The Kankakee River Valley Computer User Group (KRVCUG) is a non-profit organization that has been supporting computer users since 1982. We generally meet on the second Saturday of each month from 10:00am to 1:00pm. We are currently utilizing the facilities of the Friendswood Christian Church in Bourbonnais (see
map). Our meetings are always open to the public, and coffee, hot chocolate, orange drink and doughnuts are often available.
Our members (and attenders) range from the teens to the 70's and from novice to accomplished computer users. There are no age limits (though we discourage infant drop-offs), nor is there a requirement to be a 'geek' to be a part of the group, just an enjoyment of or fascination in using a computer. The club is nearly exclusively Microsoft Windows-oriented, though talk sometimes drifts to the old Amiga and Commodore days (more about the 'talk' shortly). At least one member is venturing into the Linux operating system, and hopes to be mainly Linux-based by 2008. Old desktops with cobwebs, state-of-the-art laptops, and any type of in-between can show up at the meetings.
Some meetings have workshops or demonstrations during the session, while other meetings are called "open" because no special event is planned. During the open meetings we talk about computers and life and politics and computers and home improvements and racing and computers and..., well, you get the point. As we're talking about stuff, some are working on whatever computer project they may have going. We also diagnose a few of the difficulties people have with their computer system, and encourage any who would come for help to bring their computer with them. The club has monitors, mice, keyboards, and power cords, so all one needs to bring is his/her computer and any software that may need to be installed or advised on.
Membership in the club is presently $25 a year. Membership dues pay for the room rental and (
very occasionally) a new piece of equipment for the club as well as the satisfaction of helping to keep the club a viable and valuable community asset.
If you know next to nothing about computers, KRVCUG can assist you in expanding your knowledge and understanding as you ask questions, listen to answers, and watch how things are done. If you're an expert in computers, KRVCUG can provide an opportunity for you to talk 'computers' with other enthusiasts as well as share your insights with others who are stuck in a problem you have a solution to. We're always glad to see a new face, and happier still when the face becomes familiar and a friend!
