FREE Computer Workshops

No pre-registration is necessary - first come, first seated

 

Date	Time	Subject
August 20th	10:00 - Noon	What your computer can do for you - Bob Cebulski
October 10th	9:30 - 11:30	So, you want to build a computer? - Ted Kubitz
October 17th	9:30 - 11:30	Christmas letter & mailing list - D'Ann Kubitz
October 24th	9:30 - 11:30	Digital photography - Russ Hatfield
October 31th	9:30 - 11:30	Making Christmas cards - D'Ann Kubitz
November 14th	9:30 - 11:30	Digital scrapbooking Christmas memories - D'Ann Kubitz

For additional information contact:       Russ Hatfield - Coordinator           Phone: (760) 728-0855           Email: farmer222@gmail.com Elise Mack - Course Manager     Phone: (760) 728-1720     Email: elisemack@roadrunner.com

Computer Help, Hints, & Tips

 

Open Lab Free Open Lab to seniors seeking assistance in computer, software, and or hardware problems.  Walk-ins are welcome!   Fridays 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

 

Mouse Practice Anyone?                                 (click below)    Mouse Exercises    Mousing Around

Buying a New Computer?

If you are in the market for a new desktop computer, you'll see a lot of technical jargon in computer ads. There are several essential specifications that you need to consider.

Processor - Dual-core (or duo) gives you twice the processing power of a regular processor and is worth the extra price.

 Memory - 1 GB of RAM should be sufficient for most uses; 2 GB or more if you use intensive graphics programs or games.

 Hard drive storage - Get a minimum of 100 GB; more if you save lots of digital photos or music. Optical drive: A CD-RW/ DVD Combo drive lets you view and save to a CD and view DVDs. A DVD +/-RW drive does that and also lets you copy DVDs.

 Monitor - Consider a 17" or 19" widescreen flat panel monitor for clear viewing that takes up a narrow (front-to-back) space. "All-in-one" models build the computer into the monitor casing to take even less space.

Operating system - If you are used to a Macintosh computer, or have friends or family with Macs, you may want to purchase that brand, which is regaining popularity. The market is still dominated by Windows-based computers so that may be the operating system of your choice. Most new computers now come with Windows Vista. Your version choices as a home user are between Vista Basic or Premium. Premium has features such as Media Center to watch and copy DVDs, make custom photo slide shows and auto configure wireless connections. If you use many specialized hobby or other software programs, find out if they will work with Vista . If not, find a vendor who will install Windows XP instead of Vista .