APCUG’s FREE 2016 Spring Virtual Technology Conference (VTC) will be held on Saturday, May 7th, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 PM ET. The sessions are 50 minutes in length and offer attendees the opportunity to ask questions via a chat window. You will be able to attend using your computer or tablet with Zoom software. There will be two tracks on May 7th.

You only need to register once. Before the event, you will receive an email with directions and links for attending both tracks of the conference.

Track 1

1 PM ET - Technology From a Different Perspective - Bob Gostischa, Avast Evangelist - Looking back at technology and comparing it to now, this presentation is an enjoyable and funny comparison combined with the stark reality of what you need to do to keep safe in the modern world. The presentation covers: Computers (Windows and Mac), tablets and Smart Phones. Join Bob as he takes a comical look back in time and then explains what you need to know to stay safe in the present. He will make your Internet experience and computer operation safe, secure and, enjoyable.

2 PM ET - Setup & Configure a Home Network - Ken Rogers, IT Business Analyst for PNC Bank - Today's home network has many parts; including getting the internet into the house and then getting it to all your computers, mobile devices and even some day, your refrigerator. How do you get the fastest speed, protect your data and keep out the hackers? Ken will talk about what you need and what you need to consider.

3 PM ET - IOS 9.3 for iPads & iPhones - Jere Minich, Program Chair, Lake Sumter Computer Society; APCUG Advisor, Region 5; Member of APCUG’s Speakers Bureau - This presentation will cover the following (and other things you should know): How do I get iOS 9.3? and 9.3.1? Why is there a 9.3.1 Update? What are the Changes in the Apps? What else is New? Are there any Security Fixes?

TRACK 2

1 PM ET - Upgrading Your Laptop, Part 2 - Greg Skalka, President, Under the Computer Hood User Group - How to add more storage space and/or speed by replacing your laptop's hard drive with a larger one or a solid-state drive.

2 PM ET - Why I Recommend a Chromebook - Stew Bottorf, Teacher & SIG Leader, Tampa Bay Computer Society - Our club is populated mostly by Seniors who have struggled to keep up with new technology. Most members today are interested only in browsing and email. Our club offers its members free computer repair which may be behind on updates, slow, infected with malware, or poorly used by their owner.

When a new computer is needed I almost always recommend a Chromebook. The idea of a computer that is impervious to viruses and poor use, updates itself, almost never needs repair, and costs half (or less) the price of a new Windows computer -- that is the Google Chromebook. With extra user effort a Chromebook can do real work as well as their more costly cousins for a longer time since they consume less battery power.

3 PM ET - Using the Task Manager in a Windows Computer - Francis Chao, Member, APCUG OLS (Online Services) committee; WINNERS “WINdows usERS,” Greater South Bay PCUG and the Tucson Computer Society - This presentation provides you with an under-the-hood view of the operating system, startup programs, third-party software application programs, hardware utilization, and network bandwidth utilization. In addition to being a useful analysis tool, the Task Manager in Windows gives you a powerful way to close down potentially dangerous Web browser tabs and windows and any "drive by" downloads of malware that they might attempt to send into your computer.

For detailed information on the sessions, including the presenters' bios click here. If you would like further information or have questions, please send an email to virtualconferences@apcug.org