PC Maintenance Class 1: Term 1

Quite a big group this term, with some familiar faces from last term. We started off this class like all of the others that I have taught this week, with the obligatory introduction session, and then a PowerPoint presentation about what the course will entail, followed by a session on hardware.  

I think it is absolutely vital that any PC Maintenance course covers hardware, you have to open up the computer and be familar with the bits and pieces inside the case.  PC Maintenance isnt just about managing files, from time to time we may need to replace a faulty DVD drive, or fit a new sound card, or extra RAM. So on that basis its critical.

After the short coffee break, I proceded to take apart my demonstration PC so that the people in the group could see all of the components that make up a PC.  The PC that I am using this term is a Research Machines (RM) F-Series PC.  It’s ideal to bring along to the school because it is a slimline and small footspaced case, which is easier to carry about rather than the average desktop computer.

Carefully keeping an eye on the time, I managed to get the computer back together again by the end of the session.

Next week we begin our proper look at Microsoft Windows, the operating system that most of us use on our personal computers. The versions of Microsoft Windows that are currently in use tend to very from Windows XP, to Windows Vista and now the lastest incarnation: Windows 7.  Writing materials and ‘how to..’ guides is pointless these days, so I have chosen, at great length, what I think are the perfect books to help people learn how to use Windows properly. Lots of pictures, so ideal!

These no-nonsense guides use easy, numbered steps and concise, straightforward language to show the most expedient way to perform tasks and solve problems in Windows.

Students  should buy which ever book is applicable to which Operating System they have on their home computer. They are available from all good bookshops, or online from suppliers such as Amazon.co.uk

Prices range from about £10 to £15 each depending on the stockist.

Digital Camera Masterclass: Class 1: Term 1

A few familar faces tonight, plus a handful of new students too. This year for the first time in about 5 years, I have scrapped the standard Digital Camera Class, and combined what were both the seperate Beginners and Improvers group and rolled them both into a ‘Masterclass’ which caters for a introductory to intermediate level. We started off with a PowerPoint presentation which introduced some of the basics to the course. We talked about the various flash settings on the camera. How to use Macro mode, and how to use the White Balance settings on most digital camera.

Other things we discussed were how to look after your equipment, the right bag to protect your camera, and cleaning bits and pieces.  A personal favourite of mine is the LowePro range of bags, but generally anything that cushions the drop of your camera from waist height is ideal. Sadly most bags that come with compact cameras aren’t even bags, they are more like cloth covers, and only tend to protect against dust.

Next week we will have a practical session in the classroom, where I have asked the students to bring in their cameras and some interesting leaves or autumnal items, such as pine cones and conkers! 

Microsoft Publisher Class 1: Term 1

First class of the new academic year. Also, this is the first night of a new course – Microsoft Publisher.  Albeit a small group, we had a good session on Microsoft Publisher. I started off the session with a introductory PowerPoint presentation all about what Microsoft Publisher is.

Microsoft Office Publisher, formerly Microsoft Publisher, is a desktop publishing application from Microsoft. It is an entry-level application, differing from Microsoft Word in that the emphasis is placed on page layout and design rather than text composition and proofing. The current version is Microsoft Office Publisher 2010 for Windows (no version exists for the Macintosh), released on June 15, 2010.

For tonight’s session we started off with a general look at the interface that the program uses, and how’s very similar to many other Windows applications.

As a nice easy exercise, tonight we looked at how simple clipart can be constructed.  So using various shapes and lines, the group constructed some pictures of there own choosing. Rachel created a nice shaded grey cat, Huw did a man, and Lesley did a wonderful daisy and caterpillar, and Pat did a wonderful collection of balloons!

Next week,  we’ll be looking at creating some birthday cards!