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Hello All,
This is a re-post of an announcement that I just received from APCUG
Ralph Sutter

APCUG
WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP
October 22, 2025
9 am PT, 10 am, MT, 11 am CT, 12 pm ET
 
Still on Windows 10? Alan Baker?s Got You Covered
Alan Baker, Chairman and ISP System Administrator
San Jose IBM PC Club
and
Streaming Audio on Your LAN Using VLC
John Krout, Member, Presenter, and Author
Potomac Area Technology And Computer Society
 
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/NrEj5m6fhByVzFwm6
 
 After you click Submit, you will receive a pop-up acknowledgment of your registration.
You only need to register once. On October 21, 2025, after registration closes at 6 pm Pacific Time, you will receive the encrypted Zoom link.
 
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS:
Still on Windows 10? Alan Baker?s Got You Covered. If you?ve been putting off the upgrade to Windows 11, you?re not alone. In this presentation, Alan walks you through each step of the transition from 10 to 11.
🔧 Preparation & Backup ? Learn how to safeguard your data and prep your system for a smooth upgrade.
 ⬆️ Standard Upgrade Path ? Discover the easiest way to move from Windows 10 to 11 using Microsoft?s recommended tools.
 🧼 Fresh Installation ? Prefer a clean slate? Alan shows you how to do a full install from scratch.
 🚫 Bypassing Hardware Checks ? Got an older PC? No problem. Alan reveals how to install Windows 11 even if your hardware doesn?t pass Microsoft?s health check.
 ✅ Post-Installation Essentials ? From driver updates to personalization tips, make sure your new OS runs smoothly.
 
John Krout - Streaming Audio on Your LAN Using VLC. In this presentation, you will learn how to use the popular, zero-cost VLC media player on a computer to create and play a list of music files, and transmit that music via your Local Area Network (LAN). You will learn how to receive and play the transmitted music on other computers or portable devices connected to your LAN. This is ideal for making holiday music audible throughout your home at an audio level you can control in any room. The transmitting VLC is referred to as a streaming server.
 
Your presenter has done this for years at home during the December season. His holiday music playlist is streamed from VLC running on his basement Windows 11 desktop computer (or his basement Raspberry Pi 400 computer). The streaming server music is received on a retired smartphone plugged into speakers around his Christmas tree in his living room, as well as on his current smartphone.
 
Learn how to make the streaming server computer able to receive connection requests and how to use VLC or Windows Media Player on another computer, or VLC on a smartphone or tablet, to connect to the streaming server and play the playlist music for you wherever you are.
 
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General Discussion / SLO Bytes Photo Group Report for October 12, 2025
« Last post by rsutter on October 15, 2025, 08:54:53 AM »
Hello All,
Here is my Photo Group Report that took place on 10/12/2025

Ralph Sutter began the meeting by sharing several images of the deer herd on his property.   
Sutter commented that the experience convinced him that he needs to get a longer lens.

John Waller captured images of animals in Upper Huasna Valley before heading to the Santa Barbara Zoo. 
He then headed north to the Central Coast Zoo in Atascadero and to Piedras Blancas for the Elephant Seals. 
Waller ended his presentation with several shots of his dogs.

Stanford Brown chronicled wildlife in Paso Robles including squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, deer, hummingbirds and feral cats before adding dogs and domesticated cats. 
Like John, he also photographed the elephant seals of Piedras Blancas.

The next meeting will take place on November 9th, 2025, beginning at 2:00 pm via Zoom.
The topic will be Present a New Skill and Show How You Use It
The final meeting of the SLO Bytes Photo Group will take place on December 14 at 2:00 pm
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General Discussion / Free APCUG Wednesday Workshops - Customizing Your Linux Install
« Last post by rsutter on October 13, 2025, 09:10:27 AM »
Hello All,
What follows is a re-poost of an announcement that I received today from APCUG
Ralph Sutter

APCUG
October 15, 2025
LINUX WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP
9 am PT, 10 am, MT, 11 am CT, 12 pm ET
 
Customizing Your New Linux Install, Part 1
Cal Esneault, Program Chair
Cajun Clickers Computer Club
 
Dual-Booting Windows and Linux, Pt. 1
Alan German, Meeting Coordinator
Ottawa PC Users? Group
 
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/uz1k1GauVRXJaoXH6
 
 After you click Submit, you will receive a pop-up acknowledgment of your registration. You only need to register once. On October 14, 2025, after registration closes at 6 pm Pacific Time, you will receive the encrypted Zoom link.
 
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS:
Customizing Your New Linux Install, Part 1. So, you now have (or shortly will have) a new Linux computer.  Now what do you do with it? Users transitioning from Windows often don't realize the extent of customization available on Linux.  Join Cal as he shares his recommendations for initial Linux customization with new and limited-experienced users, using a new install of Linux Mint. He will show you how to start the process using the "Welcome" guide app and then move on to some additional options using the "System Settings (Preferences)."
 
In this first of a two-part presentation, he will cover areas you can customize, including the Desktop, Date and Time, Screen Saver, Power Management, Software Management, Firewalls, and several other key system settings. Then join him next month as he moves on to some more intermediate customizing.
 
Dual-Booting Windows and Linux, Pt. 1. You've decided that you need to keep your Windows operating system running because of specific software, and don't want to use methods previously presented to run your Microsoft software within Linux. Or you're hesitant to use Windows online due to security concerns. You want to run both Linux and Windows. You need to use Dual-Boot, which involves installing Linux alongside Windows on the same computer.
 
In Part 1 of a two-part presentation, learn from Alan how to easily and safely install Linux and still have access to your Windows operating system to access those needed programs/apps, either online or offline. Then join John Kennedy next month for Part 2 on Dual-Booting, where you will learn about two other, more advanced options.


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General Discussion / APCUG Free Wednesday Webinars -Enhancing Your Genealogical Story
« Last post by rsutter on October 06, 2025, 07:40:21 AM »
Hello All,
This is a re-post of an recent announcement from APCUG
Ralph Sutter
APCUG
WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP
October 8, 2025
9 am PT, 10 am MT, 11 am CT, 12 pm ET
 
Enhancing Your Genealogical Story with Social History
Sue Mueller, Genealogy Group Leader
Computer Users of Erie
 
AI Assisted Storytelling
Discover a whole new way to create!
Joe Nowak
Indian Prairie Computer Club
 
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/LewAVfr4suYaDBW68
 
 After you click Submit, you will receive a pop-up acknowledgment of your registration. You only need to register once. On October 7, 2025, after registration closes at 6 pm Pacific Time, you will receive the encrypted Zoom link.
 
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS:
Enhancing Your Genealogical Story with Social History. Sue?s presentation covers:
?   What is social history?
?   Benefits of incorporating social history into your genealogy. 
?   What to look for.
?   Where to find social history resources. 
?   Adding this rich historical source, even if you don't have access to personal family diaries and stories. 
?   A few stories about social history in Sue?s family trees.
AI Assisted Storytelling. Discover a whole new way to create!
Joe will show us how to create and illustrate a narrated book in less than five minutes.
This game-changing technology is ideal for lifelong learners, teachers, parents, grandparents, and individuals with great ideas but limited time or artistic skills to bring them to life. Imagine creating an educational series that teaches tech skills and helps seniors avoid common scams, a personalized children?s book for a grandchild, or a custom read-along story.
The possibilities are limitless?and the best part? No design experience is required. All you need is your imagination and the desire to create something meaningful.
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General Discussion / Alan Raul - October 5, 2025 Meeting Notes
« Last post by Alan J. Raul on October 01, 2025, 10:20:14 AM »
FREE Microsoft Templates
https://create.microsoft.com/en-us

Example: Personal budgeting templates
https://create.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/personal-budgeting

Kodak Charmera Key Chain Digital Camera
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1920220-REG/kodak_rk0601_charmera_keychain_digital_camera.html

Download Windows 11 (Current Version 25H2)
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11/
 
Google?s new Nano Banana AI turns ANY photo into magic
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5CjYWfdYGxs

Meet Gemini, your personal AI assistant - Images just got better with Nano Banana.
https://gemini.google.com/app

Logitech Reveals Latest MX Master 4 Wireless Mouse and More
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/computers/news/logitech-reveals-latest-mx-master-4-wireless-mouse-and-more

Logitech MX Master 4 Wireless Mouse
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/logitech/ci/52567

MX Master 4 Review ? Better Than Ever!
https://youtu.be/rzsSwOx-5jg

Logitech MX Master 4 YouTube videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=logitech+mx+master+4
 
This Hidden APP is Watching You on Every Phone. Turn It OFF
https://youtu.be/-6HJ9ZI7Wm0

Your iPhone Tracking You and Listening - TURN THIS OFF!
https://youtu.be/-0C9rt84MdM
 
Passkeys Explained | Why Apple, Google & Microsoft Want to KILL Passwords
https://youtu.be/6Dq4Z8Nk1z8

How To Launch Apps Now That Launchpad Is Gone
https://youtu.be/cJsPnked58M

The COST of shooting RAW on the iPhone 17 Pro - Professional Filmmakers Perspective - Blackmagic Cam
https://youtu.be/r5fZ34kEdvQ
 
Techlore is educating people about digital rights, privacy, security and other important topics to push the world towards a safer internet. We envision a world where technology works for us, not against us?and we want to prove to people they can make a real impact for themselves and others.
https://www.youtube.com/@techlore/videos


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General Discussion / APCUG Free Wednesday Webinars-Using Windows Programs on Linux
« Last post by rsutter on September 22, 2025, 09:14:54 AM »
HJello All,
This is a re-post of an announcement that I received from APCUG
Ralph Sutter


APCUG
WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP
September 24, 2025
9 am PT, 10 am MT, 11 am CT, 12 pm ET

USING WINDOWS PROGRAMS ON LINUX FOR MICROSOFT USERS
Mike Ungerman, Director
Central Florida Computer Society
 
Alan German, Program Coordinator
Ottawa PC Users? Group
 
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/grpioZ1ErcDFDAsq7
 
 After you click Submit, you will receive a pop-up acknowledgment of your registration. You only need to register once. On September 23, 2025, after registration closes at 6 pm Pacific Time, you will receive the encrypted Zoom link.
 
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION. Many Windows users have started considering the use of Linux as their "daily driver" central computer operating system. Either because they have computers that can't upgrade to Windows 11, or they don't want to upgrade because their computers are still functioning correctly. However, for some Windows users, there are programs they still want to use that do not have a Linux version. Although almost every possible program is available on Linux to meet your needs, for various reasons, the Windows version remains necessary.
 
Today's workshop will show users who need to run proprietary Windows programs how to do so on Linux. Alan and Mike will demonstrate several methods for installing and running those programs on your Linux computers.
 
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General Discussion / SLO Bytes Photo Group Report for September 2025
« Last post by rsutter on September 14, 2025, 04:36:28 PM »
Hello All,
Here is my SLO Bytes Photo Group Report for the meeting of September 14th, 2025

Ralph Sutter opened the meeting with images of Shasta Caverns, moving to the San Juan Islands and ending with memorable gates along Huasna Road in Arroyo Grande California.

Alan Raul opted to take pictures of the Avila Beach area which is 5 miles away from his home. These included the incoming Cal Poly students braving the cold ocean water and rough waves, colorful outrigger canoes, pesty sea gulls eating Dorito chips and more. 

Kaye Raul explored Garden Farms near Santa Margarita.  There, she found a community BBQ, prickly pears, flowering trees, a small church, an impressive stone gate and a dilapidated pickup truck.

John Waller discovered Whale Rock Reservoir outside Cayucos.  Next, he proceeded to the Central Coast Zoo (formerly the Charles Paddock Zoo).  Next, he visited Gaviota Hot Springs and finally offered two shots of an offshore oil drilling rig.  First, he used a 120mm lens before switching to his new 800mm behemoth.

Stanford Brown focused on vineyards beginning with the Sirena Vineyard and continuing to the grounds of the Scultura Vineyard with its stylized animal sculptures.  Using only his Samsung camera, he delivered crisp images that rivaled those taken with high end professional cameras.

The next meeting will take place on October 12th, 2025, beginning at 2:00 pm. The topic will be Images of Animals.
Here are the meeting dates for the rest of 2025
   November 9
   December 14

Ralph Sutter
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General Discussion / Free APCUG Wednesday Workshops Windows VM in Linux, more
« Last post by rsutter on September 08, 2025, 08:10:18 AM »
Hello All,
This is a re-post of an APCUG announcement
Ralph Sutter

APCUG
WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP
September 10, 2025
9 am PT, 10 am MT, 11 am CT, 12 pm ET
 
Using KVM/QEMU to Create a Windows 10 VM in Linux
Joel Ewing, President
 Bella Vista Computer Club
 
Butt, Neck, Eyes, Oh My! Surviving Screen Time
Judy Taylour, President
SCV Computer Club

Registration Link:  https://forms.gle/8NQEiEMSkE3WheteA
 
 After you click Submit, you will receive a pop-up acknowledgment of your registration. (see below). You only need to register once. On September 9, 2025, after registration closes at 6 pm Pacific Time, you will receive the encrypted Zoom link.
 
 
 
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS
KVM/QEMU Virtual Machines Under Linux by Joel Ewing. How do you run multiple different PC operating systems at the same time if you don't have multiple computers? PC hardware today includes support for efficiently running an independent instance of an operating system as a "virtual machine" under another operating system. Virtual machines help try out different operating systems, supporting apps that only run under a specific operating system, and for testing potentially dangerous things in an isolated environment without exposing your primary system to security risks. The virtual machine appears much like a separate hardware platform to the guest operating system installed on it. Still, when running, it is merely an app executing on the host operating system. A guest operating system can only see and modify those host resources that have been explicitly granted to it. Guest virtual machines are supported under Linux, Windows, and macOS.
There are multiple ways to run virtual machines under Linux. This presentation will take a detailed examination of utilizing the "Virtual Manager" interface to define and manage a Windows 10 VM that leverages Kernel Virtual Machine (KVM) and Quick EMUlator (QEMU) support.
Suppose you avoid using a Windows 10 VM for higher-risk Internet activities, such as email or browsing the web, and instead use it only for running reliably tested local apps. In that case, it should be relatively safe to use that instance of Windows 10 well past its end-of-service date. On hardware that doesn't support Windows 11, this could provide an alternative migration path to Linux as your primary system, while continuing to use some favorite and essential Windows-only local apps in a restricted-use virtual machine that can be isolated from the Internet.
 
Butt, Neck, Eyes. Oh My! Surviving Screen Time by Judy Taylour. In our increasingly digital world, our bodies are paying the price for long hours spent in front of screens. This presentation explores the hidden toll of modern technology on physical health, focusing on common but often overlooked conditions, including Computer Neck Syndrome, Tech-Related Eye Strain, Mouse Shoulder Syndrome, Computer Back Issues, Butt Syndrome, and Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).
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General Discussion / USB Color Code Chart
« Last post by rsutter on September 05, 2025, 08:40:10 AM »
Hello All
Here is a USB Color Code Chart 

I took a screen shot from here
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5cYeYnAepWA
Ralph Sutter
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General Discussion / Alan Raul - September 7, 2025 Meeting Notes
« Last post by Alan J. Raul on September 02, 2025, 07:52:47 PM »
Why is my 1TB Drive 931GB? File Sizes & Transfer Speeds Explained
https://www.2brightsparks.com/resources/articles/file-sizes-and-transfer-speeds.html

How to Save or Recover Your BitLocker Recovery Key
https://youtu.be/ktPiFWBoIU0

https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey

Do I Need a Spare Computer?
https://youtu.be/rz6Th5UyeoI

Alan's Computers
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bxh62xhkyz73mxmovxtsi/Computers.pdf?rlkey=l1dqxvjscl4j83apylqu3tmy4&st=emzat5id&dl=0

Fotopro Sherpa Summit Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with FPH-63Q Arca-Type Ball Head (Black)
https://www.fotoprousa.com/product/sherpa-summit/
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1763858-REG/fotopro_sherpa_summit_black_sherpa_summit_carbon_fiber.html

Sherpa Summit Introduction
https://youtu.be/9soLioaBYrE
 
Jellyfin is the volunteer-built media solution that puts you in control of your media. Stream to any device from your own server, with no strings attached. Your media, your server, your way.
https://jellyfin.org/

Alan's updated computer hardware
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/c04bq4vbprfh1yvo4vdfm/ALknbLUGXCje3s7yjrHZdMc?rlkey=ntz9m33xqo79l84kxt5sfequc&st=br2cn9kv&dl=0
 
Introducing Proton Authenticator ? secure 2FA, your way - Secure passwords are the first layer of security for your online accounts, but they?re not enough on their own to keep you safe from data leaks and hackers.
That?s where your 2FA app comes in. Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of defense when logging in to your accounts. It?s a universally recommended way to keep your accounts secure.
https://proton.me/blog/authenticator-app
https://proton.me/support/authenticator

How to Safely Change Two-factor Authentication
https://youtu.be/aVb036AjU-Y

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