The computer world is a problem solving environment where you only need to know what you need to do next.  It is too complex to learn everything, therefore we only learn what we need to know tro accomplish a task  Each person will have different needs and experiences.  Our courses are designed to help you understand what to do next and to preoceed step by step to complete a project. 

A computer can be a tool and assistant.   Learn computer basics, and become comfortable with computers.  This introduction to the computer world will demystify jargon and assist in computer setup.  Learn basic computer terms and management.  Find out what a computer can and cannot do.

Windows 95 merges DOS and Windows into a single, dynamic graphic interface.  Students learn about operating systems and how the Windows 95 GUI interface works. Explore the functions of the task bar, the desktop, the explorer, multitasking, cut, copy, and paste, and develop an understanding of basic file management, disk management, and directory structures. (Top of Page)

Designed for the novice who needs hand holding as we enter the information age.  This course introduces you to the computer world and explains the sometimes mystical terms that surround it.  Learn about hardware and software and how programs work to help you in the information age.  This friendly introduction to the computer world will demystify jargon and assist in making the computer world your friend.  Learn basic computer terms and management.  Find out what the computer can do and cannot do. 

The second part is an introduction to the Windows 95 operating system.  Learn how to open programs, navigate with the keyboard and mouse, print and manage files. (Top of Page) 

Windows 98 is Microsoft's latest operating system.  It is designed to seamlessly integrate between programs and the Internet.  This is a two part class, which will assist in navigation, setup, and maneuvering in this new world.( Top of Page)

Designed for the novice who needs hand holding as we enter the information age.  This course introduces you to the computer world and explains the sometimes mystical terms that surround it.  Learn about hardware and software and how programs work to help you in the information age.  This friendly introduction to the computer world will demystify jargon and assist in making the computer world your friend.  Learn basic computer terms and management.  Find out what the computer can do and cannot do. (Top of Page) 

The second part is an introduction to the Windows 98 operating system.  Learn how to open programs, navigate with the keyboard and mouse, print and manage files.

An introduction to computers, parts and terms.  Learn about hardware and what's inside the computer.  Explore how the component parts work together with operating systems and software to perform useful tasks.  An understanding of the parts of the computer helps demystify Jargon and terms.(Top of Page)

Before purchasing a computer one should  determine their personal requirements and what they want to do with the computer.   Understanding these parameters will assist in determining what type of computer should be purchased. 
This course is an introduction to computer capabilities and software requirements.  It includes a comparison of computer types, models, and  assistance in determining what additional hardware components and software should be purchased to fulfill those needs and requirements.    Assistance on other decision's, include whether to purchase a new computer, a used computer and whether to purchase it locally or from a mail house.  A must before buying. (Top of Page)

Why purchase a new computer when upgrading components in a computer can make it act and feel like brand new?  At the same time, this will save money and increase the user's knowledge of this most valuable tool. (Top of Page)

This six-part course is designed for the beginning computer student.  The only prerequisite is a basic knowledge of the keyboard.  Starting with an introduction to computer basics, history, software and hardware, the students learns about DOS and the Windows operating system.  Next, the basics of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation graphics, desktop publishing, the Internet and personal finance are discussed, demonstrated, and the relationships between these programs are explored. 
This is a series of six classes. (Top of Page) 

Word Perfect 8 is a powerful Windows 95 version of this long-time standard word processor.  This course is designed to assist users of earlier versions in making the transition to the Windows 95 version. 
The second session includes more advanced topics: styles, macros, codes, mail merge, and  more, increasing the flexibility and capabilities of Word Perfect 8. (Top of Page) 

Learn the basics and how to start putting 1-2-3 to workfor you.  Students will be introduced to keyboards, screens, menus, entering data, numbers and text, editing data, formatting data using basic formulas and functions, and saving and retrieving. 
Once the basic spreadsheet is created.  It is time to dress it up.  Formatting changes including type fonts and styles, fill and shading commands, printing page breaks, borders, page numbers and headers make it more readable.    Locking titles, splitting the screen into two windows, creating range names in combination with file management techniques (sort and fill commands, date formats, date arithmetic and date functions) make it easier to use. 
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Basic network architecture and design are discussed and how networks can assist the individual.  File servers, print servers and application servers are explored.  Information on how to increase  productivity, including how to generate and receive E-mail, and how attachments and programs can be placed in your E-mail letter. (Top of Page)

Designed to introduce the novice computer user or owner to the mechanics of the computer.  Topics include the meaning of component names, how to do simple diagnostics, how to choose troubleshooting software, upgrading a system, and sources for support and materials. (Top of Page)

Poised at an on ramp to the information highway?  The next step is how to access the highway.  Examine browsers. Bookmarks, search engines, learn how to grab and save images/picture pictures and pages and print.  Gain hands-on experience with lectures and demonstrations.  This course is designed for the person who has a connection or is about to make a connection to the Internet and wants a hands-on look at the tools that make up the Internet's foundation. (Top of Page)

A home page on the Internet is a destination on the World Wide Web.  Your personal page can be an  electronic storefront advertisement for products and services or simply your family newsletter to the rest of the world.  This class teaches how to create a basic home page design using the HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and a standard text editor.  Students will develop their own home page for storage on the Internet. (Top of Page)

HTML is the programming language used for the Internet.  Understand what a home page is. Explore basic HTML, Hypertext links, incorporate images and sounds, background images.  Work with text, colors, tables links and frames. 
Learn to program using notepad and other tools for writing HTML tags. (Top of Page)

This class will provide students with an overview of e-mail concepts including sending and receiving single and multiple messages, forwarding attachments, printing and managing mail. (Top of Page)

Word for Windows is a powerful text and graphics environment.  Learn the fundamentals of word processing, once only a data entry program, now text can be manipulated into a variety of final looks. Learn how to uses icons, menus and screen elements, navigating and moving around on the screen, page and document.  Entering and editing text, copying, moving  and rearranging text, formatting characters, paragraphs and pages assist in organizing the elements of your document into a finished product. (Top of Page)

In the first class students will be introduced to spreadsheet concepts and taught the fundamentals of the software.  Learn about navigating the worksheet, entering and editing data, manipulating cells, columns, and rows, freezing column and row headers, basic formatting, using formulas and functions, and basic printing options. 

The second class examines the charting and graphing capabilities of the program.   Learn about making the following types of charts: area, line, bar, column, and pie.  Explore adjusting data, switching axis and setting scale, editing text, fonts, type sizes, color and placement, placing charts in other programs, extracting data, using filters and exporting to other programs, as well as, creating 3D charts. (Top of Page)

In the first class students will be introduced to spreadsheet concepts and taught the fundamentals of the software.  Learn about navigating the worksheet, entering and editing data, manipulating cells, columns, and rows, freezing column and row headers, basic formatting, using formulas and functions, and basic printing options.

The second class examines the charting and graphing capabilities of the program.   Learn about making the following types of charts: area, line, bar, column, and pie.  Explore adjusting data, switching axis and setting scale, editing text, fonts, type sizes, color and placement, placing charts in other programs, extracting data, using filters and exporting to other programs, as well as, creating 3D charts. (Top of Page)

Build a presentation using templates, sound effects, and transition effects.  Use the various text and graphics tools to make an effective communication from a basic outline of information.  Insert images, format titles, bulleted lists, view outlines, speakers guides, slide sorter, and run your show with sound and special effects. (Top of Page) 

Power Point has the tools and features to make truly effective presentations using overhead transparencies, 35 mm slides or on-screen slide shows Learn how to customize backgrounds, individual slides, create a template, use advanced text and graphic commands, and incorporate animated titles, tables, charts and graphs into a dynamic presentation. (Top of Page)

 Corel Draw is the leading graphics program for the Windows environment. A graphics suite, Corel includes programs that edit images, create charts and presentations, animate, and more.   Learn to draw, edit and color objects, to import illustrations, enter text, select fonts, and use templates and clip art from the thousands of options in Corel's libraries, place text along a path, create layers, blends, use transformation tools, and align objects, import and export files.  Corel's 3D animation techniques are demonstrated.  Object linking and embedding (OLE) are also discussed. (Top of Page)

Scanned images and other raster graphic images require special software and hardware for editing.  Photoshop is one of the most powerful professional raster editing program available.  Images can be composited, backgrounds removed and replaced, and photo's can be color corrected and composited.  Special visual effects and techniques are demonstrated. (Top of Page)

Learn the basics of publishing with this elementary Microsoft page layout program. Use wizards and tools  for layout, headers, footers, table of contents, and indexing to produce a finished ready-to-go document.  Learn to insert art, photo's, charts, tables and graphs into a variety of publishing formats. (Top of Page)

Page Maker is one of the leaders in page-layout software for Windows.  Transform a text file into a highly effective vehicle of communication, by using the publishing aids provided by Page Maker's graphic manipulation and formatting tools.  Combine this formatted text with clip art, photos, and artwork to create an impressive finished document. 

During the second class longer and more complex documents become easier to handle with Page Maker's advanced publishing tools. Learn to use the master page, story editor, and spell check, as-well-as learn how to crop graphics, and wrap text around graphic elements. (Top of Page)

Photos and other raster graphics require special software and hardware for editing.  PhotoShop is used to demonstrate raster editing techniques.  Images can be composited, backgrounds removed and replaced, and photo's can be color corrected.  Special effects other techniques demonstrated. (Top of Page)

These multi-part study groups are designed for the advanced computer student seeking a more economic way to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for the Microsoft Certification Exams.  Each subject, Networking Essentials, Microsoft NT Server 4.0, and TCP/IP is broken into two series of six meetings each.  This is an instructer-lead series, including homework and quizzes and will proceed lesson by lesson preparing the student for the Microsoft exam.  The exams are not included in the course but are available from Microsoft. 
The courses are for serious adults only.  Two series of six classes each are required to cover the materials. (Top of Page)