Course descriptions are based on the newest versions of the Internet Technologies Platforms of the subjects offered and software listed. Programs Plus is continually updating the information in presentations and courses listed here according to the ever changing technologies and new information available.

Need 2 Know Basic Computer Skills

Hand Held Gadgets

Technology Update

Networks & Security

PC Troubleshooting & Maintenance

Talk Like A Techy Teen

Talk To A Tech

Virus Protection & Cure

Wireless Technology

(6 or 12 hours) All Levels: General Overview & Workshop

The ability to use a computer has become a necessary skill tool in today’s college classes. Below is a check list of basic skills you will need to be able to succeed in any Internet course offered by Tri-C.

Instructors assume you have the basic skills and knowledge we have outlined below.

Basic computer skills you will learn to perform:

• How to turn on a computer, its monitor, and printer.
• How to start up Internet Explorer, Netscape, or Mozilla. 
• How to navigate between programs
• How to use a mouse and move the cursor around on the screen.
• Become familiar with the layout of the standard keyboard (we do not teach typing/keypadding)
• How to locate the up/down arrows, delete key, back-slash key.
• How to insert and remove a Flash Drive, CD/DVD disk, USB drive, or other drive device.
• know how to properly shut down the computer.
• How to locate, open, close and save a basic document
• How to send and open an email

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(3 hours) All Levels: General Overview & Workshop

Can you recognize the handheld electronic devices that customers bring to your library?  Are you curious about handhelds for your own or your library's use?

Computer technology and the thirst for on-demand information have recently created a wave of digital, handheld, multifunction devices. 

Whether you already own one or not, you'll be amazed at the variety of fun and practical ways that you can use a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or other pocket digital device in your life.

In this course, you'll learn how to choose and take full advantage of your device.

We'll explore the many uses of such devices from the basic tasks of scheduling and taking notes to more advanced features such as watching movies and communicating wirelessly.

Security issues affecting PDAs for online tasks are discussed, as they are vulnerable to viruses, mobile code exploits, and a variety of other threats.

Learn about:

• The history of these devices
• Their operating systems
• Related terminology
• The basic features of each type
• Identify the different types of electronic handheld devices
• Recognize components, features and uses of handheld devices
• Determine the advantages and disadvantages of moving from a desktop to a PDA

• Discuss security issues related to handheld electronic devices

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(3 hours) All Levels: General Overview & Workshop

Can you define the “World ‘Live’ Web”? What do you know about Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, RSS feeds, XML, FRBR, Open Source, VoIP, and Folksonomies? Are you missing out on some wonderful ways to promote your library effectively just because you’re not familiar with the latest technological trends? Come learn both about these technologies and about how and where to keep up with the constant changes!

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(3 hours) All Levels: General Overview & Workshop

A firewall is a hardware or software solution to enforce security policies.

In the physical security analogy, a firewall is equivalent to a door lock on a perimeter door or on a door to a room inside of the building - it permits only authorized users such as those with a key or access card to enter.

A firewall has built-in filters that can disallow unauthorized or potentially dangerous material from entering the system.

It also logs attempted intrusions.

This course offers an introduction to firewalls for students without a networking background. With a focus on Windows XP, the course explains what a firewall is and how it functions.

Students will leave the course with an understanding of:

• Internet security policies
• Common firewall configurations and uses
• Common security hacks and firewalls' limitations in protecting against these hacks

The course includes an assessment section so students can determine what type of firewall they need, as well as a clear explanation of the Internet protocol, TCP/IP, and some critical terms and vocabulary words.

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(6 hours) All Levels: General Overview & Workshop

Regular maintenance is vital to insure top performance and a long life for your PC.

Offered are classes which include tips, ideas, and instructions on maintaining your PC and its components. Includes software updates and maintenance, disk clean, temp folders and cookies, defragmentation, how to schedule and back up files and system, and options to be able to avoid computer disasters.

Learn to create a restore point, resolve connection issues, many how to's & troubleshooting tips and instructions plus online assistance.

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(3 hours) All Levels: General Overview & Workshop

What ARE those kids talking about? 

Do you have any idea? 

These days, kids start tossing around terms like “blog”, “wiki”, “podcast”, and “RSS” at an early age. 

Take this half-day workshop to find out about the current buzzwords, and where and how to keep up with the trends.  Don’t be left behind!

Students will learn:

• What the newest trends are for teens on the Web
• Glossary of slang used for Blogging, IMing and Chatting
• Resources to stay ahead of the kids in your life (or at least on the same page)

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PC & Technology: Talk To A Tech
(and keep your sanity)

(3 hours) All Levels: General Overview & Workshop

Learn how to communicate with vendors, your institution’s technology department, or your tech-savvy patrons. 

This course demystifies the hallowed traditions of networkdom in everyday language that doesn’t require a specialized education.

The class treats a potentially dry subject with clarity & a little humor, & brings the mysteries of networking down to earth.

The next time you talk with a “techie” you’ll be thinking, “What’s the big deal? I can understand this!”

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PC & Technology: Virus Protection & Cure

(3 hours) All Levels: General Overview & Workshop

What is a Virus?  What is a Worm?  You know all about phishing scams, right?

You know better than to click on a Web link embedded in an e-mail that purports to be from your bank, or to reply to messages requesting your user name and password.

A phishing scam works without your ever having to click on a link; all that's required to activate the scam is for you to open an e-mail.

Students will learn:

• Virus terms and definitions which can sometimes be confusing.
• How to make your computer a virus-free zone
• Sources to go on the Internet to keep up to date on viruses and its related terminology
• Where to find helpful anti-virus programs

This hands on course offers detailed information concerning where viruses come from, how they infect a PC's system, and how to remove and even avoid them.

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PC & Technology: Wireless Technology

(3 hours) All Levels: General Overview & Workshop

What is a Virus?  What is a Worm?  You know all about phishing scams, right?

You know better than to click on a Web link embedded in an e-mail that purports to be from your bank, or to reply to messages requesting your user name and password.

A phishing scam works without your ever having to click on a link; all that's required to activate the scam is for you to open an e-mail.

Students will learn:

• Virus terms and definitions which can sometimes be confusing.
• How to make your computer a virus-free zone
• Sources to go on the Internet to keep up to date on viruses and its related terminology
• Where to find helpful anti-virus programs

This hands on course offers detailed information concerning where viruses come from, how they infect a PC's system, and how to remove and even avoid them.

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