Introductions and Welcome, especially to new members

A welcome and reminder for any newcomers.  We’re getting around 40 members at our meetings.

After more than two years use, the `regulars’ have become familiar and professional with Zoom.

Meeting `discipline' is good, but occasionally members may somewhat prolong a discussion.

There are a lot of people at the meeting, and  they all may like a chance to join in.

I and the committee ask that: 

1. Everyone please avoid `jumping in’.  Learn how to use the 'Raise Hand' option before raising any topic. 
2. Try and focus on the subject being discussed at the time;  New Subject - New hand-raise.
3. We ask that you avoid rambling into other side topics.
4. Please don't be offended if I or one of the Co-hosts jump-in to bring the discussion back to the topic.

Topics

I need to seriously reduce the work I have to put into planning our meetings.

The Committee and I would certainly be pleased to have members more directly involved in setting the agenda.

What would you like subjects to be on the next agenda?  It’d help me to know 10 days or so before each meeting.

It’s been suggested that we try and develop a regular pattern of discussions at each meeting on subjects like the following:

1. A general software topic
2. A hardware topic
3. Developments in Genealogy software
4. Genealogy computer/online resources
5. Current IT news
6. Q&A

So, here are my suggested `starters’ for this month:

Software

A member alerted us to nice new browser.  I can’t remember who it was at this point!  It helps remove/minimise unwanted adverts.

Hardware

Things I'm learning from my new Windows 11 Laptop

UEFI?

Realising that much of what I had learned is now being overtaken!

Currently knocking it into the shape that I want: not as Microsoft and Asus are trying to indoctrinate me into!

Genealogy Developments

RESEARCH INTO MASONIC ANCESTORS.

Ted Lake sent me a small line  of research on this topic which may be of interest at our next meeting.

He’s suggested  that we may care to include it.

Online Resources

We’ve come across an interesting set of transcripts for Norfolk researchers

IT News of Interest

I tried very hard to source a laptop that I liked and was not `made in China’.  It’s all but impossible!

I understand that Apple are trying to remove or minimise their dependency.

Question Time - for everyone

Do you need some help?  Please think about your current problems.  Ask any question on any Family History or Computer-related subject.  Someone will have an answer for you - no question is too simple!

Geoff Johnson

Computer Club Leader &

Net That Serf Editor