This article appeared in the January/February 1991 issue of Quick Connect, the Newsletter for Apple User Groups. It may be reproduced in other User Group publications not sold for profit. We require only that credit be given to The Apple Computer User Group Connection and that we receive a copy of any publication in which reprinted articles appear. The Apple User Group Connection, Apple Computer, Inc., 20525 Mariani Avenue, MS: 36/AA, Cupertino, CA 95014.
(c) 1991 Apple Computer, Inc. APDA, Apple, AppleLink, the Apple logo, AppleShare, IIGS, LaserWriter, Mac, Macintosh and MultiFinder are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. AppleEvents, Finder, Quick Connect, The User Group Connection and TrueType are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. AppleWorks and HyperCard are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., licensed to Claris Corp. Classic is a registered trademark licensed to Apple Computer, Inc.
Avoiding Burnout
Most User Group leaders know the symptoms of burnout very well. It can strike after you’ve lugged your LaserWriter(R) printer up six flights of stairs for the 16th meeting in a row. Or you’ve spent another sunny weekend indoors, working nonstop to produce the group’s newsletter. Then your main speaker cancels an hour before your monthly meeting. Such stresses take their toll, and can turn UG leaders into frustrated, irritable and ineffective managers. In this issue we’ve put together a collection of signposts and suggestions on how to keep User Group leaders and volunteers healthy, happy and productive.
Running a successful User Group is a challenging job, and the stress that comes with leadership can affect even the heartiest individuals. Leaders must face members seeking greater services, yet find there are few willing to step forward and volunteer. Financial concerns are a constant responsibility, and ongoing programs, such as monthly meetings and newsletters, must be squeezed out of increasingly scarce free time. If not addressed, these kinds of stress often lead to burnout, in which UG leaders no longer enjoy their leadership role. Such scenarios are not inevitable, however. We’ve put together a series of suggestions and tactics to help UG leaders deal with the challenges they face in keeping a group strong and growing.
Change is natural. Keep in mind that organizations, like all living things, go through cycles of growth and change. Often coupled with that change comes stress, especially for nonprofit groups. Most organizations are initially carried along on the energy of the founder, observes Barbara Taylor-Sharp, former Executive Director of the East Bay Business Volunteers for the Arts, which recently conducted a study of nonprofit organizations. Many organizations reach a crisis stage after a few years, Taylor-Sharp says, as the organization evolves in size and focus, and the original leaders leave. Whether a group survives that shift depends on how well it understands the natural life cycle of an organization, and adapts to it, Taylor-Sharp observes. "An organization is an organic entity, and change and the stress that comes with that change is always going to be a part of its life cycle," she adds.
Rediscover your passion. A key step in adapting to change is rediscovering the group’s original goals. "When people are filled with excitement about what they want to do, they’re truly ‘passionate’ about it," explains Marty Kaplan, a professional organization development consultant in Oakland, CA. As organizations evolve, leaders need to remember why the group was established in the first place, and why they’re involved with it. For some UG leaders, this "passion" may mean helping others experience the pleasure and excitement of using computers to their fullest potential. Others may find satisfaction in being on the "leading edge" of technological evolution, or making new friends who share similar interests. User Group leaders need to remind themselves of the group’s original goals, and consider if and how the current situation has strayed from those early ideals. Is the group’s direction still answering your "passion" needs?
Assess the gap, then close it. Once leaders have established the group’s ideals and their own personal goals, they need to assess the gap between what exists and what is desired. "Analyze how what you’re doing now differs from what you think you ought to be doing," suggests Marty Kaplan. How far have you strayed from your passion? What are some ways you can recover that original enthusiasm? "Consider what parts of your role as a leader might be eliminated or expanded, if necessary, so you can reclaim that passion," Kaplan adds.
After leaders have rediscovered what truly excites them about being a UG leader and this often differs from person to person they need to take positive steps to close the gap between what exists and what they want to exist. For some, this may mean taking a break from their duties, even if it means the group struggles a bit. Others may want to take on new or different responsibilities that more closely align with their current interests. As the leadership changes, the group will change, too. "If a User Group is able to retain its sense of purpose and identity the fundamental backbone for passion it’s probably able to endure the ups and downs it goes through," Kaplan observes.
Planning gives structure. One important step that UG leaders can take to achieve stability and decrease stress´ is to establish a long-range plan for the group. "People in nonprofit organizations often work in systems with little or no boundaries," explains Halsey North, Chairman of The North Group in New York City. "They often try to be all things to all people, which can be very unsatisfying. Planning puts boundaries on our vision, so we get a chance to accomplish what we really want to do," he says. In his consulting work with nonprofit organizations on long-range planning, board development and fundraising, North knows that "the things that cause burnout most are that you don’t feel a sense of accomplishment and you feel overwhelmed." Planning helps cut down on both, he says, and can help spread the workload among a wider group of people.
Successful User Groups set aside a time once or twice a year for board members to hold long-range planning meetings. This becomes a time for leaders to decide specifics of what they want to accomplish, and to commit their plans to paper. "Planning helps an organization put on blinders and be productive," says North. "It doesn’t make you inflexible. Rather, it makes you stop and think about the impact of adding something to your workload." For example, publishing an expanded newsletter may be a great suggestion, but has the group considered the resources needed in both human and financial terms? Regular planning sessions enable UGs to stay on course and not overcommit their resources.
Coping skills. The study on Bay Area nonprofit groups gathered suggestions on how leaders can cope with the stresses of their daily jobs. Many are appropriate for UG leaders, too.
• Actively seek out your counterparts in similar organizations. Gatherings such as The Connection’s User Group Breakfasts at the major trade shows, and on-line discussions, like those on Sunday evenings on America Online, give leaders a chance to share ideas and suggestions on how to run a group better. These get-togethers give leaders a chance to do a "reality check" to know that they are not alone in the challenges they are facing.
• Don’t get trapped in comparisons. Just because your UG may be smaller than those in Boston or Berkeley doesn’t mean it’s less valuable to its members. Keep in mind that many "mega-groups" have established satellite UGs because members enjoy the intimacy and camaraderie that smaller groups can offer.
• Be realistic. Check to see whether your stress is due to your level of competency, or of expectations that are set too high. Most likely, you’re doing a good job running your group. It’s just that you probably can’t do EVERYTHING that the group wants done.
• Remember why you’re a UG leader in the first place. Try to keep in mind that your decision to be a UG leader is a choice, freely made. Rediscover what your motivations were when you first assumed a leadership role, and compare how those reasons stack up with how you feel now.
• Have fun. It may sound corny, but remember to enjoy your User Group. Remember the excitement you experienced when you first used an Apple computer? That joy may be subdued a bit by now, but recapturing that feeling can put some perspective on the reasons you’re a UG leader.
UG Management Resources
UG leaders may want to check out these additional resources on managing nonprofit organizations.
Findings from Discussions with Nonprofit Administrators on Managing Turbulence, the survey report conducted for the East Bay Business Volunteers for the Arts (BVA), is available for $2 from the BVA at: 2201 Broadway, Suite 812, Oakland, CA 94612 (415/268-0505).
Managing A Nonprofit Organization, by Thomas Wolf, offers advice on many aspects of nonprofit management, from developing a board of directors to marketing, financial management, planning and fund raising. Copies are available for $12.95 (plus $1.50 postage) by sending a check payable to Simon & Schuster, Inc. to: The Wolf Organization, 8 Francis Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138 (617/492-2167).
The Society for Nonprofit Organizations is a national association dedicated to linking and advancing all nonprofit organizations. Their Resource Center Catalog features over 500 educational materials specifically for nonprofit leaders. Contact them at: 6314 Odana Rd., Suite 1, Madison, WI 53719 (608/274-9777).
The Strategic Planning Workbook for Nonprofit Organizations leads organizations through a step-by-step process of developing, implementing and updating a strategic plan. Published in workbook format, it is available for $25 (plus $1 postage) by sending a check payable to the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation/MSS, 919 Lafond Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 (612/642-4025).
From The User Group Connection Staff
"Information exchange is a key objective of The User Group Connection…"
Dear Apple User Group Ambassador,
I recently joined Apple’s User Group Connection (TM), and my role is focused on Community User Groups. Even though I’m the newest member of The Connection team, I’ve logged the most time here at the "good ship Apple." My years at Apple Computer date back to 1980, when we had under a thousand employees. Our product offerings consisted of 16K, 36K, and 48K Apple II computers, while our tape drives, monitors and printers were all third party products. My, have things changed!
Among the other things that have changed over the past 10 years is the growth of our User Group community. As groups develop in size and scope, we’re continually trying to "fine tune" our relationships with them. One project I’m working on is examining the needs of the different types and sizes of Community User Groups. Some of the larger groups actually have permanent offices, offer training courses several nights a week and staff technical support phone lines for members. Other groups are smaller in size (but not in enthusiasm!) and meet at the local school or library. Are The Connection’s current support efforts effective for both ends of this spectrum? Probably not. In searching for the best solution, I’m asking User Group ambassadors and officers about their needs so we can explore new and different ways to meet those needs.
Information exchange is a key objective of The User Group Connection. In my previous work at Apple, I’ve had some experience producing a couple of Apple TV broadcasts. These sessions deliver timely information to viewers, and can include live, two-way interaction with presenters. Upon joining the The User Group Connection, one of my first proposals was to look into the feasibility of holding a nationwide User Group meeting via a live Apple TV telecast. Linking User Groups via telecast would create a simultaneous exchange of information nationwide, using state-of-the-art communications technology. Individual User Groups could use the broadcast to obtain visibility in their own regions. For example, the event might serve as a basis for a membership campaign or stimulate increased participation from existing members. I’ve been checking with different User Groups across the country, both large and small, to see if there would be support for this project. So far the response has been a resounding "YES!" In the months ahead I’ll be checking with more groups and investigating further the possibility of such an event. If all goes well, next year we’ll all be getting together at the same time, same station, for a nationwide User Group meeting.
If you have any comments or suggestions on the TV broadcast, or wish to share some thoughts on the specific needs you have for your User Group, please drop me a note at the address (electronic or otherwise) listed on the back of this issue.
Rye Livingston
Community User Group Specialist
AppleLink News
AppleLink 6.0 Bulletin Boards
Some exciting changes are taking place on AppleLink (R), Apple Computer’s electronic communications network. In conjunction with a new version of the software (announced in the last issue of Quick Connect), there is an expanded range of services to help User Groups access the information they need.
When you first use AppleLink 6.0 software, you’ll notice a whole new look to the service. Icons have been redesigned and reorganized, and there are new and expanded menus. One new menu, called Personal, allows each user to fully customize the application. Users can select interest areas that are visited regularly such as bulletin boards, databases or even folders and topics several levels deep in the hierarchy and add them to a Personal area. From there, they can be accessed easily either by command key equivalents, from the menu, or even hierarchically from an icon on the main screen of AppleLink Services.
Perhaps the most exciting thing about AppleLink 6.0 is a totally new kind of bulletin board. The Discussion Boards now behave more like AppleLink reference libraries. Questions (called topics) can be posted and answers (called replies) can be linked to the original topic, making it much easier for users to follow threads of discussion. Users can search for subjects anywhere on the Discussion Board just like other AppleLink databases by subject title or full text, by date, or by author within topic, folder or the entire bulletin board. Users will also have the option of "joining" discussions, whereby they can pick topics of interest and have any new documents related to the topic posted automatically to their In Basket.
The User Group icon will be located under the icon area called Special Focus. There you’ll find the original User Group Bulletin Board, which will contain information and announcements from Apple, User Groups and developers that is important to read, but does not necessarily need a reply. The new User Group Discussion Board will be accessible only to those groups who upgrade to AppleLink 6.0. Since that’s where the product Q&A, HyperCard(R) software and Special Interest Groups folders will be, we’re encouraging everyone to upgrade.
Even though the user interface may look familiar, AppleLink software has been completely re-written from scratch to give it more capabilities than ever before. Finding answers and following discussions is much easier, thanks to "threading" capabilities and the ability to do more extensive searches by title or topic. We think User Groups will find AppleLink 6.0 to be a powerful tool to help them find the information their members need.
Information on upgrading to AppleLink 6.0 has been distributed to all UGs currently registered with the service. If you have any questions, contact us at the address on the back of this issue, or at AppleLink: USER.GROUPS.
Leader to Leader
Planning UG Meetings
Special presentations form the core of most User Group meeting programs, and the task of coordinating them is always an important one. Group leaders must plan far enough in advance to allow time for publicity, yet remain flexible to respond to rapid changes in the industry. We recently asked UG leaders to share their ideas on how their groups plan meetings.
Timing the impact
The Gateway Area Macintosh(R) User Group in St. Louis, MO, tries to plan meetings three to four months in advance. "Timing is important," explains Program Chair Tim Garcia. "If you plan too far in advance, things change and the presentation may not have the same impact. We like to get things while they’re hot." Garcia polls members at each meeting about what they would like to see next, and posts a short questionnaire in the newsletter asking for comments and suggestions. "I guess our favorite type of meeting is when something out of the ordinary happens," he says, recalling the demo of Coda Music Software’s Finale with Tom Johnson. "Everyone went crazy with the live music and all the notes popping up on screen as fast as he played them."
Tim Garcia
Gateway Area MUG
3903 Meramec Street
St. Louis, MO 63116
314/664-6972
AppleLink: UG0111
Show them the "Way"
Whether it’s a newsletter, a PD collection or meetings, BMUG tackles things on a big scale. The Berkeley, CA User Group sponsors weekly meetings on the University of California campus which feature two (sometimes three) vendor presentations each Thursday night. When another monthly meeting held in San Francisco is included, the total comes to nearly a dozen speakers a month. Alisa Schulman coordinates the speaker schedule, and generally keeps things booked about five months in advance. "We’re lucky," she explains, "because the vendors usually are the ones to call us and ask to be able to speak." A few weeks before their scheduled engagement, she sends speakers a confirmation letter describing details of location and time, as well as what’s expected of them. "Lately we’ve also been sending out copies of a chapter from Guy Kawasaki’s book, The Macintosh Way, that deals with how to speak to User Groups," Schulman says. It prepares them for encountering BMUG’s notoriously tough audience. "We have a peanut gallery who can ask some pretty technical questions," she adds.
Alisa Schulman
BMUG
1442A Walnut Street #62
Berkeley 94709
415/549-2684
415/849-9114 mtg. hotline
AppleLink: UG0001
Consider conflicts
The Arizona Macintosh Users Group schedules meetings six months in advance. Plans are coordinated with three meeting coordinators and group president Michael Bean. "We try to watch for scheduling problems such as identical products shown on the same night, special occasions on the same date or companies that need additional time," Bean says. Meeting attendance runs 300-600 people per meeting, and sound, animation and graphics are big hits. "We are a group of over 1000 and try to please a broad spectrum of users. We announce topics well in advance so members can come to what is interesting to them," Bean adds.
Michael S. Bean
Arizona Macintosh Users Group
718 E. Campbell Avenue
Gilbert, AZ 85234
602/892-5454
Applelink: UG0116
America Online: AMUG
Annual meetings
ALUG, the Apple Library Users Group, has nearly 17,000 members from around the world. Their annual meetings are held in conjunction with the American Library Association’s annual conference, so plans are made more than a year in advance. At each meeting, ALUG hands out an evaluation form asking for feedback on the current meeting and suggestions for future ones. Monica Ertel, Apple Computer’s librarian, plans the meetings based on these forms, as well as numerous letters and calls she receives during the year. "People like to have a presentation from someone at Apple about what’s ‘new,’" she says. "Members also enjoy the time set aside for discussion groups on topics such as HyperCard software in libraries, desktop publishing or public access software," Ertel adds.
Monica Ertel
Apple Library Users Group
% Apple Computer, Inc.
10381 Bandley Dr., M/S: 8C
Cupertino, CA 95014
408/974-2552
AppleLink: ERTEL1
System 7.0 Myth vs. Fact
Apple’s major enhancement to its System software, System 7.0, will bring exciting new capabilities to Macintosh computers. Features such as outline fonts, virtual memory, Finder(TM) 7.0 interface, file sharing and interapplication communication promise to enhance the computing experience of every Macintosh user. As we go to press, System 7.0 has "gone beta," and is in the hands of Apple’s 3,000 certified developers. Eagerly awaited by User Groups, System 7.0 has generated much speculation about its capabilities. We recently asked Paul H. Meijer, System Software Product Manager in Apple USA Product Marketing, to address some of the "myths" he has been hearing about System 7.0, and to give us the "facts" on this forthcoming Apple product. He replied by sending us this article written on a Macintosh IIcx running beta 1 of System 7.0 software.
Myth: I’ll need more than 2 megabytes of RAM to "really" run System 7.0.
Fact: Repeat after me: System 7.0 requires 2 megabytes (MB) of RAM and a hard disk. Period. A main reason for the increased RAM size is that MultiFinder(R) operating system software is always "on" now. A 2MB configuration will permit an 800K application space, perfect for running an application such as HyperCard. A good rule of thumb is to add another megabyte of RAM to whatever RAM configuration you’re currently comfortable with using. Current 1MB Macintosh Plus and Macintosh SE users can maintain part of their DRAM investment by keeping two of the 256K DRAM SIMMs already in their machines and adding two new 1MB SIMMs. This solution will give them 2.5MB machines, enough memory to run System 7.0 easily.
Myth: None of my applications will work under System 7.0. To really get all the benefits, I’ll have to buy all new applications.
Fact: This isn’t true, even if you’ll be upgrading from a much older version of system software, such as System 3.2. System 7.0 will have a very high degree of compatibility with existing applications, including 100% compatibility with a "core" set of about 50 applications. Compatibility information will be included with System 7.0 that will tell which applications work and which do not. Generally, if you have the most current version of a software application, there is an excellent chance that it will work and will take advantage of System 7.0 features, without an upgrade. If you have older versions of applications, you may want to upgrade to the current version. Apple is working very closely with our developers, who are hard at work producing applications that take advantage of all the new System 7.0 features. It is possible that some INITs will cause conflicts, but this is true today as well.
Myth: System 7.0 is only "evolutionary" and not "revolutionary," so there’s no reason to upgrade right away.
Fact: System 7.0 incorporates a wealth of new features which will form the basis of innovative applications. New applications will be ready at introduction that use the "Publish and Subscribe" metaphors ("live cut-and-paste") of Interapplication Communication (IAC) to produce better ways of using your Macintosh. With IAC, users can "Publish" any piece of data (text, graphics, sound) from any application to which other applications can then "Subscribe." For example, the chart created in your spreadsheet and pasted to your word processor is automatically updated whenever the data in the chart changes, whether or not the word processor is open. Sections of text in a master library can be subscribed to, and if the master text changes, all documents utilizing the sections will automatically be updated. System 7.0 will bring so many new capabilities to Macintosh users that we’re encouraging all users to upgrade right away. Soon after the introduction, Apple will ship all Macintosh computers with System 7.0 pre-installed on the hard drives.
Myth: System 7.0 will make using the Macintosh a lot more complicated.
Fact: System 7.0 actually makes using the Macintosh easier. There is more user control and consistency built into the Finder. Finder 7.0 is also the first Finder that "finds," and its "Find" command physically opens the folder containing the located file and highlights the file. System 7.0’s new "Help" feature will assist novice users in quickly learning Macintosh concepts, and experienced Macintosh users will find the small touches greatly enhance their productivity and overall computing experience.
Myth: Only Macintosh computers with a 68030 microprocessor (IIx, IIcx, IIci, IIfx, IIsi) will run System 7.0. If I’m a Macintosh Plus or Macintosh SE owner, there’s no reason for me to upgrade.
Fact: A main benefit of an ‘030 chip over a 68020 (as found in the Mac(R) II computer) is a built-in Paged Memory Management Unit (PMMU). A PMMU is required to run Virtual Memory (VM). VM, however, is a small portion of what System 7.0 offers. All Macintosh computers can use TrueType(TM) font technology, Macintosh File Sharing, the new Finder, IAC and AppleEvents(TM) messages. Only the Macintosh Plus, Macintosh Classic(R) , Macintosh SE, Macintosh LC and the Macintosh Portable computers cannot use VM. The Mac II has a socket for an optional PMMU chip, and once installed, it can use virtual memory, too.
Myth: System 6.0.x users will be incompatible with System 7.0 users.
Fact: System 6.0.x and System 7.0 users can work together easily, and on the same network. System 6.0.x users can log onto System 7.0 machines running Macintosh File Sharing and use shared files from the System 7.0 user. The shared folder or hard drive will appear on the desktop like a regular AppleShare(R) network file server volume. Any System 6.0.x user who gets a document from a System 7.0 user with TrueType will have the font scaled to the closest bit map. (This is identical with how it works today between System 6.0.x systems.) Finally, System 6.0.x and System 7.0 users can share the same laser printers. The System 7.0 print drivers are compatible with System 6.0.x, so 6.0.x users need simply to install the print drivers using the disk shipped with System 7.0.
Myth: TrueType font technology will render my investment in PostScript or bit-mapped fonts obsolete.
Fact: All your existing fonts will work in the same way they did before. When a document goes to the printer, the LaserWriter printer driver first checks the internal printer fonts for the necessary size. If it doesn’t find the size, it then looks for Type 1 PostScript fonts in the System folder. If these are not found, it then looks for the appropriate TrueType font. All fonts will be used in the same manner as before. There will be no need to have multiple files containing the same font besides the one TrueType file. We expect that over time people will use only the TrueType file rather than a combination of bit maps and Type 1 fonts. This approach saves disk space, is less confusing, and produces beautiful on-screen type!
Myth: Installing System 7.0 will be a nightmare for individuals and corporations.
Fact: System 7.0 uses the "one-button" installer, making installation much easier. Also, System 7.0 can be installed across an AppleShare network, so System 6.0.x users can "double-click" the installer on an AppleShare volume, and the software will install over the network onto their machine. There is no physical limit to the number of users who can simultaneously upgrade over the network the number is limited only by the size of the installed network.
Myth: If I have problems, I’ll be all alone with no one to call.
Fact: We’ll be working closely with Apple Authorized Resellers and User Groups so they can provide support and can answer adequately any questions you may have. In addition, there will be a great deal of press coverage as well as "How To" books guiding users through System 7.0. On-line services such as AppleLink will also contain 7.0-specific information.
Apple Renews its Commitment to the Apple II
In June 1990 Apple Computer established a new focus for the Apple II family of computers. Now, for the first time since 1985, Apple has a group specifically dedicated to the Apple II. Seeking an experienced manager to lead the group, Apple CEO John Sculley tapped Ralph Russo, a seven-year Apple veteran. Russo was part of Steve Jobs’ startup team on the Macintosh in 1983, and later as VP of Worldwide Operations, he was responsible for all manufacturing, service and support of Apple products. We spoke with him recently to hear of his plans for the group and the Apple II line.
Quick Connect: Ralph, the past few years have seen remarkable growth in the Macintosh market. Yet there still remains an active installed base of several million enthusiastic Apple II owners. What is Apple doing to address their needs?
Ralph Russo: We’ve re-addressed our commitment to the Apple II product family. In the summer of 1990 we created a new organization that was specifically focused on the Apple II. This group, the Apple II Business Unit, is a cross-functional team that incorporates Engineering, Product Marketing and Customer and Developer Support. We will focus our efforts in two general areas: 1) preservation of our customers’ Apple II investment; and 2) continue to support Apple II users by enhancing its capability and integrating this technology into our other product families as we have with the Apple IIe card for the Macintosh LC.
QC: Is the Apple II obsolete? Some users feel that Apple wants the Apple II to just go away. Is this accurate? If not, what is Apple’s commitment to the Apple II?
RR: Apple does not build products with obsolete technology. I don’t think the installed base of over 5.5 million Apple II users would consider the Apple II obsolete hardware, and neither does Apple. The technology contained in our products is geared toward specific needs and markets. Yes, the Macintosh represents our more advanced technology, but the Apple II is still an appropriate choice for many users.
QC: The Apple II has played an important role in K-12 education. These days, we see more emphasis on Macintosh for the K-12 market. What does this mean for the future of the Apple II in schools, particularly the heavy investment that school districts have in Apple II technologies?
RR: We’re on record as selling two different platforms to schools, the Apple II and the Macintosh. We see the two as complementary product lines, and each has its place. We will continue to upgrade and offer enhancements to the Apple II family, and will be working on improved networking and integration capabilities for both platforms. If schools have invested in Apple II equipment and want to incorporate Macintosh systems in their programs, they’ll be able to mix them in the same classroom and have them work together easily.
QC: What does the introduction of the entry-level Macintosh models mean for the Apple II?
RR: By expanding the Macintosh product line, we’re increasing the options for our customers. The new Macintosh LC is a general-purpose color Macintosh which can accept a card available in late spring 1991 that runs Apple IIe software. Educators have been telling us that a low-cost color Macintosh is important to them. Acceptance to date of the Macintosh LC with the Apple IIe card shows us that it does indeed meet these needs.
QC: Many people find Apple’s messages about the Apple II and Macintosh confusing. How do they know which computer to buy for their school, their home or their business?
RR: By having both product lines available, schools, home users or businesses can buy according to their needs. Our objective is to give the user a range of choices and not tell them what they must buy. At Apple, our design point is the individual not the organization, agency, environment or the technology itself. It’s what people do with our tools that is most important to us, not megabytes and speed. We are committed to bringing our technology to more and more people. We’re broadening the product families at all levels, from high-end to low-end. This strategy allows us to create computers that are appropriate for all kinds of people, from kindergarten students to business people to scientists and engineers.
QC: What about educational software? Are developers still working on Apple II software? What is Apple doing to address this issue?
RR: There are many developers working on Apple II software. We have established our own developer support efforts to encourage development on both the Apple II and Macintosh platforms. There is a national Apple II developer conference every year that attracts several hundred attendees, and we include Apple II strands at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference. Apple has the largest educational software platform, and developers are continuing to create innovative programs. I’ve been particularly impressed by some of the programs, such as Hyperstudio, that take advantage of the multimedia capabilities of the Apple IIGS(R) computer.
QC: What can you tell us about HyperCard IIGS?
RR: HyperCard IIGS should be on dealer’s shelves by early February 1991. We’re especially proud of this full-featured, color version of HyperCard. This is another tangible sign of our commitment to supporting our existing customers.
QC: It seems that Apple has placed major emphasis in recent years on securing the government and business markets, primarily focused on Macintosh. Is Apple still committed to education, where it established its roots with the Apple II?
RR: Having been at Apple for the past seven years, I was part of the executive team that looked to expand our presence in the business and government sectors. Our goal was to increase our penetration into these markets, but not at the expense of traditionally strong markets, such as education. With the introduction of our new products and our renewed focus for the Apple II family, we’ve reaffirmed our commitment to education.
The Apple II Guide
Apple Computer recently published an informative and entertaining resource for the Apple II family of computers. The Apple II Guide is a 240-page reference book designed to support current and future users of all Apple II equipment. Inside its covers readers can find articles on fundamentals, innovative applications such as HyperStudio and DB Master, telecommunication, networking and data exchange, troubleshooting and other technical issues. There’s also information on Apple products, sales and service including a listing of authorized Apple dealers who specifically requested to be included as support providers for the Apple II line. Of course, no guide of this scope would be complete without providing details on User Groups, and Craig Elliott, manager of Apple’s User Group Connection, offers suggestions on how readers can join or start a group in their area. UG leaders Jerry Cline of AzApple/Mac in Phoenix, AZ and Al Willis of the Boston Computer Society’s Apple/Boston User Group also contributed to the project.
Complimentary copies of The Apple II Guide recently were mailed to Apple II dealers, sales representatives and registered developers. In addition, copies were sent to all Apple II and Macintosh/Apple II User Groups registered with The Connection. Each Apple II and mixed group received one box (24 copies) along with ordering information. User Groups can obtain additional copies of the book at no cost, but they are responsible for shipping costs (each box weighs approximately 30 lbs.). Some groups have expressed plans to offer the book as an incentive for membership sign-ups or renewals, while other groups will offer them at a nominal cost to their members. While there is a general limit on the number of copies available to each group, any group sponsoring an event may place a special order for additional copies. For details, contact The Connection at the address on the back of this issue or at AppleLink: USER.GROUPS.
Education & UG's
This page in Quick Connect is designed to give your UG ideas on how it can interact with schools and education-based groups in your area. The suggested projects can serve both school-age computer users and general UG members.
Computers, Ham Radios and Schools
Imagine students across the United States communicating via electronic bulletin boards, or using a TV camera to capture and send images around the world all for free. It’s possible! Student User Groups fortunate enough to have the support and cooperation of an FCC-licensed ham radio operator literally can have the world at their fingertips.
Amateur, or "ham" radio is a noncommercial system of communication as old as the medium of radio itself. The operator, or ham, operates a radio station using a personal call sign. There are more than 1.5 million licensed amateurs worldwide. Primarily hobbyists, they also provide emergency communications during hurricanes, floods and other disasters.
"Amateur radio is on the cutting edge of technology," says David Allen, a computer specialist and User Group member who has been a ham for 45 years. Hams were the first to develop radio repeater systems, the basis for taxi and police radio. A recent development by hams, packet radio, allows amateurs to network computers over the airwaves.
Although Allen knows of no students using packet radio, he sees nothing to prevent them from reaping its benefits. Baseball enthusiasts can develop a rivalry with fans in another city computers are great for stats comparisons. Or, if you’re from Plymouth, Massachusetts, how about a partnership with Plymouth, England? The possibilities are limited only by the imagination. "The only requirement," Allen stresses, "is an FCC-licensed operator." Amateur licenses are acquired by taking a test given by the FCC, the Federal Communications Commission. The license is necessary because amateurs share the airwaves with airlines, the armed forces and ships. It assures that the amateur knows the regulations and can operate the equipment properly.
Packet radio allows computer information sent over the airwaves to be read easily, an important advantage since "many stations use the same channel, and information can be received in a chaotic jumble," Allen says. For example, pieces of messages from one station might appear on the screen and be interrupted by pieces of other messages being sent simultaneously on the same channel. "Packet radio assigns an identifying code to each originating station," Allen explains. Telecommunication software is able to identify the coded packets of information and give order to transmissions allowing an entire "packet" to be transmitted before it is interrupted. The result is similar to being connected to an electronic service such as CompuServe or America Online. Transmissions with packet radio may be a bit slower, but they’re free!
According to Allen, packet radio will be considered a major contribution to communications technology. Allen serves as the "net control" for East Coast Apple Net, or ECAN, an Apple User Group that meets via short wave on Saturday mornings to discuss what Allen calls "things computer and things radio." By purchasing used equipment, hams can assemble their own stations for under a hundred dollars. To attach radio equipment to a computer, a terminal mode controller (or radio modem) and appropriate software also are needed. For more information about radio/computer capability, write to American Radio Relay League (ARRL), 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111.
Initiating a Radio/Computer Project
• Find an interested FCC-licensed amateur radio operator. A technical high school might have a ham hobbyist on staff. Or check with a local ham radio club or Apple’s User Group Connection (800/538-9696) to see if a radio enthusiast User Group exists in your area.
• Brainstorm with students and the radio operator. Discover what kind of communications project you’re interested in, and whether you’d like to target another city, or even another country.
• Find a receptive contact. If you don’t have a ready contact on the other end, perhaps the ARRL can suggest a ham club in the locale where you’d like to connect.
• Publish your success. You’re breaking new ground. Send a press release to your local paper they’re sure to be interested. Also, let Apple’s User Group Connection know about the project. Send articles and success stories to M.A. Mather, Ham/Computer Project, 93 S. Main St., Middleboro, MA 02346.
Mary Anne Mather is an educational consultant who oversees editorial development and special projects for Apple Education User Groups.
Profiles
A Slice of the Apple User Group Community
This section of Quick Connect offers brief profiles of groups representing the diversity of the User Group community. In addition to an overview of each group’s focus and activities, contact information is included so your group can get in touch if it wants to learn more. If you’d like your group to be profiled, drop a line to The User Group Connection or via AppleLink to QC.COPY with a brief summary of your group and its activities.
Tri-City Apple Users Group
Representing the cities of Pasadena, Glendale and Burbank, CA, the Tri-City Apple Users Group has a unique way of keeping programs interesting for their 200 members. At a User Fair, they set up six large tables staffed by members who give demonstrations of "products they use or like the most" for their Apple II computers, explains board member Dennise Marie Sullivan. Past popular topics have included AppleWorks(R) software, utility programs, beginner users, telecommunication programs, hardware choices and education issues. Members can walk from table to table and choose whichever area interests them most, says Sullivan. "It gives members a chance to personalize the program to their own needs and learning interests," she explains. The group includes a lot of educators and senior citizens, observes president Chris Keller. "We’re continually trying to create programs that appeal to a wide range of interests," he says. As an active and growing Apple II-focused group, the club is also in the enviable position of being asked by leading Apple II software firms to be able to make presentations to their members.
Chris Keller
Dennise Marie Sullivan
Tri-City Apple Users Group
P.O. Box 975
South Pasadena, CA 91031
213/258-0281
Saginaw Macintosh Users Group
When the leaders of the Saginaw (Michigan) Macintosh Users Group compare themselves to vendors, and their members to customers, it is meant in the best possible light. "We attempt to be open and responsive to our members," explains group treasurer Chick Burda, "and to stay in touch with what their needs and interests are." To do this, the group conducts surveys as a way to profile and better understand both members and potential members. Recent surveys showed that close to 50% of the 26 members are working with Macintosh systems in a business setting, and consider themselves fairly serious users. In contrast, people who came to occasional meetings but were reluctant to join responded in their surveys that they felt intimidated by the technical nature of the meetings. This information has led the group to start a year-long "Tips and Techniques" training series, and spend 15-20 minutes at the beginning of each meeting discussing introductory material. "Serious users will find it a refresher, and new members will be given a good foundation," explains Burda, who anticipates growing interest in such programming with the introduction of the new Macintosh models and more novice users.
Chick Burda
Saginaw Macintosh Users Group
1399 Allendale Street
Saginaw, MI 48603
517/793-8797
RAND Mac Users Group
RMUG, the RAND Corporation’s Macintosh User Group, functions on two different levels, explains group co-chair Fred Feer. "The great majority of people who use Macintosh computers at RAND use them in the course of business," he explains. "Then there’s a smaller group who also enjoy learning about the technology or the latest programs," he adds. Both segments are kept informed via a corporate e-mail system. Everyone who uses a Macintosh is part of a large group address, which keeps people up-to-date on work-related problems, bug notifications or general advice. Those interested in receiving more detailed information can request to be part of an additional, smaller group address on the network. Like other corporate User Groups, RMUG is sponsored as a recreational "club," and holds lunchtime meetings which often feature vendor presentations of hardware or software. User Group interests also have led some individuals to become involved as volunteer computer consultants for organizations in the Los Angeles area, Feer says. One member assists police and fire units with computer questions, and Feer works with a nonprofit management center giving software and hardware tutorials.
Fred Feer
RMUG
1700 Main St.
P.O. Box 2138
Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138
213/393-0411, ext. 6644
Mark that Date!
Here are some upcoming events of interest to User Group members.
• January 10-13: Macworld Expo, San Francisco, CA. Details from Mitch Hall Associates, 260 Milton St., Dedham, MA 02026; 617/361-8000. The User Group Breakfast will be held Saturday, January 12th at the San Francisco Marriott Hotel, 777 Market St.; 415/896-1600. Registration is at 7:30a.m.; program begins at 8a.m.
•February 5-8: FETC, the Florida Education Technology Conference, at the Tampa Convention Center. Details from McRae & Company, P.O. Box 12187, Tallahassee, FL 32317; 904/385-1790.
• February 13-15: GTC Southwest, the second annual Government Technology Conference for the Southwest region, at the Palmer Auditorium, Austin, TX. Contact Arlene Boeger at 512/477-9797 for details.
• March 4-7: FOSE ‘91, the computer and information systems conference and expo for the Federal Govt., at the Washington, DC Convention Center. Details from National Trade Productions, 800/638-8510 or 703/683-8500.
• May 15-17: GTC West, the fifth annual Government Technology Conference for the Western region, at the Sacramento (CA) Convention Center. Contact Deborah Furlow, 800/950-4688 or 916/443-7133 for details.
Seeking Programming SIGs
If your User Group offers a Programming SIG, APDA(R), the Apple Programmers and Developers Association, wants to hear from you! Your information is vital in helping Apple provide better services to its User Group development customers. APDA would like to know:
• Name of your User Group and location
• Programming SIG contact name, phone number(s), address, e-mail address(es)
• Brief description of activities, including meeting dates, topics, format, how many active participants
• Are you divided by platform, application or other? Describe.
Once the information is collected, APDA will make a summary of information available to you. Also, watch for future programming interest surveys, calls for success stories and other activities to help your SIG and APDA work together successfully. Send details on your SIG to: Suzanne Dills, APDA Marketing Programs Mgr., Apple Computer, Inc., 20400 Stevens Creek Blvd. M/S: 75/2C, Cupertino, CA 95014; 408/974-9855; AppleLink: DILLS.S.
Mac in Space
When Apple Computer encouraged folks to take the Macintosh Portable with them when they travelled, NASA listened. On Saturday, October 6, 1990, the space shuttle Discovery took off with a Macintosh Portable computer on board. The Portable ran without problems for 16 hours each day until it was stored for landing on Tuesday, October 9.
The effort to get the Macintosh qualified and manifested for a flight took nearly two years extremely short in NASA time frames. Central to the short time was the robustness of the Portable: the only modification made to pass safety checks was the addition of a fuse in the battery to eliminate any danger from an accidental short. The case, display and logic board all passed extensive tests with flying colors a feat almost unprecedented for anything above the sophistication of a screwdriver.
Several programs were used during the flight, including MacSPOC, a custom application that provides a graphic display of the orbital position against a global map. It also displays the mission elapsed time, next earth observation site, any upcoming maneuvers, sunrise/sunset times (every 45 minutes!) and the current position in space. Based on its successful performance during this mission, the Macintosh is a likely companion on future flights, and plans for the space station.
PD Pigout!
Whe Central Kentucky Computer Society (CKCS) of Lexington, KY reports that its first "PD Pigout" was a great success last October. CKCS is a multi-platform User Group, and their goal was to make available various kinds of public domain and shareware programs to area computer users and promote the group’s activities at the same time. They contracted with two shareware distributors to carry software on consignment. "The advantage, besides not having to do all the work in preparing the disks, was that we had little or no risk," explains group leader David Reed. The club offered software for MS-DOS, Commodore, Apple II and Macintosh computers.
The group set up in donated space at the local mall, which advertised the event on its outdoor sign for three days. CKCS ran promotions in a local newspaper supplement with 86,000 circulation, including a coupon for $1 off on a disk order at the event.
People started lining up at the "PD Pigout" early Saturday morning, Reed reports. CKCS finished the day with 42 memberships or renewals and nearly 2,000 disks sold. They’re planning a similar event for February, "for all those folks who got a computer at Christmas," says Reed. Proceeds from the event are targeted for a color LCD projection unit for the club.
