Computer Course Descriptions.
Note: Only a subset of these classes are taught in any one session
Check the schedules for the currently offered classes

Introduction to Computers

A course for students who have taken Computer Basics for Beginners and are comfortable with the mouse and keyboard and are ready to move to the next level. This course builds a foundation for more advanced courses by providing instruction in the elements of computers such as:
(1) how to create and manage files and folders;
(2) create, edit, cut, copy, paste and save word processing documents;
(3) a tour of the Internet; and
(4) and a solid introduction to e-mail including compose, send, reply, forwarding, and attachments.

Computing Fundamentals

Become comfortable with all you need to know to use a computer to use search the internet, communicate by E-Mail and manage photos, files and folders. This class will start with the basics of computer use with mice and keyboards, show you how computer files and folders can connect to your tablets and phones, and open up the world of the big wide web.

Windows 10 Computing Fundamentals

Become comfortable with all you need to know to use a Windows 10 computer to search the internet, communicate by E-Mail and manage photos, files and folders. This class will start with the basics of Windows 10 computer use, show you how computer files and folders can connect to your tablets and phones, and open up the world of the big wide web.

Windows 10 Basics

Become comfortable with all you need to know to manage a Windows 10 computer to search the internet, communicate by E-Mail and Zoom and manage photos, files and folders. This class will start with the basics of Windows 10 computer management including controlling updates, show you how photos on your tablets and phones can be downloaded to your computer. Then open up the world of the big wide web.

Basic Windows 10 & 11 Differences

If you have been able to update your Windows 10 computer to Windows 11 or have bought a Windows 11 device you will have noticed some major appearance differences. This class will show you that you can do pretty much the same thing on both systems but its how you get there may be different

Exploring the Internet

Become familiar with a browser, the software used to venture out on the World Wide Web. Learn the various ways to navigate to various web sites by entering new web site addresses and using links. Do a search for any information you desire. You will learn how to meet and communicate with others on the Internet and how to save and organize your favorite web sites. Learn to download information, new software and updates for your computer. Learn about Internet Security and Personal Privacy.

Life Matters On-Line

This course will take you online to explore 6 topics: Networking Matters, Health Matters, Money Matters, Technology Matters, Security Matters, and Leisure Time Matters. It will be a combination of fact presentation, searching the net, and sharing your own expertise with the class. We will navigate to various web sites to get up-to-date information on the latest technological gadgets, the most popular networking sites such as Facebook, and proven ways to deal with security at home and on the computer. Health issues will be explored, as well as common-sense financial planning, and use of leisure time. Join us for this new adventure into the world of technology!

Searching the Internet

There is information on just about everything on the World Wide Web. Learn to efficiently search the internet and quickly find the data that you need.

Effective E-Mail

Learn to use the efficient Gmail system, discovering its many unique features. Create your own account (FREE); access it from any internet- connected computer anywhere. Learn to read, compose, send, receive, reply & forward email; open, save and forward attachments; set up and manage your email address book; block SPAM; file and search for email quickly and easily and learn smart email habits, etiquette and more.

Word Processing with Libre Office

A four week program that covers all of the basics of word processing including; document formatting, cut and paste, spell check, emailing documents, editing, inserting pictures, and other basic word processing skills. Included with the course is a full word processing software suite that is absolutely FREE as part of this program while having comparable features to Microsoft's very expensive Office Suite.

Managing Files and Folders

Learn how to create an efficient system for organizing files and photos into folders & subfolders. Review the basics of word processing & type short documents for your folders. Search for info on line, then save in appropriate folders. Practice finding, creating, renaming, moving, copying, and deleting files and folders. Learn how to save your info on a flash drive.

All about the Web, E-Mail, Files and Folders

A course that will enhance your knowledge of the Internet, E-Mail and the use of files and folders on your computer.

Manage your Computer

Learn to manage a Windows 10 or 11 computer to search the internet, communicate by E-Mail, manage documents, photos, files and folders. This class will start with the basics of Windows 10 computer management including controlling updates, organizing documents and showing how photos on your tablets and phones can be downloaded and organized on your computer. Then open up the world of the big wide web and communicating by E-Mail.

Optimize Windows 10 settings

Learn how to set up your computer to suit your needs by adjusting the settings. Manage how and when windows 10 runs updates. Set up your printer and optimize access to WiFi and the applications you need.

Organize Files and Folders.

Everything on a computer, tablet or phone resides in a file and is organized into relevant folders. Learn how to organize your documents and pictures and to use your computer to fetch and organize your photos from your phone and tablet or to save them on external USB devices.

Working with text documents.

Take a look at the expensive Microsoft Word and the free Libre Office Writer and learn how to write or change documents and their appearance and even add pictures. Many of the skills you will learn in this class apply to most of the things you will want to do on your computer.

How to use the internet.

Learn what you need to know to access and use and search the internet safely.

E-Mail Basics.

Find out how to set up an E-Mail account and safely communicate with your friends and family.

Install and use Libre Office.

The free Libre Office application can do pretty much everything that the expensive Microsoft Office suite can do. Apart from creating and managing documents you have spreadsheet and presentation facilities and more as part of the package.

Prevent Computer Viruses & Malware.

Prevent getting viruses and malware on your computer. Learn how to install and manage free antivirus programs like Avast and Malwarebytes to prevent malicious software activities.

Moving to Windows 11

You don't have to stop using Windows 10 immediately now that Microsoft has stopped supporting it, but if you want to move to Windows 11, you need to understand the differences. Windows 11 is capable of doing almost everything you did on windows 10, but how you get there may be different. However, there are some new features that you need to know about and possibly avoid using. Learn how to safely use all Windows 11's features.
If you have a Windows 11 laptop, bring it and the power cable to class.

Windows 10 Overview

Windows 10 can do almost everything that earlier versions of windows can do and more. The problem is that the process of starting the old familiar activities is different.
This 2 week overview shows you how to work with the new interface and quickly get back to managing your usual tasks.

Tuning up your computer

Over time, any computer will appear to run more slowly and needs a bit of routine TLC to restore its youthful vitality. The two-week Computer Tune-Up Workshop will show you how to revitalize your computer by removing superfluous files, updating the system security and putting things in the most efficient order.

Basic Digital Photography/Picasa

This five week course will cover how a camera works, selection of a digital camera, photo composition, and photo processing using Google's photo editing tool (Picasa, which is free). It will also teach you how to save and edit your smart phone pictures on your PC. It requires that the participant be familiar with the computer and the internet.

Transfer photos from phone or tablet to PC

Phones and tablets have limited storage, get replaced and sometimes fail. Learn how to move your irreplaceable photos from your tablet or phone to a computer or external storage device.
Please bring your phone / tablet to class with all the related cables that you have.

Using Spreadsheets and Databases

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Spreadsheet Basics

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Open Office.org

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Introduction to Libre Office.

Libre Office is the FREE equivalent of Microsoft's very expensive Office suite and provides the equivalent of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more.
The class will include downloading and installing the application and introduction to all the commonly used functions. Libre office can read and save documents in the same format that Office uses.

YouTube and Social Media Applications Available Online

Learn about some of the social media applications that are readily available to everyone. See what YouTube is about, and communicating with WhatsApp, and Messenger.

Introduction to YouTube

This course is designed to be an exploration of YouTube. Various YouTube videos will be used to show the breadth of content available using YouTube. A sampler will include music, touring historical sights, sports, and other content YouTube has to offer.

Using YouTube

Discover the main features & practical everyday uses of YouTube in this 3 week course. Browse its How to, Documentary, Comedy, Music & Entertainment Videos & learn how to download, watch, share, & save them in your personal library. Create playlists of your favorite videos to enjoy anytime. YouTube has something for everyone. Join us!

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a free service that allows users to buy & sell items. Buyers search for what they want & make an offer. Sellers list their items with photos, descriptions, and a location. Finally, you make a plan with the seller or buyer on how you're going to pick up the item and pay for it.

Twitter & Facebook

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What technology should I buy?

Nowadays phones, tablets and computers can all search the web, communicate by text and E-Mail and do a multitude of other things. There are multiple models, manufacturers, operating systems and capabilities built into these machines, so what should you buy. Join us in a discussion of the capabilities, cost, advantages and disadvantages of the multiple technology options available today,

What Computer should I buy?

There is a vast range of different computers available today with lots of different capabilities and cost. What you want to do on a computer should help you decide what to buy. Lets review specifications available and help decide what you need.

Introduction to Ancestry.com

This introductory course will cover Ancestry.com for beginners, how to use Ancestory.com for free with its limitations, the hidden tools that Ancestry.com has, Ancestry DNA and what to do with your results, and GEDmatch where you can store your DNA to make matches with other relatives outside of Ancestry.com without charge.
Click Here to see useful links.

Ancestry.com Plus

This course is an extension of the Introduction to Ancestry.com course. It will cover First Cousin once removed, if they are really your ancestors, reason for not finding your ancestors, and finding women's maiden names.
Click Here to see useful links.

Search for ancestors on-line

Beginners to intermediate. Classes consist of individual instruction, group Instruction and workshops using FamilySearch.org to access the world's largest online collection of searchable records and genealogies.
Please sign up in advance for a free FamilySearch account at "familysearch.org" on a computer, cell phone or tablet prior to the first class. Make sure to write down and bring your user name and password to class.

Genealogy Club

Join the group who are searching for their ancestors by accessing the world's largest online collection of family history and genealogy records.
You will be able to set up your own free personal account on FamilySearch.org, this will enable you to start your own online family tree starting with you, then you can add your parents, grandparents as well as other family members.
To register on FamilySearch.org all that you will need is a cell phone in order to verify your account and to recover your password in case you forget it.
Download a starter kit from the CalendarHouse.org website and fill out the pedigree chart or Click Here to fill out the chart on line. Bring the chart to class.

Introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT)

Learn what is available now and take a look into the future of technology. What IoT devices are available for personal use and see how they can improve the quality of life. Devices that can improve your health and keep records for you. Reflect on how, in the past, you did the work of what technology is now doing for you. A few IoT devices include cameras, video door bells, thermostats, light bulbs, watches, locks, plugs, and may other devices.

Home Security for You

A course covering devices to protect your home. Starting from a camera to the various add-on devices to meet your comfort level. Using economical starting devices, it will be possible to expand your knowledge where you can devise a your own security monitoring system.

Google Maps & GPS

Explore the world with your phone, tablet or computer. See the places you want to visit and use GPS to guide you there.

Cut the TV cord and start streaming.

Cut the increasingly expensive TV service by setting up your TV to stream some of the multiple available internet sources. Some of the newer televisions may just need an internet connection to get started, but if your set has an HDMI connection, the way is to get a Roku or Amazon Fire type device and open up the range of possibilities. Come and learn what is possible.
Meanwhile find the Cut the TV cord and start streaming link on the left side menu of the CalendarHouse.org website to see some useful preparatory information.

Making basic web pages

Learn how to make basic HTML web pages using the new HTML5 and CSS3 standards. This class will also cover what you need to set up your own web site including how to upload your new pages to the site host. Students must be comfortable editing text and managing files and folders. It will be beneficial if students bring a USB flash drive to class.

iPad Basics

This 6-week course will cover the basics of using the iPad: its components & navigation tools, settings, app management, Safari for browsing, emailing, photos, entertainment, and more. Join us!

iPad and iPhone Basics

This 6-week course will cover the basics of using the iPad & iPhone: their components & navigation tools, settings, app management, Safari for browsing, emailing, phoning & messaging, camera & photos, entertainment, and more.
You must own or borrow an iPad or iPhone and bring the device with the charger and cable to the class.

Getting Around the iPhone

Get around your phone more easily by using the home screen, App Library, control panel, & gestures. Locate search boxes, open windows & the Today view to round out navigation on your iPhone.

Talking to the iPhone

Command your phone to do tasks hands free. Use voice dictation or audio messages rather than the keyboard. Call on your assistant, Siri, to quickly find information for you. Simply use your voice to get the most from your iPhone!!

Texting on the iPhone

Learn the ins & outs of sending text messages. Attach photos, animated images, emojis, & documents. Enhance your texts with special effects & the latest tips & tricks.

Using iPhone Apps

Get familiar with the Apps that come with your phone as well as the ones you select from the App Store. Make life easier by using apps like the Calendar, Contacts, Maps, Safari, etc, and enjoying the apps that you choose to add to your phone.

Kindle Fire Basics

This six week workshop will cover the basics of using your Kindle Fire including browsing the web, checking email, watching videos, playing games, downloading apps, reading books,newspapers & magazines, taking photos, etc. Come share the fun, and discover all the special features that Amazon's premiere tablet brings to your technological world.
You must own or borrow a kindle fire and bring it to class.

Kindle Fire Basics Intermediate

This six week intermediate workshop extends your capability in using your Kindle Fire including browsing the web, checking email, watching videos, playing games, downloading apps, reading books,newspapers & magazines, taking photos, etc. Come share the fun, and discover all the special features that Amazon's premiere tablet brings to your technological world.
You must own or borrow a kindle fire and bring it to class.

Kindle Fire Fundamentals

This six week workshop will help you use your Kindle Fire more effectively. We'll familiarize you with its main features and help you download the apps that you need. Specific topics include browsing the web, checking email, watching videos, playing music and games, reading books, using the camera, etc. Come share the fun, and discover all that Amazon's premiere tablet brings to your technological world!
You must own or borrow a kindle fire and bring it with the cables to class AND Registration.

Android Tablet Basics

This six week workshop will cover the basics of using your Tablet including email, browsing the web, watching videos, playing games, choosing apps, reading books, taking photos & videos, etc. If you own an Android Tablet such as Samsung, Nexus, etc. or have a Kindle Fire, come share the fun, and discover all the special features of your tablet.
You must bring an an android tablet, the charger and cables to class AND to Registration.
Please note that this class does NOT cover the Apple iPad.

Android Tablet & Phone Basics

In this 6-week course, you will discover what your Android Smartphone and Android Tablet (e.g. Samsung, Nexus, Kindle Fire) are capable of doing! Learn how to use email, browse the internet, take pictures & videos, download popular applications, play music, manage appointments, call & text people on your phone, and use your GPS. Join us in this adventure, and become more confident in using these amazing technological devices!
Please bring your Smartphone or Tablet to Registration with the charger and cables to class AND to Registration.
Please note that this class does NOT cover the Apple iPad or iPhone.

Android Tablet & Phone Basics

In this 3-week course, we will review all the basics of using your smartphone, including phoning, texting, using email, browsing the internet, taking photos, downloading applications, and using the GPS.
Please bring your Smartphone or Tablet with the charger and cables to class AND to Registration.
Please note that this class does NOT cover the Apple iPad or iPhone.

Android Tablet & Phone Applications

This 3 week class will focus on organizing your smartphone, from apps & home screen, to books, music, & photos. You will learn how to transfer photos & docs to your PC, and how to manage storage.
Please bring your Smartphone or Tablet with the charger and cables to class AND to Registration.
Please note that this class does NOT cover the Apple iPad or iPhone.

Essential phone & tablet Applications for Seniors

This 3 week course focuses on using smartphone technology to make your life easier and safer. We will explore Apps that help keep us healthy, independent, safe, and in touch, such as daily reminders & alerts, memory games & exercises, voice dictation and getting emergency help. We will also explore apps related to food, transportation & entertainment. Join us to learn about these apps for your own benefit or for someone in your care.

Organizing phone & tablet Photos

This 3 week course will help you organize your photos using a Photos app. You will learn how to navigate through your photo library, delete photos you don't need, and use the search features & editing tools to make improvements. Photos will then be selected for each new album that you create, making It faster & easier to share.

Cleaning up your Phone

This course will help you free up storage on your device. You will use settings to learn which apps use the most space and delete unused or unwanted apps. In your browser, you will delete history & clear cache. Photos, old mail, downloads, phone log & messages will also be managed & deleted. You will be left with the newly acquired storage that you need!

Android Phone Basics

In this 6-week course, you will discover what your Android Smartphone is capable of doing! Learn how to comfortably phone & text people, use your email, browse the internet, take pictures & videos, download & use popular applications, play music, manage your appointments, use GPS for driving instructions, and more. Join us on this adventure, and become more confident using your android smartphone!
Please note that this class does NOT cover the Apple iPhone.

Beyond Android Basics

Explore beyond the Android Phone Basics by going into greater depth of the subject matter covered in the Android Phone Basics smartphone course. In addition, learn about tricks and shortcuts; maintenance and troubleshooting; customizing and configuring; phone security; and more.
The course instruction book, Android Phones for Dummies 3rd edition, is the same one that is used in the basics course.
You must bring an android phone, the charger and cables to class.

Advanced Tablet and Phone

Explore advanced features of your Apple or Android tablet or phone device. This will be a workshop where attendees will collaborate as a group to address their questions about functions and applications relating to their device. Additionally coverage will include tips and tricks; maintenance and troubleshooting; customizing and configuring; security; and more.
You must bring the device, charger and cables to class. Prerequisites: iPad Basics or Android Basics class.

Use Voice for iPhone

Learn to use Voice Dictation to convert what you say to text, & avoid tedious typing. Voice dictation is good for texts, searches, emails, quick notes, & more. Use Google or Siri Assistants to ask for anything on your smartphone, such as finding info, making calls, sending texts, getting directions, finding music, etc. Simply use your voice to be in command of your phone.

iPhone Texting

Learn the ins & outs of iPhone texting in this 3-week course. Texting is becoming very popular due to its simplicity & delivery in real-time. It's also versatile & can easily be integrated with photos, docs, etc. Learn all the basics of texting & a few cool tricks as well!

Zoom Class - How to fact-check

A Zoom online course where you learn how to fact-check what you are reading and hearing on the internet and elsewhere. Find out where most misinformation is located. Know the difference between fact-checking and bias. The course is two sessions of two hours each. If you have never used Zoom before, you will see how easy it is to join others online in a Zoom meeting.

Zoom Class - Web browser selection & use.

Instruction via Zoom to explore the various web browsers available. Understand what cross platform browsers are about. Discover what cloud storage is and how to use cloud storage safely and effectively. Find out how use the browser settings to make adjustments and expand a browser's use. Get the answers to why browsers are free. Learn the best methods to use in searching the internet. Find out what applications are included in web browsers. Use applications to safeguard your browsing experience. The course is two sessions of two hours each. If you have never used Zoom before, you will see how easy it is to join others online using Zoom.

Zoom Class - Introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT)

A Zoom online course. Learn what is available now and take a look into the future of technology. What IoT devices are available for personal use and see how they can improve the quality of life. Devices that can improve your health and keep records for you. Reflect on how, in the past, you did the work of what technology is now doing for you. A few IoT devices include cameras, video door bells, thermostats, light bulbs, watches, locks, plugs, and may other devices.

One-on-One Training

Private, Individual, One-on-One training is available for any technical topic including Smartphones and Tablets, Email, Internet, Files & folders, Troubleshooting, Online Applications and Forms - at times and dates agreed upon with the appropriate instructor for $10 per session.

For further information, email ComputerLearningCenter@CalendarHouse.org
or visit the Computer Lab at Calendar House.