2010 Fall Library Computer Classes

It took Clancy (pictured) a while to feel comfortable using a laptop. He had been accustomed to using the bigger keyboard on his desktop computer.

Classes take place in the Large or Small Meeting Room, are free, and last one hour (except where noted). Class size is limited; registration is required. To register or find out more, call the Reference Dept. at 721-7171 x20.

You can also register online by clicking on our "Calendar of Events" for the date of the class. Below the description of the class on the calendar is the button "Register."

Navigating Google – Thursday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. Google has a well-deserved reputation as the top choice for those searching the web. We will show you the basic ways to access information using Google. Handouts and sample searches will be presented. Some of Google’s special features such as finding images and doing local searches will also be demonstrated.

Travel on a Budget – Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. Planning a vacation on a budget? We can help! Learn how to find the best information about travel bargains, “off the beaten path” destinations, hotel and resort ratings, and more, both on the internet and in print.

E-mail Beyond the Basics – Wednesday, Sept. 22 at noon Learn how to manage your email by setting up folders and how to create address books and send group messages.

“Help - The Paper's Due Tomorrow!” – Wed., Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. Postponed until Tuesday, October 5.

“Help - The Paper's Due Tomorrow!” – Tues., Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Postponed until Tuesday, October 5. An introduction to online resources for parents and teens. Find reliable, teacher-approved information for your papers, even when we're closed! Access reference books, journal articles and newspaper stories through the library website with your library card. Learn how to use this wealth of information to make life less stressful and schoolwork more successful.

More About Google – Thursday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. Learn about Google’s many special features — online maps, free software and email, financial resources and more. We’ll also cover tips on making your Google searches more effective.

Using Attachments with E-mail – Wednesday, Oct. 13 at noon. Learn how to send and receive attachments, whether photos, forms, articles or other documents, including the steps to take to keep your information and your computer safe.

Maintaining Your Computer – Thursday, Oct. 14 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Dave Fonseca from Local Hero Tech Support in Winchester will discuss how to keep your computer in tip-top shape. He will describe best practices for both software and hardware maintenance.

Amazing Online Resources…For Free! – Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. Read current and historical newspapers online, find articles and ratings from Consumer Reports, research authors and titles for your book group and much more using our “amazing” online databases from your home computer. Databases (purchased by the library) let you to find reliable answers quickly. 

Buying a New Computer – Thursday, Nov. 4 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. If you have been thinking about getting a new computer or buying one for a holiday gift, this presentation by Dave Fonseca of Local Hero Tech Support in Winchester will help you think through your decision-making. Laptop, desktop or tablet? PC or Mac? 8, 16, or 32GB?...and so on!  

Setting Up a Free E-mail Account – By appointment. For help setting up a free Google Gmail account, call the Reference Department and we’ll contact you to arrange a time.

Computer Classes Offered by Nearby Organizations

A variety of in-depth and hands-on classes are offered by other organizations at the locations listed below. They are often offered on a semester or seasonal basis.

Arlington Community Education
Arlington High School, 869 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA, Tel: 781-316-3568

The Career Place
Trade Center Park, 100 Sylvan Road, Suite G100, Woburn, MA, Tel: 781-932-5500, Toll free: 888-273-WORK, TTY: 781-932-5552

CCTV (Cambridge Community Television)
675 Mass Ave. (in Central Square), Cambridge, MA, Tel: (617) 661-6900
Offers: Some free classes. Classes in Spanish, French/Haitian Creole, Portuguese and classes for Seniors (free and open to all). In addition to classes there are drop-in lab times during which computers may be used for fee.

Charles River Public Internet Center
154 Moody St., Waltham, MA, Tel: (781) 891-9559
Offers: classes, tutorials, computer access and help using computers.

The Jenks Senior Center
109 Skilling Road, Winchester, MA, Tel: 781-721-7136

Lexington Community Education
Lexington Public Schools, 251 Waltham St., Lexington, MA, Tel: (781) 862-8043, website: www.ed2go.com/lexington.
Offers: Beginner classes on iMac computers. Discount rate for students over 65 years of age. Also self-paced online classes for those who have a basic familiarity with computer and Internet use. www.ed2go.com/lexington.

Middlesex Community College / Noncredit courses and career training
33 Kearney Sq., Lowell, MA [also in Bedford], Tel: 1-800-818-3434
Offers: Basic computer courses, keyboarding and more advanced courses.

Woburn Adult Evening School
Woburn High School, 88 Montvale Ave., Woburn, MA, Tel: (781) 937-8222
Offers: Introductory as well as more advanced hands-on classes.

Winchester Recreation Department
263 Main Street, Winchester, MA, Tel: 781-721-7125

The Cambridge Center for Adult Education and The Boston Center for Adult Education and The YMCA of Greater Boston/International Learning Center (617) 536-7800 also offer classes.

"Book a Librarian"

“Book a Librarian” a new service offered by the library’s reference department offers 30 minute sessions with one of our librarians to help you make the most of our library’s resources. Do you need help getting started with research? Would you like to set up a free email account or just learn more about searching the web? Please contact the reference desk in person or by phone (781-721-7171 ext 20) or send an email to winill@minlib.net and put "Book a Librarian" in the subject line to set up an appointment.

Computer Tutorials

Using a mouse. Three excellent introductions from the Palm Beach County Library System. Do them in the order below:

Mousing Around

Mousercise

Practice games

To learn about navigating the Internet / World Wide Web, try Camden County Library's introduction:

Navigating the Web

If you would like to make the text larger as you read through these tutorials, ask a librarian to show you how. Or, follow these steps: hold down the <Ctrl> key and at the same time, hit the <+> key. Additional information about enlarging website pages and text.