They're not exactly what you might expect when discussing computer geeks.
"Golden Mac Nuts" might be a better handle for many MacNexus club members.
This organization, more than 800 strong, welcomes people of all ages but has a large contingent in the 50-plus age group.
I attended a Saturday workshop and was surprised that for just $40 a year, these members network to provide each other with computer repairs, software installation, workshops and moral support.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month, you'll find Jim Bean, 70, working the triage area at the MaxNexus workshop at St. Mark's Methodist Church, 2391 St. Mark's Way in Sacramento.
Bean, a resident of Eskaton Village Roseville, takes names and labels computers to be fixed during the workshop. He's also brought in his wife's computer to be updated by the main technician on duty, Bob Studer, whose real-life occupation is a software writer.
Bean hands over his wife's Mac mini and her wireless keyboard for upgrades, saying the mini is unusually hard to open.
A wide array of Macintosh computers began to pile up on the fix-it table. Terms such as "lampshade" and "dinosaur" can be heard to describe earlier versions of Macs accumulating there.
Lou Coppola has brought in two older towers for upgrading. In his early 80s, Coppola said he came late to the game of computers.
Coppola writes a column for the local Senior Magazine. He also takes photos for the NorCal Big Band's Preservation Society and the Golden Seniors Softball League – groups he's heavily involved with.
Coppola said he has the club do all his computer upgrades and depends on them for repairs.
Marjorie Wade, has taught German literature at California State University, Sacramento, since 1982. She has relied on the MacNexus club for more than 10 years.
Wade said that before she joined the club, she relied on conventional repair services. She became frustrated when they used computer jargon or talked down to her.
Wade often calls David Badovinac, past president for the club. Badovinac talks as he works on Wade's computer. He said the club is happy to help older computer users so they can stay connected with family and learn the ins and outs of computer photo exchanges.
Badovinac said members have donated old computers, software and equipment. One of the members, John Frazer, has been able to reuse the donated materials and has built hundreds of usable computers that he's donated to organizations and schools.
While computers are being fixed, many members take advantage of the classes offered. Some come from as far away as Yuba City and Auburn.
Tutorial CDs and DVDs also are available for people to check out.
MacNexus publishes a monthly newsletter and in addition to the monthly Saturday workshops, the group meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Sacramento Association of Realtors building at 2003 Howe Ave.
Visit www.macnexus.org.
Karen Everett Watson of Galt writes for Lakemont Homes, builder of the new multiservice senior communities – Eskaton Village, Roseville and Placerville.
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