Be Productive With Your Computer In A Weekend!

Have you tried to use at least one software program? Do you want to get more out of your computer (in less time!!)? If you do, then this course is for you!

You’ll learn how to use the latest Mac/Windows versions and even some commands in the still-useful command window.

You’ll also see how to use the popular MS-Office™ packages like MS-Word™, MS-Excel™ and PowerPoint™ to create useful documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. For Mac users, we’ll discuss some very cool applications for graphic design, taking notes, writing books, and managing your projects (using AI technology).

We’ll discuss social networking sites, how to setup and use email, shopping on-line as well as using Windows and MS Office alternatives like the free Open Office.

There is a LOT in this class!

Here are the topics you’ll see:

Email– How to send/receive email– How to setup an email account (POP vs. IMAP)– Email account types (local vs. webmail)– Email programs (Thunderbird, Outlook, etc.)– Email security (set up SSL/TLS!)    (discussed: how to send encrypted email messages using Public Key Encryption)– How to get your own Internet Domain for your email and Web and why you really might want to do this

Browsing the Web– Browser choices (Firefox, Safari, Chrome, etc.)– Security– other

Microsoft Office· How to create and format documents, and other tips in MS Word™· How to create spreadsheet in MS Excel (includes basic formulas)· How to create a PowerPoint presentation

OpenOffice We’ll discuss the MS-Office-compatible (and FREE) office suite and how it creates, as an option, Microsoft-office-formatted documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.- Writer- Sheet- Present

Google’s Free Office Tools

What is “The Cloud”? (Storage of your files somewhere else on the Internet)-Things to be (very) wary about with the “cloud”-DropBox (very cool!)
-DropBox alternatives (host your own cloud)

Social Networking Sites FaceBook / Twitter / Other

Business Networking Sites LinkedIn /  Other

Windows (computer) fundamentals

Understanding how Windows works… and why you need to know Folders (creating, opening, deleting and other functions) The Start Menu The Command Window Running Programs Creating Shortcuts Running several programs at once Automatically loading/running programs at Startup Windows update Running Windows Disk/Virus/Backup Utilities Where to go for help! (Try help built into Windows first, then Google) Lots of other topics (for example, the Windows Registry)

What are the alternatives to Windows?

The Mac- OSX, what is it? What features does it have?- Can I still run Windows? (Yes, we’ll discuss 4 ways to run Windows on a Mac)- What programs are available?- Running MS Office on the Mac natively- Installing Virtual Machine Software (Parallels, VM Fusion, …)- Backup and other built-in utilities- Support from Apple/other?

Linux- Various distributions- Can I still run Windows?- What programs are available?- Support?

The Internet –Everything is on-line now· Extremely useful Websites . Why you should consider online banking . Order stuff on-line? Rent Movies? . Search for just about everything you need to know (Google, other) . Which browser should I use? (Firefox, Chrome, Safari, ….)

Important System Concepts:· When To (still) use the Command Prompt (resolving network issues, for example)· Directories (also called folders)– how to create them, delete them, etc..· Files and File Types· Commands· Configuration files

Extra Topics:· Data Backup (including automated online backup options) . Your Privacy (lost?) on the Internet– Identity Theft –what should you do if it happens to you?· Computer Security– Using firewalls, anti-virus, anti-sypware programs. Which is best?· Software Copyright Laws . How to find the best software for free . Extremely cool (useful/needed) utilities for your (Windows) PC

This course is PACKED with information you NEED TO KNOW! You will get plenty of hands-on practice in the lab.

This class is highly recommended for the relatively new computer user or for the user who is interested in learning how to take control of their computer and computer applications quickly. This course is fun!

Any class examples with any other useful files will be put on a special class website so you can download them!