News & Events - Computer Classes

pdf January Computer Class List

pdf February Computer Class List

Mousing Around

Classes are first come, first served (9 seats).   Please be on time

If you are interested in attending one of the sessions below, read the description and make sure you have the experience necessary to take the class.   To attend one of these sessions come to the Information Department on the date and time that the session in being offered. In the event that a class fills up most are repeated every month.  Class schedules are set on the 15th of the preceeding month.  

Questions? Stop in at the Information desk on second floor or call 860-347-2520.

E-Reader Drop in Class

  • Fall in Love with Your eReader on Valentine's Day Fall in love with your eReader" on Tuesday, Valentine's Day, February 14. Join library staff members in the library's Hubbard Room at 10:00 to explore the world of e-readers. Are you thinking of purchasing one of the new, popular eReaders that are on the market? Or, maybe you were given a Nook, or a Kindle or iPad over the holidays and still have questions about it. We will go over some of the different kinds of eReaders and how to use them to download free library books. There will be stations set up around the room for specific devices. Bring your eReader and your questions with you. Tip sheets will be available, as well as handouts on what to look for when purchasing an eReader.

Introduction to Computers

  • Thursday, February 16, 2012, 6 - 8 PM

Introduction to the Internet

  • Thursday, February 9, 2012, 9:30-11:30 AM

Advanced Internet Training

  • Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 9:30-11:30 AM

Microsoft Word Basics

  • Wednesday, February 22 2012, 9:30-11:30 AM

Microsoft Word Beyond the Basics

  • To Be Announced

Preparing a Resume for On-line Applications

  • Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 6 - 8 PM

Resumes from Scratch

  • To Be Announced

Resume Tailoring

  • Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 6 - 8 PM

Microsoft Excel Basics

  • Tuesday,February 7, 2012, 9:30-11:30 AM

Using Excel to Manage Your Job Search

  • Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 9:30-11:30 AM
  • Monday February 13, 2012, 6 - 8 PM

Introduction to the Foundation Directory Online

  • Monday, February 27, 2012, 6 - 8 PM

Introduction to PowerPoint

  • To Be Announced

Introduction to Foundation Grants to Individuals Online

  • To Be Announced

LinkedIn for Job Seekers

  • Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 6 - 8 PM

Facebook for Beginners

  • To Be Announced

Email

Mandatory Sequence for New Users:

  1. Mastering the Mouse and Keyboard
    MouseMousercizing Practice your mousing skills with the following Mousercise Tutorial.
    MouseSpanish version of Moucercizing tutorial, Mousercicio
  2. Introduction to Computers
  3. Microsoft Word Basics
  4. Introduction to the Internet

Introduction to Computer

This hands-on class is for the beginner who has little or no experience using a computer. It will introduce you to the basics of computer terminology and the popular word processing program Microsoft WORD. There are no prerequisites for this class.   Back to Top↑

Introduction to the Internet

Learn how to search the Internet more effectively in this hands-on introductory class. Basic search techniques and tools will be demonstrated. For those with little or no computer experience we recommend taking the "Introduction to Computers" class before taking this class. Back to Top↑

Advanced Internet Training

This user directed class will delve more deeply into search engine optimization, social networks , blogging, Google Hacks, browser optimization and library databases.  Bring your own laptop or flash drive to maximize the full potential of the class. Back to Top↑

Microsoft Word Basics

This class is designed for those new to word processing. Learn how to create, format, save/open and cut/copy and paste documents. Basic keyboard knowledge is desirable. Prior use of mouse is required.  Back to Top↑

Microsoft Word Beyond the Basics

This class will reinforce and expand on your basic Word skills. It will include; page set-up, margins, using the clipboard, tabs, and formatting. This class is intended for those who want to sharpen and develop their basic Word skills. Knowledge of the basic tools of Microsoft Word is required, OR completion of Microsoft Word Basics. Back to Top↑

Preparing a Resume for On-line Applications

You should understand how to use the Web and Microsoft Word. Using a sample resume, patrons will learn how to format a “paper” resume and prepare an electronic version to post on the Web.  The workshop will also explore job sites, such as Career Builder and Monster. Back to Top↑

Resumes from Scratch

In this hands-on class, we will use a free online resume builder to create an editable Word document.  You wil leave with a formatted resume documenting your objective, work experience, skills and educational background.  Attendees should have a basic understanding of computers, the Web and Microsoft Word.  For best results, bring a list of previous employers and dates fo employment. Back to Top↑

Resume Tailoring

In today’s competitive job market, a generic resume gets lost in the shuffle. Learn how to customize your resume and stand out among a crowd of applicants in this hands-on class. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word required. Back to Top↑

Microsoft Excel Basics

This class will move beyond the basics to explore advanced techniques including: creating pivot tables and using formulas and functions. For the job seeker, we will learn to use Excel to organize, track and manage resumes and cover letters. Before taking this class, it is recommended that patrons take Russell Library’s Excel Basics and Beyond the Basics classes.Back to Top↑

Microsoft Excel Beyond the Basics

Before taking Microsoft Excel Beyond the Basics, you should have a general understanding of Microsoft Windows and Excel spreadsheet and tools, as well as comfort navigating cells and entering numeric and alphabetic information. Taking Russell Library’s Excel Basics is highly recommended.  Microsoft Excel Beyond the Basics will teach managing Excel workbooks, using functions, simple sorting and filtering of names and numbers, and other worksheet operations.  Back to Top↑

Using Excel to manage your job search.  (Formerly Advanced Excel)

A continuation of our Excel Basic class, this  class  will include creating a spreadsheet  to help students  manage their job search. Using the spreadsheet, students will learn how to organize, track and manage their resumes and job search progress.  Some additional topics will also be explored including:  pivot tables, formulas & functions and charting.
Before taking this class, patrons need to take Russell Library’s Excel Basic class. Back to Top↑

Introduction to PowerPoint Basics

Before taking this class, you should have a good understanding of Microsoft Windows or have taken Introduction to Computers and Word Basics. You will learn how to create, modify and run a PowerPoint presentation.  Back to Top↑

Microsoft Publisher Basics

Microsoft Publisher helps you create, personalize, and share a wide range of print (think holiday cards) and marketing materials yourself. Publisher differs from Microsoft Word in that the emphasis is placed on page layout and design.  Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to use Publisher's windows, menus, and toolbars; create, open, save, and close publications and begin looking at layouts and guides.  Back to Top↑

Microsoft Publisher: Beyond the Basics

This is a class for those with some experience in Microsoft Publisher, a program that can create brochures, newsletters and web pages. After a short review of some of the basics in Publisher, this session will focus on how to create a sharp looking newsletter.  Back to Top↑

Reference USA for Small Business and Job Seekers

Reference USA is more than just the most complete online business directory available.  With this class, job seekers will learn how to utilize some of its advanced features to build lists of potential employers that may have been overlooked.  Small businesses can utilize this database to get overviews of the industry they are in, locate potential competitors, and even use it as a tool to help determine a location to start a business.  Back to Top↑

Facebook for Beginners

You've heard of Facebook, but what is it and how do you get started?  With over 550 million users, Facebook is the most popular social networking site around.  In this class you will learn how to set up an account, get in touch with friends, and adjust your privacy settings.  You must have basic internet skills and an email address that can be accessed at the library.  If you would like to upload photos, bring them on a flash drive or CD. Back to Top↑

LinkedIn for Job Seekers

LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking site, useful for job seekers. Before taking this class, you should know how to use a computer, be comfortable with the Web and have an email address. During this class, you wil create a LinkedIn account (It's free!), learn the LinkedIn setup, set up your account settings and learn the basics about groups. Back to Top↑

Linked In Part II

Build on your basic knowledge of Linked In, with further information on using this source for job seeking and networking. Attendees should have used Linked In previously, not for beginners. Back to Top↑

Introduction to the Foundation Directory Online

Learn how to get results for the Foundation Directory Online and review several other grants sources offered at the Russell Library, including one for individual grant seekers. In FD Online we will review the Power Search mode as well as other ways to navigate for the best results. Attendees will also get a look at several other potential funding sources. There will be time for participants to search for their grant sources, bring a flash drive to save your results. (In order to participate effectively, keyboard, mouse and basic Internet searching skills are required). The Russell Library is a designated Cooperating Collection for the Foundation Center in NYC. Back to Top↑

Introduction to Foundation Grants to Individuals Online

Learn how to get results from the Foundation Grants to Individuals Online and review several other grants sources offered at the Russell Library, including one for individual grant seekers. Attendees will also get a look at several other potential funding sources. There will be time for participants to search for their grant sources, bring a flash drive to save your results. (In order to participate effectively, keyboard, mouse and basic Internet searching skills are required). The Russell Library is a designated Cooperating Collection for the Foundation Center in NYC. Back to Top↑

Email

Learn the basics of email and set up your own email account at a free website.  Mouse and keyboarding skills are a prerequisite. Stop by the computer desk for help, call (860) 347-2520 X128 or reserve time in person at the Information Department. For those new to the Internet, the Basic Internet class is recommended prior to the email session.  Back to Top↑

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