Computer Group
The computer club is about much more than just computers. We meet at The Beech Tree pub on South Ella Way from 11.00 - 13.00 every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, and each meeting we have resident 'experts' willing to help and advise on individual problems. Two of our 'experts' (Clive and Chris) can make a reasonable impression of people that understand your questions, and can occasionally answer one or two. Then of course there is Fred, who is the real expert, and can solve most of our computer related problems. In addition, we have Trevor, who is in charge of the morning coffee break. It's a friendly, supportive atmosphere where you can relax, have a coffee and a chat, and work on your own projects, or work with others to pick up those useful short cuts and tips.
Together, we try to make sense of today’s new technology, including laptops, tablets, ipads, smart phones and even the older ‘not so smart’ phones. We don’t take these things too seriously – our meetings are intended to be light hearted and an enjoyable experience for all. So even if you are completely new to computers or mobile phones, and simply want to learn how to send an email or a text message, do come along and join us for what is essentially a social occasion with morning coffee – and a bit of ‘new technology’ support included if you need it.
If you would like further information please contact Chris by clicking on his name, or by using the 'Bird' link at the top right of this page and completing the form. One of us will respond as soon as possible.
NOTE: If you are unable to make it to our meetings, our 'experts' have put together a little package to provide you with some help and amusement. Firstly, if you are having any problems with your computer/tablet/smart phone/smart tv etc etc, then why not make use of our Ask Fred Service. Fred has very kindly agreed to try and help out any u3a Awake member (you don't have to be a member of the computer club) with technical/computer/smart phone questions via email. So just click on the Ask Fred Service link to email him your question. To see Previously Asked Questions and Answers, just click on this link.
Secondly, here are some YouTube clips to make you smile:
The Talking Dog
Dog Jumping into Bath Tub
Del Boy falls through the bar
Susan Boyle BGT audition
Golden Retriever meets tiny rescue puppy
Peter Kay on Old People
Thirdly, if you have time on your hands, why not learn a new language? Two people in the Computer Group are using an excellent online language course called DuoLingo - one of them is learning Spanish and the other Italian (ready for when we can go back there and visit again!). We both really recommend this course - it is very motivating, and makes learning a new language a fun and enjoyable experience. Just follow this link to DuoLingo to find out what it is all about, then if you do decide to learn a new language (and there are lots to choose from), you can do it on your PC or laptop, although we would recommend downloading the DuoLingo App to your tablet or smartphone for ease of use. Better still, why not join us at the Beech Tree, and enjoy learning your language along with others.
If you like jigsaw puzzles and you are running out of the boxed variety, why not try some Jigsaw Puzzles Online? There are quite a few websites with free online puzzles available and following this link to Jigsaw Puzzles Online will take you to one of them.
If you like other puzzles such as wordsearch, sudoku, crosswords, codewords etc, etc, there are plenty available online. Some you have to pay for and some are free (but have lots of adverts). You can do a 'Google Search' yourself for 'online puzzles' or follow this link to a typical Puzzle Site.