24 Chestnut Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977
Phone: (845) 352-5700
Fax: (845) 352-2319

Director: Bob Devino

 


Robert H. Finkelstein Technology Center

TECHNOLOGY CENTER
NORMAL HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday through Thursday: 9:00 a.m. -- 8:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. -- 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. -- 5 p.m.
Sunday
1:00 -- 5 p.m.

Computer Workshops: Spring 2008

Please note:  These are one session computer workshops.  Registration begins one week prior to workshops. To register, please call the Library at (845) 352-5700 Ext. 294, or stop by the RHF Technology Center on the 3rd floor.

Understanding Basic Computer Concepts

(For people having difficulty, or with no experience, using a mouse and key-board)
This workshop provides a basic understanding of computers and their components, the difference between operating systems and software applications, the difference in disk storage and computer memory, as well as the use of the mouse and keyboard. 

Registration - April 16th
Wed., April 23, 2008 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Registration - April 17th
Thurs., April 24, 2008 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Registration - April 23rd
Wed., April 30, 2008 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration – April 24th
Thurs., May 1, 2008 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.

 

HOW TO MAKE THE INTERNET WORK FOR YOU! A HANDS-ON WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS
(Prerequisite: Ability to use a mouse and keyboard)

 

Wed., April 16, 2008 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Registration begins Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Are you making the best use of your Internet connection? Haven't quite got round to customizing it? Would you like to be more effective when searching for information, using email, avoiding viruses, etc.?

This hands-on workshop will give you many tips and techniques for improving your total web experience.

  • create a new starting page that reflects your personal interests,
  • organize your folders and save your favorite websites for easy access saving hours of browsing time later.
  • learn how to protect yourself from viruses, spyware, and unwanted pop-ups
    Set up a free e-mail account and use your e-mail more effectively
  • search for anything (and find it) using Google and Yahoo


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 Introduction to Microsoft Word
(Prerequisite: Must be able to use a Mouse and Keyboard)

Provides the fundamentals of operating Word and demonstrates how to create, edit, save, print and format documents using Microsoft Word.

Wed., Mar 12th, 2008 | 6:30 pm – 8:30 p.m. | Formatting Text & Paragraphs
Registration begins Wed., Mar. 5th, 2008

Wed., Mar 26th, 2008 | 6:30 pm -  8:30 p.m. | Formatting Documents
Registration begins Wed., Mar. 19th, 2008

Wed., May 7, 2008 | 6:30 pm -  8:30 p.m. | Introduction to Word
Registration begins Wed., April 30, 2008

Wed., May 14, 2008 | 6:30 pm -  8:30 p.m. | Introduction to Word
Registration begins Wed., May 7, 2008



Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint

(Prerequisite: Must be able to use a Mouse and Keyboard)

PowerPoint is one of the most popular software programs in the world. It enables you to create professional-looking presentations in the form of slideshows that run on your computer. This class will explain not only the basics of starting a presentation, adding and editing text and designs, pictures, videos, charts and animation to slides but how to “think-through” your entire presentation for best results.

Wed. May 14, 2008| 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Registration begins Wednesday, May 7, 2008


Introduction to Microsoft Publisher 2007

(Prerequisite: Must be able to use a Mouse and Keyboard; knowledge of Microsoft Word essential)

Microsoft Publisher 2007 is software that will allow you to create, customize, and publish materials such as newsletters, brochures, flyers, catalogs, web sites, and more. Learn how Publisher can help you create great-looking publications in the same amount of time (or less) than you would spend using a word-processing program. This class will provide you with the basic skills you need to start and customize a publication.  

Registration – June 4th

Class: Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Morning Session: 10:30-12:30pm
Evening Session:  6:30-8:30pm


Getting Started with Microsoft Word 2007

(Prerequisite: Must be able to use a Mouse and Keyboard; knowledge of Microsoft Word essential)

Provides the basics of the new features, buttons and naming conventions in Word 2007’s new design and demonstrates how to create, edit and print documents using Microsoft Word 2007.

Registration – June 11th

Class: Wed., June 18, 2008 | 6:30-8:30pm


Exploring Google

(Prerequisite: Must be able to use a Mouse and Keyboard. Intermediate knowledge of the Internet is essential, as this class is not intended for beginners)
Not only is Google the most popular and straightforward search engine on the Internet, it is becoming a platform for everyday living. In addition to providing easy access to billions of web pages, Google has numerous “idle” features (over 40!) that millions of people do not take advantage of. In this workshop, you will be guided through Google’s expanding list of products from advanced search tools such as full text Book Search, Video, Image, Notebook, Product Search, and even get access to Google’s new FREE 411 service! Also, benefit from Google’s communication tools, including iGoogle, Gmail, Calendar, Documents Creator, Photo Uploading and Sharing, Chat, and for 2008, learn how to go mobile!
Note: Registrants are strongly advised to set up a Gmail account prior to the class. Please go to www.gmail.com and click on the “Sign up for Gmail” link and complete all necessary fields.
Registration – June 18th

Class: Wed., June 25, 2008 | 6:30-8:30pm



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Wireless at the Library

Finkelstein Memorial Library has high-speed wireless Internet access in the public seating areas on the second and third floors and in the Children's Room of the Library.

You can connect to the network if your laptop computer is equipped with a wireless network interface card. Printing is not available, but no time restrictions apply. Click here for further information.


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Software Programs

The following software programs are now available for patron and staff use within the RHF Technology Center:

Microsoft Office XP Professional:

Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Word; and Encarta Multimedia Encyclopedia Internet Explorer


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Computers for Word Processing, Databases, Spreadsheets...

The Finkelstein Memorial Library received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Learning Foundation that provides 6 computers and a wide variety of software, technical support and training opportunities for our patrons. One computer is for Spanish-speaking users and one is in large print for visually impaired users. Microsoft Corporation has donated software including Microsoft Access, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel and many children's educational programs. This means increased access to software for word processing, databases, spreadsheets, education, etc. and more free Internet access for you and your family. Four of the computers are housed on the second floor and two are housed in the Children's Department on the first floor. There are several other computers throughout the library for your use.

Gerry Turer of Airmont uses a computer at the library on April 4, 2007.

For a complete listing of the software provided, click here: Gates Computer Software


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Free Public Internet Access 

Several computer workstations with Internet access are available at the library on the second and third floors. A time limit of ninety minutes per day has been established to provide equitable use of this popular resource.

Twenty minute workstations are also available. Reference librarians are available to recommend web sites and to help you with reference questions. Free Internet classes are offered to provide instruction in beginning and more advanced Web usage. See above for class details.

Printers are available. You will need your library card to sign-on to the Internet. The first two pages are free; each additional page is 15 cents.


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Online Computer and Internet Tutorials

Mouse Skills | Introductions to the Internet | How to Search the Web
Evaluating Internet Resources| Online Safety and Responsible Internet Use

Mouse and Typing Skills

Computer Mouse and Keyboard Tutorial
Learn the basics with this helpful guide from the Mesa (AZ) Public Library.

Mouserobics
Learn the basics of using a computer mouse and following web links with this fun tutorial. Also available in Spanish/Español.

Mouse Practice
An introduction to basic mouse and web navigation skills, from the Burlington County (NJ) Library.

Free Touch Typing Program
Free Program that lets you exercise and learn Touch Typing.

Introductions to the Internet

Finkelstein Library Internet Tutorial
This tutorial was written for our internet classes at the library.

Beginners' Central
Learn the basics of using the internet and the web with this chapter-by-chapter approach.

Internet Tutorials
Learn about the Internet, web sites, and browsers with these tutorials from the University of Albany.

Learn the Net
Uses graphics and plain language to teach how the internet works and how to use it for fun, e-mail, shopping, and finding information. The site is also available in Spanish and  French.

WebTeacher
Introductory lessons and a full tutorial to the world wide web, also available in Spanish.

Roadmap Internet Training
Basic introduction to the Internet and how it works.

How to Search the Web

Bare Bones 101: A Basic Tutorial on Searching the Web
Describes the different types of search engines and discusses how to form a search. Includes "Closer Looks" at some of the popular search sites, including AltaVista, Google, and Yahoo.

Finding Images on the Web
Online tutorial from Boston University covering how to find images on the web, the copyright issues involved in using images, and how to download and make use of images.

How to Choose a Search Engine or Directory
A listing of search engines and directories grouped together by the areas in which they search best.

Search Engine Showdown
Statistics and comparisons of features of internet search engines.

Search Engine Watch
Tips on searching the web, search engine listings, and reviews.

Evaluating Internet Resources

Evaluation of Internet Resources
Links to web sites with tips on evaluating information found on the internet, including help for parents, safe shopping, and ratings and reviews of companies doing business on the internet.

Online Safety and Responsible Internet Use

Child Safety on the Information Highway
From the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, this guide discusses the benefits and risks of the Internet, how parents can help their kids use the Internet responsibly, and includes rules for online safety.

Parent's Guide to the Information Superhighway
An introduction for parents to the issue of children's use of computers. Includes tips on getting started, strategies for finding good places on the web, and how to keep kids safe on the web. From the Children's Partnership.

Responsible Netizen
This site promotes strategies to assist young people in gaining the knowledge, decision-making skills, motivation, and self-control to behave in a safe, responsible, legal, and ethical manner when using the Internet and other information technologies.

Stay Safe Online
Safety tips from some of the National Cyber Security Alliance on securing your computer or network from hackers and viruses.

Microsoft Online Tutorials

Microsoft Word Tutorial

This Microsoft Word tutorial provides the help you need to get started using Microsoft Word.

Microsoft Excel Tutorial

This Microsoft Excel tutorial provides the help you need to get started using Microsoft Excel.

Microsoft Access Tutorial

This Microsoft Access tutorial provides the help you need to get started using Microsoft Access.



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