The Computer Group

Leader:  John Howlett - computer@ashbyu3a.co.uk - phone 01530 461774

Helpline: help.computer@ashbyu3a.co.uk

The Computer Group meets twice a month on the first Wednesday and third Monday of the month at 2pm.

We are not all computer geeks, but between us we know something about most types of computer, mobile phones and other related technology whether it is Windows, Apple Mac, iPad or Android.

We also discuss how to look after the files, music or photos on your computer, how to make backups or how to copy them to DVD or all sorts of "interesting" problems. One thing we can't do is undertake hardware repairs, but we might know someone who can!

So if there is something you don't understand about your computer, mobile phone or other related technology from the simplest to the more esoteric, come along and we'll see if we can help.

OR

Email our Computer Helpline with any problems or questions. We can email you back, or better still, you can come along to the next meeting and someone may have worked out your problem and be able to talk you through it.

Send us details of your problem to help.computer@ashbyu3a.co.uk

18th May

Today we had 5, and only a few issues.
JD reported he was unable to hear incoming g phone calls on his mobile. All other notifications were perfectly clear and audible. It was deduced that the Bluetooth link to his hearing aids might be blocking these, but this was unable to be tested in the session.
The topic of Chromebooks was raised. They have certain utility, especially cost and lightness, but can only really operate with Cloud storage systems. Ideal for someone always on the move, but otherwise quite limited.
We talked about the way Open Office can open Apple Pages, but MS Word can’t. PDFs can be opened by any machine which is why our Webmaster uses it to communicate to the Membership.
The perennial problem of Windows 10 machine which cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 came up. The ESU option might be useful for some, but does not give full protection, and is time limited anyway. Which, considering that around 75% of all Windows machines installed around the world cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 is a serious problem. The general opinion, however, was that unless the user had been on some dodgy sites, had downloaded questionable software, or used multiplayer games over the internet, they were reasonably safe at the moment.

We next meet on Wednesday June the 3rd at 91 Woodside