Introductory Computer Classes for Adults

Classes Offered in the Tech Center

Free introductory computer classes are offered to St. Charles Public Library patrons to introduce brief overviews and orientation to commonly used software and Internet technology. More advanced instruction is available through other local sources including community colleges.

The Tech Center will close 15 minutes before scheduled class time and re-open 15 minutes after the conclusion of the class.

Computer classes are taught using Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010.

Computer Classes Care & Feeding of Your Computer Digital Camera Basics Digital Camera Photo Editing Digital Music Downloads 101 eBay Buying & Selling Email Etiquette How to Buy the Right Computer Internet, Intro MS Access 2010, Intro MS Excel 2010 Level 1, Intro MS Excel 2010 Level 2, Intro MS PowerPoint 2010, Intro MS Publisher 2010, Intro MS Word 2010, Intro MS Word 2010 2: Beyond the Basics Social Networking, Intro Windows 7, Intro

Registration Information:

• Classes are open to St. Charles cardholders only.
• Registration opens on the third Sunday of each month for the next month's classes, and closes when the classes are filled.
• Register at the Information Services Desk.
• A $10.00 refundable cash deposit is required at the time of registration at the Adult Information Services Desk. Deposits will be returned after attending the last class.
• Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the start of class. Late cancellations or no-shows will lose their deposit.  Deposits not picked up within 45 days of the class will be forfeited.
• Minimum class size is 6. Maximum class size is 10.  The Library reserves the right to cancel the class for insufficient registration.
• If a class has not met the minimum registration three (3) business days prior to the class, the registrants will be called to notify them of the cancellation.
• Classes begin and end promptly at the scheduled time.  No admittance after class begins.

St. Charles Public Library Classes:

Care & Feeding of Your Computer
Learn to maintain your computer for better performance, reliability, and usability. Keep your computer safe and enjoy your system more. Topics include: program install/un-install considerations, disk and file maintenance, utility program usage, anti-virus and security options, power, heat, and dust considerations, hardware and software upgrade and update options. Class is two 2-hour sessions that must be taken in succession.  Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Windows 7 OR Windows XP

Digital Camera Basics
Learn how to get started in the world of digital cameras. See how they work, as well as various advantages, options, and considerations. Get help choosing a camera and using it. Find out how to transfer, save, basic editing, and organizing photos on your computer. Class is two 2-hour sessions that must be taken in succession. Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Windows 7 OR Windows XP

Digital Camera Photo Editing
Topics include photo editing techniques using available free software. Class is one 2-hour session. Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.  
Prerequisites: Introduction to Windows 7 OR Windows XP

Digital Music Downloads 101
Learn how to:  Find, sample, purchase and download MP3 music from the Internet using Amazon.  Transfer and play your digital music on your home computer and portable MP3 player.  Transfer music from your CD collection to your computer and portable music player.  Learn about inexpensive portable music players.  This class is focused on standard MP3 Players and not intended for Apple iPod users. Class is one 2-hour session. Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.  
Prerequisites: Introduction to Windows 7

eBay Buying & Selling
Learn how to buy and sell on eBay. Topics include: setting up an eBay and Paypal account, finding and bidding on items, selling items, payment options, mailing options, and practical tips. Class is two 2-hour sessions that must be taken in succession.  Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Windows 7 OR Windows XP

Email Etiquette
Ever have email problems? Learn how PoP and Web email works and decide which is better for you. Learn how to use email and attachments correctly. Organize your mail and see how to minimize spam or junk mail. Learn the benefits of group lists. Class is a one 2-hour session. Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.
Prerequisites: This is a beginner’s course but students must already have an email account and Introduction to Windows 7 OR Windows XP.

How to Buy the Right Computer
Learn how to find the right computer for you or your family member! Desktop, Laptop, Tablet, and Netbook considerations are discussed.  Learn what you need to know to make an informed purchase. Find out what all the terms and options mean and what you really need in a computer system to be happy, safe, and productive. Discover how to compare systems and find the best deals. The class is for all levels of computer users, whether it’s your first computer or your next. Class is a one 2-hour session.  Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.

Introduction to MS Access 2010
Learn how to set up a database using Microsoft Access 2010. Learn how to organize and describe information about a collection or topic, for example, a collection of CDs, a customer mailing list, or an inventory of items you want to sell on eBay. Class is two 2-hour sessions that must be taken in succession. Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Windows 7 OR Windows XP AND MS Excel

Introduction MS Excel 2010 Level 1
Learn how to create useful spreadsheets with Microsoft Excel 2010. Save time and effort for home and work calculations of any type. Topics include the most popular features: workbook creation, editing, formulas and functions, formatting, printing and saving. Class is two 2-hour sessions that must be taken in succession. Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Windows 7 OR Windows XP

Introduction MS Excel 2010 Level 2
Learn additional spreadsheet features including: graphing, more functions, cell notes, templates, and protection. Learn to link spreadsheets for added flexibility and power. Class is two 2-hour sessions that must be taken in succession. Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Windows 7 OR Windows XP AND MS Excel 2010, Level 1

Introduction to MS PowerPoint 2010
PowerPoint 2010 is the best selling presentation graphics program in the world. It is used by business people, lecturers, students, exhibitors, and others to easily create effective presentations for many occasions. Class is two 2-hour sessions that must be taken in succession. Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Windows 7 OR Windows XP

Introduction to MS Publisher 2010
Discover how easy it is to use Microsoft Publisher 2010 to create projects for home and work. This class will cover the basics of using the software, formatting text, and adding graphics. The class covers how to make flyers, award certificates, and greeting cards. Class is two 2-hour sessions that must be taken in succession. Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Windows 7 OR Windows XP AND Introduction to MS Word 2010 or CONFIDENT ability to use MS Word 2010.

Introduction to MS Word 2010
Learn about word processing using Microsoft Word 2010. Topics include the most popular features: document creation, editing, formatting, printing, saving, lists, and headers and footers. Create great looking professional letters and envelopes. Class is two 2-hour sessions that must be taken in succession. Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Windows 7 OR Windows XP

MS Word 2010 2: Beyond the Basics
Learn how to use advanced features of Microsoft Word 2010 to save time and improve the formatting of your documents. Topics include tables, clip art, the Auto Correct feature, custom tabs, tables, outlines, and using Mail Merge to create labels. Class is two 2-hour sessions that must be taken in succession. Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Windows 7 OR Windows XP AND Introduction to MS Word 2010.

Introduction to Social Networking
Learn how to get involved in the phenomenon of online social networks. This course will cover Facebook. Topics covered include: “creating and managing your account,” “connecting with friends and family,” “sharing photos and other media,” “Internet etiquette,” and “how to protect your privacy.” Students are expected to come to class with the intention of creating a Facebook account, should they not already have one. Class is two 1 ½-hour sessions that must be taken in succession. Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.
 Prerequisite: Introduction to Windows 7 OR Windows XP. Students MUST have an email account. Digital pictures and Internet experience strongly recommended.  

Introduction to the Internet
This introduction course will cover what the Internet is, Internet addresses, links, basic searching, evaluating websites, security, and choosing an Internet provider. Class is two 1-hour sessions that must be taken in succession. Check the calendar or the class schedule (PDF) for next class.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Windows 7 OR Windows XP 

UPDATED 6/2012