Class Synopses

PC and MAC Class Synopses

Basic Web Publishing (for both PC and MAC users) (Click here for course description) and (Click here for course prerequisites)

Enjoy iTunes (for both PC and MAC users) (Prerequisites: Basic computer and Internet experience)

Objective: Familiarization with Apple’s iTunes application in a one two-hour session. Install iTunes on your computer; Find iTunes’ “stuff” that you enjoy; Feed iTunes with your own “stuff”; Shop iTunes Store; Organize your “stuff”; Rip from iTunes’ “stuff” and write on external media (CD/DVD, etc.); Q & A.

Google Search Features (for both PC and MAC users) (Prerequisites: A home computer; Ideally, to have taken the 3-session “Search Techniques & tips” course; An Internet course; and Some experience with Internet browsing)

This one-session course is for those who would, possibly, like to know more about this powerful search engine. The objective of this course is to suggest ways to maximize your search methodology, thus obtaining better search results, in less time, effort and… frustration. Topics: Google text searches & check the search results; How Google googles; Create your preferences for googling; Install a Google toolbar for speed; Specialized searches

PhotoShop Elements 100 (for both PC and MAC users) (Prerequisite: Downloading Photos from Your Camera to Your Computer)
This class is for beginners who want to learn the basics of Photoshop Elements. We will cover the tools of Photoshop and basic image enhancements, including cropping, cloning, lighting adjustments, color adjustments, and sharpening. It is recommended that you have a version of Photoshop at home so that you can practice what you learn in class.

PhotoShop Elements 101 (for both PC and MAC users)
This course presumes that the student has taken and understood the principles covered in Photoshop Elements 100 or has equivalent knowledge such as familiarity with the workspace, cropping, and basic editing techniques for lighting and color. The 101 course itself will cover lighting and color in more depth, especially as they apply to restoring old photographs. It will also cover selection tools, creation of panoramas and will cover the basics of layers. We strongly recommend that attendees have access to a computer with Photoshop Elements installed and that they spend several hours each week working at home on the lessons taught in class.

Photoshop Elements 102 (for both PC and MAC users)
This is a course for people who have more than a beginner's knowledge of the Windows or Mac operating systems. It requires extensive use of the mouse, knowledge of menus, their windows and how to processing them. The course covers basic photo editing skills with an emphasis on the tools and their functions; enhancement; adding text; creating panoramas and collages: and restoration . It covers the use of layers, including adjustment layers, filters, advanced techniques in selection, color correction and enhancement, converting to black and white and more. We strongly recommend that attendees have access to a computer with Photoshop Elements 3 or later installed and that they spend several hours each week working at home on the lessons taught in class.

Search Techniques & Tips (for both PC and MAC users) (Prerequisites: A home computer and a recent internet course and experience using the Web)

Topics: Guide to the internet (subject directories, gateways & portals); evaluating internet; resources; search strategy, search engines (how to choose); search shortcuts and optimization; field searching; Boolean logic searching.

Surfing the Internet (for both PC and MAC users)

Investigate several browsers and dozens of search engines; auction, government and company websites; find the lowest price on digital items (cameras, camcorders, etc), investigate howstuffworks.com; find anybody, anything, anywhere and learn how to immediately get back to any site.

Tips on Buying on EBay (for both PC and MAC users)

A workshop for those who would like to buy or bid on items listed on EBay. Setting up your account, searching for your favorite items and paying for the items through PayPal will be covered. Note: Selling will not be included!

PC Class Synopses

Advanced Word Techniques (Prerequisites: Managing File in Windows; Word 100, Word 101 or an advanced knowledge of Word)
Solving problems in advanced techniques in a workshop setting. Sessions will cover manipulating and managing clip art; creating fill-in forms, creating a table of contents and indexes, footnotes and endnotes.

Basic Digital Camera Class (Limited to 15 students)
This class is designed for the novice digital camera user. We will discuss some basic photography functions such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. We will discuss the importance of proper light for a good image. We will then explore features of various cameras and finally we will discuss a simple workflow for getting your images from the camera to the computer, and then get them printed. This class will not get into email, slides shows, or publishing.
Class is limited to individuals who are current owners of digital cameras. Requirements are that you must bring your digital camera and instruction booklet to class.

Basic Skills in Windows (For Windows 95 through ME users)
Desktop setup, use of the mouse and clipboard, general maintenance of the computer

Beginning PC (VCS Club Membership not required for attendance)
Session 1: PC pieces/parts definition, PC usage and purchasing guidelines and common beginning mistakes
Session 2: PC desktop and windows definitions, word processing basics, and tailoring the desktop
Session 3: Document and file management
Session 4: Personal computer maintenance tasks

Converting LP Records an Cassette Tapes from Analog Format to Digital
Once in digital format, music can be played on the computer, copied (burned) to CD and changed to various formats such as MP3, WMA, WAV and others. Multiple software programs will be discussed but Roxio will be used for the conversions. The software will be used to eliminate tape hiss, record scratches and pops and background noise. The student should have a personal Flash or Jump drive for transporting files between the classroom and home.

Downloading Photos From Your Camera to Your Computer

This class is for PC users only and is a prerequisite for Photoshop Elements 100.

Editing Photos in Camera RAW Format
Editing Photos in Camera RAW format of Photoshop elements 6 is a two hour workshop designed for owners of digital SLR cameras capable of shooting RAW format. Most point and shoot cameras do not have this capability. Attendees must have a camera capable of shooting RAW, a computer, (Mac or PC), with Photoshop elements 6 installed. It is a moderately advanced class for individuals who are familiar with and use Photoshop Elements 6 for editing and improving photos. They should be familiar enough with their cameras to access the RAW mode. If they do not meet these requirements they should not take this class.
It is designed for those individuals who desire the very best photos for personal or professional use, or just for the pleasure of having the best image possible hanging on their walls at home.

Graphics in Word (Prerequisites: Word 100)
Inserting, formatting, and editing graphics. Creation of watermarks, envelopes and labels using graphics.

Inside Your Computer
A hands-on look at the hardware inside a computer. The class is limited to eight participants working in teams of two. Each team will work with a motherboard and will learn its major components. The teams will install memory and other circuit boards such as display adapters, modems, etc., and will learn how to install various kinds of disk drives including cables and power supplies.

Internet Basics (Prerequisites: Windows, Managing Files in Windows or equivalent)
Email, address book, attachments, browsing the web, favorites, search engines, downloading

Introduction to Vista Operating System (Prerequisites: Beginning PC or a working knowledge of Windows 95, 98, ME or XP)
Session 1: How is Vista Different, What are the specifications and versions; Welcome Center; Vista Desktop; Start Menu.
Session 2: Windows Explorer and Windows
Session 3: The Taskbar; Interior Decorating Vista.
Session 4: Getting Help; When Programs Die - The Task Manager; The Sidebar; Installing Software.

Keyboarding (Typing) (For beginners or for those who would like to brush up on typing skills) Proper technique, hand position, hands-on practice

Mail Merge in Word (Prerequisites: Word 100 plus one other Word class or comparable knowledge)
Using mail merge and database lists, the following can be created:
A set of labels or envelopes - The return address is the same but the destination address is unique on each label or envelope;
A set of form letters, email messages or faxes - The content is the same in each document but each contains info that is specific to the recipient
A set of numbered coupons - The coupons are identical except that each contains a unique number. File conversions for use as database lists will be addressed.

Managing Files in Windows 98, ME or XP Computer structure and file organization. Creation of folders and their location.

Music: Convert LP Records and Cassette Tapes from Analog Format to Digital - (This is a Show and Tell Class (Demo Only))
Convert LP Records and Cassette Tapes from Analog Format to Digital. Once in Digital Format, music can be played on the computer, copied (burned) to CD and changed to various formats such as MP3, WMA, WAV and others. Multiple software programs will be discussed but Roxio will be used for the conversions. We will use the software to eliminate tape hiss, record scratches and pops and background noise. The student should have a personal Flash or Jump drive for transporting files between the classroom and home.

Photo 1 - Scanners, digital cameras, file organization

Photo 2 - Basic photo editing using Polyview, preview of PhotoSuite and PhotoShop Elements

PhotoShop Elements Complete
This is an in-depth 8 session course, taught in 4 week segments, on the use of the various tools, commands and functions of the Elements Editor program. The student will learn each tool's function and how to use these tools in combination with each other to enrich their photographs. An example of a typical class project can be viewed by either pasting the address into your browser or clicking on it.
http://tutorials.the-adams-group.com/dd.html

Pictures. (Prerequisite: Windows, Managing Files in Windows or equivalent)
This series of classes will give the student a basic background of pictures as they relate to computers. Wherever possible, Microsoft software is used. In other cases, free or inexpensive software is used. Click here for complete course description.

Power Point Workshop (Prerequisite: None)
A workshop for those who want to use Microsoft PowerPoint for club or class presentations. Some of the items included will be tips for creating Master slides, using animations and transitions, using and finding seasonally appropriate graphics, and creating templates for monthly presentations.

ProShow Gold (Prerequisites: File navigational skills, ability to create files and folders at specific locations. Have a PC using the Windows XP or Vista operating system and a DVD with read/write capabilities.)
Creation of photo slide show. Click here for complete course description.

Publisher - Booklet Q&A Workshop (Prerequisites: Word 100, Word 101 or equivalent experience)
This is not a lecture class but a question and answer workshop on how to publish a club membership booklet. Will include setting up a master page, inserting text boxes and graphics, inserting page numbers, and inserting and linking text pages.

Scanner Basics (Prerequisites: Windows, Managing Files in Windows, or equivalent)
General Information, copying, scanning photos, OCR, email attachments; intro to photo editing.

Solving Your Problems in Word/Excel in Office 2007 (Prerequisite: Some working knowledge of Word)
This class is specific to Office 2007. All participants will be polled to see what they would like to learn or review. The class will be based on those queries. More information will be interspersed as the need and interest dictates. The class can last 1 to 4 weeks according to need.This is not a BASIC CLASS, but will review the most basic functions lightly if needed.

Spreadsheet Review (Prerequisite: Managing Files in Windows)
Addresses worksheet problems in Excel, MS Works, or similar program. Bring problem file or worksheet on a CD or 3 1/2 floppy or be prepared to describe the problem. Simple arithmetic, complex functions, file formatting and tables will be covered as requested. A comprehensive Excel course can be burned to a CD provided by attendee.

Using the Keyboard Instead of the Mouse
Description of keys and keypads on the PC keyboard, use of special keys not found on a typewriter; keyboard vs. the mouse use, simple text document creation, copy/paste from one program to another; hierarchy of files and program versions.

Using Turbo Tax to Do Your Own Taxes
This two session class is designed to assist those who would like to do their own taxes using Turbo Tax. There will be specific details on how to use Turbo Tax followed by actual preparation of a few sample cases of increasing complexity. Individual tax preparation will not be a part of this class, though tools needed to do your taxes will be discussed and practiced at length.

Windows XP Basic
Basics of protecting your computer; maintaining your computer; uninstalling programs; getting help and getting help and making adjustments to your system and display to create the appearance you wish: tips and tricks to make your computer experience more enjoyable & to give you confidence to try new things; training will be "hands on" with numerous handouts to minimize taking notes.

Windows XP Intermediate (Click here to see course description & prerequisites)

Windows XP Tips and Tricks (Click here to see course description & prerequisites)

Word 100 - Basic (Prerequisite: Managing Files in Windows)
Creating folders, opening, saving, and printing documents, cut, copy, paste, and highlight text, tabs; formatting: margins, fonts, text alignment.

Word 101- Intermediate I (Prerequisite: Word 100)
Inserting graphics and pictures, inserting watermarks, formatting tabs, inserting symbols and dropped caps; Using find and replace functions, solving autocorrect problems, discovering Word's dictionary; creating and saving letterhead templates, personal labels and envelopes.

Word 102 - Intermediate II (Prerequisites: Word 100, 101)
Split screens, multiple screens, envelopes and labels, inserts, hyperlinks, symbols, tables, columns; headers and footers, draw and wordart.

Word 103 - Advanced (Prerequisites: Word 100, 101, 102 or experienced user)
Headers and footers, footnotes, clipart, watermarks, table of contents, indexes, numbering pages; lists with numbered fields.

Word Refresher
Word classes (all levels) review. The class will be geared to students' needs based on results of a questionnaire.

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MAC Class Synopses

MAC classes require the following prerequisites:

Students must understand and be able to apply the fundamentals of using a computer EXCEPT for those registering for the MAC Basic class. Students must have either the OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or OSX 10.5 (Leopard) Operating System installed on their personal Macintosh Computer.

MAC Appleworks (Emphasis on Word Processing program)

Page layout; selection of font type, size, style and color; checking spelling and word count; creating tables, importing photos, printing, saving and emailing as Microsoft Word documents.

MAC 101 (Prerequisites: A home Mac (desktop or laptop) with Leopard OSX 10.5 and internet and email access)

Getting to know your Mac; basic customization, meeting your Mac's applications, keeping your Mac safe; searching and finding; emailing and surfing; solving problems

MAC Basic Maintenance (Prerequisites: A MAC computer with the Tiger (10.4) or Leopard (10.5) Operating System)

Four two-hour sessions with hands on instruction. 14 handouts. Emphasis on the Operating Systems and procedures--Changing Permissions; Repairing the Preference Files; Proper settings for the Firewall; Using the Disk Utility and keeping the system lean and clean with clearing out Cookies, Empting the three trash cans, Empting the several Cache deposits, Getting rid of web and mail downloads, Controlling start up items and log in items, and troubleshooting problems, including where to go for help. Particular applications will not be covered, except as they are used to demonstrate other procedures.

MAC’s Best and Most Useful Applications

The objective of this class is to provide new Mac users with an in-depth look at several of the most useful applications that come loaded on every Macintosh computer. The class begins with the students checking off their preferences from a list of several of the Mac Applications to determine which subjects will be covered during the 4 course sessions. Candidate applications include the following, of which 4 to 6 will be covered in detail: Mail, Address Book, iCal, iPhoto 08, Photo booth, Image Capture, iTunes 08, Dashboard, Spotlight, Utilities, Grab, Safari and Time Machine.

MAC Housekeeping (Prerequisite: Experienced MAC user should be familiar with the use of maintenance tools; starting up from an application disk; burning a CD and hard disk drive organization using OS-X.) Focus on use of various types of back-up media, weekly and periodic back-up of data and application files; and weekly and periodic maintenance.

MAC iPhoto (Importing, organizing and editing photos from digital cameras, scanners, photo discs)

Creating and erasing albums, enhancing photos, exporting photos into Photo Elements; printing photos, emailing photos, creating a slide show, converting color photos to black and white or sepia.

MAC Photoshop Elements 2

Enhancement of digital photographs from digital camera or scanner; topics include color, tone, contrast improvement, red eye removal, panoramas, collages, special effects.

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