The need for user groups

This is largely an opinion. There are a lot of people out there with computer problems. This is evidenced by a lot of the "Geek squad" type companies out there. The problem with companies like this and other "tech support" solutions is the user doesn't learn anything and has to phone the same people over and over. Sometimes paying large amounts of money for a simple fix.

How to and "dummies" books are OK but the information presented may not be exactly what the user needs. The more techincal books are fine for someone like myself but may not be suitable for everybody else.

User groups are generally open to the public. Sometimes they are free. In addition to coming up with a general solution, the user will learn there are often several solutions to a problem. Furthermore it helps the user take responsibility for their own system.