As a variety of personal computers became available in the late 1970s and early ’80s, people started establishing computer user groups to help each other get the most out of their computing equipment. The Philadelphia Area Computer Society was founded in 1976, back in the days of the Apple I and the IBM 5100. The well-known New York Personal Computer User Group began accepting members in 1981, according to its website.

Even in the age of wireless router equipment and Internet-capable cell phones, many computer user groups remain active and continue to serve their members. For example, the Sarasota PC Users Group boasts more than 800 members. It maintains a monthly newsletter, regularly updates its website and holds a member meeting every month, according to SPCUG.org. It also donates refurbished computers to local non-profits.

Another example of a computer user group that remains viable is the Brookdale Computer Users Group in New Jersey. With approximately 300 members, it publishes a newsletter each month, provides users with a range of benefits and holds regular meetings. A national Association of Personal Computer User Groups remains active as well, working to support and promote individual groups.

Some user groups cater to a specific type of computer. Apple’s website indicates that hundreds of user groups for Apple computers continue to operate. Apple helps them stay viable by providing resources and maintaining an online group locator tool. Operators of Cisco switches and other network equipment can join a Cisco user group; such groups exist in Colorado Springs, Omaha and Kansas City, among others.

Perhaps the most important change in computing since user groups appeared was the rise of the Internet. With the ability to ask computer questions at online forums and read thousands of computing articles online (covering everything from setting DIP switches on a dot matrix printer to configuring Cisco switches), would people still want or need to join computer user groups?

Apparently yes. Such groups remain viable by offering a sense of community that the Internet still cannot match. They enable people to directly share experiences and obtain help in person or by telephone. User groups also offer added benefits like newsletters and instructional classes. The above-mentioned Brookdale Computer Users Group provides discounts, chances to win prizes and access to an exclusive library containing various reference manuals.

Another factor which has helped computer user groups stay viable is that the membership fees have remained quite affordable. Most groups in the United States charge $15 to $45 dollars per year. Rates haven’t increased much during the past twenty years; some have actually lowered their prices. As of 2011, the Philadelphia Area Computer Society charges only $10/year. The fee was $27 eighteen years earlier, according to the 1993 edition of “The Secret Guide to Computers.”

Membership in a computer user group remains less expensive than an Internet connection. It also compares well with the cost of professional service or technical support. A computer owner may save a considerable amount of money by obtaining help from a fellow group member when setting up a modem or a wireless router, for example. All of these benefits and advantages add up to ensure that such groups remain viable despite the Internet’s rise and other changes in technology.