Apple users group helps members keep up with advancing technology
"The Northwest of Us," which originated in the early 1990s as a group of Macintosh users, has changed its name to Suburban Chicago Apple Users, reflecting Apple's broadening range of devices beyond computers, as well as members' diverse expertise.
The group keeps suburban Apple users current on changes in technology with monthly programs on such topics as the iPhone and iPad, Apple TV, Macintosh computers and safe Internet use.
"Nobody can know everything now that constant technological change is a given," said club President David Ginsburg, a Mount Prospect resident and IT professional, who monitors numerous blogs and websites, and regularly updates the group on operating system updates and new Apple developments. Ginsburg is a troubleshooter for attendees, as well as a podcaster and speaker outside the group.
Another popular resource for troubleshooting is University of Chicago IT professional Bill Geraci of Blue Island.
"Bill's phenomenal grasp of how computers work is the equal of any Apple 'genius.' Plus he is witty and a very good teacher," said program co-chair Becky Booth of Rolling Meadows.
The group's next meeting is 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at a new location, the American Society of Anesthesiologists Conference Center, 1061 American Lane, Schaumburg. Guests are welcome.
Programs allow lots of Q&A opportunity - both during program time and in breaks between speaker sessions. Networking among attendees is encouraged, and several other members of the group are also IT professionals, who have chosen Apple products for their personal use.
"'PCs at work, Apple at home,' is the reality for many of these Apple devotees," said Ed Booth, program co-chair and a former Apple dealer.
"Our group has incredible, committed members, some of whom are in top jobs as tech support staff for major companies," said membership chair Joe Abbate of South Barrington.
"Teaching others and helping them solve problems is so enjoyable for me. A user group is ideal for sharing what I know and learning what I don't," said Itasca resident Pete Occhipinti, former music business owner.
Programs include plenty of what the Booths called "practical take-aways for immediate use," with multiple speakers each month. Ginsburg and Geraci and other members donate their time at free monthly programs included with member dues. They also offer periodic webinars available
for members or guests to attend from home for a nominal fee.
Des Plaines member Jerry Hug has gained is recognized around the country as a leading iPhonographer (photographer with iPhone or iPad). Hug has shared how to capture better photos with these iOS devices, as well as his favorite iOS editing apps. Hug's generosity to the group has been "mutually beneficial," according to Hug, as he has been helped with his own technological skills by others in the group.
"I don't know another place that offers such a wide range of help to users from novices to very experienced," he said.
Roger Matthews, an Arlington Heights website developer, agreed. "There's nothing else like it. Whether we are 'early adopters' welcoming the latest iPhone or Apple watch, or more frugal users wanting to go as far as we can with devices we already own, there is tremendous respect for
individual choices in this group."
A popular program entitled "Buy, Sell, or Hold?" features several members sharing their personal strategies for choosing the hardware and software and other devices they use.
"Such wisdom is not readily available in a marketplace geared to promoting primarily the newest and latest - another reason for users to share together," Becky Booth said.
Besides offering a program the second Saturday of every month except July and August, Suburban Chicago Apple Users offers several special interest groups. Every other month, Ginsburg offers a weeknight session to present the latest Apple iOS news in depth. Mac users interested in FileMaker Pro have a monthly weeknight workshop. A group interested in genealogy meets monthly at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.
Noting the widespread Apple iPad use in area high schools, the group is opening programs beyond its membership.
"We have a tremendous opportunity to support families just getting familiar with Apple,"said board member Jim Bodkin of Barrington.
The Jan. 9 program will begin with a 9 a.m. "open house" in the new meeting location.
"We are ecstatic about moving our programs to this state-of the-art facility," said Buffalo Grove board member Sanford
White.
At 9:30 a.m., Geraci will address "General Networking & Wi-Fi Issues" with Macs and answer any Mac computer questions. At 10:30 a.m., international traveler Barry Fulk will speak on "How Apple can Enhance your Travel." At 11:30 a.m., Fulk and Ginsberg will review iOS travel apps, as well as answer any iOS questions. Visitors are welcome.
Membership is $50 a year, an amount St. Charles member Barbara Zeitz said is a bargain.
"As a professional speaker and author, I have learned so much that I can apply to my profession by attending these programs," she said.
For additional information, see the group's website at www.mySCAU.org.