Meetings

Meeting Information

Sharon 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 1:15 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, April 12, 2026 at 1:30 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in Conference room B (upstairs).

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic:   Passkeys & Two Factor Authentication

Presented by Rob Truman

In the world of online security, when a public key and a private key when combined, create a passkey that can unlock your account. Passkeys have plenty of benefits; for example, they cannot be guessed or shared. Also, passkeys resist some phishing attempts because they’re unique to the sites they’re created for, so they won’t work on fraudulent lookalikes. This presentation will examine what passkeys are, how to set them up and why you should consider using them.

Rob is a member of Computer Booters of Sun Lakes Computer Club and serves on their Board of Directors as their Web Director. He has over 40 years of experience in Information Technology and Internet-related fields. He is a retired U.S. Navy Chief Electronics Technician and has worked as a Technical Support professional for Microsoft over the years.  Rob holds a Master of Arts degree in Adult Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology (BSIT).  He is a staunch proponent of lifelong learning and runs a website/blog called GeezerTek which focuses on helping the senior community with their technology needs. Rob also volunteers and teaches adult education technology classes through his local community college and their lifelong learning program: New Adventures in Learning.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 1:35 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux Topic: Q4OS: a light-weight Linux distro

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

In April we will dive into Q4OS, which is a light-weight Linux distribution based on Debian,

targeted as a replacement for operating systems that are no longer supported on outdated hardware.

It is surprising that it has not gotten much visibility as I have found it to be fast and easy to use!

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

When: Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 3:00 P.M.

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

The April 2026 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12KlwEbdxenudWqj0ansNgW0Oylsg89r5/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: Passkeys & Two Factor Authentication mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q0B2RACOe2uo224TgU4x5XldNP4S8Zt_/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: Q4OS mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/184UHi8wmhjhKbRPFyffCtE06b-UyDZF5/view?usp=sharing

Supporting files were used in the meeting. Below are links to those files:

SIG-Computing Meeting: Passkeys & Two Factor Authentication PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IZZRk0_HkrjnEpN0t0g4_7j0ajQ2bMJq/view?usp=sharing

SEMCO 2026 April SIG-Computing Passkeys & Two Factor Authentication Chat txt: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Yr2vLvWyvzoe-XSWBVBVisaLdB5qWek/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: Q4OS pdf: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MIvAiUhO8EZ-YuWyjrHSKzako6KQWgxp/view?usp=sharing

Meeting Information

Sharon 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 1:15 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, March 8, 2026 at 1:30 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in Conference room B (upstairs).

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic:  All you want to know about the Dark Web

Presented by Bill James

Delving into the enigmatic realm of the dark web. This presentation will explain the purpose and pitfalls of the Dark Web.

You may be surprised for what the original purpose for the Dark Web and who created it. We will also explain its peculiarities.

Bill James is a member of the APCUG and the Computer Club of Oklahoma. He is a frequent speaker to other  groups around the country. 

Bill has been involved with computer groups for over 40 years. His main focus has been with the Windows platform.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 1:35 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux Topic: ONLYOFFICE Office Suite

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

This month I will review a new Office Suite called ONLYOFFICE. It is free and open source. It can handle: text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF, forms creator and ebooks. Apparently it also has an AI component as well. More to share when you attend inperson or online at our next meeting..

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

When: Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 3:00 P.M.

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

The March 2026 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BbpV48Fa4Wu0oGnSdVXzWU9NmLHrS3ia/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: The Dark Web—Delving into the enigmatic realm of the dark web mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rru8C2hvNr3H_hXBnnwS0exlcdebtrx3/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: ONLYOFFICE Office Suite mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10EgI147UnlTZHKLSurovPF1QSoyn_pBg/view?usp=sharing

Supporting files were used in the meeting. Below are links to those files:

SIG-Computing Meeting: The Dark Web—Delving into the enigmatic realm of the dark web PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v0GjgHavQy16cOGXtdWpTqvlgfiyujTd/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: ONLYOFFICE Office Suite pdf: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y8YDL1cUEBEtPwTPIYnorOwSGj6Q7v0t/view?usp=sharing

Meeting Information

Sharon 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 1:15 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, Feb 8, 2026 at 1:30 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in Conference room B (upstairs).

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic:  Keeping your Data private with VERACRYPT

Presented by Mark Schulman

VeraCrypt is one of the most popular “on-the-fly” encryption programs.  It enables you to store sensitive data on your PC, laptop, flash drive, or external hard drive in an encrypted format, and to access that data easily.  It also enables you to encrypt your entire hard drive — a feature that is especially useful for laptops which can be potentially lost or stolen.  In this presentation, you’ll learn what VeraCrypt is and how to use its most popular features.

VeraCrypt is open source and completely free.

Mark Schulman has spent his career as a computer instructor, software designer, and small business owner.  He has taught a wide range of programming courses for major corporations and worked on large software development projects.  He is currently the IT manager for a group of family practice physicians.  His major geek interest these days is the computer technology that brought about the moon landings in the 1960s.  He lives near Orlando, Florida.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Feb 8, 2026 at 1:35 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux Topic:  FOSS project management packages/applications

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

This month onwards we will feature applications which are free and open source in their basic nature. Almost everyone needs to track their activities and projects.

Well there are plenty of FOSS project management packages/applications. The list is nice and long – we will cover many of their pros and cons.

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

When: Sunday, Feb 8, 2026 at 3:00 P.M.

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

The February 2026 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17-jZxmE6KO3Y3FZ9yRucibfy0NooJcGr/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: Keeping Your Data Private with VeraCrypt mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jEFtae2IPf5gxZ5AGvsHihhejq04r2Op/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: Project Management Packages/Applications mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y2330oUBoyg1ylFUUAVZUtkIUNqr1gFt/view?usp=sharing

Supporting files were used in the meeting. Below are links to those files:

SEMCO 2026 Board Meeting Chat txt: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rLxUWFvXIvJWMk9fO3zZuLy1gWhRvcfM/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: SEMCO Keeping Your Data Private with VeraCrypt PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tH13aXBcewoaM6ew8jnZVfe8rCvZl-zf/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: Project Management Packages/Applications pdf: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hegICzLY6lp5_NSJeqNCAwX1g4l7RONX/view?usp=drive_link

Meeting Information

Sharon 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 1:15 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. The following nominations were taken during the December 2025 meeting.

Sharan Kalwani for President, Jeff Pynnonen for Vice President, Trevor Karty for Treasurer, Julie Comptois for Secretary, and Robert Clyne and Sikander Rashid for the two Board Members‑at‑Large positions.

The ballots have been mailed to all members. Completed ballots can be turned in at the General meeting on January 11, 2026 or sent by mail (no on-line voting).  Ballots in the mail must be received by the Secretary by Sunday January 18th at 11:59 p.m. to be counted.

When: Sunday, Jan 11, 2026 at 1:30 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in the Multipurpose Room.

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic:  A Future Worth Hoping For: Artificial Intelligence and Human Destiny

Presented by  Nathaniel Borenstein

In this talk I will discuss the nature and diversity of intelligence, the options that information technologies are offering humanity, and the kind of future we should try to envision.  Some of the fundamental questions we face include:

• How might we create an economy based on abundance rather than scarcity?
• How will access to today’s vast sea of information change our fundamental beliefs and traditions, and the nature of the human journey?
• What rights should non-human intelligences have, and how do they affect our notion of what it means to be human?
• Can we work in harmony with Artificial Intelligence for the benefit of all living things, biological and artificial, human and animal?

As food for radical thought, I suggest how the economic security of a Universal Basic Income might allow the elimination of many laws and regulations, including copyright, minimum wage, and many kinds of worker protections.  I also imagine a world in which lifelong AI companions help protect and raise children far better than any human parents could do alone, and where all AIs are required to be open source.  Understanding the widest possible range of options may not lead us to utopia, but might help us to envision and pursue a better world for our descendants.

Nathaniel is best known for his pioneering email research that culminated in MIME, the standard for multimedia data on the Internet. He founded four companies, holds 33 patents, and was Mimecast’s Chief Scientist and a Distinguished Engineer at IBM.  He tells the story of his fifty years as an activist and student of how information technology will change the human journey in his forthcoming book, “The Spirit of a Cyborg:  AI, the Internet, and a Future Worth Hoping For.”  You can read more about him at https://guppylake.com or his wikipedia page.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Jan 11, 2026 at 1:35 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux Topic:  no meeting this month

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

no meeting

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

When: Sunday, Jan 11, 2026 at 3:00 P.M.

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

The January 2026 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uaBZi2za4G0bjrRD0QZZYBKxHAZDTyWw/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: A Future Worth Hoping For Artificial Intelligence and Human Destiny presented by Nathaniel Borenstein mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HD0VKQXJ61K8TJ8bl4FyzQ9RPL1unVzQ/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: No Meeting

Supporting files were used in the meeting. Below are links to those files:

SIG-Computing Meeting: SEMCO 2026 January SIG-Computing A Future Worth Hoping For Artificial Intelligence and Human Destiny PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/176cR0fyF6VULYWauiVp431FpBmQqkyk4/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: SEMCO 2026 January SIG-Computing A Future Worth Hoping For Artificial Intelligence and Human Destiny Chat txt: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wrt_bh-c549qq3Pv_A0GK0-wYTYx9QTZ/view?usp=sharing

Meeting Information

Sharon 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 1:15 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 2026 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 14, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in Conference Room B.

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic: Cybersecurity Best Practices

Presented by  Jon C Mularoni

Jon will present some common indicators of scams, the technical aspects behind them, and prevention strategies for our community.

He has been working as a Firewall Engineer for 3 years as of January.
He is Certified with A CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), Comptia Security Plus and is working on or have a AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification.
Also serves on the Advisory Board at The Living and Learning Enrichment Center. He is also certified in recreational therapy for young adults with disabilities

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Dec 14, 2025 at 1:35 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux Topic:  Focus on AlmaLinux distro

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

 Ever since the decision by Red Hat to stop work on the CentOS distro, the  Linux server world has been erupted by the ripple effect. We first did a SIG Linux report on this a couple of years back. Since there a  few valiant and widely hailed replacements have emerged: one of them is AlmaLinux. 

We will share in detail the various contributions it has been making and why it matters. { NOTE: this is server centric – but pivotal for all – small to large organizations }

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

When: Sunday, Dec 14, 2025 at 3:00 P.M.

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

The December 2025 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I0HdV65H2uutQW8_O3cS6h3Uswyscjc8/view?usp=sharing

SEMCO General Meeting (Nominations) mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11RM9Q_A9DzDFyqwT0IrIYJs3sz0B3qjh/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: SIG-Computing: Cybersecurity Best Practices presented by Jon C Mularoni mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hK4atG_gXFG-LsS9fMFI0QP-Ppqp3FOz/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: AlmaLinux Distro mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j-lNghurLqHwUzfd1PGtAqG-8CUUIVEB/view?usp=sharing

Supporting files were used in the meeting. Below are links to those files:

SIG-Computing Meeting: Cybersecurity Best Practices PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14_IooXw5BdzAHbSfLSETP7nOY933EYqd/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: AlmaLinux Distro PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CkltjsOffDgO5igqcma5PMCTkDNGwvCC/view?usp=sharing

Meeting Information

Sharon 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 1:15 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 9, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in Conference Room B.

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic: 40 years of the Amiga

Presented by  Michael Rudas

The Amiga is the most important computer that most people are not aware of…

Michael Rudas is a former computer and electronic technician and technical writer with over 45 years of experience.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Nov 9, 2025 at 1:35 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux Topic: Linux Lite OS

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

 

I will be reviewing a new distro – called Linux Lite OS.

What is different about this distro? Two major items:

#1) It is very light weight, having removed a lot of things which are not needed for beginners

#2) focus on stable and secure apps (no need of the latest or greatest), simple and reliable matters more for users.

I will do a live demo with an old repurposed laptop. By the way, I am looking for any old laptops that folks dont need and use them to try out different Linux applications and distributions. PLUS build give away images as well!.

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

Linux Lite

Website

https://www.linuxliteos.com

Download

Linux Lite 7.6 was just released September 1, 2025.
Linux Lite 7.8 will release February 1, 2026.
https://www.linuxliteos.com/download.php

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

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

The November 2025 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12ibjqb6yJvxaV0WRpD5KBDlPinleRYLh/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: 40 Years of the Amiga mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ocDYxqCbDZz87dZLFjzKHNNjQT_xRi7b/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: Linux Lite OS mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FAR0gqRiqTB3oLKGqNtcRa3GhQugsRIs/view?usp=sharing

Supporting files were used in the meeting. Below are links to those files:

SIG-Computing Meeting 40 Years of the Amiga Chat txt: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dhW5Z1gLYby0ygD0pDjLEgrfVaPIT3cR/view?usp=sharing

Meeting Information

Sharon 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, Oct 12, 2025 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in Conference Room B.

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic: The Life Story of Gary Kildall

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

This month we will feature the life story of Gary Kildall – the creator of CP/M and founder of Digital Research Inc, which helped launch the personal computer revolution, well before the IBM PC made it legit..

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.

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

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

SIG-Linux Topic: Linux distros

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

In the past we have covered and discussed many popular distros. Now after almost 2 years – we have several new distros. This time we will cover the following:

Linux from scratch, CRUX, Void Linux, Calculate Linux and Bedrock Linux We will do short overviews of each and their pros and cons… (personal bias included!).

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

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

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

The October 2025 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JyoN3zYQUjFgEUQeBcKTR_xIzEtCTqvf/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: The Life Story of Gary Kildall mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YSPeShZwjYIqImjYP6Xg_16h_lKZuyXC/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: New Linux Distros mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bx0v4gouPrG-mytkPk7beTBAKovC9cg5/view?usp=sharing

Supporting files were used in the meeting. Below are links to the files:

SIG-Computing Meeting The Life Story of Gary Kildall PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13Vm32n1u1euZ-RrTcpe9_1FDlTKIJcQo/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: New Linux Distros PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ruv3QBcEcAhXSy1JbZ2NPWdWEAurN4A0/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: New Linux Distros Chat: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_jpTG00DDeNfIK0nb4IwMr9xCRfcIozH/view?usp=sharing

Meeting Information

Sharon 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 14, 2025 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in the Multipurpose Room.

Directions to the Rochester Hills Public Library

Use Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hdpsfu660v

Use Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxbWGF42WCZNASed6

SIG Computing Topic: 50 Years of the 6502 Processor

Presented by  Michael Rudas

A history in context of the most popular 8-bit processor. This presentation will cover the history of the 6502 with a comparison to other processors at the time.

Michael Rudas is a former computer and electronic technician and technical writer with over 45 years of experience.

Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Sept 14, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux Topic: So why is Linux not a household name???

Presented by Sharan Kalwani

Linux has made massive strides, yet when mentioned to the common person on the street – one gets a quizzical look in return.

We will show how Linux has carved out a solid niche for itself and continues to grow. (With data to back it up). 

Hopefully this will generate a lively discussion amongst SEMCO folks on what should happen for its future.

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

When: Sunday, Sept 14, 2025 at 3:00 P.M.

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

The September 2025 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OaWkysxAut0dbijQXXLAQqHaGTPHLrRQ/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: 50 Years of the 6502 Processor mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J_MQkxMmlg1JAb_LfccUCcxhMTCntntc/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: So why is Linux not a household name??? mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EjpMU_vHTM9609X3ZnzglNrWqFfFNn1k/view?usp=sharing

Supporting files were used in the meeting. Below are links to the files:

SIG-Computing Meeting 50 Years of the 6502 Processor PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12LMPzucmfZRODX_DliiuisDrDtUW58Za/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: 50 Years of the 6502 Processor Chat: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WnY5slYEw6l10P6tg0cWSrtwI3ubQ24D/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: So why is Linux not a household name??? PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xXsJBGhoPII9DaLTGIyZjf8o8CAUJlgz/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: So why is Linux not a household name??? Chat: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XOn7EBe2rPFHaF–oh0EULl8ELOrazb4/view?usp=sharing

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 10, 2025 at 1:15 P.M.
Where: In person at the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, MI 48307 in the Multipurpose Room.

Map to Rochester Hills Public Library: https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=rochester+hills+library&atb=v411-1&ia=web&iaxm=maps&source=places

SIG Computing Topic:  Quantum Computing Architectures: Feynman’s “Wonderful Problem”.

Presented by  Alex Burgers

In the 1980s, Richard Feynman articulated that any computer hoping to properly simulate nature would have to be quantum mechanical, since nature is not classical. Over 40 years later, we are still trying to solve this, as Feynman described it, “wonderful problem.” In this talk, I will describe the capabilities a quantum computer can enable in technology and scientific discovery and why it is fundamentally different from classical computing. I will also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the many quantum computing architectures all vying to achieve the ultimate goal of fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Alex Burgers received his PhD in Physics from the University of Michigan and worked as a postdoc at Caltech and Princeton. Alex became an Assistant Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at the University of Michigan in fall 2022. His work focuses on building quantum technologies using neutral atoms. He has research grants funded by the Army, Air Force, and DARPA, and has received the NSF CAREER Award.

.Also: Questions and Answers following the presentation.

When: Sunday, Aug 10, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.

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

SIG-Linux:  No Meeting

The August 2025 SEMCO Meetings were recorded. Below are links to the video recordings etc.:

SEMCO Board Meeting mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jrdVG3u8oqpJzis4JUOZaDvwNYJi8dHP/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Computing Meeting: Quantum Computing Architectures Feynman’s ‘Wonderful Problem’ mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xfZuB_JhtjY7THJobkVp7z4y8M7B6bnC/view?usp=sharing

SIG-Linux Meeting: No Meeting

Supporting files were used in the meeting. Below are links to the files:

SIG-Computing Meeting Quantum Computing Architectures Feynman’s ‘Wonderful Problem’ PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A4_tQvR6W7ah6hYe9NxmKYwQDSjeSVpp/view?usp=sharing