User Groups Can Clue You in on the Ways of PCs

Lee Ridgway
Publication Services

Windows 95 has arrived, but Windows 3.1, Windows NT, and OS/2 are also 
important players in the arena of PC operating systems. How do you 
decide which system to run, or make upgrade decisions? Even after 
settling that question, you still need to tackle configuration and 
compatibility issues, and understand how the operating system interacts 
with applications.

To keep on top of all this, it helps to read manuals, trade magazines, 
and Web pages. You may want to call the Microcomputing Help Line at x3-
0001, or consult your local expert if there's one nearby. But don't 
forget one of the best computer resources on campus - user groups.

User groups are grassroots organizations where anyone can participate 
and contribute. Groups offer free presentations, training, and advice. 
Meetings are open to anyone in the MIT community, without regard to 
level of expertise. Novices may find these groups especially helpful, 
since more experienced users can offer solutions to common problems.

A Roster of Groups
Eight MIT user groups may be of interest to PC users, including those 
who are curious about Windows 95. Some of the groups focus on systems, 
others on applications. A few focus on what you might think of as 
Macintosh applications - Excel, FileMaker, and Word. Take this as an 
indication of cross-platform compatibility. Users of these applications 
on Macintosh or Windows systems are welcome - and encouraged - to meet 
together.

Most of the groups meet once a month at a regularly scheduled time. 
Several maintain email lists to send out meeting announcements, 
exchange tips, and answer questions. Some maintain Web pages with 
meeting information and links to related resources.

All eight groups are described briefly below, and a chart on page 2 
gives details about contact people, meeting times, and rooms. To find 
out about future meetings or to be added to a group's mailing list, get 
in touch with its contact person.

DOS Tech Partners
This group is geared toward those who help others use PCs. Despite the 
"DOS" tag, meetings cover a range of hardware and software for Intel 
computers and compatibles. Topics have included the Windows 95, Windows 
NT, and OS/2 operating systems; Intel processors; Dell and IBM machines; 
and applications such as FrameMaker and Tether. At the November meeting, 
an IBM representative will demo a new ThinkPad and talk about OS/2.

To find out more about the Tech Partners program, see the article on 
page 5.

OS/2 User Group
This group promotes the use of OS/2 - the "other" operating system for 
PCs (386SX and higher). Members have been instrumental in providing 
software that enables OS/2 to be used with MITnet.

Meetings feature presentations about OS/2 or related software. The focus 
of the November 16 meeting will be the programmer's editor, RimStar.

The group runs several email lists, and maintains a Web site at 

http://web.mit.edu/os2/

Novell Netware User Group
This group facilitates the development and use of Novell networks at 
MIT. There is no campus-wide infrastructure for Novell networks, since 
most are in isolated pockets. The group provides a forum for sharing 
information and helps its members acquire Novell software at bulk 
discounts.

Meeting notices are sent to the mit-novell email list. For online 
resources, see the group's Web page at

http://web.mit.edu/mugs/www/novell/


CWIS Publishers User Group
This group is for those at MIT who publish online, especially on the 
World Wide Web. Presentations are designed to help people improve their 
knowledge of electronic publishing and their expertise in its technology 
and standards. To see the group's Web page, go to

http://web.mit.edu/cwis-pub.html

Excel User Group
This group explores the features of Microsoft's spreadsheet application. 
While demonstrations are done with Excel 5, they are, for the most part, 
relevant for version 4 users. Topics that have been covered include 
Excel basics, charts, and tips and tricks.
Note: The Windows 95 version of Excel will not work on machines running 
Windows 3.x.

FileMaker User Group (FMUG)
This group focuses on the popular Claris database program. Topics have 
ranged from scripts and buttons to layouts and reports. You may find the 
group especially helpful when Claris releases FileMaker 3, a relational 
version.
Note: FileMaker 3 for the PC will only be available for Windows 95, not 
Windows 3.x.

FMUG maintains a Web page at

http://web.mit.edu/mugs/www/fmug.htm

Microsoft Word User Group (WUG)
This group for Word users meets six times a year. The focus is on Word 
6, but Word 5 questions are welcome. Presentations cover features such 
as footnotes, tables, and the equation editor. The group maintains an 
email list for posting questions and answers.

WordPerfect
This group concentrates on WordPerfect 6.1 for Windows, but discusses 
other versions as needed. Topics cover everything from merges to macros. 
At an upcoming meeting, a WordPerfect representative will demonstrate 
WordPerfect for Windows 95.

A Complete List 
Dozens of user groups, covering a wide range of interests, meet at MIT. 
To get the full list, send email to <sendpubs@mit.edu> or go to the URL

http://web.mit.edu/mugs/www/mugs.htm