The Computing Group

The Computing Group aims to promote the use and understanding of computers and the internet through courses and meetings utilising the skills and expertise of our members and the facilities of local schools.

The Group meets on Tuesday evenings about every two months at a member's house, or if numbers exceed twenty at one of the local halls. Expertise amongst the Group varies widely with some members familiar with word processing and e-mail and others expert on both hardware and software programmes. The meetings provide a forum where topics of general interest can be discussed in an environment which encourages the sharing of members' experiences of using computers.

Our meetings normally include a speaker on a theme, or members speaking about a new piece of software or a favourite website followed by a Q&A session when we share our problems and discuss various solutions. The technical level of presentations is set so most members can understand and learn something new to try on their PCs. In the past few years the Group has had talks on how to use PowerPoint for presentations, the use of Excel as a database, making a slideshow using Microsoft Moviemaker, using Autopano Panorama Photo software to create 180 degree panoramic photographs by stitching photos together, how to transform scratchy old 78" records into CD's suitable for playing on modern hi fi's, customising toolbars and backups, and on internet security, phishing, anti-virus programmes, malware and firewalls.

During the Group's early years courses on Computing and Digital Photography were arranged at the Howard of Effingham School and more than a 100 people attended. Since then the demand for courses has diminished and future courses will be arranged when class sizes of 15 or more are in prospect. On occasions members are available to help beginners on a one-to-one basis with getting started and mastering word processing and e-mail.

Resources: Books, Guides & Manuals   Instruction & Access   Equipment & Software   Past Activities