One of the best computer magazines I’ve ever seen or had a subscription to is Smart Computing. When I had a subscription, I kept all my back issues and regularly found solutions to problems I or others were having and explanations for things I had questions about. It finally got to the point where I had several years of back issues so I took most of them to an ICON meeting and gave them away. One reason I liked it so much was because it was written in simple, non-technical language and I could understand it. The articles included subjects for all levels of expertise from novices to advanced computer users and included both software and hardware. What’s that got to do with my article this month? Read on!

A few months ago, I received an email from one of our APCUG (Association of Personal Computer User Groups) representatives telling about a special offer Smart Computing was making for user groups. There was a contest for which ICON (Interactive Computer Owners Network) could register to enter, and I did that. We didn’t win, but I was able to request a Presentation-in-a-box. The “box” came recently and was I ever surprised!!! ICON has a user group representative named Luke Vavricek and Luke put together for us a PowerPoint slideshow on a CD with a script, complimentary issues of Smart Computing, calendar mouse pads, and pens for 70 people. Also included is an examination issue of each of the sister publications—PC Today, Computer Power User (CPU) and a Reference Series issue. We have special subscription blanks that give ICON user group credit so that for every five paid subscriptions, ICON will receive a free subscription to be used as we choose. Besides the four publications, there is an online only subscription which gives access to all of the publications. A door prize is even included. Guides for using Smart Computing’s website should be here this week.

I had never been to the website until tonight. What a resource treasure—it has current and archived back issues for all of their publications and they can be searched for articles in several ways. One of the amazing services offered is FREE TECHNICAL SUPPORT.

Come to the Windows SIG, June 25, at Brentwood Library and we’ll have Show & Tell so you can learn all about Smart Computing and their website.

Mary Phillips, President