Technology classes are offered by Seymour Tech volunteers. We have been holding classes at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill, NC, for many years.
For beginners, we offer our Windows PC Refresher and our Introduction to the Mac. We can provide a loaner laptop PC during in-person classes, but strongly suggest you bring your own Windows laptop if you have one. When you Enroll, please let the front desk know that you require a loaner PC. These loaner laptops must not be taken from the classroom. Students must bring their own equipment for all iPad, iPhone, Mac, Android phone and Android tablet in-person classes and clinics.
We offer 2 kinds of classes. See the description for each class to see which kind it is:
1: In-Person classes & clinics: Our three clinics, and most of our classes, will be in-person. These in-person classes & clinics will not have a Zoom option. We are limited to 8 students in the computer lab. In-person students typically get more attention and more help. You must sign up to attend in-person. Enroll for in-person classes & clinics by calling the Seymour Center, 919-968-2070. If our class is full, you can get on the wait-list. The fee for in-person classes is $10.00. There is no fee for in-person clinics.
Note: For In-Person clinics, when you Enroll at the front desk, please tell the Staff person your email address. We will send you an email no later than the day before the clinic so that you can confirm that you are coming, and also tell us the questions you will want help with in the clinic. We will reply back with your specific time between 1-3 pm to meet with a volunteer.
2: Zoom (Virtual) classes: You must Enroll in our Zoom classes only at our Seymour Tech website - www.seymourtechcenter.org. Click the ENROLL link for each Zoom class to register. Please Enroll no later than 3 pm the day before the class. We will email your Zoom link and class handout soon after that. There is no fee for Zoom classes.
Questions? Send an email to Glick Schultz - seymourtechcenter@gmail.com.
To sign up for future class announcements, click HERE.
Your Seymour Tech Volunteers
Click here to view the Zoom Support Page that shows you how to get your computer or mobile device ready to use Zoom.
We announce new offerings using MailChimp's services. Click here to sign up for all our announcement newsletters.
Want to "split" your computer or tablet screen so you can watch the Zoom meeting and do something else at the same time? These links will tell you how:
PC users
Mac users
iPad users
Android users
Introduction to the Mac - This is an In-Person Class - In this class, we will cover the basics of Mac hardware, and macOS features such as the Desktop, the Dock, Finder, LaunchPad & System Preferences. We’ll cover iCloud & Apple ID, the App store, how to avoid malware, how to use backup solutions like Time Machine and on-line options, and how to keep your Mac software up-to-date. Since we will also be covering some Apple Services, please have your Apple ID and password available.
3 Sessions Wednesday & Thursday - February 15 & 16 - 1 to 3 pm Glick Schultz
iPhone & iPad Clinic - This is an In-Person Session - Use this clinic session to get your specific questions answered - this is not a class with an agenda. So, do you need help with certain iPhone or iPad settings, accounts, email, calendar, the app store? Need a hand synching Apple devices using the iCloud? Have some other burning question? Sign up for the iPhone/iPad clinic. Bring your iPhone or iPad with you (charged up), and ask your questions. Stay for the full 2 hours, or leave when you are satisfied.
To Enroll, please call the Seymour Center Front Desk - 919-968-2070.
When you call, please tell the Staff person your email address. We will send you an email the day before class so that you can confirm you are coming, and also tell us the questions you will want help with in the clinic. We will reply back with the specific time between 1-3 pm to meet with a volunteer.
1 Session Monday - February 20 - 1 to 3 pm Seymour Tech Volunteers
Getting Organized with Your Folders and Files - This is an In-Person Class - Now you really do have time to get organized! You'll learn how the pros organize their Folders and Files. We'll use a PC for our examples, and Mac users can watch and learn, too. The key tool for PCs is the Windows File Explorer, and by the end, it will be one of your favorite places to land on a computer. The concepts we teach apply to any device - and cloud apps like Drive and iCloud Drive, too.
One of the exercises in this class is to download files from the web and save them so you can find them later. Click here to link to a Google Doc called Download This File and Save It.
The first session will end with a suggested homework assignment. We'll go through the homework in the second session.
2 Sessions Thursday & Friday - February 23 & 24 - 1 to 3 pm Steve Weiss
Google Photos - This is an In-Person Class - Back up your photos and videos in the Cloud. Google Photos works on both computers and mobile devices. Access them from any phone, tablet, or computer – your photos will be safe, secure, and always with you. Share your best stuff with family and friends. Google provides 15 GB of free cloud storage, which means you can store thousands of photos and videos. You can easily find photos or videos you took years ago! Learn to edit your photos and videos, create albums, and share them with friends & family. You can download items to your computer or mobile device again when you need them. You can send photos to online print services directly from Google Photos. PC and Mac users will practice backing up photos and videos to the Google Photos cloud using the Google Drive for Desktop app, and from your mobile devices.
Requirements: 1. All students need a Google account before class starts. 2. Install the Google Photos app on your smartphone or tablet and bring one of them to class. 3. If possible, bring your PC or Mac laptop to class. Loaner PC laptops are availalbe.
Qs & As: Click here to see the list of Qs & As collected from this class.
2 Sessions Monday & Tuesday - February 27 & 28 - 1 to 3 pm Mike Gilliom
Introduction to iPhone – This is an In-Person Class - The iPhone is an amazing all-in-one tool for phone calls, email, text, photos, music & videos. It is also a camera, e-book reader, Internet browser, and gaming device. You will learn about gestures, Control Center, and Settings, how to use Contacts, email, iCloud, and the App Store. We will cover some useful third party apps and how to get help from Apple. Since we will be covering some Apple Services, please have your Apple ID and password available. NOTE: Due to the differences in the latest software, we will NOT be covering iPad in this session. See the iPad class below.
2 Sessions Tuesday & Wednesday - March 7 & 8 - 1 to 3 pm Glick Schultz
Camera & Photos on iPhone - This is an In-Person Class - iPhone has one of the best point-and-shoot cameras you’ll find. In this class you’ll learn how to best use the camera and then make your pictures even better with the Photos App.
Requirements: Students should bring their iPhones, charging cords, and Apple ID account email & passwords.
1 Session Wednesday - March 15 - 1 to 3 pm Glick Schultz
Computer Clinic for PCs & Macs – This is an In-Person Session - This is not a class with an agenda. Our instructors will answer your questions. You will want to have your passwords handy for any apps you want help with - like Skype or Facebook.
To Enroll, please call the Seymour Center Front Desk - 919-968-2070.
When you call, please tell the Staff person your email address. We will send you an email the day before class so that you can confirm you are coming, and also tell us the questions you will want help with in the clinic. We will reply back with the specific time between 1-3 pm to meet with a volunteer.
1 Session Tuesday - March 28 - 1 to 3 pm Seymour Tech Volunteers
Windows PC Refresher – This is an In-Person Class - A 3-day PC computer class. Brush up on basic skills. We'll look at key Windows 10 fundamentals, including the Start screen and using the folder and file organization process. You'll look at Word Processing, doing exercises with the free LibreOffice package. We'll cover web browsers and choices for doing e-mail on your PC. And we'll review how to setup wireless printers.
Note: Let the front desk know if you would like to use a loaner PC laptop during this class.
3 Sessions Wednesday, Thursday & Friday - March 29, 30 & 31 - 1 to 3 pm Dave Curtin
Windows 10 - This is an In-Person Class - In this 2-session class you will become more effective with Windows 10's important features. Note: Many people who take this class also take our Getting Organized class (September 8 & 9) to practice managing folders and files. We will cover:
Finding your way around - learn how to find your folders, your data, and your settings
Personalizing the Windows 10 Start screen, Task bar and Desktop
Organizing and managing your PC data folders and files using File Explorer
Exploring Windows features including Splitting screens, Jump Lists, and Snip & Sketch screenshots
Using Windows 10 settings for updates, security and privacy
Backing up your PC - how to protect your data from crashes and viruses
Note: We can provide a loaner laptop PC during in-person classes, but strongly suggest you bring your own Windows laptop if you have one. When you Enroll, please let the front desk know that you require a loaner PC. These loaner laptops must not be taken from the classroom.
2 Sessions Monday & Tuesday - April 3 & 4 - 1 to 3 pm Mike Gilliom
Introduction to iPad – This is an In-Person Class - iPads are amazing all-in-one tools for email, text, photos, music & videos. They are also a camera, e-book reader, Internet browser, and gaming device. You will learn about setting up email, about Siri, iTunes, and the App Store. The advent of iPadOS makes the iPad truly unique from the iPhone. You can even totally replace other general-use computers with the iPad. You can add a real keyboard; in fact, your iPad will work with nearly any Bluetooth keyboard. Since we will also be covering some Apple Services, please have your Apple ID and password available.
NOTE: Due to the differences in the latest software, we will NOT be covering the iPhone in this class.
2 Sessions Tuesday & Wednesday - April 11 & 12 - 1 to 3 pm Glick Schultz
Getting Organized with Your Folders and Files - This is an In-Person Class - Now you really do have time to get organized! You'll learn how the pros organize their Folders and Files. We'll use a PC for our examples, and Mac users can watch and learn, too. The key tool for PCs is the Windows File Explorer, and by the end, it will be one of your favorite places to land on a computer. The concepts we teach apply to any device - and cloud apps like Drive and iCloud Drive, too.
One of the exercises in this class is to download files from the web and save them so you can find them later. Click here to link to a Google Doc called Download This File and Save It.
The first session will end with a suggested homework assignment. We'll go through the homework in the second session.
2 Sessions Thursday & Friday - April 13 & 14 - 1 to 3 pm Steve Weiss
Google Drive and Google Docs - This is an In-Person Class -
Google Drive is a safe place for all your files and puts them within reach from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. Files in Drive – like your videos, photos, and documents – are organized in folders and backed up safely so you can’t lose them. Once there, you can easily invite others to view, edit, or leave comments on any of your files or folders. We will do lots of practice exercises.
Google Docs is the online app compatible with Microsoft Word, used for creating, updating, downloading and sharing documents.
Required: You need a Google account to take this class. If you have a Gmail address, you automatically have a Google account. Click here to set up a Google account: either create a Gmail account or set up your non-Gmail address with a Google account.
1 Session Monday - April 17 - 1 to 3 pm Mike Gilliom
Windows 11 - This is an In-Person Class - In this 2-session class you will become more effective with Windows 11's important features. Note: Many people who take this class also take our Getting Organized class (September 9 & 10) to practice managing folders and files. We will cover:
Finding your way around - learn how to find your folders, your data, and your settings
Personalizing the Windows 11 Start screen, Task bar and desktop
Organizing and managing your PC data folders and files using File Explorer
Exploring Windows features including Splitting screens, Jump Lists, and the Snipping Tool to make screenshots
Using Windows 11 settings for updates, security and privacy
Backing up your PC - how to protect your data from crashes and viruses
>>> Windows 10 users can go to Microsoft.com and download PC Health Check if their PC doesn't already have it installed. Run PC Health Check to see if your PC is capable of running Windows 11. Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 slowly for Windows 10 users. They recommend that you wait until your Windows 10 PC has been set up for the Windows 11 installation, so check your Windows Update settings to find out: go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Look for the message that says it's time to start the upgrade to Windows 11. <<<
Note: We can provide a loaner laptop PC during in-person classes, but strongly suggest you bring your own Windows laptop if you have one. When you Enroll, please let the front desk know that you require a loaner PC. These loaner laptops must not be taken from the classroom.
2 Sessions Tuesday & Wednesday - May 2 & 3 - 1 to 3 pm Mike Gilliom
ID Theft, Computer Security & Backup: Protect Yourself - This is a Zoom-Only Class - We spend much of our day on the Internet. You will learn many of the basic ways to protect yourself in this fast-paced online world. Of course, in spite of our best efforts, things can go wrong. You need to have good computer security software and a backup method in place for your data files, email and settings. We will discuss how to use Windows Defender and give you some easy-to-use computer backup alternatives.
Click here to see reference articles used in Mike's presentation
1 Session Monday - May 8 - 1 to 3 pm Mike Gilliom
iCloud for Apple Users - This is an In-Person Class - iCloud allows you to share information with all you Apple devices, your friends and family, and back up your iPhone and iPad. Learn how iCloud can keep your info in sync and safe. Since we will be covering several Apple Services, please have your Apple ID and password available.
1 Session Tuesday - May 9 - 1 to 3pm Glick Schultz
Introduction to Text Editing - Computers have had a fundamental impact on the way we write and especially how we can revise what we have written. This class presents an introduction to the fundamentals of text editing on a computer. We will use Microsoft Word on a PC running Windows for our examples, but the concepts covered apply to any text editing program as well as to composing email, answering a survey, or even ordering groceries on line.
2 Sessions Thursday & Friday - May 11 & 12 - 1 to 3 pm Steve Weiss
**** Cancelled **** Introduction to the Mac - This is an In-Person Class - In this class, we will cover the basics of Mac hardware, and macOS features such as the Desktop, the Dock, Finder, LaunchPad & System Preferences. We’ll cover iCloud & Apple ID, the App store, how to avoid malware, how to use backup solutions like Time Machine and on-line options, and how to keep your Mac software up-to-date. Since we will also be covering some Apple Services, please have your Apple ID and password available.
**** Cancelled **** Tuesday & Wednesday - May 16 & 17 - 1 to 3 pm Glick Schultz
Google Photos - This is an In-Person Class - Back up your photos and videos in the Cloud. Google Photos works on both computers and mobile devices. Access them from any phone, tablet, or computer – your photos will be safe, secure, and always with you. Share your best stuff with family and friends. Google provides 15 GB of free cloud storage, which means you can store thousands of photos and videos. You can easily find photos or videos you took years ago! Learn to edit your photos and videos, create albums, and share them with friends & family. You can download items to your computer or mobile device again when you need them. You can send photos to online print services directly from Google Photos. PC and Mac users will practice backing up photos and videos to the Google Photos cloud using the Google Drive for Desktop app, and from your mobile devices.
Requirements: 1. All students need a Google account before class starts. 2. Install the Google Photos app on your smartphone or tablet and bring one of them to class. 3. If possible, bring your PC or Mac laptop to class. Loaner PC laptops are availalbe.
Qs & As: Click here to see the list of Qs & As collected from this class.
2 Sessions Thursday & Friday - May 18 & 19 - 1 to 3 pm Mike Gilliom
**** Cancelled *** Photos on the Mac - This is an In-Person Class - Organize your photos. Perfect your images with built-in editing tools, or use your favorite photo apps. Create albums and share yur photos with others. Use iCloud Photos to store all your photos and videos in the cloud so they are available on all your Apple devices. Since we will be covering several Apple Services, please have your Apple ID and password available.
2 Sessions Tuesday & Wednesday - May 23 & 24 - 1 to 3 pm Glick Schultz
To sign up for future class announcements, click HERE.