Resources
The following is a list of Macintosh related resources. Accuracy is not guaranteed, and listing should not be construed as endorsement by SSMUG. Contact the SSMUG webmaster with updated information.
Apple Computer
- Apple Computer
- Apple Manuals
- AppleCare Knowledge Base
- Apple .Mac internet service—demo, FAQ's, 60 day free trial, annually $99 or $59 each for group of 10 Education Institution Customers
- Local Apple Stores offer workshops and other events, including: Getting Started on a Mac, Digital Hub, iTunes/iPod Workshop, Music on a Mac Presentation, Businesses run better on a Mac, iPhoto Workshop, School Nights at the Apple Store, iMovie Workshop, Mac Presentation, and Final Cut Express Presentation.
User Groups
- Other Local Mac User Groups
- The Rest Of Us, Chicago
- Illinois MacUser Group, Joliet
- The NorthWest of Us, Rolling Meadows
- The MUG Center
- On Line Groups
- AWUG, the AppleWorks Users Group—$39.95 annual membership
- AppleCare Support
- Apple Discussion Groups—iPod, iBook, iMac, eMac, PowerBook, Power Mac, Displays, Older Apple Products, Mac OS X, Mac OS 9, Mac OS 8.x, HomePage, iDisk, iCards, Email, AppleScript, WebObjects, Older System Software
- Local PC Clubs (last resort)
- Chicago Computer Society, (708) 588-0385. South Suburban chapter meets each Tuesday at Prairie State. (Come to SSMUG on the second Tuesday.) PC based, not Mac. But you may want to attend their Internet Special Interest Group (SIG) on the 4th Tuesday.
Educational Resources
- Bill Geraci's SSMUG presentations.
- Local Libraries
Some libraries offer computer courses or classes in computer literacy:- Orland Park Public Library offers computer workshops on using the library catalog and database and on a variety of other topics: 708-349-8322.
- Illinois Public Library Directory: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/library/lib_dir/pub/pubmsySL.htm
- Local Junior Colleges.
At many junior colleges, seniors may take courses for free or be charged just the lab fee. Many junior colleges offer classes in specific software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. Contact your junior college:- Prairie State College: http://www.prairiestate.edu/
- South Suburban College: http://www.ssc.cc.il.us/
- Morraine Valley Community College: http://www.morainevalley.edu/
When considering the cost of taking a college class, keep in mind that, even as a part-time student, you may qualify for reduced prices on computer hardware, software, travel, and a myriad of other goodies. - Local computer educators
- Bill Geraci (email), 708-788-1936. Bill teaches Mac classes from time to time (notably at the Latin School) and runs a Novice SIG (special interest group) for The NorthWest of Us Mac User Group from 8:30-9:50, second Saturdays in Rolling Meadows. He is also available for individual training, tutoring and troubleshooting.
- Local park districts
- HF Park District, 957-7275, 957-0300. While these classes are not taught on Macs, they may be helpful to beginners or for a particular application which runs on both PCs and Apple Computers.
- Mac tutorials
- MacAcademy. Tutorials for major apps are offered on CDs and videos. They are a currently offering a sale - $39/CD. You may be able to find them through the Suburban Library System, but check the year.
- Product Websites: Many products have a tutorial accessed through their home page
Donations
- Donate/Recycle computer equipment you no longer use:
Assistive Technology Exchange Network United Cerebral Palsey of Greater Chicago 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization 7550 183rd Street Tinley Park (with other offices in Villa Park & Chicago) 1-800-476-2836 http://www.ucpnet.org http://www.infinitec.org
Other Essential Pages...
- MacInTouch, Ric Ford's page of Macintosh news.
- MacSurfer's News, the all-inclusive listing of today's Macintosh news.