. In addition, she co-facilitated the Southern California Regional User Group Summit (SCRUGS), a group of computer clubs in Southern California that met quarterly for over 20 years to share ideas, presenter information, solve problems, etc. Information shared at the meetings helped two groups remain active.

She spent 23 years volunteering with the Southwest Technology Conference held in San Diego for 20 years and three years at Cal Poly Pomona. In addition, Judy served as chair or co-chair for 21 years. Her responsibilities included registration, scheduling speakers, and working with the volunteers.

Judy taught adult education technology classes for over 20 years through her local high school district. She firmly believes in life-long learning and enjoys giving presentations via APCUG’s Speakers Bureau.

She is a member of the Los Angeles FBI Senior Scams Working Group. In addition, Judy is a Pierce College Computer Applications and Technologies Department Advisory Committee member. They meet annually to suggest courses and hardware for the next school year. 

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Sept 10, 2023 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be on line until further notice. Click on link shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic: Exploring fun things to do with Linux

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

The beauty of Linux is that one can do a  lot of fun things with it (and I don’t mean console video games).

A lot of ASCII text based stuff and some graphics.

We will explore about 40 minutes of amusing entertainment, which will delight the younger version of you.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

Where: Meetings will be on line until further notice. Click on link shown above.

When: Sunday, Sept 10, 2023, at 3:00 P.M.

When: Saturday, Aug 19, 2023,

Meeting has been cancelled for Aug.

Where: Richard Jackson’s home. Call Richard Jackson at 248-546-3694 for directions.

Richard Jackson, vice president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

We will be using zoom for this meeting. This link will be active on day of meeting.

Click here to be connected to the meeting. Please join the meeting about 1:00 PM or later.

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 on to the meeting.

When: Sunday, Aug13, 2023, at 1:15 P.M.
Where: Meetings will be on line until further notice.

Sig Computing Topic: Encryption Software

Presented by Mark Shulman

How can you prevent your private data leaks out into the world? Losing a flash drive, having your laptop stolen, or having someone spy on your email doesn’t have to mean that that bad guys see your private information.  Learn how to use encryption software to protect your private data on PCs, laptops, external hard drives, USB flash drives, and even smartphones.  The presentation demonstrates several free software apps that make encryption easy to use for anyone.

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

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Aug13, 2023 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be on line until further notice. Click on link shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic: No topic this month

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

No topic this month

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

Where: Meetings will be on line until further notice. Click on link shown above.

When: Sunday, Aug 13, 2023, at 3:00 P.M.

When: Saturday, July 15, 2023, Meeting has been cancelled for July.

See you in Aug.

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

We will be using zoom for this meeting. This link will be active on day of meeting.

Click here to be connected to the meeting. Please join the meeting about 1:00 PM or later.

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 on to the meeting.

When: Sunday, July 9, 2023, at 1:15 P.M.
Where: Meetings will be on line until further notice.

SIG Computing Topic: Recovering Data from a Hard Drive

Presented by Francis Chao

When confronted with hard drive problems, you should perform low-risk, less invasive procedures first,
followed by increasingly aggressive, higher risk procedures.
As you perform these increasingly invasive procedures, you will either repair the hard drive and return it to service or at some point you might decide that it is beyond economical repair.

The various sub-topics for recovering data from hard drives are explained at

https://aztcs.apcug.org/meeting_notes/meeting_notes.htm

Francis Chao is a volunteer for the APCUG organization. He has been presenting for them for the past 13 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. His current list of presentations is available at http://aztcs.apcug.org/fc.pdf

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, July 9, 2023 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be on line until further notice. Click on link shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic: Endless OS distro

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

We last spoke about the Linux kernel several months ago. During the last week of June 2023, a number of enhancements were released – which we will discuss and assess the impacts of those. Also, we have a brief experience on a new Linux distro to share – Endless OS. So what is special about this? Most of the tools are geared to be used in an offline mode, i.e not dependent on the internet to be around….I find that interesting, as I am often on the road w/o a decent connection.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

Where: Meetings will be on line until further notice. Click on link shown above.

When: Sunday, July 9, 2023, at 3:00 P.M.

When: Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 2 PM.

 Rick Fink will demonstrate a new card game program for baccarat. He plans to write and demonstrate a baccarat Monte Carlo simulation to figure out how often a player wins with a given score and the banker wins with a given score.

Where: Richard Jackson’s home. Call Richard Jackson at 248-546-3694 for directions.