Its been a long year for the u3acommunities computing group (u3acommunities.org/interest-gr… join the email list here u3acommunities.org/subscribe/).

We managed to cover a wide range of subjects over the year on zoom calls :

• Tuya as a component in my Smart Home
• Is it time to move to the Fediverse ?
• How Generative AI works
• IPv4 and IPv6 addresses
• Local generative AI
• Installing desktop GNU/Linux
• Ask the group anything
• Real time bidding (how targeted ads work)
• Home networking
• 3D Printing
• Quantum Computers

Not bad huh. All for free 😀

I also re-presented some of these to local u3a groups and national events online (which I'm always happy to do).

The Fediverse idea for u3a members (and friends) has taken on a life of its own. The site, u3a.social, is now up and running ... free from ads, algorithms, billionaire's and trackers (really how social media should have been).

So we'll kick off the new year on 20th January with a talk on how to actually use u3a.social ... I hope many will join and make use of the platform in preference to mainstream social media platforms. Emails will go out as usual nearer the event. Please share the idea of u3a.social with other u3a members (and friends) and spread the word.

If you have ideas for other talks for 2026, or you fancy giving a talk, drop me an email at computing@u3acommunities.org or just send me a message on u3a.social.

Happy new year !

#u3a #u3acommunities #retired @U3ACommunities Computing #fediverse #friendica @Nick Couldry @Kate Morley @Elena Rossini ⁂