Posted by eileen on July 1, 2010
WPL offers a variety of free introductory computer classes each month. Looking for jobs that require a basic understanding of Microsoft Office? Let us help you! Sign up for a free class today! In July the classes are held in the evenings. To register, go to our online Event Calendar or call the Checkout Desk at 630-868-7505.
Note: All WPL classes are taught using Microsoft Office 2007.
Internet Searching and Introduction to Online Databases
Do you have problems finding what you’re looking for on the Internet? Do you always get millions of results on Google and Yahoo!? In this class, learn about making your searches more specific, to get more relevant results, as well as searching some of the library’s subscription databases to find pertinent information.
Meets in the Computer Classroom, 2nd Floor.
Typing and basic computer skills, especially using a keyboard and mouse, and experience using Internet Explorer are required.
Microsoft Word I
Microsoft Word is not just for writing reports anymore! Learn how to cut, copy, paste, format a Word document, and much much more! This class is perfect for those who are new to word processing. It is also recommended for those who are interested in learning the new layout of the 2007 version.
Meets in the Computer Classroom, 2nd Floor.
Typing and basic keyboarding skills are required.
Microsoft Word II
Turn a boring letter into a work of art! Learn to add pictures, WordArt, columns, and even create your own bullet points. This class is recommended for those who would like to have more than a basic understanding of Microsoft Word. It is also helpful to those who are interested in learning the new features of the 2007 version.
Meets in the Computer Classroom, 2nd Floor.
Basic word processing skills, such as highlighting, and an understanding of the concepts taught in Word I are required.
Mail Merge
We are surrounded by the products of mail merges every day without even realizing it! Almost every mass mailing is created by a mail merge. However, it can also be used on a less massive scale. Learn to turn a list of names and addresses into a sheet of mailing labels, thank you letters, and many other things! This class is great for those who want to learn this time-saving skill, as well as those who would like a review.
Meets in the Computer Classroom, 2nd Floor.
Typing, basic keyboarding skills and experience using Microsoft Word are required. Knowledge of Microsoft Excel is helpful.
Microsoft Excel
Don’t waste time figuring out things by hand! Learn the basics of this incredibly versatile spreadsheet program, such as entering data into cells, formatting, and creating charts. We will also cover basic functions (like finding the sum of a column of numbers) and sorting (like putting a list in alphabetical order).
Meets in the Computer Classroom, 2nd Floor.
Typing and basic keyboarding skills are required.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Need to create a wedding or family slide show? A speech or presentation for school or church? PowerPoint can help and we can help you learn PowerPoint! Learn how to use different slide layouts, transitions, animations, links, and photos in this amazing program.
Meets in the Computer Classroom, 2nd Floor.
Typing and basic keyboarding skills are required.
Posted by eileen on April 13, 2010
Have things to get rid of? Head to Wheaton’s Recycling Extravaganza on Saturday, April 17. It is held in the parking lot at Liberty Drive and Carlton Avenue from 9am to 1pm.
Accepted items include:
Books
Scrap metal
Eye glasses
Keys
Hearing aids
Worn American flags
Cell phones
Bicycles in working order
Computers and computer accessories
TVs, VCRs, DVD players
Phones, fax machines
Small household appliances
Please do NOT bring:
Refrigerators
Air Conditioners
Batteries
For more information, please call the Environmental Improvement Commission at 630-690-1237 or 630-653-8877.
Check out some unique ways items have been recycled at DwellSmart. One of our favorites is the computer circuit board turned into a picture frame!
Posted by eileen on January 26, 2010
Join us this Wednesday evening for two great classes.
6:30-7:30pm Introduction to Craigslist – Learn how to stay safe, buy, sell, and find a job on this popular website.
7:45-9pm Introduction to Facebook – Learn the basics of Facebook, how it started, and how to use its privacy features.
To register for either or both of the classes, please call 630-868-7510.
Posted by eileen on September 1, 2009
Register for one of our free September Computer Classes!
Internet Searching and Intro. to Online Databases – Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 10am-Noon
Intro. to Microsoft Excel – Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 10am-Noon
Intro. to Microsoft PowerPoint – Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 10am-Noon
Microsoft Word I – Thursday, Sept. 10 from 10am-Noon
Microsoft Word II – Friday, Sept. 11 from 10am-Noon
Mail Merge – Friday, Sept. 18 from 10am-11:30am
Registration is required for all classes and you must register for each class individually. Please see the Computer Classes page for Requirements and Class Descriptions. Register online through WPL’s Event Calendar!
Posted by eileen on April 29, 2009
I’m trying something new in May. Since the library is no longer offering a Computer Basics class, I am going to offer a New Computer User Drop-in time. It will be held from 11am-12:30pm on the third Thursday of each month, in the 2nd Floor Computer Classroom. This is a great opportunity for those new to computers to come in and practice. Mouse tutorials and other lessons will be available. Also, there will be at least one librarian available to answer questions. If you know anyone who could benefit from this, please pass this info on!
This is called a “drop-in” because I want people to be able to just show up. However, there is limited space in the classroom. To guarantee a spot at a computer, please register through the online event calendar beginning May 1 at 9am.
Posted by eileen on March 31, 2009
Back in January, I wrote a blog post titled On or Off?. Today on a Yahoo! Tech blog, I noticed a post titled, “Leaving computers on overnight=$2.8 billion a year.” Well, that’s a much more attention-grabbing title than “On or Off?”! This blog post also pointed to the 2009 PC Energy Report from the 1E Energy Awareness Campaign. You can download the entire report in PDF format from their site. Just click on PC Energy Report US 2009, near the bottom of the page. This report says, based on findings in an October 2008 study, “companies across the US are wasting $2.8 billion and emitting 20 million tons of carbon dioxide to power PCs that aren’t shut down.” See page 4 of the report for these stats.
So, in summary, TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTERS! Don’t leave your laptop on overnight, don’t leave your printer on when you’re not using it, etc. Save yourself some money, while doing your tiny part to help the planet. Image from http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/130078
Posted by eileen on January 22, 2009
February Computer Classes have been scheduled!
Computer Basics – Mon. 2/9 from 7-8pm
Internet – Tues., 2/10 from 7-9pm
Email – Wed., 2/11 from 7-9pm
PowerPoint – Mon., 2/16 from 7-9pm
Word I – Tues., 2/17 from 7-9pm
Word II – Wed., 2/18 from 7-9pm
Excel – Mon., 2/23 from 2-4pm OR 7-9pm
Mail Merge – Tues., 2/24 from 7-9pm
Register for each class individually. Registration for Feb. classes begins Mon., Feb. 2 at 9am. Please call 630-868-7505 to register. Or register online at http://www.wheatonlibrary.org/compclass.html.
Posted by eileen on January 5, 2009
Nearly every time I teach Computer Basics, I am asked whether it is better to leave your computer on all the time or turn it off. I give the asker my opinion, which is, there is no reason to leave it on all the time. It’s just wasting energy. However, I decided to do some quick online research to see what other people have to say.
Many of the articles, blog entries, etc. that I found quote Forrester’s recent report, “How Much Money Are Your Idle PCs Wasting?” This report seems to be in the same camp as me. Why waste the energy (and money) keeping a computer running all the time? Here are a couple blog entries I found interesting and informative:
Ted Samson’s Five PC Power Myths Debunked
Iain Thomson’s IT Admins Need to Power Down PCs
Apparently many people have this same on or off? question. Just try Googling the phrase: leave computer on or off. I got over 700,000 results and 78,300 were posted in the last 24 hours. Crazy, huh?
