Computer Lab

The Center maintains a computer lab for member training and to be available for members to use when classes are not in session. The lab has 12 student work-stations and classes are offered monthly. Typically classes are 2 hours per day for 4 sessions. Routinely classes are offered in learning how to operate a computer, beginning to learn about Microsoft Windows, learning more about Windows, exploring the Internet, using E-mail, beginning Microsoft Word and Excel and Desktop publishing with Word. Periodically classes are offered in Family Tree Maker, Microsoft Publisher, and Quicken. Classes can be arranged on special topics should there be enough interest.

The Computer workshops and classes are offered at $10.00 for members and $40.00 for non-member seniors unless the workshop or class has special fees and materials. The following are the current workshop and class offerings:

Computer Classes

Instruction in the operation of computers, computer applications and the Windows Operating System are offered throughout the year. The following are brief descriptions of the classes. Not all classes are held each month. Check the Current Month schedule to determine if a specific class is being offered and when.

NEW: eBay and Craigslist
A class that will teach you how to buy and sell on-line. eBay.com is an on-line auction and shopping website in which people and businesses buy and sell a broad variety of goods; and services worldwide. Craigslist.com is a centralized network of on-line communities, featuring free on-line classified advertisements. It offers such categories as jobs, housing, personals, for sale items. services and much more.

NEW : Social Networking Websites (YouTube, Flickr, Facebook/MySpace)
A class that will teach you how to navigate these networks to the best advantage. YouTube.com is a video sharing site on which users can upload and share videos. Anyone Can watch the videos, and registered users are permitted to up-load an unlimited number of the videos. Fhckr is another video hosting website which also allow still images and has thus become popular with bloggers and individuals to store and share photographs. Facebook and MySpace are free global social networking websites on which the users can add friends and send them messages, update their personal profiles, and inform others of their activities and interests.

Beginning Computers
This class is for the member who has no experience with computers.
Suggested skill level None

Internet: An introduction
This class is for the member who wants to use the computer for e-mail and web surfing.
Suggested skill level None.

Microsoft Office
This class introduces the fundamentals of word processing leading to desktop publishing using Microsoft Word, a word processing application. Some of items covered with Word are using Word Art, using columns, using tables, using text boxes, and working with graphics. The class introduces the fundeamentals of speadsheets using Microsoft Excel.
Suggested skill level It is recommended a member interested in this class should be able to operate a computer with a Windows operating system. This means opening and closing windows, resizing windows, opening and closing files and folders.

Beginner Genealogy
Includes a tour of the National Archives, Family History Center, and Loussac Library Genealogy section. The last class will be on the Family Tree Maker computer program. This is a special fee class. Call Kathy Roberts, 243-1757 to register.
Suggested skill level The member should understand basics of Windows. This means opening, closing windows, and resizing windows.

Open Labs

Open Labs are scheduled for each Thursday and Friday from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. The purpose of the Open Labs is to allow members to meet one-on-one with an instructor to ask specific computer hardware and software questions. The instructors will advise on ways to handle a hardware or software problem. The lab computers have a limited selection of software, so not all software can be demonstrated. The Open Labs are first come first serve. There is no charge for this service.

When you come to an Open Lab helpful items to consider bringing with you, if it will help explain the problem, are:

Classroom Notes

These class notes are from the listed computer courses. You will need Acrobat Reader to view documents, click here to download the latest version from Adobe.