The PC90 exhibition is now behind us, and Tom Coleman is preparing for PC91. There was not much new to see there. Laptops were more in evidence, and with the addition of coloured LCD screens. In the same screen category were coloured projection screens like our Datashow. Two types were on view. The first was a two layer simulated screen priced about $3000 and a three layer one with a price tag between $8,000 and $10,000. One supplier has offered to make one available for a presentation at one of our meetings. This offer will be accepted atone of the meetings next year. The XT machines were not on display, and not too many 80286 based machines either. There were many 386 and 386SX machines with a sprinkling of 486 based ones. On our stand was a 486 and some 386 machines which were loaned to us by Microhelp, and furnishings loaned by Millergonomics, for which we thank them. The speed of the 486 is about 40 times that of the 286. When the stand next to ours saw the price at which we were selling blank disks, they quickly marked theirs downwards. Looking round at other stands no one had premium grade disks cheaper than ours. Opportunity was taken to review the offerings of commercial enterprises selling PD software. Contrary to what many have expressed in the recent survey, based on the average order of four disks, our price for PD disks is the best value on the market, especially when all the other benefits of membership are taken into consideration. The larger the order, and especially if posted, the economics improve. Most vendors do not guarantee their offerings to run, and one exhibitor would only change disks if it failed a CHKDSK. We also were the only ones exhibiting who arrange registration, and at a better price than can be done individually. Many of the country members called at the stand to say "Hello" and some helped to man it.

Administration Office 

The administration office has been moved to the adjoining office space which is a little larger, but as there is no acute angle between two of the walls, the space can be utilised better. It is planned to have some form of resource area within the office space. Details have not been finalised, but suggestions of seating to read the many magazines which we obtain, or possibly a PC on which to try PD software have been suggested. The operation will be dependent on space considerations and an overview of the activities.

Survey 

The membership survey had 838 respondents. The results will be published in the next copy of PC Update. The answers will be reported as submitted, even though some seem to be inconsistent. For instance 236 respondents expressed an interest in Usenet but a large number of them did not own a modem or had no interest in bulletin boards. Usenet is a bulletin board type facility. It is possible that an interest was indicated to find out what it was. PC Update, the BBS, PD library, blank disk sales and SIGs were the most popular. The majority of members are aged between 31 and 60, and are predominantly male. Most claim to have reasonable skill with just over a quarter power users, incidentally all male. Many members have more powerful machines at home than at work. The analysis of text answers is still progressing and will give a broad picture of what members expect from the Group, also the type of articles of interest in PC Update. Some members think the price of blank disks is too high, and can be obtained cheaper elsewhere. They are probably comparing with unbranded disks. It has been the policy of committee to offer top grade disks at the best price. It is not considered to be an economical choice to save a few cents on the cost of a disk, then when it fails to lose hundreds of hours work, or thousands of dollars worth of data. There were a few gripes about how the committee was operating, but an overwhelming response that expressed the opinion that they were doing a very good job. In the survey some members suggested activities which would be of interest to them and/or others. Many of them would be of advantage to other members, and would assist in more interaction between people of like interest. As the survey was anonymous the suggesters are not known. It is intended to make a listing of people willing to give a few hours of their time, and relate it to an interest so that when something needs doing there is a nucleus of interested parties who can be contacted quickly. Some things could be infrequent and some continuing. Ideas are for holding more than one New User SIG per month, and in different areas. A list will be generated from the survey an published next month.

Geelong 

I was advised that Ron Vahland has stepped down as convenor of the Geelong Regional SIG, after many years, due to pressure of work. Thank you Ron for the effort and commitment you have given to the SIG.

Auction 

The annual auction will be held in November this year. Last year there was not enough time after the Annual General Meeting in December to offer all the lots because time ran out. Now is the time to search out that unwanted hardware and software so that it can be put in the list of things on offer. Elsewhere in the magazine will be an insert with details of how to submit goods for auction.

Who's Who 

Pin-on badges with Melb PC User Group and the advice that the wearer is a committee member or an office bearer have been obtained. The name of the holder is also stuck on with replaceable tape, so that on change of office the badge can be updated. The committee will wear these at any of the Group's functions to let members know they are committee, and also their name. This is to let them become known to the members, and it will be easier for members to recognise who to contact with any accolades or gripes. 

Reprinted from the October 1990 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia

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