An Introduction to Windows, Email and the Internet

An Introduction to Windows -  New User Tutorial

Some other useful tricks

1. Windows Explorer and organizing your files.
2. Size, minimize and maximize windows.
3. Cut, copy, paste.
4. Making the screen easier to read. F11=Full screen, Control+ = increase font size, Control Panel | Display  (Appearance | font size  and Settings | Resolution), Tool bars.

Where to learn more about Windows:

• Tech Tutorials has Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 tutorials
• The Senior's Guide to Computers

An Introduction to the Internet - Basic Web Lessons

Some other useful tricks

1. Text size - make it easy on your eyes with Control +/-.
2. Favorites and organizing them.
3. Find within a page with Control F
4. Options - Home and how to choose it.
5. Right click on image- Set as wallpaper. Here is a background you can use and step by step instructions.
6. Right click on link- Open in new window or tab.
7. Some documents open in Acrobat, which works differently.

More things you should know about the Internet

1. Invisible Internet (for example Social Security Death Index).
2. Discussion groups, such as TimesFour and Google Groups.
3. Blogs, which can range from very serious to much less so.
4. Genealogy, such as Cyndi's List, HeritageQuest and Newspaper Archive, but that is another program.
5. Social sites: Facebook, Flickr (for photos), YouTube (for video).
6. Music: Grooveshark and Pandora

Where to learn more about the Internet and Browsers

• net.TUTOR - Excellent interactive Internet instruction program. Once you've registered (free), there are 10 lessons you can take covering such topics as: Getting Started on the Web; E-Mail Basics; Make the Most of Your Browser; Searching 101; Evaluation of Web Sites; and Smart Net Research Strategies.

Additional Tutorials

• Custom Guides - Quick printable reference guides for popular software. More of them here.
• Learning Express - A service that the library subscribes to that provides online tutorials for Windows and MS Office.
• In Pictures - Computer tutorials based on pictures. - Word and office, not Windows or Internet
• TypingWeb - Free on-line typing tutor.

Local Programs

• The Lowell Center offers one-on-one tutoring sessions for people that would like to learn how to use a computer, the Internet, Email, etc. Tutoring appointments are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and anyone over 50 may schedule an appointment at the Lowell Center Office. Call their office (421-1051)

• Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools offers Computer Basic courses. Each class lasts about two hours and runs for six weeks.  There is limited space, so advance registration is required. Call the WRPS Information Technology Department at 715-424-6715, ext. 1035, to enroll.

• The Academic Support Center at Mid-State Technical College offers a free class in Computer Basics. It runs for eight 90 minute sessions.

Some Freebies

• GIMP  - Free image program, like PhotoShop.

• Firefox add ons - Enhance Firefox with thousands of powerful add ons.

• Open Office - Free word processor, reads and writes MS Office formats.

• Security programs - AVG antivirus, Ad-Aware spyware remover, Spy-Bot Search and Destroy, ZoneAlarm Free Firewall.

This page is located at: http://www.mcmillanlibrary.org/programs/intro.html