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Houston Area League of PC Users, Inc.,
4543 Post Oak Place Drive, Suite 200
Houston, TX 77027-3103
(713) 993-3300. -- Fax (713) 993-3333
HAL-PC is a non-profit corporation through which thousands of families help each other and the community to obtain maximum benefits from personal computing. HAL-PC was founded in 1982 with about 20 members, some of whom migrated from CP/M machines. From the start, the basic philosophy has been the same: helping each other use computers more effectively and become more productive in their application.
HAL-PC is now the world’s largest PC user group. Our spacious headquarters facility houses over 70 Special Interest Groups, two instructional labs, in-office access to the internet where users can download software and surf the web, and Texans Credit Union. HAL-PC also offers its members free e-mail and free limited dial-up internet access, meetings and special events, dial-up and broadband internet access through the HALNet internet system, and an outstanding monthly magazine. We also offer an extensive list of computer classes, free workshops on how to use the internet, and a large volunteer help committee who have made themselves available to assist fellow members in more than eighty-five software programs. Guests may attend a SIG meeting once as a courtesy.
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HAL-PC hosts study groups who meet regularly to prepare for highly sought-after certifications such as CCNA, MCIE, and A+. Some special SIGs such as the Build or Buy SIG assist members both in understanding what to ask for if they want a custom system, or ordering the components and, under supervision, assembling their own systems. We feel that this in particular fosters confidence in the owner and a stronger understanding of computers. Our community outreach program takes in surplus computer equipment from area businesses and individuals restores it as neccessary and redistributes it to Houston area schools, charities and non-profits.
Dues in HAL-PC are $40 annually; early renewals are $35. Dues in HALNet are $10.00 per month. Membership is available to individuals only; no organizations can join, although they can pay for individual employees to join.
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Ten Good Reasons to Join HAL-PC
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Here's How HAL-PC Can Help You:
- Help Committee
The HELP Committee is made up of volunteers who offers telephone assistance on a wide variety of software- and hardware-related problems. This service is available to HAL-PC members seven days a week. A schedule of subjects on which help is available is published monthly in the HAL-PC Magazine.
- HALNet
HAL-PC members are elegible to subscribe to HALNet, a state-of-the-art internet access system.
- Training Sessions
HAL-PC sponsors regularly scheduled workshops and classes on popular software applcations in the Learning Center training labs, courses in beginning internet use, MS Windows introductory classes and HTML design. Beginning and intermediate DOS is available to members at different times during the year.
- Certification Classes/Study Groups
HAL-PC offers many opportunities for its members to work toward highly valued professional certifications such as MCIE, CCNA and A+.
- Texans Credit Union
HAL-PC members, and members of their families, are eligible to join Texans Credit Union. Texans is a full-service financial cooperative that offers a variety of savings and loan programs, account access by telephone and computer, Virtual Branch Home Banking with electronic bill paying, and MUCH more. Call (281) 274-2574 for details on how to join Texins.
- Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
More than 70 special interest groups meet throughout the month at the HAL-PC headquarters to discuss more specific topics while making use of HAL-PC's computer network and large screen projectors. A few of the current SIGs are Microsoft Word, Computer Security, Web Design, Quickbooks, Computer Investing and many others. SIGs range in size from 10 to more than 100.
- FREE Internet E-Mail.
All HAL-PC members may set up a free limited email only account through HALNet. See the Free Email Information Page for details on how to set up the account.
- Meetings and Special Events
Periodically, HAL-PC members present programs which give the public a chance to see and hear an informative presentation on topics of interest to the computer community. Past speakers have included Bill Gates of Microsoft and Philippe Kahn from Borland International.
- Quarterly HAL-PC Magazine
All members receive HAL-PC's nationally recognized HAL-PC Magazine each quarter. This top-quality magazine features upcoming meeting schedules, articles on computer topics, hardware and software reviews and software update information.
- Continuing Professional Education Credit
As part of its educational mission, HAL-PC provides Continuing Professional Education Credits. Attendance at a General Meeting and at some approved SIGs is recognized by the State Board of Public Accountancy for one (1) CPE hour. Attendance at meetings of the Legal SIG is accepted by the State Bar Association as qualified Continuing Professional Education.
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