PIBMUG is an acronymn for Pasadena IBM Users Group

HOW.COM: My name is Steve Bass. Early in 1983 I created this Users Group because ComputerLand wasn't giving me the support I needed. They sold me the computer--lock, stock and full retail--but failed to grasp the concept of helping me make it work. ("Don't use it in the shower.") The Users Group started with about ten people meeting in my office, kicking around computer ideas (and sometimes computers). We grew and finally moved our meeting to Caltech, absorbed much and became brilliant.

PIBMUG focuses on the IBM (and compatible) computers and the hardware and software that makes it work. The meetings are diverse and informative. Each meeting varies--sometimes novice and very beginner, other times advanced; mostly a little of each. That way novices needn't feel intimidated and power users also get their fill of computer information. No matter what, you'll always learn something at the meeting.

What do you learn? Something about Windows that you didn't know before, perhaps a tip that'll make your system work more efficiently. Or spend thirty minutes watching a product demo and discover it's just the product you've been looking for. Even better, realize the product is awful and doesn't meet your needs, saving you a hundred bucks by not buying it!

We have presentations on issues critical for people using computers: creating batch files, better memory management, figuring out DLLs, and how to manage Windows, to name just a few. Software demos include well known products such as Microsoft Word for Windows, Quicken, 1-2-3 for Windows as well as unknown gems including PC911, First Aid for Windows and BoguStub. We also have fun each December with the meeting dedicated to games and entertainment. PIBMUG was the first user group in the country to get a preview of MS-DOS 6.0 and Lotus Magellan (and everyone attending got a copy of both!) Our most popular event? Shoot-outs between WinWord and Ami Pro; and Excel and 1-2-3.

You're always exposed to some of the best and brightest from the computer world. People like Microsoft's Bill Gates, Jim Manzi from Lotus and Borland's Phillipe Kahn. But we also have the local stars: members of PIBMUG sharing their incredible talent. There are as few as 400 and as many as 2,000 members attending any meeting. On the other hand, Special Interest Groups (SIGs) stay small, with fewer than 15 people attending, offering plenty of time for questions--and answers--for your unique problems.

MEMBERSHIP: We have a yearly membership and trial period: Yearly membership is $48.00. The first two consecutive meetings are $5.00 per meeting. If you like what you see, we suggest you join. When you do, flash your membership card and zip through line into the auditorium. If you forget your card, it costs a $5 non-member admission fee. The $48 a year gets you this newsletter, an occasional reminder postcard, admission into the SIGs, access to the BBS, priority seating at special events, a membership card for discounts and short waits in line. If you're not a member, you'll need to get on the monthly line, sign in the registration sheet and give them your monthly dues. The registration people will be at the entrance door.

SIGS: We have special interest groups that meet during the month. SIGs are open to yearly members only.

GIVEAWAYS: PIBMUG is famous for its giveaways--the exciting door prizes given to some lucky yearly members--at the end of each meeting.

WHEREIS.EXE: We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 P.M. at the Eliot Middle School, 2184 North Lake Ave in Altadena. Check out the directions on the previous page. Most people arrive at 6:15 to begin networking; doors open at 6:00. We generally end at 9:30pm.

EDITORS: The Prompt> continues to be edited by Don Rogers and Steve Bass. It's still created using WordStar 6.0 (although we're using Winword), Ventura 4.1, Coreldraw! and an HP-III. For advertising rates, contact Steve Bass at 2303 Glen Canyon Rd, Altadena, CA 91001 or call 626/791-1600.

WEB SITE: PIBMUG's web site resides on Caprica Internet Services. Steve Bass is the main content provider while the thankless task of being the web architect belongs to David Jung. So you don't like the layout...blame him.

THANKS: Thanks to the people who make PIBMUG possible. Dodie and Les Beauchamp, Joe Bohannon, David Brown, Steve Bucksbaum, Steven Fuhrman, John Gray, Marv Horner, Relliford Hygh, Bill Hyland, David Jung, Tom Lenzo, Tim Mathis, Rod Ream, Don Rogers, Harold Shively, George Siegel, Sean Thakkar, Tony Thompson, Eliot's Norm Morrow and Del Yarborough, John Zubrick, Judy Bass and others.

INFO: PIBMUG's office number is 626/791-1600.