The Portsmouth Public Library offers a number of free, hands-on computer classes. The classes are held at the library on weekdays and generally run for 1 and 1/2 hours. Days and times of the classes vary, and some classes have prerequisites. Each class is a one-time workshop which can be repeated if necessary. Call 766-1720 to register for a class.
Courses offered
Class Size
Each class will accomodate up to 8 students. Computers are provided.
Registration
Classes will be open for registration by phone once details have been set. At that time, we will send out a new press release, update the information on this web page, and distribute fliers at the library's Welcome Desk.
Class Descriptions
 Computer Basics: Basic elements of Windows, including: using the mouse and keyboard, highlighting, copying, and pasting text, common menus, toolbars, and shortcuts, exploring programs and documents, overview of computer hardware and storage media
 Internet Basics : Introduction to the Internet, including getting online, understanding basic terminology, toolbar buttons in Internet Explorer, using search sites, evaluating Web sites and online information, using intermediate and advanced online tools and search features
- Prerequisites: Computer Basics class -or- familiarity with the mouse, including highlighting, copying, and pasting
 Google Email : Creating and using a free Google email account, including choosing a unique email address and password, composing and sending email messages, attaching files to email messages, reading and replying to incoming email, and storing email addresses in a personal address book
- Prerequisites: Computer Basics class and Internet class -or-
familiarity with using the keyboard and mouse, getting online and entering Web addresses
 Microsoft Word Basics (parts 1 & 2) : Learn how to create, save and print word processing documents, including using editing shortcuts, formatting lists, checking spelling and grammar and using Word toolbars. The class will also include discussion of how to save and organize files. The class is split into two parts because there is too much to cover in one 90-minute class. Both parts are intended for beginners.
- Prerequisites: Computer Basics class -or- familiarity with using the keyboard and mouse; highlighting, copying, and pasting text; and using the basic elements of the Windows operating system
- Intermediate Microsoft Word:
This class is for those who have taken the Library's Microsoft Word Parts 1 & 2 classes and are looking to learn more advanced Word skills such as creating columns and tabs, breaking a document into multiple sections with unique headers and footers, tracking document changes and completing a mail merge. There will also be a brief introduction to Google Docs.
- Prerequisites: Microsoft Word parts 1 & 2 -or- proficiency in most basic Word skills including cut, copy & paste, formatting text, changing paragraph alignments, spell check and page numbering; must also be familiar using the basic elements of the Windows operating system
 Microsoft Excel: Basics Learn how to navigate within an Excel worksheet, enter and edit data, select ranges, format cells, and create simple formulas and charts.
- Prerequisites: Microsoft Word class - or - familiarity with using the keyboard and mouse; highlighting, copying, and pasting text; and using the basic elements of the Windows operating system, familiar with Microsoft Word .
- Microsoft Excel: Intermediate Learn advanced Excel skills not covered in the introductory class including
advanced charts, filtering and subtotaling data, conditional formatting, concatenating text and splitting text into columns, using logic-based functions, printing worksheets with repeating header rows and columns, and PivotTables and PivotCharts.
- Prerequisites: Microsoft Excel Basics class - or - Experience using Excel outside of class, creating formulas and basic charts in Excel, familiar with Microsoft Word.
 Powerpoint : Learn how to use design templates for slides and how to add WordArt, clip art and animations. We'll also discuss how to save, view and print a presentation, as well as posting your presentation online for others to view.
- Prerequisites: Microsoft Word class - or - familiarity with using the keyboard and mouse; highlighting, copying, and pasting text; and using the basic elements of the Windows operating system.
 Microsoft Access: Learn basic database design and development concepts and skills including
creating tables and forms, entering and editing data, creating queries, generating reports, establishing table relationships and more
- Prerequisites: Microsoft Excel Basics class - or - Experience using Access and Excel outside of class
 LinkedIn: Come learn the fundamentals of using LinkedIn, one of the world’s largest professional networks with over 65 million members and growing rapidly. We'll cover how to set up your profile and how to connect with trusted contacts. We also discuss how LinkedIn helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals.
- Prerequisites: Must be comfortable using the keyboard, the mouse and the Internet. If you have or can create a LinkedIn account before the start of class, that's ideal. In order to create a new LinkedIn account while at the class, you must have a working email address that can be accessed online from the library, for example with Yahoo or Gmail.
 Facebook: Want to keep in touch with friends and family? Interested in knowing about Facebook but don't know how it works? Join us for an introduction to this widely used social networking service where you'll learn how to: set up an account and edit your Facebook profile; select privacy settings; find and add friends; discover and use fun apps; and delete an account.
- Prerequisites: Must be comfortable using the keyboard and mouse and have basic knowledge of using the Internet. In order to create a new Facebook account while at the class, you must have a working email address that can be accessed online from the library
 Twitter: In this one hour course you'll learn about the basics of using Twitter. Topics covered will include @replies, direct messages, hashtags, and retweets. Learn how to find people to follow and search for information about your interests.
- Prerequisites: Must be comfortable using the keyboard, the mouse and the Internet, and be curious about online social networks
 Google in Depth : Learn techniques to dramatically improve your searching skills. Explore Google's images database and learn how to legally copy images from the Internet and put them into your own documents. Discover Google Documents which allow you to create, store and share secure Word, Excel and PowerPoint files online.
- Prerequisites: Must be comfortable using the keyboard, the mouse and the Internet. If you don't have your own Google account, we will have fake accounts available for you to use.
 Using Downloadable Audiobooks :
Learn how to use the library's downloadable audiobook service including: how to search through the library's collection of downloadable audiobooks, how to check one out and download it to your computer, and how to transfer it to your MP3 player/iPod or burn it to a CD.
- Prerequisites: Must be comfortable using the keyboard and mouse and have basic knowledge of using the Internet.
This is not a class for brand new computer users
Introduction to Blogging: Learn what blogs are useful for and how to subscribe to them. You'll also get a chance to create your own free blog and publish your first post if you wish! (Please bring your email address and password with you so that you'll be able to check your email for a confirmation message after you set up your blog.)
- Prerequisites: Computer Basics, Internet Basics & Email classes, or comfort using email and the Internet.
 Learning Express: This class will offer an overview of the library's online test preparation and general skill building service called Learning Express. We'll review each of the subject areas which offer practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, and information you need to achieve the results you want—at school, at work, or in life. Subjects include college entrance exams (SAT, PSAT, ACT), GED test prep, job search and workplace skills as well as skill building for elementary, middle and high school students.
- Prerequisites: To participate hands-on, you must be confident using the keyboard and mouse and the Internet. However, if you'd like to come and just watch/listen, that is fine too.
- Digital Cameras : This class will provide an overview of how to upload digital photographs from your digital camera to a computer, and then how to do some basic editing of them using free image editing software and web services. It is not a class on how to use your digital camera or to do advanced image editing. You are welcome to bring your digital camera and laptop to class if you like, or you can just come and watch.
- Prerequisites: Should be comfortable using the keyboard and mouse and have basic familiarity with using a digital camera. This is not a class for brand new computer users.
 The Best Travel Websites: Learn about the best websites on the Internet for travelers, including how to look up flight information, find the lowest fares and check a flight's status. We'll explore websites for several of the major airlines as well as more general purpose websites that help travelers decide where to go, what to pack and where to eat.
- Prerequisites: Should be comfortable using the keyboard and mouse and have basic familiarity with the Internet. Ideally, you've taken the library's Internet class or you're a frequent Internet user.
 Job Search Websites: This class will review finding and applying for jobs using email and the web including:
features of major job searching web sites such as Monster.com, how to set up job alerts and how to format a resume for mail, paper, or website submission
- Prerequisites: Microsoft Word, Internet, and Email classes, or, a web-accessible e-mail account and basic familiarity with the Internet and Microsoft Word.
 Using the Library Catalog : Come learn ways to find what you're looking for in the library catalog. We'll cover basic search techniques that are guaranteed to save you time, including narrowing your search to specific media, for example DVDs. We'll review how to place a request for an item that is checked out and how to renew items online. Plus, we'll give an overview of Encore, an exciting alternative to the classic interface for searching the catalog.
- Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this class, but it would help if you are comfortable using a mouse and have some familiarity with the keyboard. Experience using the Internet is also a plus.
- Download handout here
To learn more, call 766-1720.
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