Course Descriptions

Introduction to Computers: Word and Excel

"What's the difference between Microsoft Word and Microsoft Windows?" "How much do I need to erase off my hard disk so I have more memory?" If you don't know the difference between an application and an operating system, or that erasing files off the hard disk has nothing to do with memory, then you should take this course. After learning Windows basics, students work with word processing (Word) and spreadsheets (Excel), including operations such as "cut and paste." Click here to return to top.

Windows

If you don't know the difference between a "file" and a "folder," or between a "button" and an "icon," then take this class. Learn how to use programs efficiently (multi-tasking and paste-links), and find your work when you lose it (file management). Recycle files or recover the system, switch between applications while conserving memory, turn icons into shortcuts, create folders, and customize your settings. (Half-day) Click here to return to top.

Word, Levels 1and 2

Word Level 1 (Intermediate). Learn how to use the ruler and change margins and page numbers with "sections." Learn quick shortcuts such as autocorrect and autotext. Why are "paragraphs" so important"? When should you use columns, tabs, or tables? How do you work with multiple documents? What are the tricks to envelopes and labels? (Note: This is not a basic-level course; people who are new to word processing on a computer should take "Introduction for new users" above.) Click here to return to top.

Word Level 2 (Advanced). Reviews some of the more advanced key features, such as tabs (left, right, decimal align), tables (including sort and sum), margins and columns (sections), autotext, and autocorrect. Emphasis on creating and using templates, styles, and macros. Also covers mail merge, paste links, forms, and objects (as time permits). Click here to return to top.

Excel, Levels 1 and 2

Excel Level 1 (Basic to Intermediate). Basic spreadsheet operations (simple math, sum, average, other functions, percent distributions). covers working with multiple tables and basic data sorting. Chart wizard is introduced (as time permits). Students learn how to format a table for impressive printouts, including fonts, lines, borders, shades, headers and footers, and sizing to fit. Finally students learn how to link tables to other tables for automatic updates. Click here to return to top.

Excel Level 2 (Intermediate to Advanced). Assumes you know everything mentioned above. Focuses on more advanced math ("if" statements; count, counta, countif; math with date/time; calculating interest; standard deviations). Includes links across multiple tables and to other files and programs. Graphing is covered in detail. Finally database functions such as multiple sort, forms, and subtotals are used. Class concludes with tools such as validate (drop-down menus), scenarios (storing multiple numbers within one cell), and pivot tables / pivot charts. Click here to return to top.

PowerPoint, Levels 1 and 2

PowerPoint Level 1 (Basic). "Presentation software" used to create slide shows and on-screen computer shows, and to print overheads, transparencies, or graphs. Easy-to-use graphing capabilities make creating bar, pie, and line graphs a breeze. Comes with extensive clipart library that can be edited. Learn 3-d settings, autoshapes, grouping, grids, and more. Click here to return to top.

PowerPoint Level 2 (Advanced). If you know the basics but want the bells-and-whistles, learn how to create speaker notes, sort slides, create animated transitions that play sound, export to other formats, use Pack-and-Go, create your own templates, design masters, and create comments and "meeting minder." Emphasis is on masters, color schemes, custom design templates, and other shortcuts for efficiency. Click here to return to top.

Access, Levels 1 and 2

Access Level 1 (2 days). Relational database management that allows you to access information based on your structure. Class begins with an overview of database concepts and the construction of tables. Then you will learn how to field properties, analyze data using find, sort, and query (using action, parameter, calculated field, and other types), and then construct forms for data entry and reports for printing. Click here to return to top.

Access Level 2 (1 day). Reviews links and relations. Works with custom forms, look-up tables, advanced reports. Introduces macros and command buttons. Class requires you to be thoroughly familiar with designing tables (including input masks, validations, required values, indexing), basic queries, calculated fields, basic forms, and fundamentals of report design. Click here to return to top.

Macromedia Dreamweaver, Levels 1 and 2

The best program for web design. Learn how to use tables and layers, insert graphics, FTP files to your web site, all in the intro course. In the advanced course, you will learn how to create timelines and behaviors, roll-overs, forms, frames, scripts, and much more. Click here to return to top.

Adobe Photoshop

Learn how to edit scanned photographs and add special effects, correct colors, and create your own drawings. Professional-quality features for image editing and printing, including color separations, duotones, special effects (such as lighting pointillism, blurs and sharpens), and pixel editing. Course focuses on importance of layers, masks, paths, and adjustments. Click here to return to top.

Adobe InDesign

Desktop publishing of newsletters, posters, three-fold leaflets. Hands-on instruction with emphasis on layout and design, including control palettes and style sheets. Replaces Adobe PageMaker. Click here to return to top.

Adobe Illustrator

Introduction to Illustrator. Learn how to use layers, create and edit paths, blend colors. Be creative with the pencil tool and draw smooth magnetic curves. Then import or export graphics to other programs. Click here to return to top.

Introduction to the Internet

Discover the Internet with hands-on experience with newsgroups, gophers, ftps, and the worldwide web. Learn how to browse efficiently and maneuver through the web without wasting time. Focus is on performing efficient searches, including web directories (Yahoo) and search engines (Alta Vista and Excite). (half-day class, 9:30-12:30) Click here to return to top.

Microsoft Outlook

Outlook is Microsoft's solution for integrated e-mail, calendars, and address book. Class also covers tasks and journals. Also teaches how to set up your own Outlook folders, work with multiple calendars, customize your address book, set recurring appointments and reminders, and leave yourself notes! Click here to return to top.

Roving Help Desk

"Roving Help Desk" is a special service we offer to clients who don't need a class, but would like one-on-one, on-site support. You raise the questions, we provide the answers, spending time with each staff person as needed. Topics can be arranged in advanced, and we will work with you to estimate the amount of time needed to deal with each issue. Very efficient way to boost productivity! Click here to return to top.