Past Meetings

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

Please remember that Daylight Savings Time starts today. 

When: Sunday, Mar 9, 2025 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic: Software Defined Radio (SDR)

Presented by  Tom Allen

This talk will cover Software Defined Radio (SDR).    And example of a SDR will be given.  The theory of SDR’s will be discussed.

Tom Allen is a retired electrical and computer engineer. He has a   BS and MS from U of M. 

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Mar 9, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  All about USB but did not know who to ask

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

USB is now practically ubiquitous, but it has had a long journey behind it and was adopted very early by the Linux community. In this detailed presentation,  we will dive into the history of USB,

current standards, some hardware background (enough to make you dangerous) and the future of USB.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, Mar 9, 2025 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

Election of Officers and Board Members-at-Large. Based on the receipt of completed ballots received by Jan 19, 2025, the results of the election will be announced for the open positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and two Board Members‑at‑Large.

When: Sunday, Feb 9, 2025 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic: Power to the People

Presented by  Tom Allen

The presentation will discuss how electric power in generation, how it gets to your house, what can go wrong, and what devices use the most and least power.

Tom Allen is a retired electrical and computer engineer. He actually worked at the old Connors Creek  power plant.   

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Feb 9, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  Linux Kernel Internals

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

The Linux kernel is the heart of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing hardware resources, providing essential services, and facilitating communication between software components. It serves as an interface between user-space applications and the underlying hardware, abstracting away hardware complexities and providing a unified platform for software development. In this talk we will skim the surface of the design of the kernel, so we can gain a glimpse into why things work the way they do, and gain an appreciation for the work involved.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, Feb 9, 2025 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

Election of Officers and Board Members-at-Large. Based on the nominations in the Dec 2024 meeting, ballots were mailed to all members. All ballots must be may be deposited in the ballot box at the meeting or mailed in. The closing date for receipt of completed ballots is Jan 19, 2025.

The open positions are President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and two Board Members‑at‑Large. You may also write in any member including yourself for any of the positions. Please consider running for these positions.

When: Sunday, Jan 12, 2025 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic: Protect yourself from the Internet slime

Presented by  Carl T. Miller

There are some real hazards to using the Internet, especially when using wifi devices like cell phones and laptops.  We will
look at a simple technology to protect yourself and your data, the VPN (Virtual Private Network). We will be discussing NordVPN

Carl has been involved in computers and technology for over 50 years, including over 25 years of consulting services for
individuals, libraries, businesses and corporations.  He enjoys learning, implementing and sharing new programs and services. 
Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Jan 12, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  VI Editor Basics

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

While there a many open-source text editors available in the Linux world, none comes close to the versatility and power of “VI”.

In this session we will share how to use “VI”.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, Jan 12, 2025 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

Nominations for Officers and Board Members-at-Large. We will be taking nominations for candidates to run for our 2025 Officers and Board of Directors at the beginning of our meeting.

The open positions are President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and two Board Members‑at‑Large. You can nominate any member including yourself for any of the positions. Please consider running for these positions.

When: Sunday, Dec 08, 2024 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic: Buying Tech and not get Taken!

Presented by  Tom Allen

This presentation will cover how to buy tech items such as cell phones, tablets, smart TV’s, etc. and get the best deal and the best that suites you.  The talk will cover negotiating tactics as well technical considerations.

Tom Allen has a BS in Electrical Engineering and MS Computer Engineering from the U of M.

He has worked at Ford and GM reseach and in the past owned his own consulting firm.

He now gives technical presentations and does consulting. 
Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Dec 08, 2024 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  A review of LInux events in 2024 and what to look for in 2025

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

We will have a potpourri round up of what took place in the world of Linux in 2024 and also some thoughts on what to expect in 2025.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, Dec 08, 2024 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

When: Sunday, Nov 09, 2024 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic: Discord App

Presented by  RichardTheTechMan

We will discuss a communication app called Discord and how to use it. This can be a discussion tool, and a question-and-answer forum between meetings of the club.

If you would like to bring along laptop, phone, or tablet, I can help along. I recommend that you install Discord on our device and create a free account before the meeting.

Sign Up For A free Account – https://discord.com/register
Download – https://discord.com/download
Login on Web in browser – https://discord.com/login

Richard has a degree in Computer Science and a website at https://richardthetechman.com. 
Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Nov 09, 2024 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  Several diverse topics from the world of Linux

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

Sharan will touch upon several diverse topics from the world of Linux. 

First will be a list of commands once an integral part of Linux, that are being retired or deprecated. Many of us will be sad to see them go, but they have been replaced by newer, more elegant, and uniform style commands. A few of these will be shared and discussed. 

The second topic will be some Linux distros that are now on the verge of being discontinued for a variety of reasons. The world of Linux distros is vast and very much mirrors our own ecosystem. Some distros will grow, some will survive, and some will wither away. Sharan will highlight a few of those distros. 

Finally, a discussion of customization choices on Linux vs Windows – will help wrap up this session..

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, Nov 09, 2024 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

In Person at i3Detroit, 1481‑A Wordsworth St., Ferndale, MI 48220. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

When: Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220 and on Zoom.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

The combined SIG-Computing/SIG-Linux topic will be: “Geekbench and Phoronix” presented by Sharan Kalwani.

In the July 2024 SIG-Linux meeting, we evaluated the performance of different Linux distros on similar hardware. Three of the utilities mentioned were: Hardinfo, Geekbench and Phoronix Test Suite. There are many others, but two of these are available in both Linux and Windows versions. In this talk we will look at Geekbench and Phoronix. We will explore what these utilities help test and measure and see if they reflect many of the common tasks we do so that we can end up with both decent performing and good budget choices for a new computer.

Sharan Kalwani is a High-Performance Computing Aficionado, a specialist for all things open source, soft skills, and contemporary IT Knowledge/Expert. He is open to a wide variety of training & knowledge delivery projects.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

When: Sunday, Sept 08, 2024 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic: My Favorite Android Apps

Presented by  Bill James

Smartphones have become devices that we depend on and cannot do without. In many cases, they have replaced our computers. Having the right applications on your smartphone can help you do a multiplicity of tasks. This presentation will show you what you need and where to get them to make your smartphone a powerhouse.

Bill James is a member of the APCUG Speakers Bureau and Vice President of Operations for the Computer Club of Oklahoma City. He also serves as the APCUG Region 8 Advisor. He is retired from the Federal Aviation Administration after 47 years of federal service. Concurrently, he served for 27 years and retired from the US Army Reserves. Bill is passionate about helping Seniors understand and use technology. 
Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Sept 08, 2024 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  No topic this month

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

No topic this month.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, Sept 08, 2024 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

When: Sunday, Aug 11, 2024 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic: Favorite utilities and software

Presented by Mike Bader

Mike will demonstrate this month the favorite utilities and software which he uses

(or carries with him) in his software toolkit, whenever he installs a new computer or needs to update/upgrade/tuneup one.

He will also demonstrate his favorite web browsers and browser extensions.

Mike Bader has been in IT since 1968. He is a long-time member and past President of SEMCO.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Aug 11, 2024 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  No topic this month

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

No topic this month.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, Aug 11, 2024 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Since May 12, 2024 we have been using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below. Come and join us in person if you can.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

When: Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic: Exploring Samsung Dex

Presented by Eddie Durrett

Eddie’s presentation this month will be on Samsung Dex.

This is a Samsung feature that allows you to connect certain Samsung smartphones to a monitor,

or to a Television with an HDMI port, or some Smart Televisions via a wireless connection.

Eddie Durrett has worked in mainframe computer operations, Field Services repairing servers, laptops, desktop PCs, Smart TVs, printers, and IT Support.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic:  Performance Evaluation of Linux Operating Systems

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

This is a review of a recent conference paper presented at the 2020 International Conference on Smart Systems and Technologies (SST).

Considering the popularity of available Linux distributions, 3 Linux desktop distributions were selected for evaluation. The idea of this paper is to evaluate performance and compare 3 different Linux distributions and their influence on processor, memory, graphics system and disk drive performance. Measurements were performed with different benchmarking tools specialized for a specific computer component. I will do a critical analysis of this.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

Sharan Kalwani, president of SEMCO, will start the meeting and make general announcements.

Starting May 12, 2024 we will be using a Hybrid Zoom and IN PERSON format for our meetings.

For In Person location see below.

Zoom details are same as before. Click here to be connected to the meeting.

Please join the meeting around 1:00 PM or later. This link will be active on the day of the meeting.

Members will also receive an e-mail on the day of the meeting, with the link and any further details and instructions about how to log into the meeting.

When: Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the office of i3Detroit, located at 1481-A Wordsworth St, Ferndale, MI 48220.

(For more detailed directions and parking information please click on the About SEMCO tab on this site).

SIG Computing Topic: All about Ham Radio

Presented by Tom Allen

This talk will cover what Ham radio is and the history of Ham radio. 

We will cover ham radio privileges and also discuss how to become a Ham. 

Additional resources will be given.

Tom Allen is a retired software engineer with BS and MS from U of M in computer science and electrical engineering.  He is a licensed ham radio operator.  He now does consulting in computer technology and gives presentations.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 1:30 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.

SIG-Linux Topic: Recent XZ utils backdoor issue

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

During some routine testing a developer noticed odd behavior and upon further  investigation, found that the XZ Utils – which is used for compression/decompression – had some text files added as a binary which added a backdoor.

We will describe this in some detail and of course you don’t need to worry too much about it since it has been very quickly addressed. More fun details in the actual talk itself.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation

When: Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 3:00 P.M.

Where: Meetings will be Hybrid in person and online. Details shown above.