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User Group Leaders, are you looking to run a better meeting? These how-to articles guide you through a variety of topics.
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User Group News Bulletin
User Group Ideas to Use: PMUG’s Clinics on Zoom
For as long as there have been user groups, there have been helpful members who generously donate their skills and time to help others learn. Long before Apple Stores had their Genius desks and red phones, quite a few groups held Members Helping Members clinics, often on a Saturday afternoon, where folk could get their issues resolved and their questions answered. Due to the pandemic and other issues, many clinics closed. Still, there are groups that do a wonderful job of providing help, either by listing phone numbers of member-experts for various topics or running clinics online.
For example, PMUG, Portland’s Mac Users Group, runs a wonderful weekly PMUG Clinic via Zoom and publicizes it in their newsletter and meetings. What a great way to help the community and show potential members the value of membership!
Did your group give up on clinics during the pandemic? If so, why not consider a Zoom Clinic 🙂
Hats off to President Charles DeVore and the officers and members of PMUG.
Portland Macintosh Users Group
(Thanks to Steve Welsh for sharing this tip!)
Meeting Idea: Fun Photos and Graphics
Art, illustration, and photography have been part of the user group community from the start. In Creative Pro groups, software-specific groups, and SIGs for photography or animation, professional skills are often emphasized. Still, sometimes your members just want to have fun, creating their own Memoji or an alter-ego that brings a smile. read more…
Nicholas Pyers Presents: End of Year Tasks for User Group Members
Nicholas Pyers
Many groups do not meet from late December to early January, but there are things you can do while your group is on hiatus. Nicholas Pyers, leader and popular presenter from AppleUsers.org, offers thoughts on ways to thank those who have served your community in the past year and ways to plan ahead for an even better year ahead for your group and members.
http://www.appleusers.org/ugr/end-of-year-tasks-for-apple-user-group-leaders/
Taking his advice regarding thanking those who have made our user group experience better, we’d like to say thank you to Nicholas for his many articles over many years. We look forward to taking his advice on planning for the year to come and thank him for all of the expertise and wonderful resources he has provided over the years.
Nicholas Pyers is known for AppleUsers.org, the Apple Users Spotlight, his clever puzzles, and long-time championship of all things Mac.
Learn more at:
AWUGU Meeting Report about SIGs by Tom Piper
AWUGU Meeting Report about SIGs
by Tom Piper, Coordinator
This Apple World User Group University online gathering of Apple user group leaders was held at 5:00pm CDST, on November 21, 2022, via Zoom. We had 30 participants for the topic of AUG Special Interest Groups. The 78-minute video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/8DmbTgPw3Cc (unlisted on YouTube).
This session opened with my welcome, plus a quick review of the meeting protocols. Doug Smith, Chair of the Apple User Group Advisory Board (AUGAB) provided backup support during the call.
The first segment was a presentation by Steve Welsh (The Oregon MacPioneers User Group) describing the many aspects of and opportunities for SIGs. Many questions and comments followed. His Tips for Success were welcomed by many as excellent ways to build SIGs in Apple User Groups.
Next was a discussion by Susan Jensen (President, Apple Users’ Society of Melbourne [AUSOM]) about their extensive set of all-day Saturday Special Interest Groups in hourly break-out rooms. Many questions and responses were then exchanged, and thanks provided for describing their wide array of SIG opportunities.
Meeting Idea: Retracing your Steps with Backtrack on Apple Watch
Did you know that your Apple Watch can help you retrace your steps? It is a quirky feature that your members might enjoy learning about and using. In fact, it is pretty simple if you have an Apple Watch SE with watchOS 9 or later, or Apple Watch Series 6 or later: Turn on Backtrack in the Compass app when you start a walk or hike. When you are ready to return, tap Replace Steps and you will see an arrow that takes you back the path you used. It is pretty slick!
Meeting Idea: Apple Music Sing
Looking for a fun meeting idea? Most people enjoy singing along to their favorite music in the car or shower, but Apple Music Sing brings a clever twist to engaging with your favorite songs using your iPhone, iPad, or new Apple TV 4K, with real-time lyrics and adjustable vocals, you can sing lead, backup, or even duets. Your members can even sing along.
Apple Music Sing will be available by the end of December, just in time for a January 2023 meeting.
Check it out.
How To: Delisting a Disbanded Group
apple user groups
The number of Apple User Groups worldwide is amazing, especially considering that many groups have been in existence for decades. Still, as new groups form, some groups cease to exist, often because key members retire or membership numbers drop. This article offers the the quick and simple, step-by-step process for delisting a group with the User Group Locator and the User Group Program.
Meeting Idea: Give Freeform a Try
Have your members asked about Freeform, the new free Apple app that helps users see, share, and collaborate on an infinite virtual whiteboard? Released on December 13, Apple includes the free app with the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. It can even be used while you are on a FaceTime call.
Freeform could make for a fun and interactive meeting activity.
Check it out!
Apple Support on YouTube – How to Use Freeform
Apple Press Release About Freeform
AWUGU Meeting Report about SIGs by Tom Piper
AWUGU Meeting Report about SIGs
by Tom Piper, Coordinator
This Apple World User Group University online gathering of Apple user group leaders was held at 5:00pm CDST, on November 21, 2022, via Zoom. We had 30 participants for the topic of “AUG Special Interest Groups” (see attached JPG image and PDF attendance list). The 78-minute video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/8DmbTgPw3Cc (unlisted on YouTube).
This session opened with my welcome, plus a quick review of the meeting protocols. Doug Smith, Chair of the Apple User Group Advisory Board (AUGAB) provided backup support during the call.
The first segment was a presentation by Steve Welsh (The Oregon MacPioneers User Group) describing the many aspects of and opportunities for SIGs (see attached PDF slideshow). Many questions and comments followed. His “Tips for Success” were welcomed by many as excellent ways to build SIGs in Apple User Groups.
Next was a discussion by Susan Jensen (President, Apple Users’ Society of Melbourne [AUSOM]) about their extensive set of all-day Saturday Special Interest Groups in hourly break-out rooms (see attached PDF schedule). Many questions and responses were then exchanged, and thanks provided for describing their wide array of SIG opportunities.
Of the 8 attendees whose AUGs hosted SIGs, some brief descriptions were provided to share the variety of ways that these topics were handled. More questions and comments followed describing tools and services others used.
This was followed by a description about AWUGU Feedback 2022 provided by Marie Boughenou (Hyper Pomme Paris) who illustrated many of our group’s topics over the past year and shared compliments about the process. Although she struggled with English (French is her first language), many thanked her for her observations and inspirations, and made numerous suggestions about online translators.
Additional questions were asked, comments made, experiences shared and suggestions offered by user group leaders with the following excellent links providing further information: read more…
Tools to Use: Randy Singer – Upgrading to the Latest OS
Randy Singer, leader of the 9.000+ member strong MacAttorney User Group, co-author of multiple editions of the award-winning and well-loved Macintosh Bible, author of the ABA’s The Macintosh Software Guide for the Law Office, writer of the MacAttorney Newsletter, and popular presenter, offers so many great resources for Mac users. the good news is that Randy offers links to many of his resources from a single page. Your members may be asking about when they should upgrade to the latest OS. Randy has the answers.
Upgrading To The Latest Macintosh OS by Randy Singer
Thanks again to Randy for being such a wonderful resource for the community of Apple users!
News to Use: LACPUG Gatherings are Back and Better than Ever
The 6,000+ member strong LA Creative Pro community recently announced that on site gatherings are back, with their next meeting on November 30 at the Gallery Theater in Hollywood. And, the meeting looks like another information-filled one. The program includes Product Specialist Shawn Carlson who will offer a look at Blackmagic Cloud and remote services with Resolve. He will be joined by lacpug favorite (and author of Final Cut Pro Power Tips) Larry Jordan showing the Super-Secret Power Tips Hidden in Apple Final Cut Pro.
Still not sure? Stump the Gurus and the World Famous Raffle will be part of the evening’s entertainment. Three years ago at lacpug it was just a prototype, now it’s used by more than 2000 students just in LA alone.
Learn, network, and have fun.
AWUGU Meeting Report about AUG Websites by Tom Piper
How To: Preparing your Technology for a Hurricane by Rick Ortiz
Written By Rick Ortiz, Courtesy of Maui Apple Users Society (Maui Mac)
Preparing your technology for a hurricane
With Hurricane Lane fast approaching, it is time to get your technology prepared for such an event. Some key areas to think about are: backups, batteries/power, and other tech tips.
Backups
Now is the time to make sure your computer backup is in place and completed. This is typically an external backup drive or your data in the cloud. If an external backup drive, do one final backup and then unhook it and put it in a safe place. If you have access to a weatherproof safe, that would be ideal. If not, placing it in a ziplock bag or some place that can avoid water damage can help protect your data. If you are required to evacuate, take your backup drive with you. If you have a mobile phone, you can back it up to your computer as well, or use the cloud service backup built into the phone. Remember the 3-2-1 rule of backing up. Data in 3 places, 2 locations, 1 offsite.
Batteries / Power read more…
Meeting Idea: Apple Watch Mirroring
Dave Mara, Senior Systems Engineer for Apple, accomplished artist, and user group favorite recently posted a link with some great tips regarding Apple Watch mirroring. Not sure what mirroring is? Mirroring lets you see and control your Apple Watch screen from your paired iPhone. And there’s more: it helps you use assistive features on your iPhone, including Switch Control and Voice Control. Better yet, the process is easy for even new users.
Check it out.
Interact with Apple Watch on Your iPhone
Thanks Dave for this great tip!
Meeting Idea: How To Recover Deleted Messages, Backup Your iPhone, and More
Looking for quick content for your meetings? Apple Support on YouTube has a ton of great “how to” videos. Most are short, to the point, and easy to implement.
Learn how to recover deleted messages, personalize a lock screen in iOS 16, and more. Here are just a few examples.
How to recover deleted Messages conversations on your iPhone
Far Out Meeting Idea: iPhone 14 lineup, new Apple Watch models, and updated AirPods Pro
Are your members asking about the new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, Apple Watch 8 models, or updated AirPods Pro? Not sure about features and specs? There are many great resources that can help your group cover what’s new and wonderful. Here are just a few.
Is an iPhone compatible with iOS16?
How do the Apple Watch specs. compare?
Learn about how iPhones compare
And, of course, there’s an opportunity to watch the September 22 Far Out event.
AWUGU Meeting Report about Apple databases by Tom Piper
AWUGU Meeting Report about Apple databases
by Tom Piper, Coordinator
This Apple World User Group University online gathering of Apple user group leaders was held at 5:00pm CDST, on August 18, 2022, via Zoom. We had 35 participants for the topic of “Apple Database: Apps and Online” (see attached JPG image and PDF attendance list). The 78-minute video can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/A5tlRhCLens (unlisted on YouTube).
This session opened with my welcome, plus a quick review of the meeting protocols. Doug Smith, Chair of the Apple User Group Advisory Board (AUGAB) provided backup support during the call. read more…
Quick Meeting Idea: Apple Store Time Machine
Need a short video to play between speakers or sessions? Looking to add a bit of nostalgia to a discussion? Be sure to check out the Apple Store Time Machine video created by Michael Steeber. You may know Michael from his articles on 9to5Mac.com, coverage of the Apple Tower Theater, or other projects, and this one is pretty fun. From the first stores to the present day, zoom through time.
Check it out.
Tools to Use: Randy Singer – Essential But Hard to Find Macintosh Software and Advice
Randy Singer, leader of the 9.000+ member strong MacAttorney User Group, co-author of multiple editions of the award-winning and well-loved Macintosh Bible, author of the ABA’s The Macintosh Software Guide for the Law Office, writer of the MacAttorney Newsletter, and popular presenter, offers so many great resources for Mac users. the good news is that Randy offers links to many of his resources from a single page. The page, named Essential But Hard to Find Macintosh Software and Advice, is a page you and your members should bookmark and use.
http://www.macattorney.com/welcome.html
Thanks again to Randy for being such a wonderful resource for the community of Apple users!
Meeting Idea from Apple Support: System Requirements for iCloud
It can be hard to support members when they have multiple devices, each with its own requirements and software configuration. Did you know that Apple Support has a page dedicated to system requirements for various devices, software, and features related to iCloud?
Want to know minimum system requirements by feature or even what is available for an iPhone 3GS running iOS5 or preferred and minimum set up for Family Setup for Apple Watch? The support page covers them both. Have a friend running Windows 10? The page even covers system requirements for iCloud for Windows 11 or later.
Learn more.
Apple Support System Requirements Page
