This class will cover the very… very….did I say “very”… basics of computers – back to square one.  We’ll be discussing the various computer components and how they fit and work together.  Of course, we’ll also be introducing you to some of the basic terminology such as Gigabytes, Megabytes, RAM, ROM, HDD and so on.  By the end of class you should feel comfortable going to the store and speaking to the tech person at a level sufficient to reasonably assist in making an intelligent computer purchase.

Although Windows is not the only game in town, it is the most widely used so we’ll discuss the basics of getting around Windows to include how to run programs, how to switch from one program to another, basic Windows settings and how to start customizing Windows to better suit your needs. We will touch upon other operating system options. You’ll learn about the various types of computer files, what your options are for saving them and where it’s best to place them to keep them safe and to keep them organized.

Accessing the Internet is the most popular use of the PC.  Whether researching homework, finding the best chocolate chip cookie recipe or even monitoring your home security system, almost everything done on the PC involves the internet to some degree or another.  We’ll not only explore our local options for obtaining Internet access but discuss the most common types of web sites, how to safely access and use them all the while being as safe as possible. In addition, we’ll also be discussing some of the more popular social networking sites: Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Linked-in, Foursquare, Tumbler… and the list goes on and on and on.  The number of ways to connect with people around the world increases almost daily.  We’ll discuss some of the more popular social networking sites, how to join them and how to be wary of the pitfalls if you don’t use them wisely.

Microsoft Word has become the defacto standard business word processor. For this class we’ll discuss the basics of using this powerful program. Topics covered will include creating a reusable letterhead, pagination, formatting, inserting pictures and graphs, even adding footers and references. We’ll also cover the basics of the little-known OneNote program.

Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool used primarily for financial analysis. From complex data analysis to financial planning to budgets and P&L statements, Microsoft Excel can make the task at hand relatively easy. This class will cover a broad overview of how Excel works, how it can be used and the basics of setting up and using a Workbook and worksheets. You’ll learn basic worksheet setup and manipulation along with incorporating the basics of formulas and formatting.