Previous SEMCO Meeting Podcasts

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April 9, 2011: 35th Anniversary Meeting: SIG-IBM: Jim Rarus, one of the founders and one of the first SEMCO Presidents will show slides of a legendary pilgrimage to the very early sites of the microcomputer revolution—including a stop at the Altair factory.    Click here to listen (21,192,254 bytes).

April 9, 2011: Computer History: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Several long-term members will discuss the topic, “The Future is Now!” What has happened over the past 35 years in the world of computers? What is possible now that was only dreamed of a few decades ago? Has anything been lost?.  Included in podcast above.

May 9, 2010: Microsoft PowerPoint 2010: SIG-IBM: SIG-IBM Chairman Tom Callow will provide an in depth look at Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 and discuss how to use it to make effective presentations.    Click here to listen (52,904,577 bytes).

May 9, 2010: Advanced Trouble-Shooting: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Paul DeAthos, Chairman of SIG-IBM Intermediate, will talk about “Advanced trouble shooting of electronics and how to be a capable technician.” Paul will bring in some hardware (test equipment) to demonstrate the techniques.    Click here to listen (21,023,295 bytes).

April 11, 2010: Cloud Computing Explained: SIG-IBM: Russ Ryba, of IonEarth, runs a company that provides satellite-based GPS tracking for long distance race events. His company converted to the “cloud” three years ago. He will explain cloud computing, the services offered, the challenges to be faced, and the economics involved. He will also examine where things are likely to go in the future.    Click here to listen (47,675,351 bytes).

April 11, 2010: Trouble-Shooting: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Paul DeAthos, Chairman of SIG-IBM Intermediate, will speak on “Easy trouble-shooting of electronics.”    Click here to listen (33,176,713 bytes).

March 14, 2010: Getting Your Business Into the Light: SIG-IBM: This is a look at the Microsoft Office Live Small Business Tools for building a free website, e-mail addresses and other items to give a small business an Internet presence. Presentation by Hermine Turner, President of Focus Hope IT User Group. Ms. Turner is credentialed as: BSCS, MCTS, MCT, MCSA, MOS Master and MCAS Instructor, A+, Network+, Linux+.    Click here to listen (49,477,926 bytes).

March 14, 2010: Preparing Your Own Tax Return: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: “Tax evasion is a crime, but tax avoidance is a civic duty.” SIG-IBM Chairman Tom Callow, as guest speaker, will demonstrate how to use your computer to perform your civic duty by using TurboTax to prepare your tax return.    Click here to listen (36,313,065 bytes).

February 14, 2010: The Basics of Computer Graphics: SIG-IBM: SIG-IBM Chairman Tom Callow will talk about the basics of computer graphics, including such issues as image size and resolution vs. file size, resizing images, optimizing images and different graphics file formats.  No Podcast.

February 14, 2010: One Family’s Encounter with Social Networking: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Featuring Bill Landrum and family. Use of Facebook, Google Reader, Google Wave, Google Docs, Twitter, Blogspot, YouTube, and other applications. Using social networking within a family. Using social networking at a university. Using social networking in a ministry.  No Podcast.

January 10, 2010: PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 8: SIG-IBM: Terry White of Adobe Systems will demonstrate the latest version of Adobe’s popular photo editing program. Terry White is currently the worldwide principal cross media evangelist for Adobe Systems, and is the founder and President of the MacGroup Detroit user group.    Click here to listen (12,664,617 bytes).

January 10, 2010: Microsoft Office 2010 First Look: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Tom Callow, as guest speaker will take a first look at the new features in the latest Microsoft Office program, currently available in beta and due for release in 2010.    Click here to listen (11,535,831 bytes).

December 13, 2009: Moving to Windows 7: SIG-IBM: Gene Barlow of User Group Relations will present from Utah a live Webinar (Web Seminar). He will discuss the best way to get from your Windows XP or Vista system to the new Windows 7 operating system on your computer, including all of the different options for installing Windows 7 and how to leave your stable older operating system on your computer while installing Windows 7.    Click here to listen (14,540,324 bytes).

December 13, 2009: Quicken 2010: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: SIG-IBM Chairman Tom Callow, as guest speaker will demonstrate Quicken 2010, the latest version of Intuit's checkbook and personal financial software and will discuss Quicken Online, Intuit's free service for helping you manage your money.    Click here to listen (10,079,366 bytes).

November 8, 2009: What is Hot for the Holidays: SIG-IBM: Richard Tapaninen, from the Micro Center, will talk about new items for Christmas giving: New Intel chips (i7 and i5). New Ultra Mobile Laptops. New HD TVs, etc.    Click here to listen (13,254,567 bytes).

November 8, 2009: Home Wireless Networking: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Tom Callow will discuss some of the IEEE wireless networking standard projects that may shape the future of home wireless networking.    Click here to listen (7,961,864 bytes).

October 11, 2009: Anti-Virus and Internet Security: SIG-IBM: Christian Putt of MicroWorld Technologies Inc., of Farmington Hills MI, will talk about eScan products, AntiVirus and Internet Security Suite.    Click here to listen (12,323,977 bytes).

October 11, 2009: Utilities for fun and efficiency: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Tom Callow will be demonstrating a few of the utilities for your computer that can dress it up, make it easier to use or help you work more efficiently.    Click here to listen (8,985,922 bytes).

September 13, 2009: Second Life Second Life: SIG-IBM: Warner Mach, of SEMCO, and Don Singleton, of APCUG (Association of Personal Computer User Groups), will give a tour of the virtual land of "Second Life." Especially there will be a focus on the new SL APCUG room, and associated nearby areas. Don's avatar will be controlled from across the country. Note: Podcast abbreviated do to technical difficulties.   Click here to listen (9,450,032 bytes).

September 13, 2009: Windows 7: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Tom Callow will discuss and demonstrate the RTM (Release To Manufacturing) version of Windows 7, including a more in-depth discussion of some of the new features of Microsoft’s next operating system.  No Podcast.

August 9, 2009: How to Rebuild a Laptop: SIG-IBM: Eddie Durrett will be speaking on "Techniques for disassembling a laptop. Diagnosing problems. Dealing with the fear of 'How am I going to be able put this back together.' Reassembling the laptop." Eddie Durrett is A+ certified and fixes computers at customer locations for a service company every day.   Click here to listen (18,857,156 bytes).

August 9, 2009: Microsoft Home Server: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: SIG-IBM Chairman Tom Callow talk about Microsoft home server.   Click here to listen (17,574,878 bytes).

July 12, 2009: Music & Loops: “Here we go loop-de-loop, Here we go loop-de-li, Here we go loop-de-loop, On a Saturday night” (or maybe a Sunday afternoon!). Much of the music currently being produced is based on recursion or, in the parlance of the music industry—loops. Using a MIDI editor program to combine MIDI bass, keyboard, and drum phrases, Bob Stead will guide us through the process he uses to create loops for the Roland RC-50 Loop Station. He will end his demonstration with a performance—live flute playing over the Loop Station background. Resume: Bob plays in the Michigan Flute Orchestra and is webmaster of the Michigan Accordion Society .   Click here to listen (17,425,292 bytes).

July 12, 2009: Search Engine Showdown: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: SIG-IBM Chairman Tom Callow will compare the features, functionality and search results of some of the most popular Internet search engines in the Internet.   Click here to listen (17,181,886 bytes).

June 14, 2009: 'Hypnocubes' and 'Hypnosquares': SIG-IBM: Chris Lomont (software) and Gene Folk (hardware) sell products known as 'Hypnocubes' and 'Hypnosquares.' These are 3D and 2D matrices of LEDs that can display a dizzying series of patterns. Each LED can display up to 4096 colors. It is possible to control the patterns from a computer using the API and the 'C++' language. Units can be purchased as kits, or as finished devices. Prepare to be dazzled. See examples at or Google 'hypnocube.'   Click here to listen (21,923,644 bytes).

June 14, 2009: Organize Your Life On Your Computer: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: SIG-IBM Chairman Tom Callow will demonstrate how to scan, store and organize your personal records on your computer using document management software such as Nuance's Paperport 11.   Click here to listen (17,133,317 bytes).

May 10, 2009: Fixing your computer the easy way: SIG-IBM: Chairman Tom Callow will discuss and demonstrate Fix-It, Microsoft's new automated tool for fixing (at least some) problems on your computer.   Click here to listen (20,425,530 bytes).

May 10, 2009: Marathon Q & A: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: The Intermediate SIG will try to answer every question you ever wanted to ask about PCs, Windows and Windows software (or at least as many questions as time permits). Tom Callow will moderate the discussion.   Click here to listen (16,006,944 bytes).

March 8, 2009: Windows 7 First Look: SIG-IBM: SIG Chairman Tom Callow will demonstrate the first beta of Windows 7 Microsoft's next version of its Windows operating System.   Click here to listen (11,663,708 bytes).

March 8, 2009: Essential PC Topics: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Larry Kulp of Kulp Computers will discuss computer security, including a new Norton product; also, PC maintenance and troubleshooting.   Click here to listen (17,513,574 bytes).

February 8, 2009: Our First Linux Install fest: Raymond McLaughlin, president of MDLUG (Metro Detroit Linux Group) presented our first Linux Install fest. People brought their computers to have Linux installed on them, or just come to observe. There were several Linux people there to assist. We will started at 1:30pm and ended at about 5:30pm.  No Podcast.

February 8, 2009: Continuation of Our Linux Install fest: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Linux Install fest continued.  No Podcast.

January 11, 2009: Selling on eBay: SIG-IBM: Scott Simpson of Main Street Auctions provided many useful tips on buying and selling on eBay. He explained the complete process of selling on eBay. How to put your item on eBay. How the bidding process works. The best way to determine what the minimum biding price should be. Also how to keep a high rating as a seller.  No Podcast.

January 11, 2009: Linux and our Install Fest in February: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Ray McLaughlin talked about Linux and the upcoming install fest.   Click here to listen (14,910,322 bytes).

December 14, 2008: Remote Presentations: SIG-IBM: Don Singleton, Vice President of the Association of Computer User Groups and President of the Tulsa Computer Society demonstrated how to do presentations over the Internet. Mr. Singleton, from Oklahoma, put on a remote presentation demonstrating how to put on remote presentations using Acrobat Connect Now, Microsoft SharedView, Lotus Unyte and LogMeIn Free, with a little help from Skype.   Click here to listen (19,881,968 bytes).

December 14, 2008: The Sky is the Limit: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Tom Callow, as guest speaker demonstrated how you can use your computer as a virtual telescope to explore the solar system and the universe, using Microsoft Research's WorldWide Telescope and Google Sky.   Click here to listen (12,738,524 bytes).

November 9, 2008: Smart Computing Magazine: SIG-IBM: Stephanie Ellington of Sandhills Publishing, publisher of Smart Computing magazine talked about the magazine, as well as some of it's sister publications, perform a live demonstration of the magazine's web site, and will discuss Smart Computing's free, unlimited computer support for its subscribers.   Click here to listen (17,715,812 bytes).

November 9, 2008: Free Software on USB Enables Portable Computing: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: SEMCO President Mike Bader demonstrated a software office suite and other utilities that are designed to run from a flash USB drive. You can carry it with you and use it anywhere.   Click here to listen (11,350,958 bytes).

October 12, 2008: Micro Center Presentation: SIG-IBM: Richard Tapaninen of Micro Center Tech Support Presented on the Acer Aspire One AOA150-1570 and similar vary small laptops, Digital TV, and NAS drives.   Click here to listen (20,178,212 bytes).

October 12, 2008: Backing Your Computer Up in the New Millennium: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: SIG-IBM Chairman Tom Callow discusses backing up your computer in the age of the gigabyte and terabyte hard drive, including back up strategies and backing up on-line.   Click here to listen (17,627,270 bytes).

September 14, 2008: Computer Crash Reconstruction With 3D Animation: SIG-IBM: Presented by Deputy Thomas Poulin, Crash Reconstruction Unit of the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. He shows how they use 3D animation software to reconstruct accidents.   Click here to listen (19,552,522 bytes).

September 14, 2008: Lend your computer (a bit at a time) and help change the world: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Tom Callow, as guest speaker discusses distributed computing and how you can join hundreds of thousands of volunteers all over the world, via the Internet, in one of dozens of computing projects, such as searching for extra-terrestrial intelligent life, or finding more effective drugs to fight cancer and the AIDS virus.   Click here to listen (16,338,012 bytes).

August 10, 2008: Everything you Wanted to Know About Batteries but Were Afraid to Ask: SIG-IBM: Barry Murphy, owner of the BatteriesPlus franchise on Woodward in Birmingham, presented. This topic included the history of batteries, how to make them last longer, the proper recycling of batteries, information on computer batteries, and a Q&A.   Click here to listen (19,364,169 bytes).

August 10, 2008: Securing Your Computer With Secunia Online Software Inspector Or Secunia Psi (Personal System Inspector): SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Tom Callow, as guest speaker, demonstrated how to use Secunia’s free system scanners to detect and fix security vulnerabilities in the software installed on your computer.   Click here to listen (14,636,370 bytes).

July 13, 2008: Exploring Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0: SIG-IBM: Bill Buchanan FPSA. Bill will show some of the features of Photoshop Elements 6.0. He will include live demonstrations on using the feature called "Photomerge" which creates panoramas. He will also demonstrate the various way of using the Image Editor from the basic to advanced methods. He will show the power of the file storage and management system and the various ways of sharing your images via the internet or printing at home or a third party printer. Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 is a powerful tool at the right price.   Click here to listen (19,095,078 bytes).

July 13, 2008: 64-bit Windows in a 32-bit world: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Tom Callow, will discuss the trials and tribulations of trying to install and use the 64-bit versions of Windows XP and Windows Vista.   Click here to listen (16,114,042 bytes).

June 8, 2008: Screen Shots and More with SnagIt by TechSmith: SIG-IBM: Rick Schummer, President and Owner of White Light Computing, Inc. will demonstrate TecSmith's Snagit, screen capture program and Camtasia Studio screen recording program.   Click here to listen (18,152,602 bytes).

June 8, 2008: Using Yahoo Groups: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Mike Bader will present "Using Yahoo Groups," by highlighting our own SEMCOUG Yahoo Group, as well as showing several favorite links and web sites listed there. Also, he will give a demonstration of a two-pound, touch screen computer and a PC finger print reader.  No Podcast.

May 11, 2008: Diagnosing and fixing Windows Device Driver Problems: SIG-IBM: Tom Callow, will discuss how to determine when device driver problems are causing problems to your computer, and will demonstrate how to fix device driver problems and how to locate and install updated drivers.   Click here to listen (18,539,240 bytes).

May 11, 2008: Poperee: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Richard Jackson will demo CrossLoop and LogMeIn. Two remote control programs. Warner Mach will speak briefly on One Laptop Per Child. Mike Bader with present on the SEMCOUG our SEMCO Yahoo group.   Click here to listen (8,779,621 bytes).

April 13, 2008: Voice over IP (VOIP): SIG-IBM: Lorn Olsen discusses and demonstrates VOIP, a technology used to route voice conversations over the Internet or through any other IP-based network. VOIP is being used by an increasing number of users to lower there phone bills. Mr. Olson, who has an extensive background in the telecommunications industry, currently works as a consultant for Dynacomm Corporation, which provides VOIP services. He also is the founder of MichTel Communications, which is currently providing wireless access for Oakland County.   Click here to listen (19,458,533 bytes).

April 13, 2008: Back to Basics: SIG-IBM INTERMEDIATE: Larry Kulp, of Kulp Computers, discusses how to maintain your computers, how to find updated drivers, how to be an educated computer shopper with leverage and the big "gotcha's" in Windows XP updates. Mr. Kulp is a computer consultant serving individuals, schools and small businesses and is a familiar speaker at the Royal Oak Computer Club and the Old Persons Commission Computer Club.   Click here to listen (17,118,614 bytes).

March 09, 2008: Adobe Acrobat and LiveCycle: Chad Keesling of Adobe Systems, Inc. will demonstrate how to create Intelligent Documents with Adobe Acrobat and LiveCycle, engaging interfaces through rich internet applications such as Adobe's Flex and Flash, and creating next generation Web 2.0 applications with Adobe's Integrated Runtime.   Click here to listen (19,660,662 bytes).

March 09, 2008: Talking to your computer (and getting it to listen to you): Tom Callow, as guest speaker, will discuss the state of voice recognition software for computers and demonstrate Dragon's NaturallySpeaking 9.0, the latest version of the voice recognition program that actually works.   Click here to listen (13,998,819 bytes).

February 11, 2008: My 40 Years in Computers: New SEMCO President Mike Bader will talk about his 40 years in computers and how he uses computers for profit and pleasure. Presenting various web sites, favorite utilities, and show-n-tell of two VOIP Internet phones. (Incomplete.)   Click here to listen (12,605,089 bytes).

February 11, 2008: Weird Computer Behavior: Tom Callow, as guest speaker, will talk about some of the unusual things that can happen to your computer and what you can do about it.  No Podcast.

January 13, 2008: Making Pictures as Opposed to Taking Pictures: G. Wm. Buchanan, FPSA, FGDC, will discuss the use of composition, lighting and camera flash in taking digital photographs as well as saving and organizing digital images on your computer. Mr. Buchanan is Chairman of the Electronic Imaging Division of Detroit's Photographic Guild.   Click here to listen (19,922,837 bytes).

January 13, 2008: Various Topics: Tom Callow, as guest speaker, will demonstrate how to move your old records, music cassettes and audiobooks to CDs by digitizing them to the computer and burning them to CD.   Click here to listen (14,130,482 bytes).

December 9, 2007: What's New for the Holidays: Richard Tapaninen, from the Micro Center computer store technical support department, will discuss new products you may want to have under your tree this holiday season. Also, questions and answers.  No Podcast.

December 9, 2007: SIG-IBM Intermediate Chairman, Carl Massie Jr. presents: Discussion of e-mail clients and e-mail accounts. Also, 'Outlook Express' vs. 'Outlook' vs. 'Vista Windows Mail Client.' Also assorted other issues, such as Linux laptops, shopping tips, favorite links, dual boot XP and Ubuntu, 8-year computer cycle, utilities, etc.  No Podcast.

November 11, 2007: Computer Tips and Tricks: SIG-IBM Co-Chairman Tom Callow will present a new batch of things you can do to make your computer operate more smoothly and efficiently.   Click here to listen (18,371,744 bytes).

November 11, 2007: SIG-IBM Intermediate Chairman, Carl Massie Jr. presents: The meeting will open with an audience participation discussion of computer related buying tips, useful insights, and vexing incidents. A video will be shown, that describes how humans can be engaged, through games, to solve problems that are beyond computer capabilities.  No Podcast.

October 10, 2007: Digitizing Your Life: SIG-IBM Co-Chairman Tom Callow will discuss and demonstrate how to organize your life by inputting your records, recordings and photographs into your computer as well as organizing and preserving your data.   Click here to listen (18,940,053 bytes).

October 10, 2007: SIG-IBM Intermediate Chairman, Carl Massie Jr. presents: (1) Buying news and views. (2) Office 2007 tips. (3) Blogs, Forums, Wikis. (4) Commands--PowerShell. (5) Links I like. (6) Open & Free--Scribus DTP, Spybot. (7) Windows Wise--File associations & User Account Control. (8) Networking--Basics.  No Podcast.

September 9, 2007: Programs You Can’t Live Without - Then and Now: SIG-IBM Co-Chairman Tom Callow will reprise the first presentation he ever did as SIG-IBM Co-Chairman, in July, 1990. Come and see him talk about the essential programs of 1990 and 2007.   Click here to listen (18,287,631 bytes).

September 9, 2007: Miscellaneous Topics: SIG-IBM Intermediate Chairman, Carl Massie Jr., will speak on: (1) Tips on Computer Purchases. (2) Links of Interest. (3) Encryption—Good, bad, and indifferent. (4) Understanding computer technology responsibilities.   Click here to listen (17,685,547 bytes).

August 12, 2007: Microsoft Office Publisher 2007: SIG-IBM Co-Chairman Tom Callow will present a demonstration of the newest version of Microsoft’s desktop publishing program.   Click here to listen (25,725,296 bytes).

August 12, 2007: Miscellaneous Topics:  SIG-IBM Intermediate Chairman, Carl Massie Jr. presents: (1) Back-to-school buying opportunities. (2) Improved Intel processors and chip sets. (3) A few Microsoft word tips. (4) An introduction to Powershell scripting and command lines. (5) A discussion of different perspectives on software changes.   Click here to listen (18,295,766 bytes).

July 8, 2007: Excel Revisited—Part 2: Long-time SEMCO member Bill Landrum concludes his two-part presentation on Excel spreadsheets. The use of Excel arrays will be considered briefly, but the major emphasis will be on three topics: (a) importing external data into a spreadsheet and linking to an external database table via SQL, (b) the building and use of pivot tables, and (c) creating and using VBA macros.  Bill will use Excel XP for the demos, but everything shown should work on Excel from Excel 4 (1992) through Excel 2007.    Click here to listen (37,979,320 bytes).

July 8, 2007: "Wikinomics How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything": SIG-IBM Intermediate Chairman, Carl Massie Jr. discusses the book by Don Tapscott and Anthony D. Williams which offers a view and a vision of the emerging global economy. Examples taken from the book and others taken from current events will be offered of the transformations that are occurring in corporations. From the book: "For individuals and small producers, this may be the birth of a new era, on par with the Italian renaissance or the rise of Athenian democracy."    Click here to listen (33,764,079 bytes).