BEGINNERS COMPUTER COURSE

A short course is being offered to help newcomers to computing to learn the very basics of using a computer.  It will cover topics which include starting and shutting down the computer, working with windows, using programs already on the computer, adding new programs, printing, saving your files (including files from digital cameras) and Internet surfing and e-mail.

Participants need have no prior experience of using a computer but should have the intention of buying their own equipment during or shortly after joining the course.  U3A laptop computers will be used for the course, one person to a machine.  These computers run Microsoft Windows Vista.  If you intend to buy an Apple Macintosh type computer this course will not be suitable for you.

This course consists of 4, weekly, sessions of two hours each, held at Brian Cooper's house in Louth.  For more details or to get your name added to the list of interested members please contact Brian Cooper

Brian Cooper is offering to run short computer courses on the subjects listed below.  These courses will be aimed at people who are already using their computers mainly unaided and are currently running any version of Windows. 

Details from
Brian Cooper

Details from
Brian Cooper

The courses will be run using the Louth U3A laptops which currently run the Windows Vista Operating System.  Everything in the syllabus works for all other Windows systems although some controls and menus will be different.

MANAGING YOUR COMPUTER.
Understanding the filing structure;
Organising files – keeping track of your pictures;
Working with memory sticks and other drives;
Managing back-ups;
Making new folders and re-naming files;
Working with several windows open;
Copying between applications;
Problem solving – print problems, lock-ups;
Downloading from the web.

Details from
Brian Cooper

Details from
Brian Cooper

This course consists of 3, weekly, sessions of two hours each.   Participants will be expected to review the files and folders on their own machines between weeks one and two.  A copy of the book "Windows Vista For Dummies" will be loaned to each participant for the duration of the course (a two week loan).

WORD PROCESSING TO GET MORE OUT OF "WORD"
Document structure – not just using Word as an electric tripewriter;
Using portrait and landscape in the same document;
Using tables;
Adding pictures, symbols, equations and special characters to the text;
The Office Clipboard;
Finding and Replacing;
Simple Macros;
Labels and mail merging;
Using Word and Excel together

Details from
Brian Cooper

Details from
Brian Cooper

This course consists of 3 or 4, weekly, sessions of two hours each.  This is not a typing course although participants will be expected to type reasonably proficiently with two fingers.  Exercises will be performed on files provided so only minimal typing is involved.  Participants will be expected to spend say 2 hours between sessions working on their own computers on files that have been prepared as exercises for them.

USING EXCEL FOR SPREADSHEETS, FORMS, CHARTS & OTHER THINGS
Using formulae;
Formatting cells, text, numbers, vertical text;
Creating a form (an order form or a timesheet);
Making your spreadsheet more presentable;
Using a spreadsheet as a database;
Drawing graphs from data.

Details from
Brian Cooper

Details from
Brian Cooper

AWARDS for ALL
GRANT

This course consists of 3 or 4, weekly, sessions of two hours each.   Participants will be expected to spend say 2 hours between sessions working on their own computers on tasks or files that have been prepared for them as exercises.  You will not need to be a genius at mathematics – just have an understanding of what a formula is!

We are pleased to announce that LouthU3A has received a grant from Awards For All to purchase 8 laptop computers, a colour printer and a wireless router to make an internet connection to all the items.  All the computers are equipped with Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop Elements software so they are quite versatile and capable devices.

The application for the grant was originated by the Digital Photography Group so that they could digitally process the pictures they were taking on their digital cameras.  The Committee saw the potential of the equipment to be used for other U3A activities also so were willing to support the application in the name of the Louth U3A.

The equipment is already being used by the Digital Photography Group and further uses are seen to be short courses for beginners to computing and for those members who already have a computer but want to add to their skills and get more out of it.