Word is still the most widely used word processor.  You'll learn how to create documents, format them the way you want (even in columns, tables, numbered lists and bullet lists).  You'll also learn how to have pages numbered automatically and even how to create a table of contents.  In addition, you'll learn how to find, move, and replace text, insert text, and automatically correct spelling errors.  You'll be able to insert special characters as well as pictures.  We’ll take you through useful “toolbars” and show you how to do a “mail merge” for sending announcements to multiple people.  For fancy documents, you'll see how to use Word Art, Auto Shapes and (if time permits) charts.

This course presents the basic concepts of Microsoft Excel.  You will be introduced to basic Excel features through complete corresponding step-by-step exercises.  To practice the skills that are presented, the lessons also include a diskette containing the exercise files used in class.  You will learn how to: sum numbers, sort data, create column- and pie-charts, copy, move, erase, edit and format cells, protect worksheets from inadvertent or unauthorized change, format data, create borders and frames, print in both “portrait” and “landscape” orientation.

Computer Graphics

Three easy sessions will show you how to improve photos transferred from your digital camera or downloaded from E-mail or the Internet, and how to create animated titles and basic drawings.

Internet and Email

Learn the ins and outs of the Internet, such as: Using search engines to find information (we'll show you tricks and hints for more productive searches);  Downloading the material you find; Copying and printing photographs and graphics or text from Web pages (we’ll even supply some interesting sites to visit);  Managing your Favorites List (Bookmarks); Dealing with “cookies”; Selecting a Home Page;  You'll also learn how to manage your Email, send pictures and documents by Email, and retrieving pictures and documents that friends and family send you.

We’ll also discuss the free Internet browser Firefox and the free Email program Thunderbird, as well as other free programs such as Adaware and Spybot, which will search for and remove unwanted advertising and “spyware” programs from your computer.

Introduction to Windows Vista

There have been many changes between Windows XP and Windows Vista.  It has some additional capabilities, and has improved security protection.  However, many items are now in unfamiliar places, and some things that could be done simply in Windows XP are more complicated in Vista.

We'll show you where the major items are, and how to use the built-in Help function to find things that have been moved, and do things that are not accessible in the same way as they were in XP.  We'll also tell you how to use some of XP "hot keys" in Vista.

Protecting Your Computer and Yourself

The Internet is a wonderful place.  Not only can you keep in touch with family and friends, not only can you share photos and even music or voice messages, you can also find information about almost anything, quickly and easily.  But there are also dangers.  We will discuss these dangers and show you how to avoid them.

In addition, we'll discuss things you can do to lengthen the useful life of your computer and improve its performance.

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