The goal of The Villages Computer Club is to help members continue to learn and understand the capabilities of Windows-based personal computers. Through three types of weekly meetings, which feature either a standard agenda (lecture plus instructive slides), a workshop theme or a full workshop format, the club helps update Villagers on evolving hardware and software developments as computer science evolves.
Friday was no exception, as president Paul Rabenold walked the audience through installation steps and use of SKYPE, answering pertinent questions with clear explanations of this useful system.
Described as a VoIP, or voice-over internet provider, SKYPE enables voice and video transmissions via the Internet. Sold to Microsoft for $8.5 billion, SKYPE has enrolled over 250 million users worldwide.
Villagers use the tool to communicate face-to-face with grandchildren, to access friends and relatives all over the world, and also to video-conference with clients and employers. SKYPE download and usage is free, except when telephone lines are utilized via SKYPE for conventional telephone calls. Depending on users’ computer hardware features, a webcam, microphone and/or headset may be needed.
TheVillagesComputerClub.com website is a wealth of information, including tutorials and personal assistance. Meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Fridays at La Hacienda Rec Center and the 2nd and 4th Fridays at Lake Miona Rec Center — all beginning at 1 p.m.. Future discussion topics include Malware, Facebook and other social media, setting up home groups and video editing.