Often, we're so wrapped up in the details of our everyday work -- coding, computer repair, removing malware, etc. -- that we don't have time to look at the larger trends in Information Technology. Certainly, new applications of Artificial Intelligence is the 800-pound gorilla, so we're planning another update on AI for July but there are other trends that garner less attention, for example new Internet threats, cyber warfare, etc. That's the focus for this month.

This month's topics will cover:

• Windows 10 End-of-Life Support: Technical Assistance and software updates for Windows 10 will no longer be available after October 14, 2025. What does this mean for you and your customers?
• Authenticator Apps: Multi-factor authentication; best ways to use KeePass, BitWarden, and other password managers; backup/recovery codes; all this and more will be discussed.

We have two topics we'll discuss this month:

• Intel Processors: P-cores, E-cores, Core Ultra, Xeon, 12th/13th Gen, etc. We'll sift through the plethora of options and help you find the best fit for you and your clients.
• What's New in AI: The field of Artificial Intelligence is growing so fast, there are new breakthroughs and products and ways of using AI nearly every day. From crafting a good AI prompt, to getting help designing a company logo, to enhancing your presentation, we'll highlight several ways AI can help your consulting business.

Cloud services are great—until they aren’t. Whether it’s user error, ransomware, or just the unpredictability of “the cloud,” every IT consultant knows that having a local backup plan is essential. This month, we’ll be diving into Backing up the Cloud On-Site, with a hands-on demonstration of Synology NAS and its ability to safeguard Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace data.

Got a different way to back up cloud services on-prem? Bring your expertise and let’s debate the best strategies! This will be a mix of demonstration, discussion, and good ol’ fashioned IT shop talk.

To accommodate the live demo, we'll meet at the office of Justin Swall, member of the OCCA. See Location details below.

Tonight's Scheduled Topics:

• New Outlook--If you use Outlook for email, calendar, and contact management, you may have noticed there's an option to switch to the new interface. What's different? What are the pros and cons? What about the desktop version versus web version? We will weigh in with our research and experience on these questions.
• Tech News We Use--How do computer consultants stay informed? We'll list our favorite go-to trusted sources for tech news and tips.
• Cloud Services--Which ones do we recommend to our clients and which ones to avoid? Do you need to backup your online data and If so, how?

Join us for a no-host dinner and professional networking with local area computer consultants!

Tonight's Scheduled Topics:

• Encrypted Email--if you should use it and how to set it up
• Salt Typhoon Cyberattack--what you should know about the recent attack and the China-sponsored hacking group behind it.

Join us for a no-host dinner and professional networking with local area computer consultants!

This is an informal gathering with your favorite techies! We will have our annual meeting and discuss various organizational matters, including the election of some board members, and a new president.

In addition, we will discuss a few topics of interest to members, including:

• Zoom Phones. How they work and the good and bad.
• The case against 2FA!
• Firewalls. What are their costs versus benefits and when to use them. Which ones do you install? What do they provide a simple NAT router doesn’t?

We have moved the meeting to December 3 to avoid conflicts with Thanksgiving.

This is an informal gathering with your favorite techies! No formal presentation, just join us for dinner and conversation.

This is an informal gathering with your favorite techies! Join us for dinner and conversation.

Topics this month:

• Passkeys. What are they? How do they work? Should you use them, what are the problems and benefits?
• How do you create local accounts for Windows Home Users and is it worth the trouble?
• Whatever else is on your mind