Interest Groups - Specific

Access (Database)

E-mail to: access@melbpc.org.au

Convener: Jock Blair  (0418 161 892)

2nd Monday, 6.30pm till 8.30pm (except January)
Moorabbin Interest Group Room

Web page:  http://groups.melbpc.org.au/~access/

The Access SIG provides an environment in which people can help each other to improve their skills with Microsoft Access. At each meeting there are presentations by members that are designed to cover the scope of Access during a year. Q&A segments are held at each meeting. Members may also address questions to the SIG mailing list and receive opinions for possible solutions.

 

Adobe Video

Convener: Kathy Rouse   (9589 6386)

1st Thursday, 2.00pm till 4.00pm (except January)
Moorabbin Interest Group Room

The Adobe Video SIG is aimed at videographers, from beginners to the more experienced, wishing to edit and enhance their home videos using Adobe software. The group has lively interactive presentations from various members using the video editing programs, Premiere Pro and Premiere Elements. The workshop also includes tips and techniques, shared by the members, on the use of other Adobe Software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator and After effects.

Making Money on the Internet  (AMSIG)

E-mail to: amsig@melbpc.org.au

Convener: George Skarbek  (9561 6362)
                  Paul Hemsworth (9337 4947)

2nd Saturday 10.00 am - 12 noon  (Except December and January)
Moorabbin Meeting Room

Affiliate Marketing (AM) is a way to make money from one's Web sites by placing links to merchants and taking a commission
when someone buys through such links. This SIG covers the basics of building Web sites (but limited to AM purposes), time-saving
tools, and available programs. Members are encouraged to share their experiences and the occasional hot tip at the SIG.

Web page: http://groups.melbpc.org.au/~amsig/

Communications

E-mail to: comms@melbpc.org.au

Convener: Phillip Lew (9822 2998 BH - brief calls)
2nd Wednesday, 7pm till 9.30pm (except January)

Moorabbin Interest Group Room

The Communications SIG focuses on all aspects of computer connectivity. Topics include modem communications (BBS and Internet dialup); Client/Server software,
HTML and other Internet related topics. We also cover topics on Computer Networking (LANs and WANs) and other relevant general telecommunications issues of interest to the well connected PC user.

E-Book  

E-mail to:ebook@melbpc.org.au

Convener:       Dennis Fieldhouse  (9557 6847)
Co-Convener: Keith Younger         (0414 945 791)

2nd Thursday in the month (except January) at 7.00pm
Melbourne PC User Group Meeting Rooms

The E-Book SIG is expected to be a forum for the of sharing information, experiences and ideas relating to the broad field of E-books and E-Readers.
At present the range of E-Book Readers is rapidly expanding and costs are falling, yielding great scope for reviews and performance comparisons.
Purchase of E-Books and the software for this purpose is worthy of study as are the various programs for manipulating and editing of text.


Web page:

Linux & Open Source

E-mail to: linux@melbpc.org.au

Convener:  James Cox  (9885 5503)
2nd Monday 7.00pm to 9.30pm (Except January)
Moorabbin Meeting Room

Web page: http://member.melbpc.org.au/~linux

The SIG is a Linux based group exploring Linux at various levels from beginner to advanced including server based solutions. It also looks at open source applications for platforms that include Linux, BSD, Mac and Windows. We aim to have a mix of Q&A, demonstrations and workshops. Presentations will mostly be oriented towards demonstrating an application from the open source world and will include topics of interest to both beginners and those with some experience. We intend to hold Workshops to help users at all levels.

Before main meeting 3.00pm-5.00pm there is a help workshop with one on one, hands on, informal training. Ringing to book is preferred but not essential.

 

MACE (Melbourne Atari Computer Enthusiasts)

E-mail to: mace@melbpc.org.au

Convener: Graham Hurford (9416 1126 AH)
                  Roger Davies       (9879 1109 BH)

3rd Sunday, 10am till 2pm
MoorabbinMeeting Room

The Atari SIG is dedicated to the joy of Atari. The SIG is fast, furious and action packed. We welcome all owners and former owners (we know you are out there) to visit us and join in the fun; it's a soul thing.

 

Microcontroller Programming

E-mail to: micro@melbpc.org.au

Convener: Philip Lew 0428 567 019
                 Mohan Gupta
                 Robert Brown
                 John Hollow
                 Geoff Lethbridge

Second Wednesday 7.00  (except for January
Moorabbin Interest Group Room

If you are interested in automating something or do you want to measure something, then this group is for you. Get to meet like minded people to share and garner ideas to create or complete that project.

This is a discussion group and workshop for people interested in using a micro controller platform to develop, invent, or create technology projects and gadgets for fun and more serious purposes. Microcontrollers are very versatile electronic devices than can be interfaced with many common objects to enable one to have measure, test and control possibilities.

Although some electronics know how is required to create any successful project, the group endeavours to help novices in this area as electronics does not require high levels of knowledge.

One of the microcontrollers platforms of interest to our group is Arduino (a simple open hardware design with an Atmel AVR processor and on-board I/O support), pic, picAxe and we welcome discussion on the many other microcontrollers available.

"Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments."

Music

E-mail to: music@melbpc.org.au

Convener: Yahya Abdal-Aziz
                 Roger Wragg

3rd Thursday 7.30pm till 9.30pm
Moorabbin Interest Group Room

Web page: http://groups.melbpc.org.au/~music/

The Music SIG is for members who like to make or listen to music. Bring along your creations, questions and problems. Visitors are always welcome.

 

Programming

E-mail to: program@melbpc.org.au

Convener: Mohan Gupta 0421 214 081
                 Roger Plant 0403 789 593

4th Tuesday 6.30 pm - 9.00 pm
Moorabbin Meeting Room

Tell us about programs you are writing, wrote in the past, or give ideas for interesting programs to write. We'll walkthrough the process of writing programs, from user interface design to code cutting and testing. Different programming languages, techniques and tools will be showcased as well as scripts, plugins, extensions, markups, compilers, databases, hopefully something for beginners and pros alike.

Web page: http://groups.melbpc.org.au/~program

 

Video Inner East

Convener: Richard Balsillie       (03 9809 4116)

4th Monday (except December), 7pm till 9.30pm
Balwyn Library Meeting Room, 336 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn

The group covers all aspects of production and related photo and image editing techniques.

 

WASINT - Web & Software Investment Tools

E-mail to: wasint@melbpc.org.au

Convener: Richard Solly

2nd Tuesday, 10:30am till 12.30pm (except January)  
Moorabbin Meeting Room

Web page: http://groups.melbpc.org.au/~wasint/

Become more confident in the use of Web and software tools as part of your financial life. Join others, both at the monthly meeting and through the online Web board to share favourite sites and information sources in the exploding field of online financial information.

 

 

Web Site Design

E-mail to:webdesign@melbpc.org.au

Convener: James Cox  (9885 5503)
                   Yahya Abdal-Aziz
3rd Saturday, 10:00am till 12.00 noon (except December and January)
Moorabbin Interest Group Room

Web page: http://groups.melbpc.org.au/~webdesign/

Our aim is to help members design and build their own Web sites for fun and profit. Basic and advanced techniques will be discussed and members are invited to present their own Web pages and sites for comment. Visitors welcome.

 

 

Windows 95/98/ME/XP/Vista/7

E-mail to:windows@melbpc.org.au

Convenor:  Maurice Canterbury (0411 594 568)
                  Peter Horsley             (03 9521 1012)

1st Monday, 6.30 pm to 9:00pm (except January)
Moorabbin Interest Group Room

Web page:http://groups.melbpc.org.au/~windows/

The SIG's focus is on all versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Members are invited to bring their questions to the meeting for discussion. We cover a wide range of general topics including virus detection and removal, Internet problems, scanning and printing, simple networks and general upgrading and hardware problems that pertain to Microsoft Windows. Many gather at 6.30 pm for a pre-meeting chat.

 

Windows-Advanced

E-mail to:winpro@melbpc.org.au

Convener: John Bade (9326 8340 BH)
                 Keith Satterley

3rd Tuesday, 7.00pm (except December)
Moorabbin Interest Group Room

Our Group aims to provide a forum for system / network administrators and advanced users. The primary focus is Windows and related products. Typical topics include security, servers and networking.

 

 

Interest Group - Regional and General

Anywhere, Anytime

E-mail to: anywhere@melbpc.org.au

Convener: Kevin Martin (evening only) 9723 5997 or 0407 343 162

Time - 24/7
Location - you choose

The Anywhere, Anytime SIG provides a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week and always-easily-accessed place for all members of the MelbPC User Group to read and write comments, to ask questions on computing or non-computing topics, to receive replies from other Club members and to read their exchanges between each other.

Web page: http://groups.melbpc.org.au/~anywhere/

Ballarat

E-mail to: ballarat@melbpc.org.au

Convener: Alan Pittard (03 5339 4235)

1st Thursday, 7.30pm till 9.45pm
Midlands Golf Club, Heinz Lane, Ballarat

Ballarat is a general purpose SIG. Usually we have no specific topic; it suits everyone at present to let the meeting run in a direction that is topical on the night. From time to time we have a guest speaker/presenter on something of particular interest to us at the time but free form seems the norm at present.

 

Bayside Daytime

E-mail to: bayside@melbpc.org.au

Convener: John Morris  (9583 4095)
                 Graham Ackland (9589 6229)

3rd Thursday,10.00am till 12 noon
St. Stephens Church Hall, Cnr Cochrane Street & North Road, Brighton

Beginners' subgroup meets after main meeting from 12 noon to 1.00pm

Web page:http://groups.melbpc.org.au/~bayside/

Bendigo

CURRENTLY IN RECESS
 

For further information contact Joe Henry. 0418 374 650 BH & AH.

Casey   [ previously Berwick ]

E-mail to:casey@melbpc.org.au

Convener:    Jan Weiner 9560 6924
                     Phillip Roche 9796 2384

Hampton Park Community House: 16-20 Stuart Ave. Hampton Park.  Melway Ref: 96 E8
2nd Friday of month, 1.00 till 3.00 pm

Casey offers a friendly, social atmosphere where our members learn from, support, encourage and help each other on computer and communications topics. The Hampton Park meeting is based on presentations and Q&A.
Note: there are no meetings in January, or on public holidays.

Web page:http://groups.melbpc.org.au/~casey/

East

E-mail to:east@melbpc.org.au

Convener: Paul Woolard   (9877 1059)
                  Ian Dewhurst (0438 480 500)

2nd Wednesday, Feb thru to Dec, 7.30pm till 10.00pm
Vermont South Community House Karobran Drive, Vermont South Melway 62 G7

At East we provide an entertaining and informative session covering a range of computer topics for all levels; some from invited speakers and some from our own members. George Skarbek hosts the popular Q&A segment.

Web page:http://groups.melbpc.org.au/~east/

Beginners East (Beast)

E-mail to:beast@melbpc.org.au

Convener: Dave Botherway

3rd Sunday January to November,  December on 2nd Sunday   10am till 12.30pm
Vermont South Community Centre, Karobran Drive, Vermont South   Melway 62 G7

The East Beginners Group demonstrates how to set up and maintain a computer, how to run software, scan documents, process images, sort out error messages, etc. All procedures are repeated (slowly), until members feel confident with the new knowledge.

 

East Workshop

E-mail to:eastwsh@melbpc.org.au

Convener: Ken Gubbins  (9898 5478)
                  Jeff Webster  (9897 1037)

2nd Sunday, 10am till 4pm
Wadham House, 52 Wadham Parade, Mt Waverley  (Rear of Library) Melways  61 E12

Web page:http://groups.melbpc.org.au/~eastwsh/

The East Workshop is hands-on, practical, interactive and runs on "Show me how, and I'll do it with your assistance". We handle "how to upgrade", "software doesn't run", "slow computer", "no sound", "no video" problems and more. Bring your computer.

 

Essendon Daytime

E-mail to:essendon@melbpc.org.au

Convener:  John Guegan (9317 7114)

1st, 2nd and 3rd and 4th Fridays,  9:30am till 12.00 noon (except January)
Nancye Kirchner Neighbourhood Centre, Doyle Street, Avondale Heights   Melways map 27 D6

Provides assistance with computer skills including, word processing, spreadsheets, digital photography, music applications, computer maintenance and product reviews. 1st Friday-Main meeting. 2nd Friday-New Users. 3rd Friday-Advanced Users. 4th Friday-Check website for details.

Web page: http://groups.melbpc.org.au/~essendon/

Geelong

The Geelong Interest Group has suspended operation for the moment.

Geelong Interest Group is no longer meeting, as a replacement convener for the retiring convener, Graham Dean, is not yet available. Any member who might have an interest in taking up this role, please send an email to the Groups Coordinator.

 

Macedon Ranges

Email to: mrgpc@melbpc.org.au

Convenor:  John Hunter     (0406 868 226)

3rd Sunday 2.00pm-4.00pm
Further Education Centre,  18 Hamilton St,  Gisborne

The Macedon Ranges members have a common interest in computers and range from beginners to technicians with the sole aim of sharing knowledge, experiences and helping each other. The SIG is a general purpose group that is free flowing and may or may not have a specific subject to discuss each meeting. There are times a special guest is invited to speak on a particular subject that has been requested by a group member. At other times there may be special instruction and demonstrations on particular software or hardware. Members can also bring along any hardware they are having problems with for the group to try and resolve.

 

Multimedia Home Entertainment

E-mail to: multimed@melbpc.org.au

Convener:       John Hall          (9803 2731)
                       Kelvin Cording  (9438 1047)

1st Friday  10.00am - 12noon (except January)
Wadham House, 52 Wadham Parade, Mt Waverley. Melway Ref 61 E12

Web page:http://www.melpc.org

The aim if the interest group is to assist members in the installation and operation of PC based hardware and software to run and maintain Multimedia Home Entertainment systems.  This would include such things as Personal Video Recorders (PVRs), Media Servers (including Windows Home Server) Internet streaming of video and audio, Sony PS3 and Windows X-Box home entertainment systems, and home networking and storage systems for playback of video and audio.  Attendees are welcome from beginners to expert level.  Members are encouraged to bring their own equipment to gain hands-on experience in setup and/or maintenance.

 

 

New Users, East

E-mail to:newuser@melbpc.org.au

Convener:        Peter Newby  (0431 838 295)
2nd Tuesday, 7.30pm till 10pm (except January)

St Mark's Anglican Church Hall, Cnr Bourke & Canterbury Roads, Camberwell, Melway map 45 J10

Web page:http://groups.melbpc.org.au~newuser/

Please send all changes, updates and corrections in writing to the office at office@melbpc.org.au