Monday, September 8, 2008

Library Offers Computer Training Classes

Registration is under way for free introductory classes in basic computer and Internet skills, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel being offered by the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St..

Participants need only attend one session for each class since training is completed in one 2-hr. period. Classes are taught by a reference librarian from the Adult Services Department and are open to people of all ages. These hands-on workshops will use computers obtained through grants provided by the Racine Community Foundation, the Colonel L.C. Christensen Charitable and Religious Foundation, and the Friends of the Racine Public Library. Class size is limited to 7 students, so registration is required. Registration may be made by contacting the library at 262-636-9217.

  • Introduction to Basic Computer Skills is offered on Tuesday, Sept. 9 and 23 from 2-4 p.m.; and on Oct. 7 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. These classes are intended for people with little or no previous computer experience. Hands-on instruction introduces people to the Windows operating system and equips them with the basic skills needed to use a computer. The following topics are covered: acquiring mouse skills, care of floppy disks, understanding the desktop and taskbar, using window controls, starting and shutting down the computer, working with menus, understanding and using dialog boxes, opening and closing software applications, sorting and retrieving information and programs in files and folders.

  • Introduction to Microsoft Word is offered on Wednesday Sept. 10, Oct. 1 and 8 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Mouse skills and a familiarity with the Windows operating system are required for this class. Topics covered include: opening files, saving and closing files, toolbars, page set-up, menus, rulers, working with text, fonts, keyboard shortcuts, cutting and pasting, spell-check, working with paragraphs, bulleting, inserting graphics and working with tables.

  • Introduction to Excel Basics is offered on Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Mouse skills and a familiarity with the Windows operating system are required for this class. This class will cover the following spreadsheet topics: navigating workbooks, entering data, copying data, editing worksheets, using formulas and functions, formatting text and numbers, and creating charts.

  • Introductory Internet is offered on Thursday, Sept. 11 and Oct. 9 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and on Tuesday, Sept. 30 from 2-4 p.m. Mouse skills and a familiarity with the Windows operating system are required for this class. In this workshop participants will learn how to use the Explorer browser, how to use search engines to find information, how to use Web-based e-mail.
Contact the library at 262-636-9217 for more information or to register for any of the introductory computer classes.

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