Self help is the aim of Computer Group meetings. Learning the secrets of effective Web search speeds your troubleshooting and helps you find your way round your computer. We discuss setting up a smart home, using security devices and getting the most from Windows 10. Computer Group meets in six small groups of five, where we share solutions to computer problems.

The Computer Group meets weekly in five different small Clubs programmed through the month. Over the years, the interests of the Computer Group have changed. Devices which used to be overwhelmingly difficult to use are becoming more user friendly. Mobile phones, tablets, TV and laptops, these days, all have a lot in common and interact. The challenge now is how to enjoy more of the benefits they offer. Communicating with our grandchildren, exploiting the features of modern television sets, satisfying our thirst for knowledge, enjoying music and film at home, armchair travel through Google, are now the topics we discuss. New horizons are discovered from the chance remark of a fellow member and we learn new ways of using ever smaller keys.

Club members share practical problems and solutions under guidance, allowing the discussion to extend into both the commercial, sociological and educational aspects of computing and the availability and use of a wide selection of free and low priced utilities and programs. Members are encouraged to bring and use their own laptop or use a group laptop to encourage hands on practice.

All the Computer Clubs meet at 2.00pm in Kirklington as follows:

Computer Club 1 on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month,
Computer Club 2 on the 1st Friday of the month,
Computer Club 3 on the 1st Wednesday of the month,
Computer Club 4 on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 
Computer Club 5 on the 3rd Friday of the month, and
Computer Club 6 on the 2nd Friday of the month.

Computer Club 4 is devoted to very basic and perhaps new computer, tablet and smart phone users in order to introduce them to the terminology, and fundamental principles of computing with confidence.
Computer Club 6 is devoted to Linux Ubuntu users who find it ideal for those who just want a simple platform for everyday use, to read and write their emails, surf the web, look at their pictures and perhaps play some music, free of the growing complexity of Windows 10.

Additionally one-to-one time is provided for advice to those members wishing to purchase a computer and tutorials held for those wishing to study MS Office utilities in greater depth. A comprehensive Computer Users' Guide is published online which is available to all U3A members in or outside group membership. You can view it here.

If you would like to join us, please email Clive.Bates@btinternet.com or 'phone him on 01636 813571.