Leisure World Computer Center, Inc.
Silver Spring, MD
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President's Message
President Roy Rosfeld
Please refer to the calendar to see a current activity schedule,
also posted on the Center door and the bulletin board inside the Center.
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August 17, 2010
Here's a reminder about the makeup of the systems in the Center. The first six computers on the left side of the Center have Microsoft Windows 7 installed on them For the most part the commands and such are pretty much the same as Windows XP but there are some differences. You might want to sit down get acquainted with one of these systems. We hope to get some training but for now you will just have to experiment on your own or ask the Monitor on duty during most days or one of the Coaches during Open Lab days. The computers on the right side of the room are equipped with Microsoft Windows XP. This program has been around for quite a while and most folks have become very comfortable working with it. If you are not familiar with the schedule for the Center, take a look at the calendar on our door or the one posted on the bulletin board.
For the most part our Internet connection works just fine but every once in a while Comcast sorta gets lost and we have to do a lot of repair work to get it back up and running. By the way, if you have a laptop you can tap onto our internet connection, either here in the Center, or somewhere in the main lobby.
Last month I mentioned that we have two nice training programs designed to help beginners learning how to use a mouse and a keyboard. The first is named MOUSE TRAINER, the second is named KEYBOARD EXPLORER. Our Monitor or staff member on hand can show you how to use both of these programs. We hope to be getting some other Training Programs designed to assist you in learning how to do "this" or "that". If you would like to get a nice training program to run on your home computer, take a look at the Computer Stores for such programs as "Professor Teaches ??????" There are several helpful training programs named "XXXXX for Dummies." Ask one of our staff for some idea about these programs.
We are always interested in ideas for topics that will helpful to users. If you have some ideas about the kinds of things we should be using in the Center, let us know. If you would like to do some teaching on your own, let one of us know and we'll be glad to put you to work. It's a lot of fund and you'll be surprised at how much experience you can gain and a lot of fun thins you can do with a computer.
A lot of folks like to work with a laptop but complain about some of its limitations. I have been gathering a lot of information and tips and techniques for working with Laptops (which are becoming quite popular and quite inexpensive.) Here are a few ideas to whet your appetite. Do you know what a "Cooling Station" is? Do you have fits working with that little mouse pad - how about getting an external mouse? Also, do you know how to turn off that crazy little mouse pad? Have you ever thought about getting yourself a much larger monitor than the small one on most laptops? Do you sit on your sofa and hold your laptop on your lap and work with it there? How about getting yourself a special laptop table that makes working with a laptop more comfortable? These are only a few of the ideas you can learn while working with your laptop. How many of you would like to have a special session dedicated to working with a laptop? Let us know.
Here's a reminder about our upcoming Internet training schedule. Mark your calendar for Monday, September 13 from 3:30 to 5:30 PM and Monday, September 20, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. One of our Directors, Donna Copeland, will be our presenters, assisted by other members of our staff. In the meantime, practice - man - practice!!!!
August 3, 2010
The summer months are upon us and so are vacations for many of our helpers. We will probably not be holding Dropin Sessions until later in the year. The Center, however, will continue to be open by Monitor for regular computer activity from Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 am and 1:30 to 3:30 PM. The Center is also open on selected days for what we refer to as Open Labs. During Open Labs we try to have seasoned people on hand to field your questions. For more information about our scheduled and activities, drop by the Center and take a look at our calendar. Alternatively, take a look at our website, www.computerctr.org for more detailed information about the Center. If you would like to be kept informed directly, send your email address to info@computerctr.org. If you have a quick question or two call Donna Copeland at 240-433-0391.
We are currently in the process of developing an introductory course on how to use the Internet. Our tentative schedule for the first Internet class will be Monday, September 13 from 3:30 to 5:30 PM and Monday, September 20 from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. Watch for more information in a future article about how to register for this course. Also, take a look at our website.
We are still in the process of installing Windows 7 on more of our systems. Those folks who have been using it have been very complimentary about most of the new features. We hope to be able to develop some training on this new system.
As an aside, if you have developed expertise in some feature of computers or software, let us know so we can make use of your talents in assisting our users.
Just a quick reminder that we have two nice little training programs on our systems. One is called KEYBOARD EXPLORER; the other is called MOUSE TRAINER. Both of these programs will help newcomers get started in learning how to use a typical keyboard and a mouse. Ask one of us how to load and use either or both of these programs.
Finally, if you have any ideas for how to make the Center more effective or if you would like to volunteer to assist in helping others, let me know and we'll put you to work.
May 18, 2010
Our technicians who keep our systems up and running and in a reasonably clean and upgraded condition would like to ask you about do's and don'ts when you are working with the systems in the Center. Periodically they go around the room and clean up the systems and try to restore them to their original working condition. Quite often they have found some systems where a user has installed something on the system, has stored personal information on the system, has installed something new on the system, or has changed features such as the screen appearance. When you come to the Center to use a system, please DO NOT change anything on the system, DO NOT store personal information on the system, and generally do not make any changes to anything on the system. The systems in the Center are for the general use of Leisure World residents and the integrity of these systems must be maintained so that all the systems are the same. If you want to create files and documents, bring a flash drive with you and use it to store your information. Thanks so much for your cooperation.
Here is some information for those of you who may be working with different operating systems. Windows 7 has been installed on systems 1, 2, 5, and 6. (They are the ones on the first two systems on the left side of the Center). The system in the front right side of the room has Windows Vista installed on it. The rest of the systems have Windows XP installed on them. Several folks have Windows 7 installed on their systems at home and found it to be very nice. We will eventually be installing Windows 7 on all the systems but for now we have only four with that operating system on them. We hope to be able to generate a training or orientation session on Windows 7. If you have this system on your personal computer and would like to help us with some training, please let one of us know so we can set up an orientation meeting.
For those of you new to Leisure World, the Center is open on most days from 9:30 to 11:30 AM and 1:30 to 3:30 PM. These are times when the Center is open for you to use a computer; however, on these days there are no helpers or experts on hand to field your questions. There will be a Monitor who opens the Center and helps folks start the system. Occasionally, however, one of our staff may be in the Center to help you with a problem. On special days, we have what we refer to as an "Open Lab." Some "Open Labs" run from 9:30 to 11:30 am and others run from 1:30 to 3:30 PM. One these days various staff members will be on hand to field your questions and help you with your problems. Take a look on the calendar on the door or the calendar on the bulletin board for this information. By the way, if you are well versed in the computer field and would like to participate in an Open Lab, let one of us know. See ya' at the Center.May 4, 2010
For more information about the Center, take a look on Internet for www.computerctr.org or www.leisureline.org. Several folks new to Leisure World have asked about Center house. So here goes.
Every month we have several days that we refer to as "OPEN LABS." These are days in which we have several of our "experts" on hand to field your questions and help you try to solve problems. We hold sessions from 1:30 to 3:30 PM on the first Monday, the first and second Fridays, the last Friday and the fourth Monday of each month (unless one of those days falls on an official holiday). There is a calendar on the Computer Center Door and on our bulletin board in the Center. Recently we have been experimenting with opening on some Saturdays. If there is a demand for this time period we will probably continue to schedule sessions on Saturdays.
On other days (except for official holidays) the center is manned by Monitors whose job it is to open the room and help users get on one of the systems. Monitors are not expected to field specific questions or handle problems unless they feel comfortable doing so.
We have two training programs on all our systems for those of you who want to get some more orientation. One is named KEYBOARD EXPLORER; the other is named MOUSE TRAINER. Each of these will give you some practice in learning how to use a typical keyboard and/or a typical mouse. Both are a lot of fun and very friendly. Give them a try the next time you are in the Center.
We are still working on a training manual for how to use the Internet. If you are itching to get some training on the Internet AARP has a very nice set of training programs on the Internet. Go to GOOGLE and search for AARP INTERNET TRAINING. There are seven lessons, all very good.
From time to time we also hold what we call DROPINS. These are sessions dedicated to a specific subject (we have about seven of these). Take a look on our bulletin board for more information about these. There is no charge for these except for a slight charge to cover copy costs.
Also, if you would like to volunteer as a Monitor, give Bob Hughes, our Monitor Director, a call at 301-340-0922. You will have some great experiences doing this. Talk to one of our Monitors to learn more about his or her experiences.
Don't forget to tell one of our staff about the kinds of things you would like us to cover in the Center activities - see ya' at the Center.
April 15, 2010
The Center has been quite active - lots of folks have been coming in and working on the systems. For those of you new to our
As of this writing we have three systems in the Center up and running on Windows 7. Most of the folks that have been working with this new system are giving favorable reports. Initially we are going to install Windows 7 on four systems -we hope to be able to schedule an orientation session in the near future to show folks how this new system works. Reports so far are quite favorable. The systems with Windows 7 installed so far are numbers 1, 2, and 5 (1 and 2 are the systems directly in front of the instructor system). If you want to have a fling on one of these systems, ask the monitor or other person on duty which systems have 7 on them. Our engineer Board of Director Joe Reynolds has been doing all of the installation for us. He has Windows 7 on his home computer and speaks highly of this new system.
We are still developing an introductory course on the Internet - hope to announce it shortly.
Our Vice-President, Jack Melnick is back from
If you are just getting started in the computer world we have two small training programs installed on our systems that can help you get started. One is named KEYBOARD EXPLORER, the other is named MOUSE TRAINER. The first walks you through various exercises for working with a typical keyboard. The other gets you up and running when working with a typical mouse. If you would like to fiddle around with these two programs, ask one of the helpers during Open Labs or the on duty Monitor how to access these two programs.
Finally, if you are working on a computer and are puzzled about how to perform a certain task take a look at the numerous HELP features on your computer. Here's how. If you are working in a particular program, for example, Microsoft Word, just press Function Key number 1 (F1). This will display a prompt which asks you to define what you are looking for. For example, if you are working with Microsoft Word and want to know more about how to change a Font, just press F1 then type "Change Font" in the search box. You will be amazed at the fine information that will be displayed for you. Print in our and "voila" you get some good answers. The other way to get Help is to click the START button (or press the Windows key - looks like as flag). This displays a list of programs, etc. Click the one marked "Help and Support" then type in the block what you are looking for. This is quite comprehensive and will give you information on almost anything you are looking for. Once you get the desired information - print it out and stick in your current Help File Folder.
April 6, 2010
Let me first talk about how we communicate the Center's activities to you - in order to let you know what is going on in the Center we have two sources that you can use to get this information. First, I write a column for the Leisure World New every two weeks in which I try to inform you about upcoming activities. Secondly, we post a lot of information on the bulletin board in the Center. Finally, take a look at our website, www.computerctr.org for the calendar of the coming month and announcements for coming events.
I went to the FOSE show at the Convention Center on Wednesday, March 24 - what a wasted trip??? This show has traditionally been dedicated to Federal Office Systems Exhibits but for some reason or other they have gravitated to high-tech stuff which is of little use to most of us. I did manage to pickup a bunch of pens and such but most of the booths were way over my head. The only booth that I got anything from was the introduction to Corel's Word Perfect 5.0. I have been a WordPerfect user and fan since around 1982. This version looks pretty nifty. It will be officially released on April 9th - I will probably get a copy and explore it. The WordPerfect Suite is like the Microsoft Office suite - does the same kinds of things - but there are a lot of features that are far better than Microsoft's. For example, there is a feature which lets you print a file list from a flash drive (or other source). After I explore this I'll let you know more about it. I only spent about two hours at the show - I'm usually there all day - but not this year!!!
Here's some information about upcoming activities. We are currently developing a class on how to use the Internet. When we get it in final working order we'll set a date so you can all come in and get some instruction on this topic.
We have two systems with Windows 7 installed on them - they are - numbers 1 and 2 - located in the first row directly in front of the Instructor station. Feel free to explore on these two system - we are still are in the learning stage - expect to develop some kind of training course for Windows 7. We expect to announce some basic training courses on Windows XP in the near future - “Introduction to Computers with Emphasis on How to Use a Keyboard and Mouse“ And Introduction to Windows XP - How to Work with It.
We are also going to hold some Dropin sessions on various topics. Dropin sessions are those sessions where you can just “Drop In“ and learn about the topic at hand. If you plan to attend one or more of these Dropin sessions, be sure to put your name on the signup sheet so we can have enough handouts available. On our last Dropin, we had seven people sign up for the seminar but about 15 showed up for the class. Needless to day, we quickly ran out of handouts.
We will post information about our Dropins on our bulletin board in the Center - take a look at this to see what is going on. I am going to post a sheet on the bulletin board describing each Dropin and when they will be held. Let us know of your interest.
Hopefully we will be able to offer an Internet course in the very near future. Check the bulletin board and our website for dates.
March 2010
The Dropin on Hardware Technology was cancelled due to the heavy snowstorm.
We have rescheduled this Dropin for Thursday, March 11 at 9:30 am.
This seminar concentrates on the various pieces of hardware typically found in a computer system.
Among the various devices we will cover is the new kid on the block - the
The Camera Club hosted a seminar on how to use Picasso, a very nice FREE photo manipulation program. We hope to run this one again.
We are currently in the process of developing a seminar on How To Use The Internet. We will announce this when we have finished writing the syllabus.
For those of you who are relatively new to the computer world I want to remind you that we have two fine training programs on our systems that you are free to use when you are at the Center. One is called KEYBOARD EXPLORER. This concentrates of having you develop some expertise for using the keyboard. The other is called MOUSE TRAINER. This concentrates on helping you learn how to use a typical mouse for various actions. Ask the monitor or one of our staff how to access these programs, We do have a basic training course which helps you to learn how to use a keyboard and a mouse plus other aspects needed for a beginner but these two programs are a good start
We are currently developing a new syllabus for use in our Windows XP Training Course. Watch this column for more information about when we will hold a class on this topic.
On another note. We expect to start posting on our website items that we will refer to as TIPS OF THE DAY. This area will introduce some of the lesser obvious alternatives to use when working with your computer. For example, when you are finished working with a
Also, take a look at the display pad in the computer room which contains information about what is going on in the Center. If you have a hot topic that you think might be of interest to others, be sure to tell one of our monitors or one of our Directors so we can take steps to broadcast it to the rest of our clientele.
Finally, if you would like to take a turn as a Monitor in the Center give Bob Hughes a call at 301-340-0922. A Monitor is a person who opens the
February 2010
The weather is still interfering with some of our activities. The Picasa class scheduled for Wednesday, February 3rd got blown out by a snowstorm but it finally took place the next day. Dave Young handled the teaching chores for about ten eager students. This is something we might run again if there is enough interest.
As of this writing I am scheduled to hold a Dropin session on Hardware Technology on Wednesday, February 10. This seminar is designed to familiarize users with the type of equipment they may use on a computer system. This includes such hardware as External Hard Drives, Flash Drives, External 3½” floppy disk drives (most new computers do not have this feature it can be handy for using some of those old floppy disks you may have, Zip Disk Drives, and Flash Drives. We delve into how to use a Flash Drives where to install them how to safely remove them from the system and other features. I will also have on display some other tools when working with a computer e.g., cleaning kits, USB extension devices, laptop accessories, etc.
As I mentioned earlier, we are planning to install Windows 7 on some of our systems and try to get familiar with this new program. The one system we have with Vista installed on it does not get much action but it is still there for those who may want to experiment with this system which is quite a bit different than Windows XP. If you would like to volunteer as a monitor, please let our coordinator Bob Hughes know. He can be reached at 301-340-0922. This job requires the Monitor to open the Center and help users start the system. Monitors are not required to render technical help unless they feel comfortable with the topic.
We are also in the process of designing a training course on how to use the Internet. The topics for covering the Internet are quite vast so we have to be selective in what we design. Obviously most users are going to be interested in how to use an E-mail program. But there are vast resources for searching the internet for a topic you might want to know more about. Google, for example, is probably your best friend you can find just about anything here. If you see a term that you don‘t understand you might want to take a gander at Wikipedia, a computer dictionary that will give you a lot of good information.
Remember, however, the old say - how do you get to Carnegie Hall - why - PRACTICE - FOLKS - PRACTICE. See ya‘ at the Center.
Welcome to 2010
I have been down with bronchitis and out of commission so this is going to be a short article. In 2010 the Center will continue to be open for OPEN LABS several times each month - take a look at the calendar on our door. On other days not scheduled for special activities the Center is open from 9:30 to 11:30 am and 1:30 to 3:30 PM. These days are staffed by volunteer Monitors who are there to help you get up and running. In the Open Labs we have staff on hand to help you with specific problems, etc.
From time to time we also scheduled what we refer to as "Dropins". These are sessions in which we cover a specific topic - folks are encouraged to register beforehand so we can have enough copies of handouts on hand. Again - take a look at our calendar.
Farewell to 2009
Wow! Is the year 2009 finally coming to an end??? A lot has transpired in the Computer Center but we expect the year 2010 to be even more fruitful.
We will continue our scheduling of seven Open Labs each month. These are sessions where we have various members of our staff on hand to field questions and to help folks with learning problems. We will also continue to have volunteers open the Center and oversee the use of the computer systems by our visitors.
We also hope to make plans for some regular training courses. The first is designed to introduce new computer users in learning what computers are all about - "equipment-wise", that is. Then we want to give them some experience in learning how to use a computer keyboard and a mouse when working with a computer. We would like to hold this course on a fairly regular basis but we need to know what the response would be. In the past we have as many as 12 folks come in for this course but lately the crowd has trickled down to about three or four. We need to know who is interested in this course. Please let one of us in the Center know if this is something you would like to participate in. The second course is named Introduction to Windows XP. This course is designed to help users work with the operating system and perform various tasks while working with a computer. Both of these courses are for a slight fee - $20 for the first and $50 for the second.
We also would like to set up a regular schedule for our "Dropins". These are sessions dedicated to a specific topic - users just have to "Drop in" on the scheduled date. The sessions are free but there may be a slight charge for a handout. In the past we have tried to notify users by email when we are scheduling a Dropin - this has been reasonably successful. If you are interested in getting on our "Notification List", please let one of us know. We would appreciate your letting us know if you plan to attend a specific Dropin session. If the response is poor, we may want to cancel the session.
Here are the Dropins we have scheduled in the past. CUT, COPY, AND PASTE - this shows users how to CUT text, etc. from a program, or how to COPY text, etc. from a program and then PASTE it in another document or another location in the current document. FUNDAMENTALS (this shows you how to work with the various menu selections in a typical program (for example, how do you ask Microsoft Word to display a screen for a new file; or how do you change the size or the type of a font.) Hardware Technology - this session covers the various types of hardware, such as Fixed Disk Drives, CD Drives, and Flash Drives, and Keyboards). Finally, if using the mouse is driving you crazy, we have a Dropin named I HATE MY MOUSE - WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? This Dropin concentrates on how to use various alternative keystrokes to accomplish the same purpose. For example, how many of you use the mouse to click the START button on your screen and then use the mouse to maneuver up, down, left, and right with the mouse to find various programs, etc. to launch. Well, try this for fun - Tap the WINDOWS key to launch that area - then use the arrow keys on the keyboard to move up and down and left and right - quite easy!!! Jack Melnick also handles a seminar on Online Banking - in this seminar he shows you how to use your computer to pay your bills on line and work with your bank records. Finally, we have one called SPREADSHEETS - this concentrates on how to work with Microsoft's Excel Spreadsheet program. If there is enough interest in other topics, we can design a Dropin to handle them.
We are in the planning stage with respect to something to do with the Internet. We may want to have an Overview of Internet plus some exercises in how to do research (for example, using the Google program). It is difficult to work up a class on how to use EMAIL because of the multiplicity of available program. Watch for more on this.
At any rate, you can see that we are dedicated to having a fairly comprehensive training program. Let us know what you are looking for.
Summer is Behind Us
Now that summer is behind us we are going to hold two formal training classes. Here is a
brief description. On Tuesday, October 13 at 9:30 am I will be teaching a class on
Introduction to Computers with emphasis on how to use a mouse and a keyboard. On
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, October 14-15-16 at 9:30 each day I will be teaching a
class on Introduction to Windows XP. See the announcement in the Leisure World News for
information on how to register for these classes.
One of our board members, Donna Stone, who also happens to have been our Secretary, is
departing for Florida. Donna was adept in both the PC and MAC worlds and we will miss her.
At our last board meeting we elected Donna Copeland to be our new director. Donna has
quite an extensive educational and practical background in the computer world. She has
been involved in formal teaching and we expect to get her in the act here in our Center.
I also hope to start scheduling some of our Dropins. We will announce the dates for
these on our website, www.computerctr.org. Also, drop in at the Center and take a look
at our bulletin board for information about all of the Center activities.
We are continuing to hold our Open Labs nine times each month (except for a holiday).
Take a look at the calendar on our door for this information. On those days other than
formal training classes or Open Labs, the Center is open and manned by volunteers (we
call them Monitors). Their job is to open the Lab and show folks how to start up a
system and how to generally use the facilities of the Center. The Monitors are not asked
to help with problems areas unless they feel comfortable and knowledgeable about the
subject. If you would like to become a Monitor talk to Bob Hughes who is in charge of
that program. You can also talk to one of us when we are at the Center.
We are especially appreciative of the efforts our Monitors are contributing and will
have sponsored a Thank-You party in their honor on Wednesday, September 30 in the
party room of Fairways South. The last I heard is that there will have been a lot of
great domestic comestibles (that's food, folks) and a lot of social intercourse (that
talking, folks). As I write this article I am planning to procure some small token of
our appreciation for their services.
If you have any ideas about what else we might be doing in the Center or how you might
be able to help, share them with one of our Directors (there is a list on the bulletin
board with telephone numbers and email addresses).
Finally, I usually like to remind all you users out there about the old saw that goes
something like this: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? (The answer, of course, is
PRACTICE MAN (OR WOMAN) PRACTICE!!!!! If we can help, let us know. See ya at the
Center!!!!!
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Our Open Labs have been extremely busy
One day this week every computer system in the Center was occupied, several folks were standing around waiting for an open system, and several of our board members (and a couple of volunteers) were engaged in conversations about computer matters.
For example, a few folks interested in buying a new computer were curious about the advantages and disadvantages of buying a full size computer or a laptop. Generally, laptops do the same thing as a desktop computer but they are transportable (that means, you can take them with you to Florida). Some folks are concerned about space and felt that a laptop might be more convenient. The other side of the coin is that most laptop screens are much smaller than a full desktop, the internal mouse is a tricky little devil that requires you to use your finger to move the mouse pointer around and to execute commands. You can, of course, attach a portable mouse to a USB port (that's Universal Serial Port, folks) which make its operation much easier. The keyboards are also smaller. The main advantage is that you can take it with you and run it from a remote location. For example, you can bring a laptop to the main room of Clubhouse II and tap on to the Internet. Or, you can go to the Administration Building (where Bank of America is located) and tap on to the Internet. If you go there, however, you will note that there are two sites, one is the LeisureWorld Golf Course Computer, which is locked (meaning you can't get into it). But the other one is free for your use. You can also go to some local sites and tap on to their computer system. For example, you can drop in at Starbucks and ask them how to tap on to their computer system.
I have a regular desktop computer with Comcast Cable Modem and a Router. I can use this computer for the majority of my work. However, I also have a laptop that I can take to the kitchen, dining room, or out on my balcony and do a lot of computer work on that system. The laptop is set up so that I can tap on to my Comcast account and work with the Internet from a remote location (e.g, the balcony). Laptops can be very handy but there are some limitations that you should consider.
Here's some interesting information that you might want to look into. It concerns how you maintain your medical records and history. There are two worth exploring. Take a look at www.ess.med.com and www.medids.com. The first will cost you a few bucks (something like fifty bucks or so) but you get a fully programmed USB Flash Drive that will let you enter your medical history (including medications you take) right on the Flash Drive. You carry the Flash Drive with you and give it to your caregiver who can insert it into a computer and read all about your medical history.
The second one lets you enter your medical history and such right on the computer. Then you can print out a small medical ID card containing your medical information. Both of these are quite handy. Take a look at both of them on the Internet. If you want to know more about this kind of stuff take a look at Google.com on your internet program and it will give you a nice list of this kind of information. In the meantime, keep practicing!!!
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Summer Is Upon Us
Lotsa folks are away on vacation but the Center keeps humming along. For more information about the Center take a look at www.computerctr.org and www.leisureline.org. Our Secretary, Donna Stone handles the latter site which is chock full of goodies a bout all the activities that are going on in Leisure World.
Most of you are familiar with our schedule but here is that information for our newcomers.
We hold OPEN LABS on the first and second Friday of each month at 9:30 am and the fourth Monday at 9:30 am.
Other OPEN LABS are held as follows:
The first Monday at 1:30 PM, the second and third Wednesdays at 1:30 PM and the last Friday at 1:30 PM.
For your information OPEN LABS are those sessions when some of our Directors are on hand to field your questions and help solve your problems. If you have some kind of problem that is bugging you, drop in at one of our OPEN LABS and ask one of our folks for some help.
On those days other than the OPEN LABS the Center is opened and staffed by our many volunteers (we call them MONITORS). Their job is to open the Center and show you how to start one of the computers if you don't know how. If a MONITOR feels comfortable answering a specific question, they are free to do so but their main job is to see that the Center is open from 9:30 to 11:30 am and from 1:30 to 3:30 PM.
We offer training classes from time to time. Because we are in the doldrums of summer, however, and lots of our folks are on vacation, we have curtailed the formal classes until September. We also offer what we refer to as "DROPINS" which are short sessions dedicated to a specific topic. Here are a few of our topics: Cut, Copy, and Paste; How To Use Alternate Keystrokes Instead of the Mouse; and Introduction to Spreadsheets, featuring Microsoft Excel.
In addition to the training described above, we have two programs on all of the computers that you might find useful in your learning process. One is named KEYBOARD EXPLORER. This program is designed to help you learn how to use a typical keyboard. The other is named MOUSE TRAINER. This program is designed to help you learn how to use a typical mouse. Even if you are fairly adept in using a mouse and a keyboard, you might find working with them to be quite helpful.
Drop in at the Center and read some of the information posted on our bulletin. I have also been soliciting ideas from users on the kinds of things they would like to know more about so we can design some Dropins to discuss them. One question we frequently get is "When Do I Click The Right Mouse Button and What Does That Do for me?"
We’re here to assist you in your computer learning curve. But as the old saying goes: "How Do You Get To Carnegie Hall?" The answer, of course, is PRACTICE, MAN, PRACTICE!!!
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Email Us and We'll Keep You Informed
If you would like to be informed by email of specific upcoming events, drop your email address off to www.leisureline.org or email info@computerctr.org. When we schedule Dropins and such we can shoot you a special message with information about the time and date of the event. If you plan to attend a Dropin, we would appreciate your sending us an email telling us to register you for the activity. If we don't get enough participants we probably will not hold that session.
Dropins are those sessions dedicated to a specific topic. There is no charge other than a small fee for copy costs of handouts. Some of our Dropins are "Hardware Technology", "Cut, Copy, and Paste" "Fundamentals" and "Alternative Keyboard Shortcuts".
If you are new to computer we have two programs on our systems that will let you practice how to use a typical keyboard and a mouse. Take a look at the shortcut icon for "Keyboard Explorer" and the shortcut icon for "Mouse Trainer". Both of these are a lot of fun and will give you some excellent training on the two topics.
If you want to know more about the operating system, go to the Program listing, click on Help. When the help screen appears type "Tour" then click the OK button. You can then wander through a lot of excellent information about Microsoft Windows XP.
We have one system that is equipped with the Microsoft Vista operating system. If you would like to learn more about this system, take a whack at using this computer. Microsoft will be issuing a new operating system later this year. We will have to get more information about this system then.
The Center is open for users generally on what we refer to as "Monitor Managed". This means that there is someone who opens the Center and can assist you in starting a computer system. A Monitor is not expected to field questions or render assistance unless he or she feels comfortable in doing so. On those days managed by Monitors, the Center is open from 9:30 to 11:30 am and from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.
The Center is also open seven days each month when it is managed by one or more of our Resource Persons who are available to answer questions and assist you with problems you be having while operating your computer.
Here are the times and dates for the Open Labs.
Monday, July 6 at 1:30 PM;
Friday, July 10 at 9:30 am;
Wednesday, July 8 and Wednesday, July 15 at 1:30 PM;
Monday, July 27 at 9:30 am;
and Friday, July 31 at 1:30 PM.
Normally we have an Open Lab on the first Friday at 9:30 but there will be none in July because of the 4th of July Holiday.
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Leisure World Computer Center
For more information about the Center, take a look at www.leisureline.org. This is a website run by our Secretary, Donna Stone. It contains information about a whole host of activities here in Leisure World. Donna has been very generous in including us in her website.
If you want to know more about specific activities here in the Center, stop by and take a look at our bulletin board. We have a card table in the back of the Center which lists various activities that we engage in. We also solicit your comments concerning areas that you would like to see us handle in the Center so don't be bashful in giving us your comments.
Occasionally we have a user or two drop in and ask how to get started learning how to use a computer. We encourage them to drop in at one of our Open Lab sessions and get one of our coaches to help them get started.
We have seven Open Labs each month as follows:
The first and second Friday of each month and the fourth Monday at 9:30; the first Monday, second and third Wednesdays and the last Friday at 1:30 PM. One these days we have coaches on hand to help you with your problems or with general information about how to do something on a computer.
We have two programs here in the Center that will help you get started. One concentrates on showing you how to use a typical keyboard. The other shows you how to work with a typical mouse. These two programs are very easy to work with and will get you up and running on the computer in jig time.
If you want to know more about the Windows XP operating system, all of our systems have a very information program that lets you take a tour on the computer and explains what each and every facet is. Ask one of us how to use this program here in the Center and how to use it on your own computer if you have one at home.
We have something on the drawing board called "Tips and Tricks of the Day." When our board members (or anyone who would like to contribute a tip or trick) run across some tip or trick that will make your computing like a lot easier we will try to hold a session to cover them.
And, as the old saying goes "How do you get to Carnegie Hall?" Why, practice, of course. There's your thought for the day.
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Drop-Ins & Classes
Recently I held a Dropin which concentrated on how to use a mouse and a keyboard. I had a whole bunch of handouts in anticipation of attendees. Unfortunately only ONE person showed up for the session. We held the session anyway but are concerned as to why there were no more attendees and what we can do in the future to correct this problem.
We are concerned with how to communicate with you folks out there. Currently we have detailed information in the Leisure World News and we post a calendar on the door of the Center. However, we have trouble reaching the rest of you.
Here are some areas we hope to work on to improve our communications.
On the table in the Center I have placed several papers describing the kind of activities that we sponsor. In essence, we have two formal classes for pay – Introduction To Computers With Emphasis on How To Use A Keyboard and a Mouse, and Introduction to Windows XP. When these classes are scheduled you must register with E*R and pay the requisite fee.
The other type of activity we sponsor is called "Dropins." These are sessions where we explore with attendees a particular topic in the computer world. Currently we have the following sessions: Introduction to Spreadsheets; Cut, Copy and Paste; How To Use Alternative Keystrokes Instead of the Mouse; Hardware Technology (covers how to work with Flash Drives and Other Hardware) ; Fundamentals of Using Dropdown Menus and Functional Icons. Drop in at the Center and take a look at the table where these are explained.
There is also a sheet for you to express your interest in the sessions listed above and to express your interest in other areas of the computer world. If you would like to be informed about upcoming activities, give us your email address and we will shoot you a message when we have something in the planning stage.
We are hoping to be able to get a bulletin board outside of the Center where we can post important information but currently you get notices in the Leisure World News and on the stand inside the Center.
We are still looking for volunteers to staff the Center on those days when we have no formal activity scheduled. All this job requires you to open the Center and be present for two different time frames – 9:30 – 11:30 AM and 1:30 – 3:30 PM. You would not have to answer computer questions unless you feel comfortable doing so. If you are interested in serving as a monitor please give Bob Hughes a call at 301-340-0922.
Feel free to drop us a note at the Center with suggestions for activities you think we might be able to engage in. If you would like to participate in other Center activities, let one of us know.
Look forward to seeing you at the Center soon.
Roy Rosfeld
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Classes & Learning Labs
We were quite busy during part of March. On Tuesday, March 24th I held a "Dropin" on "Spreadsheets" which was well attended. I think we had about 8 or nine folks in the seminar who hopefully went home with a little expertise in what spreadsheets are all about. On Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, March 23, 24, and 27 we held a class on Introduction to Windows XP. We had eight learners in these sessions who hopefully went home with a lot more information about this windows operating system.
As an aside, if you want to take a quick tour of how Windows XP works, on your computers, or on one of ours, go to the HELP command, type in the search box the name, WINDOWS TOUR, then press ENTER. When the selections appear, click the one you want and take a ride exploring Windows X.
We also have two programs on our computers that you might want play around with. One is named KEYBOARD EXPLORER, the other is named WINDOWS EXPLORER. Both of these programs will give you a quick ride on your learning curve.
For those of you new to the Center, we are open for business from 9:30 to 11:30 am and 1:30 to 3:30 on most of the days of the month. These are days that the Center is manned by volunteers who may or may not be able to render assistance to you. However, we have seven days each month that we call OPEN LABS. These are days that we have coaches on hand to give you a hand in your learning experiences. For more information about our activities, take a look at www.computerctr.org or www.leisureline.org. Both of these display our monthly calendar. If you want to take an indepth look at what goes on in the Center, drop in and read our bulletin board.
In the meantime if there is a topic or two that you need help with, let one of us know and we may be able to set up a special session to help you and other computer users in your learning curve.
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March - Some Reminders
On Monday, March 2 at 9:30 am I will host a dropin on Spreadsheets.
On Monday, March 9 at 1:30 I will be teaching our basic computer course which covers an overview of a computer system with emphasis on the keyboard and mouse. There is announcement in the News on this course.
Finally, on Monday and Tuesday, March 23 and 24, and Friday, March 27, all three days at 1:30 PM, I will be teaching with the help of Donna Copeland our basic course which is an Introduction to Windows XP. See the announcement in the News on this course.
We have had requests for sessions on how to use the various searching tools available on the Internet to search for items concerning medical advice, buying and selling, finding telephone numbers, searching for news articles and such. Accordingly, we are working on a plan where we will hold a series of sessions specifically designed to help you in your searches on the Internet.
But we need your help. Please tell one of us what kinds of things you are interested in searching for.
Currently some folks are getting lost in looking for information about their income taxes. Others are concerned about health matters – e.g., information about prostate cancer, diabetic situation, and information about drugs and prescriptions. Once we get your input we will set up a schedule during which we hope to have some of our staff on hand to walk you through some searching devices.
Finally, if you are interested in serving as one of our MONITORS in the Center, please let us know. We try to be open on non-scheduled activity days from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m and 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Your job as as MONITOR is to open the room and make the computer systems available to those who drop in. If you feel comfortable in answering routine questions, you can feel free to do so.
Occasionally one of us on the Board of Directors will drop in and answer specific questions but for the most part you will be alone. A lot of our Monitors have really enjoyed spending the time at the Center. While you are here, all the facilities are available for you to use and experiment if you wish. Bob Hughest, one of our Directors is in charge of the Monitor program but you can feel free to chat with any of us who happen to be on the scene.
Finally, if you are interested in doing some teaching, let me know. We have a lot of good training manuals, etc., available and we will be glad to get you into the instructor chair.
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February - Leisure World Computer Center
For more information take a look at www.leisureline.org and www.computerctr.org.
We have regular OPEN LAB sessions seven times each month. These are sessions when we have
some of our professional coaches on hand to help you with your computer problems. We can't guarantee that we will field all questions but our gang does a pretty good job.
At 9:30 on the first and second Fridays and the fourth Monday.
At 1:30 PM the Open Labs will be held on the first Monday, the second and third Wednesdays, and the last Friday of the month.
Occasionally we hold special sessions dedicated to some of the more esoteric features.
These include CUT, COPY, AND PASTE, HARDWARE TECHNOLOGY, SPREADSHEETS, FUNDAMENTALS, AND HOW TO USE ALTERNATIVE KEYSTROKES INSTEAD OF THE MOUSE.
For more information about these sessions, drop by the Center and take a look at our bulletin board schedule.
If you are looking for a good computer magazine which is easy to read yet is quite helpful in discussion various computer topics take a look at SMART COMPUTING. I get it regularly and find very helpful articles.
Roy Rosfeld
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January 2009!
We have regular OPEN LAB sessions seven times each month. These are sessions when we have some of our professional coaches on hand to help you with your computer problems. We can’t guarantee that we will field all questions but our gang does a pretty good job:
At 9:30 on the first and second Fridays and the fourth Monday.
At 1:30 PM the Open Labs will be held on the first Monday, the second and third Wednesdays, and the last Friday of the month.
Occasionally we hold special sessions dedicated to some of the more esoteric features. These include CUT, COPY, AND PASTE, HARDWARE TECHNOLOGY, SPREADSHEETS, FUNDAMENTALS, AND HOW TO USE ALTERNATIVE KEYSTROKES INSTEAD OF THE MOUSE.
For more information about these sessions, drop by the Center and take a look at our bulletin board schedule.
If you are looking for a good computer magazine which is easy to read yet is quite helpful in discussion various computer topics, take a look at SMART COMPUTING. I get it regularly and find very helpful articles.
Roy Rosfeld
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December is going to be a tight month with all the holidays and such.
There will be Open Labs at 1:30 PM on Monday, December 1, Wednesdays, December 10 and 17 and 9:30 on Friday, December 4 and 12. Other than that we will be pretty quiet. Go to our websites at www.leisureline.org for more information. We also have a calendar posted on the door of the Center.
I would like to discuss the need for us to cure some bad practices on the part of some of our users. The systems in the Computer Center are available for use by residents of Leisure World. However, we set up the systems and maintain them so that they all use the same configuration and setups. In other words, we have set the systems so that they all reflect the same settings and displays. We're not sure what is happening but some of the folks using the Center's computers are doing some strange things to them.
Our Directors have been going a little crazy trying to clean up the systems. We have been doing a lot of cleaning and such to the systems and have been finding some extremely weird things happening. On some of the systems some of the programs have disappeared and we have had to reinstall them. We have found that some users have been saving personal files on the systems and we have had to go around and "clean house."
Please, folks, DO NOT save personal files on our systems. If you need to save your files, get yourself a flash drive and save them on it – not on our systems. These are not your PERSONAL systems. They are used by a lot of people and we have established certain configurations that we do not want to be disturbed or changed. We have also noticed that some users have been changing the appearance and other aspects of a system. Please – DO NOT do this!!!
On another matter, when you are using a computer the site requires you to enter your name and password. On some sites when you make this entry you are asked if you want the computer to remember this information. You may use this technique on your home computer but when this message appears on one of the Center's computers, you should always say NO. There are some gurus who suggest that you NEVER do this – security reasons, they say. If you come to the center and need some guidance in what you can and cannot do while you are working on one of our systems – PLEASE ask one of our Directors who may be in the Center at the time for some guidance in what you can and cannot do on the system.
Don't know if it's the weather or WHAT. We scheduled three Dropin Sessions in November and the attendance was terrible. I had one person for one session and zero persons for the other two. In the past we have announced Dropins and just asked folks to just "DROP IN." Most of the time we have had fairly full houses but lately the response has been less than favorable. Perhaps we need to have folks sign up for a Dropin and hold them only if the number of responses is favorable. More later on this topic.
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November - The Learning Center
For more detailed information about center activities, go to www.ComputerCtr.org or www.LeisureLine.org.
In November these are the scheduled activities. There will be Open Lab sessions at 9:30 am on Nov. 7 and 14, and at 1:30 PM on Nov. 3, Nov. 12 and 13 and Nov. 28. These are sessions when there are coaches on hand to field your questions and help you with your problems. The center will be open for users on the other days of the month from 9:30 to 11:30 am and 1:30 to 3:30 PM. The center will be closed on Election Day and Thanksgiving Day.
We had a table at the Community Fair on Friday, Oct. 24 and fielded a lot of questions from those who stopped by.
We hope to be able to hold several Drop-ins during – take a look at the above websites for dates and times. Those Drop-ins we plan to hold include the following: Overview of Spreadsheets; Fundamentals, Cut, Copy and Paste; Hardware Technology; and How To Use Alternative Keystrokes Instead of the Mouse. We will post information about these sessions on our bulletin board in the center. We also hope to be able to post more information about these on the bulletin board in the snack room directly across from the center.
Recently we have had inquiries from several people asking how they can join the club. For your information if you are a resident you are entitled to use the center computer systems to practice your computer skills and to access the Internet for your email or other online information. We have two printers available for copying information.
If you have recently purchased a new system with the Microsoft Vista operating system and are struggling with it there is a very good book that will get you up and running. The name of the book is "Plain and Simple Windows Vista." It is a Microsoft book and walks you through from just getting started to some fancy features. Also, we have one system in the center that is equipped with Microsoft Vista. If you want to drop in and experiment with some of its features, be our guest.
Finally, we are always looking for folks to help us in the center. If you would like to participate as a volunteer mentor, talk to one of our staff and we will be glad to get you in the loop.
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We were quite busy during September
I held four Dropin sessions which were quite well attended. They were Cut-Copy-and Paste; Overview of Spreadsheets; Fundamentals; and Alternative Keystrokes. We expect we will be running these sessions again in the future so watch for an announcement.
During the month of October we will continue holding our Open Labs at 9:30 am on the 1st and 2nd Fridays and the fourth Monday; and at 1:30 on the first Monday, 2nd and 3rd Wednesday, and the last Friday. For more information and a peek at our calendar, take a look at www.computerctr.org and www.leisureline.org.
We are currently in the process of developing a course on how to work with the Internet. In the meantime, however, we are working on a plan where we will hold sessions during a specific week during which we will concentrate on various aspects of using the Internet. Watch for an announcement on this subject – take a look at the two websites mentioned above.
Some of you have been dropping off "Donations" at the Center. We appreciate your generosity but we are sorta overloaded with various pieces of equipment, training books and videos and the like. Please DO NOT leave anything at the Center unless you have asked one of our board members if what you have is something we can use. Old computers and such equipment can be left at the loading dock in Clubhouse I where Montgomery County folks will pick them up.
Except for those days when there is a scheduled activity the Center is open for you to come in and check your email, do some searching for travel plans, and such. On Open Lab days we have a couple of coaches on hand to assist you with problems. On other days our Monitors may be able to give you a hand but their obligation is to open and man the Center on specified days. On all occasions the Center is open from 9:30 to 11:30 am and 1:30 to 3:30 PM. We are not open on Saturdays and Sundays – sorry about that.
If you have some special questions that you would like us to explore with you, please let one of us know. Recently, a few folks wanted to know when you are supposed to press the left mouse button and when to press the right mouse button and what happens under either circumstance. My Dropin on how to use Alternative Keystrokes is always popular since some folks are just not too proficient in using the mouse.
Leisure World management is going to hold a Community Fair on Friday, October 24 from 10 to 2 that day. We will have a table at that Fair so drop by, say hello, and chat with whoever is on duty at the time. See ya' then.
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Computer Center Open and Ready to Help
Just a reminder – take a look at www.leisureline.org or www.computerctr.org for more information about activities in the Center.
For the rest of September, we will hold an OPEN LAB on Monday, September 22 at 9:30 am and two OPEN LABS on Wednesday, September 17 at 1:30 PM and Friday, September 26 at 1:30 PM.
Remember that OPEN LABS are those sessions where we have Coaches on hand to help you with your problems and walk you through some computer activities. The other sessions are when the Center is open and staffed by Monitors who job it is to open the Center and help you get up and running on one of our computer systems.
Some folks have asked about how to get started working with a computer. We have two training programs in the Center designed to help you get started. One is named KEYBOARD EXPLORER and the other is named MOUSE TRAINER. Both of these program are designed to give you some practice is how to use a typical keyboard and a typical mouse. If you are interested in a good starting point take a look at these two programs – they will give you some good insight into both the keyboard and the mouse.
From time to time we also hold what we call "DROPINS." These are sessions where you can just drop in on the scheduled date and gain some knowledge and practice on the topics presented that day. There is no charge for the session but there may be a slight fee for a handout for that day. We have descriptions in the Center which cover the specific sessions. For example, on Monday, September 22 at 1:30 PM I will be hosting a session which I jokingly call "I HATE MY MOUSE – WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?"
This session will show you how to use various keystrokes to do the same thing that a mouse will do. Here are a couple of examples. If you take a look at your keyboard, you will see two keys , one on each side of the space bar, that looks like a flying window. This is called the "WINDOWS KEY." Pressing one of these keys will activate and display your START menu. Once you have this menu displayed, you can use the arrow keys (these are the ones on the right side that display four arrows, UP, DOWN, LEFT, and RIGHT.
Once the START menu is displayed you can use these keys to move around in the START menu. When you land on some activity you can press the ENTER key to activate that command. If you want to just wander around and take a look at the various activities, you can do so then when you want to exit from the START menu, you can press the ESC key (in the upper left corner of the keyboard) – this will exit you from the start menu and take you back to the main Desktop.
When you are in an application program, for example, Microsoft Word, you can use the mouse to activate a menu command. BUT – you will notice that a typical menu will display the name of a command area with one key underscored. You can activate that command with the mouse – BUT – you can also hold down the ALT key (at the bottom row of the keyboard) then tap the underscored letter. For example, in Word if you would like to activate the File menu, hold down the ALT key then press the letter I. Voila!!! Your file menu commands are now displayed.
If you want to know more about these alternative keystrokes, drop in the seminar scheduled for Monday, September 22 at 1:30 PM. See ya' there.
Drop by the Center and take a look at our bulletin board for the activities in the Center.
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September Learning Opportunities
If you want detailed information about Center activities, take a look at
www.LeisureLine.org and www.ComputerCtr.org.
For those of you new to the Center, we have seven OPEN LABS each month – at 9:30 am on the 1st and 2nd Fridays, 9:30 on the fourth Monday, and 1:30 on the first Monday, 2nd and 3rd Wednesday and the last Friday at 1:30.
On those days when there is no Open Lab or some special event, the Center is open from 9:30 to 11:30 and 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Open Labs are manned by coaches who are there to help you with your problems or with general computer operations. The other days the Center is staffed by volunteers who may or may not help you with specific problems.
I will be hosting the following four DROPINS in September. Cut, Copy and Paste on Monday, September 15 at 9:30; Spreadsheets on Tuesday, September 16 at 9:30; Fundamentals on Wednesday, September 17 at 9:30 and Alternative Keystrokes on September 22 at 1:30
These are sessions where I will hold a "show-and-tell" session on the specified topic. There is no need to register – just drop in on the day and time specified. Those of you who have sent your email address to Donna Stone will be receiving a special notice about these activities.
With the passing of the summer months we will be planning for future months planning. In the meantime, drop by the Center and check out our calendar.
Roy Rosfeld
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Pretty Short - Summertime and All, You Know
by Roy Rosfeld
For more information about Center activities take a look at www.computerctr.org and www.leisureline.org.
With the HOT months now upon us – lotsa folks will be on vacations and such so the next few months (for now, especially July) the Center will be open for the usual Open Labs with some coaches on hand to field your questions. We will have Open Labs on July 7, July 9, July 16 and July 25 at 1:30 PM. The morning sessions will be at July 11 and July 28 at 9:30 am. During the other days, the Center will be staffed by Monitors. The hours are generally 9:30 to 11:30 am and 1:30 to 3:30 PM. We are not planning for any formal computer classes during the summer months.
Depending upon who of us is around we may hold some Dropins. For more information about these, take a look at our websites listed above.
June DropIn Sessions Enrich Computer Use
This article will appear in the issue of Leisure World News on Tuesday, June 17. However, please note that you can view the article much earlier by logging on to either www.computerctr.org and/or www.leisureline.org. The first is the official website of the Center and the second is sponsored by Donna Stone. The latter contains information about the various activities in Leisure World. If you would like to be informed about the various activities that occur in the Center send your email address to Donna at the address above. When we plan specific activities, such as a DROPIN sessions, you will be sent an email message inviting you to attend.
For those of you new to Leisure World here's what happens in the Center. First, we hold what we refer to as "Open Labs." These are sessions staffed by members of the Board of Directors of the Center. They are there to answer your questions and help you with a problem you may be having with your computer.
Except for specific holidays our Open Labs are always held as follows, on the:
first and second Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
fourth Monday at 9:30 a.m.
first Monday at 1:30 p.m.
second and third Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.
last Friday at 1:30 p.m.
There are seven in all. On those days when there is no Open Lab we are staffed by volunteers whose job it is to open the Center and show attendees how to turn on the systems. Beyond those duties, they may or may not field questions. If they feel comfortable doing so, they may assist in helping you with your problem.
We have two printers available. One is a regular laser for printing regular black and white stuff. We ask that you contribute 5 cents per copy for this printing. The other printer handles color printing and we ask that your contribute 35 cents per copy for this printer. We are constantly running down to one of the computer stores for paper and printer cartridges which run into lots of money. None of these supplies is funded by Leisure Word, so we have to charge to keep up the supply.
Our other activities are called Dropin. These are sessions where a specific topic is discussed via a lecture and demonstration session. Occasionally a Dropin may have attendees work on a computer system with the presenter. In June, for example, I will be hosting a Dropin in Spreadsheets on Monday, June 16 at 9:30 and another on Fundamentals on Monday, June 23 at 9:30.
I have two other Dropins that are usually of interest. The first is called Hardware Technology. This covers the various pieces of equipment that you use on your computer. One piece of equipment that has become quite popular is called a flash drive. We recently purchased a small supply of flash drives. If you would like to buy one to learn how to use this resource ask one of our coaches. The cost is $6 per flash drive. The second teaches you how to use alternative keystrokes instead of a mouse. It is facetiously called I Hate My Mouse – What can I do now?
We also have two fun programs on the computers which will let you practice how to use a mouse and a keyboard. Ask one of our coaches or a monitor how to access these programs. They can also be downloaded from the Internet – we'll show you how.
Finally, for those of you who have purchased new computers with Vista on them, we have one system in the front of the room with this operating system on it. This system also has Microsoft Windows Officer 2007 installed. Feel free to use this system to practice these new features.
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TIP of the Week
Ever have a disk stuck in your CD drive and you couldn't get the disk out? Here's how to solve this dilemma.
Notice that the face of the door has a tiny hole -- unfold a paper clip and gently push the end of the clip into the hole until you feel a click that signals the unlatching of the lock. That should immediately pop open the door. If the door doesn't pop all the way open or is stiff, very gently work it out. Once open, check if there is dirt clogging the latching mechanism.
If the drive is broken and need to be replaced, consider buying an external drive rather than replacing the computer's more expensive custom internal drive.
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Hello,
We are currently in the process of making some changes to our website.
 Donna Stone, who currently hosts the Leisure Line site, also maintains our website. We expect to continue our practice of keeping our users informed about the Center's activities. We hope to add some technical tips and tricks.
During the month of June we will hold the usual Open Lab sessions – they are the first and third Fridays and the 4th Monday at 9:30; the first Monday, the second and third Wednesdays and the last Friday at 1:30 PM.
For those of you new to the Center activities, Open Labs are those sessions where we have coaches on hand to handle specific questions and problems. You can bring your problem to the Center and we'll try to help you work with it. On those days not reserved for special activities, the Center is open and manned by volunteers whose job it is to open the lab and get users up and running on the computer systems. They may or may not be able to field specific questions but you can give them a try.
One of the ideas we have on the drawing board is to hold a special open session or two for you to ask specific question and for us to share with you some goodies we may have learned on our tours. We are always looking for more and better ways we can respond to your questions and needs so bring your questions along when you visit the Center.
Some Leisure World residents have asked who can use the Center's facilities. Generally, if you are a Leisure World resident, you can have access to the Center's computers when the Center is open. Also, a relative visiting who would like to check email or do some other work can have access to a system – it would be helpful to call the Center at 301-598-1306 during regular open hours and tell one of the staff that you have someone visiting who would like to use the Center's facilities.
Thank You!
Roy
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Open Labs
For the month of May, 2008, we will continue holding seven OPEN LABS in the Center. OPEN LABS are those times when the Center is staffed by experienced coaches who can answer your questions, help you with your computer problems, and give you some good tips for making your computing experiences worthwhile. 
 On days not reserved for OPEN LABS, the Center is open and staffed by volunteer monitors whose job it is to open the Center and show you how to start the computer systems. Unlike the coaches in the OPEN LABS they are not committed to answer questions unless they feel knowledgeable about the topic.
Open Labs in May
Morning Sessions - 9:30 to 11:30 AM

more info soonAfternoon Sessions - 1:30 to 3:30 PM

Monday, May 5

Wednesday, May 14

Wednesday, May 21

Friday, May 30
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Classes
During the last week of April we held two classes, Introduction to Computers with emphasis on how to use a mouse and a keyboard and Introduction to Windows XP. We had six students in the first and eight in the latter. Hopefully all the students went away more knowledgeable than when they came to the classes. We hope to be able to offer more of these classes later.
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DROPINS
We hope to be able to schedule what we refer to as DROPINS sometime in May. These are sessions where we present a topic in the form of a lecture and demonstration of the topic of the day.
During the last part of May we held three dropins: 1) How To Cut, Copy, & Paste; 2) Hardware Technology; 3) How To Use Alternative Keystrokes (Shortcuts)
We only had a few users attend these sessions but hopefully we were able to help educate them on these three computer topics.
The session on Spreadsheets will cover the various things you can do with this powerful program. The session on Fundamentals is designed to show users how to use the various dropdown menus, and icons in a typical computer program. Both seminars are free but there may be a slight charge for the cost of copying handouts.
You do not need to register for these dropins before hand but if you have a particular question or two about either topic, feel free to give me a call at 301-598-2825 so I can include a discussion of them in my seminar.
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Help Keep Our Computers Clean and Running Smoothly!
This is a memo to those folks who regularly use our systems and put stuff on them that are no-nos. For example, we have noticed that some users are putting icons on the desktop – please don't do this!!! Also, we notice that some users are saving their personal documents on the systems – please don't do this either.
Our staff has to go around the systems and clean them up. This is very time-consuming – please do not put stray stuff on the computer you are using in the Center. The student systems are programmed so that you cannot install a program but can create an icon on the desktop or save files to the hard drive. If you have any questions about this, talk with me or one of our directors about the practice.
Finally, if you have questions about computer stuff or just want to chat about your computer problems in general, talk with one of our staff during your visit to the Center. Thanks for your attention, everyone, and we hope to see you soon!
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