Melbourne PC User Group Inc. is the biggest computer user group in the world with nearly 9,000 members.
We employ two full-time and two part-time office staff, plus many part-time volunteer help. Magazine and training are contracted out, but most other functions of the group - Internet service, BBS maintenance; Training management, collection and distribution of shareware; organisation of SIG and monthly meetings and the rest are performed by volunteers.
Melb PC is a member of the The Association of Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG) www.apcug.net , an international association with close links to manufacturers and developers in the computer industry. With these connections Melb PC is able to make direct contact with similar groups and industries worldwide.
Statement of Purposes
The purposes of Melb PC are to provide, on a non-profit basis, education and training to advance the effective utilisation of the personal computer by:
- advancing computer literacy
- advancing the art and science of information processing through education and interchange of ideas
- keeping members abreast of developments in computing and information technology and enabling members to exchange information and experience
- representing computer users in public debate and by acting and speaking on their behalf where they would be affected by proposed legislation or other regulatory measures
- providing a forum for the exchange of views amongst computer users and between computer users and the computer industry
- co-operating supporting or joining with, or in, other organisations with similar purposes
- undertaking other activities beneficial to the Group
In order to further its purposes the Group shall have the rights, powers and privileges of a natural person.
PC Update Magazine
PC Update, the magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group, is sent to members 11 times a year as part of membership privileges. PC Update publishes articles written by members and all members are welcome, indeed encouraged, to write articles on a subject they know about, to share with others. PC Update also reprints occasional articles from overseas user groups, ensuring that Melb PC members are kept as up-to-date as possible.
In 1991 PC Update was honoured with no less than three awards in the International BIX Newsletter Contest, including the world-wide award for Best Feature Articles. In 1992 it was the outright winner of Best Publication, beating all other user groups world-wide, both PC and Macintosh. Again in 1993, it received yet another award, also for feature articles. This award was also received in 1994. In 1995 PC Update was the outright winner in the Best Features and Reviews category and the Best Columnists category. It was also a runner-up in the Best Publication and Best Layout and Presentation categories. In 2003, ot won the APCUG First Place for Large Groups in the Newsletters of Excellence category.
Many members join the Group just for the value PC Update provides, well worth the annual membership fee on its own, and then discover all the other benefits of membership. PC Update continued to win awards including in 1999.
PC Update Online is published on the web and contains most of the material published in the hardcopy version, and includes the latest issue as well as material published in past years. Internet Service For current details of the Melb PC Internet service - Click here. Computer First Aid and Dial Help
This unique service is made available free to members simply because volunteers within the Group give their time and knowledge to assist you with any computing problems you may have. Over 300 telephone numbers of unpaid volunteers, with day- and night-time contacts, are listed in this magazine. The service covers over 130 separate topics. Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
 Affiliate Marketing SIG
SIG attendees share a common interest in particular aspects of computing. A SIG can deal with any topic, ranging from programming languages to hardware and peripherals, or even how to get the best from your equipment. There are also a number of general interest groups, catering for members in suburban or regional areas. Melb PC currently hosts over 40 groups meeting in various locations.
There are no additional costs involved in SIG participation - although some collect a small fee for tea/coffee costs etc. Just attend and see for yourself: we hope you enjoy your visit.
For full details of the Melb PC SIGs, check the list of subjects, times and meeting places at http://groups.melbpc.org.au/ Training
One of the Group's most important and popular services is the provision of training in a diverse range of computer skills, from starting with computers to advanced programming. A training class in progress
Melb PC has its own fully-equipped training centre, using Pentium 4-based systems. Because courses are run as a service to members they are budgeted on a break-even basis. This enables the courses to be 20 to 30 per cent of the cost of a similar course from outside organisations.
Students are taught in a classroom environment with an instructor and one computer per student. Starting Computing, using Windows, office and accounting software, Internet, programming languages, web page design, hardware upgrades and maintenance, etc. are typical subjects taught in this way. All courses provide suitable training material and facilities.
For details of Training Courses and scheduled courses please check the Training Pages. Shareware Software
Currently a Monthly CD-ROM is produced each month containing the latest Internet browsers and software, etc., and a selection of the latest freeware and shareware titles for a nominal price. A catalogue of the monthly CDs is available online and copies may be ordered from the office. Monthly Meeting Monthly Meeting
The Melbourne PC User Group holds a regular Monthly Meeting on the first Wednesday in each month (except January) usually at various locations throughout Melbourne, starting at 7.00 pm.
Please check the main webpage for details for the venue, time, and presentations for the next meeting.
Each month there are generally two or three speakers representing some of the world's top computing companies as well as members from our own organisation. These presentations feature the very latest, exciting events in the field. In the past our presenters have included Bill Gates, Philippe Kahn, Gordon Eubanks, Dennis Hayes, Paul Brainerd, and many of the top IT company CEOs in Australia.
These meetings are open to all members of Melb PC and their guests, and no admittance charge is made. The audience averages about 200 to 400 in number depending on the location, although numbers over 900 have attended for topics of special interest.
Raffle tickets ($1.00 each) are available and thousands of dollars' worth of donated prizes are won during the evening. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are also available.
An Office desk is conducted in the foyer (from 6.30 pm) where members may renew their subscriptions, new members may join, and all other matters for those unable to visit the office during normal working hours. Shareware from the Melb PC Library is also available for purchase.
Manufacturers/Developers/Sellers - to enquire about presenting your product at the Melb PC Monthly Meeting contact the
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