Computer Training

Note: We are evaluating our current offerings, and may discontinue personalized training to individuals. If we go this route, we will offer alternatives to our customers.

two people
using computer at home This page has generic information on our training program. We also have another page specific to youth lessons that you may want to take a look at.

We offer training in a variety of computer related subjects for both youth and adults. Classes proceed at your own rate, and can cover any subject you choose. Instruction is 1 on 1, in small groups, or can be in a more formal classroom setting for businesses wishing training for groups four or larger. Special youth and family rates are offered. We reserve only three hours a day for youth lessons, with up to four hours on most Saturdays.

Here some of the subject we offer instruction in:

Introduction to Computers (Basic Computing) -- Linux, Mac, PC/Windows
This class is for everyone, including those that have used computers for years but only spent there time learning applications like MS Office, rather than learning how their computer works.
Learn the basics about how and why computers work, their history, and the basic fundamentals behind using any computer system. This session is highly structured and is similar to the computers class the owner offers at the boy scout merit badge midways. Approximately 5 1/2 to 8 hours.

After this class, you should be able to sit down in front of nearly all modern computers with a graphical user interface (Windows, BSD/Solaris/Unix/Linux with X, Mac OS X), and be able to do something useful with it right away. That's assuming you have permission to use the system and know the password, if there is one.
The Internet -- all systems/web
Learn how to send e-mail, find things on the Internet, use eBay, Google, and other useful web sites, and deal with poorly designed web pages. You'll also learn how to avoid Spam, protect yourself from identity theft, and how to keep your kids safe on-line while you're not home, and how to protect yourself against spyware and viruses without needing to use a virus scanner.
MS-DOS/Windows command line -- PC/Windows
Learn how to use the command line interface in DOS and Windows. Also covers some aspects of making .BAT files.
Bourne (sh) and Bourne Again (bash) Shells: the Linux/Unix/Solaris, MinGW/MSYS, and Mac OS X Terminal -- Linux, Mac OS X, MinGW (Windows development)
Learn how to use the command line interface in Linux, Mac OS X, and many other environments. Course time depends on the level of skill you wish to have. Can cover everything from basic use and job control to shell script programming (shell programing is a suitable starting language for kids 8 and up for the more basic commands).
C/C++ Programming -- All computer systems and most processors
ANSI/ISO C, C99, and ISO C++. Instruction starts in the C language, which forms the foundation of C++ and Objective C (which we don't cover yet). Java borrows heavily from the C syntax, so it is far better to learn C first before trying the far more complex Java language. C compilers exists for all modern computers and most microcontrollers (those small CPUs found in cell phones, cars, MP3 players, microwave ovens, etc). Best for Formal Operational students (ages 11 and up).
First 2-3 hours cover the development tools and making a simple "hello world" program, then instruction goes on from there. The first series of lessons should occur very close to one another, and can eventually taper off to be once or twice a month when more advanced topics are covered to allow time for experimentation and practice.
Office Software -- Windows, Linux, Mac OS X
Instruction begins with the fundamentals of office applications and spreadsheets, then goes into more advance features such as mail merge. Proper use of fonts, and other features to create professional looking documents that can be edited easily will be covered as well.
You will learn how to use spreadsheets to safe yourself countless hours of time when doing financial calculations, or other work involving numbers. Creating a budget that automatically adjusts itself for inflation, and when and how to use logical statements in your spreadsheets to perform complex calculations will be covered.
Web Development -- all systems/web
Learn how to make your own web pages and forms. The only development tools we'll be using is graphic software (Adobe Illustrator, The Gimp, and xFig on Unix), and a text editor. You will learn how to make pages that will display correctly on all computer systems, are useful and easy to read, look professional, and won't eat up your bandwidth on your server.
Photo Editing and Touch up -- Windows, Mac OS X, Linux
Learn how to edit and touch up your photos using photo editing software. Also covers topics on how to change your photos to make them display better on the Web. 2-5 hours of instruction, depending on computer skill. We will be using The Gimp, which is an advanced graphic editing package that runs on runs on Linux, Mac OS X, and Window-- it is also free.
Hardware -- PCs
Learn how to build your own computer from scratch, what to look for when buying components, and what to be careful of when assembling the PC. You will need to bring your own components, or purchase them from us. Time is dependent on skill level and mechanical aptitude. Purchasing an antistatic strap is highly recommended. Time very dependent on skill level and prior knowledge. 3-8 hours.
Advanced topics -- all systems
Want to go into more depth on using Linux, Windows, or Mac OS X? Then lets get started! We'll even cover the old MS-DOS/Windows 3.x system for those that want to learn about it. You can even learn what is needed to make your own Linux distribution from scratch, and build your own truly custom Linux-based server.
Specialty subjects -- all systems
Is there something else you'd like to learn that wasn't listed here? Does your company have some specialty in-house software that you'd like your employees trained on? contact us and see if we can help you.

Any questions about this these programs should be directed to Douglas Moyes (please include "training" or "computer lessons" in the subject line).

Note that the hours given above are estimates. Your personal lessons may be longer or shorter depending on your level of prior knowledge, ability to learn, and if there are other subjects of interest that come up during instruction.