Computers: How to Get More from Your Computer
In-Person – Tuesday 1:10 pm – 2:50 pm
Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 
This is a “hands on” class dealing with computers. Each class is divided into two parts, first a presentation and discussion of the topic, then a practical session with each participant practicing and working hands-on with their new knowledge. Students should bring their own laptops, portable computers or tablets. Students can bring either Windows/PC systems or Apple/Mac computers or tablets. A limited number of Windows/PC laptops is available at the college, for use by students who cannot bring their own computers to the school.
We cover basic applications of computers, tailored to our audience. Students who are familiar already with a specific topic or application can gain advanced knowledge. This is an opportunity for students to learn new tips and tricks to become more effective with a computer and to practice with instructors available to answer questions. The syllabus is flexible and changes can be made based on class interest.
As described above, students should bring in their own laptop, portable computer or tablet to class. If a student cannot bring a laptop, portable computer or tablet, there are a limited number of school laptops available.
- Week 1: Getting online: how to connect to the internet. Discussion of browsers and search engines. Effective use of search engines Google, Bing, etc. Navigating web sites.
- Week 2: Navigating your computer: What is the “Desktop,” how to organize folders, store files, delete files, find long lost files, etc. Calendar programs.
- Week 3: Email: Which email programs are available. Organizing, saving and syncing emails on phone and computer. Minimizing junk emails. Explanation of the Cloud.
- Week 4: Word processing: How to create, print, save and retrieve documents. Which word processors are available as well as advantages and disadvantages.
- Week 5: Spreadsheets: Fundamentals of spreadsheets and typical applications.
- Week 6: Artificial Intelligence: How to use ChatGPT and Gemini. We will cover how to register, use effectively, subscribe (free vs. paid subscriptions) and ask questions. Limitations and cautions when using AI.
Gary Bischoff has an MS in Electronics Engineering and Computer Science from Columbia University. He is a retired electronics engineer and business owner. He was an adjunct professor at SUNY New Paltz teaching electronics and microcomputers. Gary has taught several courses including courses on Electronics, Current Events, China-US Geopolitics and Chinese Culture.
Doug Fine is a retired finance executive and CPA. Doug was LLI’s President (2020—2022) and recently completed his fifth year on LLI’s Board of Directors. He was an early adaptor of home computing, starting out with a KayPro computer and using CompuServe for venturing online. He has been a PC and Mac user for many years. Early in his career he taught numerous internal courses for his employer, a major national CPA firm.