Computer Booters news

Dan Dragoon

There will be an Ice Cream Social at the beginning of the General Meeting on Wednesday, December 5, at 6:00 p.m.

Computer Booters has moved its meeting day. Due to unexpected conflicts, we had to move to the first Wednesday of each month from September through May. At 6:00 p.m., we have cookies and coffee. At 6:00 p.m., our technical director, Allan Levy, runs a free one-on-one computer clinic. Come and get your computer questions answered. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sun Lakes Country Club’s Navajo Room, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd.

At our December meeting, Secure Home Networking – Routers by Mark Mach

We all have home networks in operation that allow us to connect our computers to the outside world (the Internet). The “little black boxes” that handle the digital traffic over phone lines or TV cables are the central component of those networks. They are also an important factor in our information security campaign. Join Mark Mach in a discussion on your network, the router, and its security. In fact, as a point for security, it can be worth your while to set up a VPN on the router. If you need help, click this article here for more information and some of the best options for secure VPNs available.

This month, we had a special presentation on Digital Photography from our own Camera Club.

December Workshops:

December 10 – Fundamentals of Outlook 2016, Microsoft Staff, Microsoft Store-Chandler Mall, 8:30 a.m. For any questions, contact Howard Winkle at 480-626-5006.

December 7 and 14 – Genealogy The Modern Way, Barbara Hug, Ceramics Room/Cottonwood 9:00-10:30 a.m.

December 12 and 19 – Buying and Selling on eBay, Al Behr, Ceramics Room/Cottonwood 6:30 p.m. For any questions, please contact Frank Smith at 480-883-1622.

Important information:

1. Microsoft is having problems with their authentication servers. This results in Windows 10 claiming it is not valid. Do nothing, calling Microsoft has resulted in more confusion. Users are now complaining that they are being forced to downgrade machines running Windows 10 Pro to the lesser Windows 10 Home edition. The problem stems from Microsoft’s anti-piracy system which now resides in a mixture of a hardware-based solution tied to individual machines, and tying the serial numbers to a Microsoft account This may be resolved by the time this is printed.

Moreover, if you suspect that an issue with your network hardware could be causing any technical issues you are experiencing, it is important to remember that some things are best left to the experts. Consequently, if you are convinced that a PCIe issue is to blame, you might want to reach out to a dedicated team of PCIe specialists like Viavi Solutions who could pose a potential solution to your troubles.

The purpose of the Computer Booters organization is:

* To encourage and assist in the dissemination to its members and others of general knowledge concerning computers and their utilization.

* To facilitate the exchange of information among members about all brands of personal computers, related hardware and software products and techniques for their utilization.

* To provide a forum for members where they may share their knowledge with others and seek help in solving specific problems with their computer equipment and applications.

Membership is $36 per year for singles and $48 per year for two members at the same address.

Come join in – become a member – all are welcome.