Computer Classes - Spring 2009

Rodman Library is proud to announce that our free public computer class schedule has been expanded and improved. You will note that our class listings are color coded to indicate the level of experience needed to participate in the class. 

Our facilities include nine state-of-the-art computers in a well-lit and quiet classroom located in the Reference Department on the first floor of the main library.

Here is a listing with descriptions of the classes to be offered from January through May 2009. A calendar of classes and registration information are also available. All sessions are at 10:00 a.m. in the Main Library Computer Lab unless otherwise noted.

Hands-on Classes

Registration is required for all hands-on classes.

Skill Level Key: [ Beginner ] [ Intermediate ] [ Advanced ] [ All Levels ]

Mouse and Computer Basics. Students will learn basic computer anatomy and terminology, how to properly turn the computer on/off, and use a mouse. No experience required. January 8; March 11

Windows Basics. Become familiar with Windows in this class when you will learn about common desktop elements, what the Start Button and Control Panel can do, how to resize windows and how to create a shortcut to programs, web sites, or documents. Attendance at Mouse and Computer Basics suggested. January 12; March 13

Maintenance Basics. Consider this a flu shot for your computer. You will learn the importance of backups, how to set a restore point, remove unused programs and clean up your computer, how to keep your computer updated, and how to install and run anti-spyware programs to keep your computer running at its optimum. Attendance at Windows Basics suggested. February 27; SATURDAY March 21

Backup Basics. Backups are an important part of computer ownership and protect your data from obliteration in case of a computer virus or hard disk failure. Various methods of backing up and restoring files to CD-ROM, flash drives and floppies will be explored. Attendance at Windows Basics suggested. February 13; April 17

Security Basics. Has your computer been attacked by a virus, malware, or worse? This class will show you how to be proactive with Windows and Microsoft updates, antivirus and antispyware software, and good password practices. Attendance at Windows Basics suggested. March 2; April 24

Internet Basics. Learn the basics of the Internet, terminology, navigation, browser options, and some sites of interest. Students must know how to use a mouse prior to attending this class. January 19

Email Basics. The basics of reading and sending email as well as how to attach and open attached files will be explained using a free email account from Yahoo! Students should be familiar with using the Internet before attending. March 24

Searching Google. Learn how to use Google for finding things on the Internet, getting driving directions, translating web sites, and more. Search tips for narrowing your results will be included. Students should be familiar with the Internet before attending. February 17

Free Alternatives to Expensive Software. Learn about Open Office, GIMP, and more as free alternatives to Microsoft and Adobe products. Bring a CD or flash drive and take a copy home with you. March 27; May 8

Blogging for Beginners. If you’re not ready for a full-blown web site, a blog will get you and your message onto the web. Participants will set up a blog using Blogger. Attendance at Internet Basics or Browser Basics or equivalent experience with the Internet is required. March 18 @ 6:30 p.m.; May 5 @ 10 a.m.

Facebook Basics. See what the Web’s most popular social networking site is all about while setting up your own page. Safety tips for parents will also be discussed. Experience with a word processor and use of the Internet is required. February 19; April 16

Designing a Web Site, 4-part series. Are you an accidental webmaster for your organization or do you just want to create a web site for your hobby? This 4-part class will show you the fundamentals of what goes into creating web pages with XHTML, graphics, and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). To reinforce classroom skills, assignments will be given during the first two sessions. Students must know how to use a word processor and be able to attend ALL FOUR sessions. EVENINGS at 6:30 p.m.: February 11, 18, 25, AND March 4

Digital Photo Editing. Basics. Learn how to crop, rotate, and enhance digital photos using basic techniques in Photoshop Elements. Students must be able to use a mouse and windows. March 9; April 21

Advanced Digital Photo Editing with Dick Elliott. Learn some advanced techniques from an experienced user. Attendance at Digital Photo Editing Basics or equivalent knowledge of a photo editing program is required. March 16; April 28

Flickr. Quickly and easily share your photos online with family and friends using Flickr.com. Set up photo albums, add comments and descriptions and share. Experience with the Internet is required. March 23 @ 6:30 p.m.

Open Lab. The computer lab will be open for anyone who wants to ask questions of the Systems staff or try out skills learned in any of our classes. First-come, first-served; no registration. February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1

MORE THAN GOOGLE…

A wealth of information is available on the Internet through the library’s many online databases. Learn about the treasures available to you with your library card. Familiarity with using the Internet is required.

• "DIY with the Web" Learn a new skill, find out what’s wrong with your car, or prepare for a civil service exam. February 12
• "Reliable Health Information." Become your own patient advocate with reliable health resources for finding out about drugs and illnesses. February 26
• "Uncover the Past" Search for the values of antiques, find an ancestor, uncover historical facts, and learn about a famous person's life. April 23

JOB SEARCH EXPRESS…

• Job Web Sites and Resume Writing: Students will be shown how to prepare a resume using MS Word and will visit online job sites for help in seeking employment. January 15; March 5
• Learning Express and Careers Online: Students will explore the Learning Express Library for help with career-building skills such as successful interviewing , communication skills, business writing, and networking. January 22

• Small Business Online: Students will be introduced to websites specifically aimed at assisting small-businesses, as well as an overview of Microsoft Office tutorials. March 19

A series of classes designed to help you learn the power of the most popular word processor and spreadsheet applications.

• Microsoft Word: Basics and Editing. Learn the basics of MS Word 2007, how to type, edit, copy/cut/paste and save a document, formatting fonts and paragraphs, ways to print and create a document using a template. Attendance at Windows basics is preferred. March 9 @ 6:30 p.m.; April 2 @ 10 a.m.
• Microsoft Excel: Basics. Learn the basics of MS Excel 2007, how spreadsheets work, how to enter data and formulas. Attendance at Windows basics is preferred. April 15
• Microsoft Word: Formatting and Layouts. Learn how to work with tables, bulleted lists, headers/footers, shading and graphics. Familiarity with MS Word (any version) or attendance at MS Word: Creating and Editing is required. March 16 @ 6:30 p.m.; April 9 @ 10 a.m.
• Microsoft Word: Mail Merge Labels. Learn the basics of Mail Merge and how to create mailing labels that can be updated quickly and easily. Mouse skills and familiarity with MS Word is required. April 8