Computer Training
News, comments, resources, and more.
Microsoft sure wants to make things complicated for beginners! They've used the number 7 both in their new operating system as well as in the current version of their productivity tools software. Windows 7 and Office 2007 are two very different things.
- Windows 7 is an operating system that makes your computer work. Previous versions of operating systems go by different names: Vista, XP, 2000, NT. It is like having a different model of the same type of vehicle.
- Office 2007 is a set of software that includes programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and perhaps Publisher and Access.
If you are purchasing a brand new computer this winter season, it is likely your computer will come with Windows 7 and perhaps Office 2007. If your computer is new is the past 2-3 years, you might likely have Vista and perhaps Office 2007. If your computer is a tad older than 3 years, your system would likely be XP with Office 2003. These are general guidelines--not cut and dried rules for what is included when you purchase your computer.
The library has numerous books on Vista currently and are in the process of acquiring resources for Windows 7. They will definitely help you get to know your computer better! Or feel free to check out our schedule of computer classes--we'd be glad to see you!
Book
The Complete idiot's guide to Microsoft Windows 7
9781592579549
Don't be worried if you see less classes offered for the fall--we are simply in the mode of preparing for new and exciting things! In the next few months, we will be upgrading our staff computers to Microsoft Office 2007 which means the librarians and staff you rely on to help you with all your information needs at KPL need a little learning time! We look forward to eventually offering such software as Word and Excel in the 2007 version to patrons. The computer classes will change in the future to reflect this as well.
Also, in an ongoing effort to respond to patrons' needs, we adjust the training schedule. So, some months, you might see more of one class offered than another. For example, since we are now in the "back to school" mode, we have a class specifically designed to assist adults with their research needs. When the newness of school is over and projects are in full swing, we will open up more PowerPoint classes so students can create powerful presentations for their classes. In the colder months when going out for picnics, baseball games, and concerts to socialize isn't possible, we hope to offer classes on the world of social networking online (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
What kinds of classes interest you?
Book
Microsoft Office Word 2007 Step-by-Step
0735623023
Did you know that you can avoid or complement using the mouse on your computer by utilizing keyboard shortcuts? These handy little actions are when you combine the pressing of several keys on your keyboard similar to getting a capital letter on your name (Shift + the first letter of your name). Using the control (Ctrl, located on the same row as the space bar to either side) or the alternate (Alt, next to the space bar) keys, you can save time when doing things like printing (Ctrl + P) or selecting all the text in a document (Ctrl + A).
Keyboard shortcuts are for general computer use as well as for specific software use (such as making commands more efficient in Microsoft Word). Internet and email tasks are also included in the list of shortcuts.
This great little book also introduces how to use the keyboard to its maximum potential with or without shortcuts as well! Check it out today!
Book
Keyboard Shortcuts
0072255005
In addition to our many computer classes, the Kalamazoo Public Library also has a myriad of books that will be helpful to you in your quest for basic computer knowledge. One of my favorites is Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics. I like a couple things about the book. First, I enjoy the funny bobblehead looking images that accompany helpful sidebar tips. One such tip says "Tip: The cursor changes shape--to a double-ended arrow--when it's positioned over the edge of a window". Those types of tidbits of knowledge are spread throughout this great resource.
Second, the book is fabulous at one of the things I encourage most in the classes here at the library: knowing the lingo. Knowing what various computer terms are will vastly increase your confidence and ability to "speak" computers with people. For example, in the world of the computer mouse, there are commands such as right-clicking, hovering, dragging and dropping, and double-clicking. Do you know what each command will do and when to use each command? Little things like that make a world of difference in feeling knowledgeable about computers.
So, come on down for a class, and while you're here, check out our great section on computers!
Book
Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics
9780789736734
Yes, it can! Otherwise known as thumb drives or memory sticks, these small, portable storage devices can actually be the carriers of computer viruses. Because these devices are used to transport files from one computer to another, they are also the easy targets of attackers. US-CERT, a government organization that shares information about computer safety issues, recently released this information:
"...attackers [ ] use your USB drive to infect other computers.
An attacker might infect a computer with malicious code, or malware, that
can detect when a USB drive is plugged into a computer. The malware then
downloads malicious code onto the drive. When the USB drive is plugged into
another computer, the malware infects that computer."
For more on this topic and how you can protect yourself, your USB device, and your computer, see the full article at http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST08-001.html.
You can also subscribe and have such alerts sent to your email so you are constantly aware of threats in the world of computers.