Welcome to the Prescott Computer Society

A typical PCS meeting scene.

The Prescott Computer Society (PCS) is a PC-based users group located in Prescott, Arizona. Our primary attention is focused on IBM-compatible computers, associated software and smart phones. We strive to provide personal, home office and small business computing solutions and presentation topics. You may obtain both basic and advanced information about computers by attending our club's meetings.

We hold several meetings each month to show you how to get the most out of your computer. These consist of our General meeting as well as several Special Interest Group meetings. Anyone with an interest in computers is welcome to attend our meetings and join PCS.

PCS is cooperating with the Prescott Mac User Group (PMUG) by occasionally offering joint meetings and by establishing a communication link between the Board of Directors of both groups. Typically, hardware and software common to both PC and Apple products are discussed at these meetings.

PCS is a member of the Association of Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG) and the Arizona Alliance of Computer Clubs (AZACC).

Interested in Membership?

Additional information about PCS is available at our About Us page. Also, check out the most recent issue of the "Messenger" which is our monthly newsletter. For information about becoming a member of PCS, please visit our Membership Information page or contact Murray Smolens, our Membership chair.

Fun Stuff

A typical Q&A meeting chaired by some of our favorite PCS members. It's known as a "Stump The Geeks" session which is always enjoyed by all those who attend.

We often hold Question and Answer sessions at meetings at which our members attempt to "Stump The Geeks." Did they succeed? I guess you'll just have to come to a meeting to find out.

Actually, some of the questions are submitted in advance so we can come up with useful answers to our members' concerns. But that doesn't mean there won't be any surprises during the meeting!

Meeting Info

Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will be held in the Founders Room (1st floor) of the Prescott Public Library. The Library is located at 215 E. Goodwin Street, Prescott, Arizona. Our extended meeting schedule (5-6 months in advance) is available here.

Future Meetings

June 1 - Saturday - 1:00-3:00 PM
Developers' SIG - Co-Leaders: Rich Knapfel and Ray DeCosta
Location: Prescott Public Library

This is the initial meeting of a SIG centered on application and website development and coding. This meeting will determine the interest of the club in exploring more technical topics on an introductory level.

First Hour: Ray DeCosta will discuss free applications which you can use to develop code for computer and Android applications, graphic design as well as website design and maintenance.

Second Hour: Rich Knapfel will discuss participants' desires as to what directions the SIG might take at future meetings. If you have any interest in the subjects being discussed, we would welcome your input at this time.

June 8 - Saturday - 1:00-3:00 PM
Digital Photo SIG - Leader: Phil Ball
Location: Prescott Public Library

Many aspects of digital photography will be discussed, including use of digital cameras and using Photoshop Elements to make your photos look their best.

June 15 - Saturday - 1:00-3:00 PM
General Meeting - Leader: Ray Carlson
Location: Prescott Public Library

Topic: Computer Protection

The focus for this meeting will be Protection - protecting your laptop's contents when you travel or take it to a coffee shop or the library and protecting your data when you store it on-line. To support protection in both situations, we will demonstrate three simple, free methods for encrypting your information - BitLocker, TrueCrypt and Cloudfogger.

In addition, we will encourage input from participants either describing problems they have experienced in these situations or other steps they have taken to avoid information theft.

If time permits, Phil Ball will add some tips and tricks selected as ways to improve your computer experience.

In addition to the presentations, the following are typical events which take place at our General meetings:

1) We hold an informal Flea Market in which you are encouraged to bring in your excess computer equipment or software and make them available for others to enjoy at no charge. Please deposit give-away items on the table in the back marked "Free Stuff." Any items left here at the end of the meeting are subject to disposal.

2) If you have items that are just too good to give away, you may set up a separate table and hold your own sale.

3) We conduct a raffle of new computer items at the end of the meeting, so make sure to get a pair of tickets from whoever is in charge and place one on the item you'd like to win.

4) We will also accept your used ink and toner cartridges for recycling. They are turned in to Think4Inc for credits which PCS uses to purchase office supplies from them.

June 22 - Saturday - 1:00-3:00 PM
Joint meeting with PMUG (Prescott Mac User Group) - Leader: John Carter
Location: Prescott Public Library

Chris Matthew will discuss Facebook. She holds a degree in elementary education and a Master's degree in Computer Science. She retired from Bell Labs to volunteer in schools, serve on the local school district's Board of Education, and advise a high school robotics team. She and her husband moved to Prescott Valley in 2009. Shortly after that, Chris succumbed to social pressure and joined Facebook. She now serves on the OLLI governing council and is active in AAUW.

June 29 - Saturday

There will be no PCS meeting today.