Computing

At each meeting, we cover an IT topic chosen by the members - every few month we debate topics for the coming period.  The main topic occupies most of the meeting, but we start with an open session checking if anyone has an issue we might have a solution for, or an interesting anecdote.

​We meet on the first Thursday of the month at 15:00 in Holy Trinity Parish Centre, downstairs classroom.

Next Meeting
​Agenda:

• Surgery - current Issues and questions
• Main Topic: See Calendar

Location: Holy Trinity Parish Centre, Downstairs Classroom
If you wish to attend this meeting, please let me know.   
Alan Hopwood, email: [email protected]
or tel: 07740 284 939

To see future topics, click on calendar below and select  Computing.

Go to Calendar

If you would like to know more about the Computing group meetings, please get in touch with me for a chat.
Alan Hopwood, email: [email protected]
or tel: 07740 284 939

Presentations from Past Meetings
We keep a note of meetings including the presentations on a blog page.  Click the header or here to see them.  The presentations include:

• Convergence of TVs and Computing
  
• Comparison of Microprocessor families
• Payment systems including PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay
• Landline Switchover
• Using Linux to upgrade an old laptop
• The 1969 Apollo Guidance Computer
• Using AI tools
• Password Security
• Quantum Computing (Algorithms)
• Quantum Computing (Qubits and how to make them)
• Windows problems and maintenance
• History of computer development (3 sessions)
• Smart Homes
• Near Field Communications
• Staying Safe on the Internet
• Integrated Circuit Design
• Laptops vs Tablets (& smartphones)
• Computing Languages - past and present
• Beacon Implementation
• Artificial Intelligence

• ​Interesting uses of spreadsheets
• Using PDF files
• ​http Cookies
• ​The use of USB sticks.
• Password Managers
• Email
• Using Cloud Storage
• Solid State Drives
• Which apps are great?
• Communication within the home
• Blockchain, Bitcoin and NFTs
• Linking Android Systems
• Financial Applications
• Using Smart phones
• Using LibreOffice Impress
• Implications of landline removal
• Social Networking, which does what?
• Backing up data
• What can you do with a tablet
• Creating a Blog

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Resources

Digital Champions are a group of friendly and patient volunteers who are good at explaining computers, without using jargon. This service, sponsored by Dorset Council, is available from many Libraries across Dorset including Dorchester Library.
We have an enthusiasm for all things digital and look forward to the chance to show you how it works. 
We offer digital support for a wide range of issues, no problem is too small.
We can help you to:

• set up and using devices including mobile phones, tablets and computers
• get online and show you how to do home shopping
• access digital NHS services 
• set up Skype or Zoom to keep in contact with family or friends

You can find our full list of available sessions at: Digital Champion sessions - Dorset Council
You can also call their digital hotline on 01305 221048 to book a session or get help over the phone (available weekdays 10-12).

Digital Skills Guides
BT provides the following documents which can help you to start learning new digital skills:

• getting started online
• online safety jargon buster
• online safety advice
• how to download apps on Apple
• how to download apps on Android
• NHS app guide
• food shopping
• on demand TV and films
• tech jargon buster
• jargon buster wordsearch
• how to listen to audiobooks

​Click here to bring up the BT page on which the documents are available - and then click on the title you would like to read.

Embedded digital champion training
If you work or volunteer in a role where you help Dorset residents, you can sign up for Embedded Digital Champion training to help service users get online. 
Dorset Council offers totally FREE Embedded Digital Champion training to anyone in Dorset who works directly with residents.
The training is online and takes up to 5 hours. You can watch our short promo video at: https://youtu.be/7Hj6ZcYHW_s.  It stars Digital Norma, a GP receptionist who becomes more confident in helping her patients use the surgery’s online services. 
You can sign up for the training and view dates at Become an embedded digital champion - Dorset Council.  If you’d like to discuss the training, email us at [email protected]
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Dorchester U3A Computing Group

Maintained by Alan Hopwood Email:  [email protected]