As was discussed at Q&A and announced in the October issue of the newsletter (https://opcug.ca/Articles/2410NEWS.pdf), we are embarking on the next level of fulfilling our motto: Users helping users.

While the weekly Q&A sessions are a terrific way of getting computer assistance, sometimes we are faced with a tricky situation that may be hard to fix at Q&A. It is for those situations that we are offering one-on-one remote assistance.

This service—which is only available to members of the OPCUG—will pair up a requestor with a volunteer. A remote-control app such as Windows Quick Assist or Zoom will allow the volunteer to connect to your computer over the Internet. They will be able to see your screen and, if you permit it, control your mouse and keyboard remotely.

If you want to request one-on-one remote assistance, send an email to . In the email give lots of details of the issue you need assistance with. The more details you provide, the more likely one of our volunteers, currently numbering nine, will understand your issue and decide they can offer to assist you. Be sure your email includes a phone number and email address you would like to use for contact. The volunteer helpers will discuss your request and if one feels they can help you with the issue, they will reach out to you to arrange a time and date for the one-on-one remote session.

Some of the rules of the road:

• The service is only available to members of the OPCUG.
• There is no charge for the service.
• Civility is expected at all times.
• In-person assistance is not available.
• We can’t promise we can fix your problem.
• Neither the OPCUG nor the helper can accept responsibility for a negative outcome; bad things can happen. One-on-one assistance requestors are encouraged to make sure they can recover from any sort of disaster. This will serve you well any time!
• If none of the volunteer helpers feel they can help you with your issue, we will let you know.
• Following the engagement, requestors are required to send a follow-up email to with comments on how the engagement went and anything they thought could have been done better.

If you think you may be able to provide one-on-one remote assistance to other members of the OPCUG, send an email to . Conversely, if you need help on a specific issue, send full details to .

As this is a brand-new service, there could be hiccups along the way. Please be patient as kinks get worked out.