CNET's Holiday Desktop & Laptop Roundup

Purchasing Computers Holiday Update...
Too late for the Fort Smith Library's evening session on purchasing computers and other technology items for Christmas, CNET has compiled its list of desktop and laptop reviews in time for the holiday buying season. To quote from the CNET article:

"The difference from our normal lineup of reviews is that this roundup is concerned with the specific retail models offered by brick-and-mortar stores. These are similar to those you'd be able to configure online from companies such as Dell and HP, but may have slightly different names and features. Even better, thanks to deep holiday discounts, they can sometimes be a better deal than buying direct from a PC maker."

In other words, you can use the article to check out the bargains you spot in retail store advertising through the holidays. The CNET article, with links to specific model information, can be found at:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10389907-1.html?tag=smallCarouselArea.0

By the way, the computer in the picture is the xoxo, a design concept produced by MIT's One Computer Per Child project. Technology is not quite this advanced yet, but we're getting closer every year.

This Thanksgiving Weekend...
We're thankful for all the hard working instructors who volunteer their time and talents, all the participants who attended one or more classes, and the Fort Smith Library and their staff who allow us to use the computer lab for the River Valley Senior classes. A special thanks to Star Locklear who not only serves as registrar for the whole program but compiles and sends the class evaluation results to the instructors so that participant suggestions are heard and incorporated into future classes.

All the best holiday wishes to everyone.

Updated Class Notes: How to Buy a Computer (and other digital devices) for Christmas

The class notes from the November 5th workshop on "How to Buy a Computer (and other digital devices) for Christmas" have been posted online. A joint project of the Fort Smith Public Library and the River Valley Seniors, the workshop was led by P.J. Williams, Computer Services Librarian and B.R. Black, a retired school district technology director. The workshop format allowed for plenty of "show & tell" using the actual electronic equipment being discussed. Questions were encouraged and plenty of participant questions kept the discussion focused on the needs of the class participants.

Responding to several questions on Windows 7, video cameras, and other topics several additional online resources have been added to the notes. The notes are saved in Adobe's .pdf format. If your pdf reader software permits clicking the underlined blue links should connect to the online references. Please note that several of the Consumer Reports links require a subscription, but members of the Fort Smith Public Library can either use the computers available in the main or branch libraries, or use their library card number to gain access to the library's online magazine files with the directions provided in the handout.

In short, we had a lively discussion and everyone seemed to enjoy the exchange.

Click on this link to download a copy of the class notes:
"How to Buy a Computer (and other digital devices) for Christmas"

Winter 2009 Schedule of Computer Classes

Next Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 is the signup for River Valley Seniors computer classes: from 10:30a.m. to 1:30p.m. in the Computer Lab (2nd floor) at the Fort Smith Public Library (3201 Rogers Avenue).

The following classes will be available this semester:

BASIC CLASSES:
Meet Your Mouse
Tuesday, February 17 (9:30-11:30a.m.)
Learn how to operate a computer mouse in a VERY informal and fun class with lots of hands-on practice using computer games. Take this class if you are NOT comfortable with using a mouse.

Fun and Games
Thursday, February 19 (9:30-11:30a.m.)
Another class to take if you are NOT yet comfortable with using a mouse. In addition to learning some very basic computer skills, it will be very useful in the other introductory classes.

Beginning Word Processing
Tues/Thur, February 24, 26 (9:30-11:30a.m.)
Learn how to use your mouse and keyboard to type, change, and enhance documents (letters, poems, the great American novel, even recipes!). This class is intended to continue our intro to Input devices started the previous week and as prelude to Intro to PCs (below).

Intro to Personal Computers
Tues/Thur, March 3, 5 (9:30-11:30a.m.) -- first session
Tues/Thur, March 10, 12 (9:30-11:30a.m.) -- second session
Intended for students who have little or no knowledge of computers; emphasis will be on learning to interact with the computer using keyboard and mouse. We will cover Windows XP not Vista.

Introduction to the Internet
Tu/Th, March 17, 19, 24, 26 (9:30-11:30a.m.) (one session)
A beginning course in using the Internet intended for those students who have completed Intro to PCs with knowledge of the keyboard and mouse. Learn how to "surf" the web and use Search Engines to find information; learn to download programs, pictures, etc.

Basic Email
Tu/Th, March 31, April 2 (9:30-11:30a.m.)
Intended for students who have completed Intro to PCs and Intro to the Internet. Learn general techniques of using email using Yahoo! Email.

Introduction to Windows Vista
Tuesday, March 10 (1:00-3:00p.m.)
NOT a hands-on class, this lecture-only class is for students who have Microsoft Vista Operating System on their home computer and who wish to learn more about its use and capabilities.

INTERMEDIATE CLASSES:
Our intermediate classes this semester are all about how to use a PC to work with your digital pictures:

From Digital Camera to PC
Tuesday, March 17 (1:00-3:00p.m.)
Learn how to get your pictures out of your digital camera and into your PC.

Edit and Enhance Your Digital Photos
Tuesday, March 24 (1:00-3:00p.m.)
Learn how to make corrections and other changes to your digital photos.

Share, Print, and Save Your Digital Photos
Tuesday, March 31 (1:00-3:00p.m.)
Learn how to print photos, copy your digital photos to CDs, and share photos with your friends via email and/or photo-sharing website.

Remember: you MUST sign up for classes next Tuesday, February 10 between 10:30a.m. and 1:30p.m. in the computer lab at the Fort Smith Public Library.

For more information, call PJ at the Fort Smith Public Library -- (479) 783-0229.

Planning Meeting Announced

Our planning meeting for Winter classes will be Tuesday January 20th at 1 P.M. in the computer lab.

Join us for a late light lunch.

Teachers, coaches, and students that might want to have an input as to the classes we offer are invited to attend.

If you would like to make a suggestion for a class just click on the word "comments" at the end of this post and follow instructions.

Winter Class Registration

RiverValley Seniors Event in February at the Fort Smith Public Library



Date/Time: Tuesday, February 10, 2009 -- 10:30 - 1:30a.m.

Event Type: Computer Class Registration

Event Name: RiverValley SeniorNet Computer Class Sign-up

Location/Address: Computer Lab,

Fort Smith Public Library,

3201 Rogers Avenue,

Fort Smith, AR 72903

Cost / Admission: Free

Brief Description: It's time to sign up for the 2009 winter selection of RiverValley SeniorNet computer classes. The winter session will be co-
sponsored by the Fort Smith Public Library and will concentrate
on computer skills for beginner adults, with an emphasis on instruction for students over 50.



For class dates and descriptions, please check our blog:

http://fsseniors.blogspot.com/

Contact: P.J. Williams - (479)783-0229 - email: fsseniors@gmail.com