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README
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The SSP Directory of Computer Clubs (c) 1991
Summer 1991 quarterly udpate
VERSION 91.16 (Year: 1991, Revision: 16)
DCC9116.ZIP is suggested BBS name for this file
Shareware software from Seattle Scientific Photography
Editor, Jim Hood (206) 236-0470
Mailing address: PO BOX 1506, Mercer Island, WA 98040
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For information, refer to the file README
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Every computer owner, from novice to advanced, can use this
comprehensive directory of over 1,000 computer clubs and users
groups to locate and benefit from the vast offerings which
computer clubs and users groups offer. Edited by a former
computer club coordinator, the SSP Directory of Computer Clubs
is a comprehensive listing of major computer clubs and users
groups which focus on the MSDOS and PCDOS family of personal
computers. Includes a mailing list of computer clubs plus
brief tutorial on the support services, newsletters, monthly
meeting agenda and special interest groups of computer clubs.
The mailing list and contact directory is provided in both
plaintext ASCII which you can read and revise with your word
processing software and also in dBase format so you can generate
mailing labels or use your database program to effectively
search and sort this large resource list. Registration ($25)
provides the latest quarterly update disk plus a special custom
bonus disk which enhances the functionality of this program.
Program runs on ALL systems and does NOT require color or special
graphics.
Computer clubs and users groups are encouraged to submit address
information updates as necessary.
This program is published in four editions per year: Spring,
Summer, Fall and Winter with minor updates during each quarter.
Determine the edition using the revision number: 01 through 09
is Spring, 10 through 19 is Summer, 20 through 29 is Fall and 30
through 39 is Winter. Examples: Version 91.08 means 1991 Spring
edition. Version 93.36 means 1993 Winter edition.
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FILES AVAILABLE
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README Readme file documentation for program and tutorial
CLUBS1.EXE Self-extracting listing of computer clubs in ASCII
CLUBS2.EXE Self-extracting listing of computer clubs in dBase
REGISTER.TXT Registration information
LHATXT.EXE Self-extracting technical documentation for LHA
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INSTALLING AND USING THE DIRECTORY OF COMPUTER CLUBS
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Please read this ENTIRE file prior to using the database
listings.
The database files supplied with this package (CLUBS1.EXE and
CLUBS2.EXE) are updated FREQUENTLY by the author. Register
to receive the LATEST disk prior to beginning your mailing
campaign. Computer clubs change addresses and phone numbers
rapidly! You can thus avoid a large number of returned envelopes
and out of date information!
This package is stored in compressed, self-extracting files
produced by the software program LHA written by Haruyasu Yoshizaki.
The file contained on this disk, CLUBS1.EXE, will unpack to
produce an ASCII text format file which you can load into your
word processor or view with any file browser. The file
CLUBS2.EXE will unpack to produce the identical information
in dBase III format for importing into your database package or
use with a mailing label program. It will allow you to more
effectively search and sort the data. Unpacking directions
follow:
Copy the file CLUBS1.EXE or CLUBS2.EXE to a disk drive and
execute the following commands. Note the special comment
regarding CLUBS2.EXE which follows:
CLUBS1 <then press return>
produces ASCII text format file: CLUBS.TXT
CLUBS2 <then press return>
produces dBase III format file: CLUBS.DBF
NOTE! CLUBS2.EXE is large and may require unpacking on a hard
drive system! CLUBS1.EXE should unpack on any size blank floppy
and should not require a hard drive, unlike CLUBS2.EXE.
The dBase III file can be loaded into products such as dBase,
PC-File, Wampum, Rbase, Reflex and other popular database
packages which accept or translate and import a dBase III file.
Next, let's look at an example records within the database:
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DATABASE RECORD EXAMPLES
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ALASKA COMPUTER SOCIETY, LARRY HEVER 8/17/90
POB 240945, ANCHORAGE, AK 99524
ANCHORAGE IBM PC USERS GROUP, 12/25/90
3605 ARCTIC BLVD #1320, ANCHORAGE, AK 99503
ANKOR-GUIDE, SKIP WILLIAMS 10/30/90
PO BOX 210089, ANCHORAGE, AK 99521
In the above list you see a short extracted version from the
ASCII text file version (CLUBS1.EXE) of the data. Each listing
is shown with name of club, contact person, date the entry was
last revised and current mailing address.
The dBase file (CLUBS2.EXE) contains similar information.
Both files are sorted into order by state, then city then club
name. In other words, you will find clubs in Alaska at the top
of the list and clubs in Washington state at the bottom of the
list. This sort order tends to help most people find a club in
their location. Other sort arrangements or orderings can be
achieved by importing the dBase format file (from CLUBS2.EXE)
and using a database package to re-order the sequence of clubs.
Next a brief tutorial to give readers an insight into the
functions and benefits of computer club/user group membership!
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USER GROUPS AND COMPUTER CLUBS - I WANNA HOLD YOUR HAND
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The deeper you delve into computing, the sooner you discover the
benefits of joining a user group. The idea is simple: books,
tutorial disks and healthy doses of personal computer magazines
will only take you so far; sooner or later you need to talk to
SOMEONE.
Computer groups once had an image as hacker havens, but have now
broadened in scope to provide services as general or specific as
you like. User groups offer an informal way to meet and exchange
ideas about equipment, software or specialized techniques in
certain program areas.
A good user group will boast a variety of functions and sub-
functions. A monthly meeting headlines the agenda. Meetings vary
from group to group, but a common standard is first a beginners
corner for those just getting started. More experienced users
may come later to the main meeting or come early to help teach
or copy public domain software. The second portion of the
meeting usually revolves around an open "question and answer"
session during which members present ideas or ask pressing
questions of the entire gathering. Third on the agenda is
usually a presentation or guest speaker who discusses a software
program, new device or procedure. The fourth and final portion
of many user group meetings is the copying of public domain and
shareware programs of interest to members.
Annual dues for most users groups vary from free to $50 and are
frequently supplemented by the sale of public domain and
shareware software to both members and interested non-members.
Frequently a resource referral list is prepared which provides
the name(s), phone numbers and specialties of members who are
available to answer technical software or hardware questions.
Sometimes problems and questions becomes so numerous that the
user group will schedule special training sessions to help many
members having difficulty in a common area. Other user groups
enjoy field trips and opportunities which brings members
directly into contact with business users or computer
development professionals at an office or plant location.
Additional activities of the group may involve a monthly
newsletter on disk or paper, a BBS system with group news and
programs accessible by computer and telephone modem, group
discount purchasing memberships, a library index, directory of
members and list of local BBS systems and recommended
software/hardware vendors. The groups also serve as a handy
conduit for sales of used equipment by and for fellow members.
As senior members in the group migrate to more powerful
computers and attachments, fellow members can frequently locate
excellent equipment and software packages below retail prices.
The software library of a user group is a vast repository of
unusual software programs. Generally, the larger or more
technical the group, the broader the software resources
available. In addition some groups maintain older versions of a
program which may be simpler and more useful for the beginner.
Another benefit of using the user group software library derives
from the availability of program variants within a given area: a
club member can try not one but five or six different shareware
spreadsheets in an attempt to locate the most comfortable
software for his or her particular needs. Shareware springs from
the roots of the personal computer movement and for many
computer user group members, shareware and public domain
software may be the only software ever needed.
Some groups further specialize. Frequently these groups are
known as SIG's (Special Interest Groups). SIGs have a narrow
focus which may be more suited to certain people. SIGs exist to
serve spreadsheet users, DOS beginners, modem users, database
users, designers, lawyers, modem users, graphics designers and
the list goes on.
FOG, an international nonprofit computer users group, maintains
a comprehensive listing of national clubs. This list is also
printed in all issues of the Computer Shopper magazine (most
newsstands or $21 per year, 5211 South Washington Ave, POB F,
Titusville, FL 32781.) The address for FOG is PO Box 3474, Daly
City, California, 94015. FOG telephone is (415) 755-2000. FOG
lists over 20,000 members who have access to the club's library
of shareware for both CPM and DOS machines as well as a helpline
for members needing fast telephone answers to computer
questions, a monthly newsletter and discounts on assorted
computer merchandise. Membership in FOG is $40 per year. A self-
addressed, self-stamped envelope to FOG will bring a list of
computer clubs nearest you.
Another source of lists of local computer clubs is: The
Association of Personal Computer User Groups 1730 "M" ST NW,
#700, Washington, DC 20036.
Yet another way to locate user groups is to ask sales personnel
at a local software store or manager of any local Radio Shack
Store! Frequently a few phone calls will produce several phone
numbers of interest. In addition, IBM maintains an automated
national registry of user groups which can be reached at (404)
988-2782.
End of file.