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Purbeck Intermediate Computing Group

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About the Purbeck U3A Intermediate Computing group

Intermediate Computing was started in September 2009 under the auspices of Purbeck U3A which you will be expected to join if you are not already a member. The annual membership fee is currently (2011/12) £16.00.

Intermediate Computing is primarily a self-help group with the emphasis on more advanced computer applications and techniques, with many of the meetings including talks and demonstrations by both members and outside specialists. Although interested in other platforms, this group uses the Microsoft Windows™ operating system.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 22nd February 2012

Subjects for discussion at group meetings will include - topic(s) for the next meeting in RED:
Note: Topics may change as the next meeting date approaches ...

(Topics shown in GREEN have already been explored but may be revisited at future meetings.)

• Basic website design & HTML coding
• Website design - more advanced techniques
• Web Browsers; Browser add-ons
• Family History research
• Computer security - malware, spyware, antivirus, hoaxes
• Computer backup methods
• Computer housekeeping
• Computer Hardware - Configuration, conflicts, tips, etc.
• The Microsoft Windows™ Operating System - XP; Vista; Windows 7
• Other Operating Systems - Linux; Mac
• Computer hardware: storage drives, etc
• Google Earth; Google Street View; Digital Mapping
• Data storage and backup methods
• Desk Top Publishing & applications - eg greeting cards
• Image processing - Scanning, photos, PhotoShop, PaintShop Pro, etc.
• Emails - advanced methods & use
• Word Processing
• Spreadsheets, their construction and use
• Databases, their construction and use
• Printing labels using databases
• Presentation suites, their construction and use
• Presentation suites - other uses
• Prezi Presentation designs
• Parental control of websites
• Audio recording & editing
• Basic video editing in Windows™
• Advanced video editing - overview
• Making and scoring music using computers
• Media streaming from the web - audio, radio, TV, etc
• Auction sites - eBay, etc
• Communications with other users - Skype, IM systems
• Social networking - Facebook, Bebo, Twitter, etc.
• Computer applications, various - ongoing topic
• Mutual help and problem solving - ongoing topic
• Websites and what they have to offer - ongoing topic
• Computing tips & tricks - ongoing topic
• Open forum & interchange of ideas - ongoing topic

If you have particular knowledge of any of the topics above (or other similar ones not listed), please contact the Group Leader to suggest giving a short presentation about your chosen subject.

Note: Sorry, but beginners will unfortunately not be catered for at our meetings.

Meetings take place monthly on the fourth Wednesday of the month (not July, August or December), and are held in the Main Hall of the Sandford Community Halls, Keysworth Drive, Sandford, Wareham (see map, left - click it to enlarge).

Meetings start at 10:15 am and end at 12:30, with a refreshment break of about 20 mins half way through.

There are plenty of parking spaces both in front of and behind the hall and a bus stop, for Swanage and Poole, is situated about 600 metres away. A well equipped kitchen is available for making refreshments, and toilets are also situated within the centrally heated building. A small Admission Charge will be made (50p per person per meeting) to cover the refreshments and the provision of Broadband (for which we pay extra) during each session.

How to Join the U3A Intermediate Computing group

You may join Intermediate Computing by sending an email to computing@purbecku3a.org.uk, indicating your interest and current level of computer expertise.

We are keen for members who are experts in certain aspects of computing to contribute to group activities by giving short presentations as well as enjoying listening to those given by others.

We look forward to receiving your enquiry and hope that you decide to join our interesting group.  You may attend one trial meeting without obligation but we would appreciate you contacting us first to arrange a convenient time for you to come along.

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