Basic Computer Use

• Prerequisites
• Instructor
• Goals
• Skills
• Materials
• Homework
• Class Size
• Tuition  
• 2005 Schedule
  • HAL-PC HQ 
    • Parking
  • West Side
• Registration

Prerequisites:  none

Instructor:     Rick Archibald  

RickArchibald+beginner AT hal DASH pc DOT org       Instructor Bio

"Basic Computer Use" is a hands on class for the absolute beginner, no previous computer experience is necessary.  This class is comfortably paced:  it will be taught in 8 sessions, each 1-1/4 hr long. 

Goals:  Internet & E-mail

Just as traditional primary education was based on the three "R's", we are trying to teach the three "S's":  Surfin', Searchin', & Sendin' — The primary goals of the course are that every graduate will be comfortable using a computer for surfing the internet, searching for answers & sending e-mail.  A secondary goal is readiness for "Windows XP Computer Basics". 

Skills

Emphasis will be on the basic mouse & keyboard skills needed to accomplish the course goals.  (Remember those three "S's").  Other topics will include:  the right & wrong way to turn a computer on & off, and just enough technical detail about hardware, software, and the parts of a computer to allow the student to access the HAL-PC or other help line. 

Materials (Optional)

Each student is strongly encouraged to buy a spiral notebook, and keep permanent notes for later reference. 

Homework

This is adult education, there is no mandatory homework.  However, students are strongly encouraged to practice their new skills during the week between meetings.  HAL-PC members can use the computers in the Laboratory whenever it is open, others should have a machine available either at home, the office, or a friend's or relative's house.  Suggested excercises might be:  "This week, play 10 games of Solitaire."

Class Size

Each student will use one of the 12 student computers in the HAL-PC Learning Center, and therefore enrollment is limited to 12. 

Desktop

We will use the Microsoft® Windows XP platform, but the knowledge & skills acquired will apply to earlier versions of Microsoft® Windows (for those who have an older machine at home or work).  To some extent, the lessons of this course also apply to computers running other operating systems, such as the Apple MacIntosh or any of the versions of GNU/Linux.
Note:  This a general class & can be taught under Linux on demand.  5 students minimum enrollment. 

Tuition  

Regular: $50.00,  HAL-PC Members & groups of 3 or more: $40.00

2005 Schedule   07 Feb 2005

HAL-PC HQ 

4543 Post Oak Place, Suite 200    map

Basic Computer Use			Time		Date
Section	Status	Day	Start	Stop	Begin	End
2005-1	In Progess	Wednesdays	3:25 pm	4:40 pm	Jan   5, 2005	Feb 23, 2005
2005-2	In Progess	Fridays	2:30 pm	3:45 pm	Feb  11, 2005	Apr   1, 2005
2005-3	Scheduled	Wednesdays	3:25 pm	4:40 pm	Mar   9, 2005	Apr 27, 2005
2005-4	Proposed	Wednesdays	3:25 pm	4:40 pm	May 11, 2005	Jun 29, 2005
2005-5	Proposed	Wednesdays	3:25 pm	4:40 pm	Jul   27, 2005	Sep 14, 2005
2005-6	Proposed	Wednesdays	3:25 pm	4:40 pm	Sep 28, 2005	Nov 16, 2005

Parking & Promptness

Parking at HAL-PC is frequently crowded, especially on Wednesdays.  Please try to arrive at HAL 10 minutes before class time, so that you can be in the classroom on time.  Besides, if you are early, you can ask questions. 

West Side

Cyberium, 14520 Memorial Dr. Suite 40 (near Hollywood Video)   281-493-4263   map
By the way, Cyberium is on the north (I-10) side of Memorial, no matter what the map looks like!

Basic Computer Use			Time		Date
Section	Status	Day	Start	Stop	Begin	End
2005-C3	Scheduled	Wednesdays	11:45 pm	12:30 pm	Mar   9, 2005	Apr 27, 2005
2005-C5	Proposed	Wednesdays	11:45 pm	12:30 pm	May 11, 2005	Jun 29, 2005

Registration

To register for this class, do one of the following:

• e-mail classes AT hal DASH pc DOT org
• click here: On-line Sign up - Basic Computer Use
• or here: HAL-PC On-line Class Sign up - All Classes
• call 713-993-3300 ext. 102 between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
  

-- RickArchibald - 09 Dec 2003

BCUoldSched