The Philadelphia Area Computer Society

PACS is a general interest computer users group. Founded in 1976, it one of the oldest formally organized, continuously operating computer users group in the nation. It provides a forum where computer and Internet users from all walks of life can meet to share their experiences, learn more about their computers and applications, and help solve each other's problems. At PACS, experts and novices alike enhance their proficiency through interaction with dozens of other members who use computers and the Internet at home and at work. Our underlying purpose is to educate our members and guests, and enhance their overall computing and Internet experience. We benefit from the pool of knowledge and experience that resides in our diverse membership. "Users helping users" has always been our motto.

PACS is a volunteer-run, non-profit 501(c)(3) Pennsylvania corporation, managed by unpaid volunteers solely for the benefit of its guests and dues-paying members. We do not exclude any particular platform, but we do try to expose our members to as much of the rich array of computer/Internet products as possible.

Monthly Presentations

Each meeting features a main all-group session where speakers present the latest developments in personal computing. Recents speakers have included representatives from Apple, Microsoft, Intel, AMD, and many more. Speakers frequently bring valuable hardware and software to raffle to the members. The schedule of upcoming speakers is available on our Meetings page.

Specialized Groups and Workshops

In addition to the main presentation each month, PACS regularly has fifteen to twenty Special Interest Groups known as SIGs that meet on the same day covering a variety of topics. The full list is available on the Groups page.

Membership in PACS offers many benefits:

  • Open to all levels of skill and knowledge, from novice to expert
  • More than a dozen interest groups that focus on specific areas, such as computer security, web design, databases, Macintosh, and more.
  • Access to hundreds of members who share information and experience
  • Access to a wide variety of information sources, help with your computer problems, and advice on computer related purchases
  • Hands-on Technical Assistance
  • Presentations by companies like Intel, Microsoft, and Apple, as well as experts in key topics, such as security, spam, wireless, and networking
  • High speed Internet connection, available to any one with their own computer
  • On-site cafeteria
  • Free parking
  • Valuable prizes and give-aways
  • All this for only $30 per year!

Flea Market

Members can buy and sell used items at our meetings. Rules and regulations are available here.

Tech Support/Sanity Savers

The Sanity Savers are an old PACS tradition. We've updated the name to Tech Support. PACS members can get help with computer related problems just for asking.
Click here for contact information.