BVCC Class Descriptions

General Information

All Bella Vista Computer Club classes are held in the John Ruehle BVCC Training Center on the lower level of the Highlands Crossroad Center.  Classes are free to BVCC members; however, non-members may sign up for and attend a class provided they fill out a membership form and pay for membership prior to the start of the class. 

See the most recent Event Calendar (Member Benefits -> Calendar) or Scheduled Classes (Member Benefits -> Classes -> Scheduled) to see what classes are currently scheduled.  Classes are normally put on the event calendar at least a month in advance. 

You must pre-register for each separately-listed training session.  Registration is required to prepare handouts and to contact students if there is a need to cancel the class.  It is the instructor's option whether to cancel a class with fewer than 5 students. 

Pre-register by signing up at a preceding General Meeting, or by contacting Education Chair Jill Doll by one of the following means (in order of preference):

If using email or texting, you should follow-up if a confirmation response is not received with 24 hours. 

If you have suggestions for possible class topics, send them to the Education Committee

Current Classes Offered

Basic Computer Knowledge: What is a Computer? – 2 Hours
This is an introduction to the basic concepts needed to understand what a computer is and the terms used to describe the features of a computer's main components.  Topics covered include what is a computer, the main functional components that make a computer work, the meaning behind the terminology used to describe the capabilities of those components, what are Operating Systems and their purpose, what is the purpose of a file system and file system directories.

Basic Computer Security, Part 1 – 2 Hours
Instructor Justin Sell, Bella Vista Computer Services.  This class translates the basic concepts of computer and network security to regular people.  No need for you to be a computer expert!  Part one will go through common uses of computers.  Then, for each use we discuss what your current risks are and if you should even be worried.  Content will be updated as new risks surface.  Part 1 may be taken before or after part 2.

Basic Computer Security, Part 2 – 2 Hours
Instructor Justin Sell, Bella Vista Computer Services.  This class translates the basic concepts of computer and network security to regular people.  No need for you to be a computer expert!  Part two will go through all the common types of devices you might use.  Then, we will discuss current methods to mitigate your risks in the simplest way possible.  Content will be updated as new solutions are available.  Part 1 may be taken before or after part 2.

Basic Router Configuration – 2 Hours
If you have a home network with multiple devices or with devices using WiFi to access the Internet, you need a router.  Even with a single computer on the Internet, having a router adds protection against some common Internet attacks.  If you buy and install a router yourself, there are some things that absolutely must be customized, like changing the default administrative password and setting up a password for WiFi encryption and access.  This class will look at how to “talk” to your router and some of the common features and options you might need to consider.

Building A Password Manager Using Excel – 2 Hours
Do you want your important passwords on someone else’s server?  If “NO,” learn how to make your own personal password manager that is easy, safe and secure.  With LastPass being hacked again in August 2022* and security becoming a big issue in the computer world, personal password managers are becoming more important.  You will learn how to customize and build a password manager using Excel.  Upon completion, you will make your password manager safe and secure by encrypting with a password.
 *Even the the worst case scenario (which this was not) where encrypted user data and encrypted master passwords were extracted, your user data and master password should not be at risk unless you have chosen a weak master password.  Hacking of LastPass is not a cause for panic, but it does raise concerns that some hacker might eventually learn enough to discover and exploit some security flaw on their server.

Data – Where is It and What To Do With It – 2 Hours
Instructor Pete Opland.  Do you download files from the Internet and just leave them in the default Downloads folder forever until it is full of stuff you can no longer identify?  Do you have some folders with so many files that it is hard to find items of interest?  Learn strategies for organizing your data into folders and sub folders and efficient ways to do this using the Windows File Manager. 

Getting Started With A Computer – 1 Hour
This is a on-line, interactive digital learning exercise created by AT&T at a very basic beginning level.   It describes the names of the separate pieces of a computer, provides exercises on how to use a mouse and the computer keyboard, and describes the types of ports that may be found for connecting devices to your computer.   You can take this course on your own by visiting the AT&T course at this webpage.   If you prefer to go through the material with someone available to respond to questions, you can sign up for a "Getting Started" class in the Training center.   For the class, you can either use one of the Training Center computers, or you can elect to bring your own laptop (with power supply and any external mouse you use).

Installing WiFi Printers – 1.5 Hours
Instructor Pete Opland.  Has your WiFi printer gone offline and you can no longer print?  Are you having trouble installing a new WiFi printer?  This class will teach you the easy steps to locate your printer and reinstall it on Win 10; how to install a new WiFi printer on Windows 10; also how to go online and download manufacturers' drivers and configure printers using a web interface. 

Introduction to the Edge Browser – 2 Hours
This two-hour session is a look at the new version of the Edge web browser that is part of Windows 10 and was inspired by a longer APCUG workshop on Edge.  The latest version of Edge is built upon the same underlying web-site rendering engine that is used by the Google Chrome browser, so one would expect it to have the same basic support for web page display as the Chrome browser and be able to take advantage of any enhancements for new web page standards that are added to Google Chrome.  Microsoft is phasing out support for the old IE browser, so at some point Edge will be it; unless you install some alternative non-Microsoft browser.   

Introduction to GIMP – 3 Hours
This three-hour session is an expanded hands-on version of the March 2018 General Meeting program and covers basic usage of the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP):  Installation of GIMP.  How to use GIMP to convert between image formats, resize images, construct a new image from a part of of an image, or merge multiple images into a single image.  Simple transformations on images and tools/filters available. Adding text to an image. Simple uses of masks.  

KeePassXC Password Manager – 2 Hours
Everyone with multiple online accounts should be using a password manager of some kind, both to make it less painful to observe current recommendations for unique and sufficiently long passwords, and to organize, save, and use online account credentials in a way that is secure.   This two-hour session covers the function, installation and usage of the free open-source password manager KeePassXC.   If you want to securely manage your passwords but don't want to commit to long-term usage of a commercial password manager with a proprietary database format, or don't like the idea of entrusting the storage of your password database to an Internet service that also controls the database format, then KeePassXC offers an alternative.   KeePassXC is supported on Windows, Linux, and MacOS platforms, and there are also apps available (not completely free) that support the KeePassXC .KDBX database format on IOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android mobile devices.

Microsoft Excel – 4 Hours
The introduction to the Microsoft Excel program is covered in two, two-hour sessions.  The material covers features that are common to Excel 2010, 2013, & 2016.
The first session covers program features, basic worksheet set-up, and creating a worksheet.
The second session covers completing a worksheet, and a few of the more advanced procedures like formulas, sorting, borders, page breaks, and freeze panes. 

Microsoft Word – 2 Hours
This introduction to Microsoft Word covers the basics of how word processors work and how to create a document using MS Word, one of the most commonly used word processors.  Various techniques will be shown for customizing the appearance of a document, including how styles may be used to improve the consistency of appearance within documents.  Although there are some differences among the various versions of Office (2007, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, Office 365), there are many more similarities.  Free word processor alternatives like LibreOffice Writer also have similar functionality, but the user interfaces are different. 

Recordings, Movies and More, Pt 1 – 2 Hours
With recording and streaming becoming necessary and popular in today’s computer world, video recording and editing programs have become very expensive.   This class introduces a powerful FREE opensource recording-streaming program for all your needs.   You will learn to:

Recordings, Movies and More, Pt 2 – 2 Hours
Once you start making your own video recordings, you will find a need to edit videos.   This class shows how to use the free opensource, multi-platform program Shotcut for video editing.   Included topics: combining video files, trimming videos, using the timeline, detaching audio, adding text, keyframes, filters, and various special effects (FX).

Setting Up LastPass – 3 Hours
This three-hour session covers the details of the password management program LastPass, including the installation and usage of the program.  It includes the operation of the program, encryption, ways to generate new stronger passwords, use of pass phrases, checking security of passwords used, changing passwords, automatic log in to web sites, and the need and use of a Master Password.  Class members would be encouraged to bring their computer (laptop with power cord or desktop tower) for installation of the free program. 

Slow PC? Let’s Upgrade or Buy New – 2 Hours
To keep up with the fast pace of computer technology today, you will learn the simple facts that make a computer run fast with the capacity to hold all your data.  We will cover the difference between a desktop and laptop and how it fits into your scenario.  You will learn how to compare your computer to other computers and that will help you decide whether to upgrade your old PC or buy new.  You will also learn how to double the speed of your old PC by upgrading your hard drive to an SSD (Solid State Drive).

Storage Solutions – 2 Hours
Are you worried about storing massive amounts of data on multiple external drives?    Is your laptop C: drive running out of free space?   Can you afford a catastrophic failure?   If these questions are knocking on you front door, then a RAID array or NAS file server may be your solution!
Single or multiple laptop users in a home?   No problem.   Learn how to expand your storage space with a low budget home consumer NAS (Network Attached Server) file server.
Learn the easy way to install a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) storage array in a desktop using Windows 10/11 Storage Spaces.   

Thunderbird Email Client Usage – 2 Hours
This session covers how to install and use the free Mozilla Thunderbird email client on a computer:  A general purpose email client like Thunderbird allows accessing many many different email accounts from a single application and provides many more options than webmail access via a browser.  Download and installation of Thunderbird; setting up the definitions to access an email account; defining folders locally or under a specific email account using IMAP access; defining filters to automatically separate received emails into different folders; other useful features of Thunderbird.

Using Microsoft Windows – 3 Hours
Covers the basics of Microsoft Windows usage, customization choices, tips, essential applications you may wish to install to make Windows more useful.  This will use Windows 11, but most of the user interfaces are very similar to those in Windows 10 as well.   Some of the more obvious differences will be discussed.

Using Windows 10 – 3 Hours
Covers the basics of Windows 10 usage, customization choices, tips, essential applications you may wish to install to make Windows 10 more useful.  Some of the user interface changes present in Windows 11 will also be discussed.

Using Windows 11, The Basics – 2 Hours
You will learn what’s new in Windows 11, how to set it up and use it.  The control Panel has been replaced by the settings menu.  We will cover all task bar components (Task View, Chat, Widgets, Teams and Quick Settings).  We will show the ins and outs of setting up multiple displays, changing text scale and size.  You will learn the advantage of using Task View to control multiple windows on a single display.  You will learn how to simplify computing skills using a Virtual Desktop and the snipping tool with Word to create photos and more. 

Why, When and How to Backup Your C Drive – 2 Hours
The backup procedures described in this class are relevant for all currently supported MS Windows Operating Systems.  Everyone who has a computing system they depend on to perform certain tasks, or who has a computer with pictures or other files they would hate to lose, needs to understand backups.  The time to worry about backup procedures is always before they are needed.
   This class will cover the reasons one should make backups, what should prompt making a new backup, free backup programs that may be used, and where to place your backups.  Topics include installation of a backup program, an overview of the backup process, demonstration of a backup, and how to create and boot from a Rescue CD to rebuild a damaged C drive. 

Windows 10 Installation/First-Start Settings – 1 Hour
If you install Windows 10 on a computer with an empty hard drive, or install Windows 10 on a computer with a prior version of Windows, there are certain setup choices that must be made just to get the Windows 10 system up to the point where you can login for the first time and actually use it.  If you buy a new computer with Windows 10 installed, you will see that most of these same setup choices must be made the first time the system is powered up.  This class will suggest what settings may be appropriate based on how you plan to use Windows 10 and how these settings can be changed at a later time if your needs change.  This class just deals with getting Windows 10 itself functional so that additional personal customization and application installs can be done, not with actually doing those later steps. 


Classes Needing Revision and/or Instructor

The following training sessions cover topic areas that may still be relevant, but have not been offered recently because of our current shortage of members willing to serve as instructors.  There may be class notes available, but they would be in need of review and possible revision.  If you feel one of these courses should be given higher priority, or if you would be willing to serve as an instructor for one of these courses, please contact our Education Committee.

Digital Photography, Part 1 – The Camera - 3 Hours
You don’t have to own a digital camera to take this three-hour session. It’s all about the digital camera, what to consider if you are thinking about buying a digital camera, the features and how they affect the photo, where to find and change the camera settings, and finally, a recommended setup that will be appropriate under most shooting conditions.

Digital Photography, Part 2 – Camera to Computer - 3 Hours
This three-hour session is about transferring the photos from the camera to the computer. Both the automatic and the manual methods will be covered. After the photos have been transferred to the hard drive on the computer the following operations will be covered; the first edit, organizing the photos in folders, renaming individual photos and batch renaming, and backing up your photos to a CD. Bring your camera, the USB cable, have photos stored on the memory card in the camera, and make sure the batteries are fully charged.

Digital Photography, Part 3 – Photo Editing and Sharing - 3 Hours
This three-hour session is about doing what the professional photographers do, improve your photos by editing them using a photo editing program. Once you’ve created the photos you want others to see there are a number of ways to share those photos; copy to a USB flash drive or CD, print and mail, attach to an email, or upload to a web site. Bring your camera, the USB cable, have photos stored on the memory card in the camera, and make sure the batteries are fully charged. 

Internet, Microsoft Edge (Windows 10) – 3 Hours
This is an introduction to using the Microsoft Edge browser to access the Internet. The program is included as part of the Windows 10 operating system.  The primary purpose of this session is to show you how to configure the program.  You will need to set up your home page(s) and select the default search engine you want to use for searching the Web.  Additional topics that will be covered include downloading information and programs from the Web, working on secure web pages, printing information from a web page, and maintaining the program.

Microsoft Excel Application for Windows 10 (Excel Mobile) – 3 Hours
This is an application, not the Microsoft Office Excel program. This session explains the differences between the application and the Excel program. It is free and can be installed on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or phone. However, the application is fully functional only on tablets and phones with a screen size that is less than 10.1 inches. On a desktop computer or laptop, the application is read only.

Microsoft Power Point 2010 & 2013 – 4 Hours
This introduction to the Microsoft Power Point program is covered in two, two-hour sessions.
The first session covers program features, basic slide set-up, and creating a presentation.
The second session covers completing the presentation, and a few of the more advances procedures like inserting graphics and photos, animation, imbedding music and movies.

Microsoft Power Point Application for Windows 10 (Power Point Mobile) – 3 Hours
This is an application, not the Microsoft Office Power Point program. This session explains the differences between the application and the Power Point program. It is free and can be installed on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or phone. However, the application is fully functional only on tablets and phones with a screen size that is less than 10.1 inches. On a desktop computer or laptop, the application is read only.

Microsoft Publisher 2010 & 2013 - 4 Hours
This introduction to the Microsoft Publisher program is covered in two, two-hour sessions. The first session covers program features, and basic page layout for creating a two-column newsletter. The second session covers completing a newsletter using some of the more advanced features like text boxes, and inserting pictures and graphics.

Microsoft Word 2010 & 2013 – 4 Hours
This introduction to Microsoft Word is covered in two, two-hour sessions.
The first session covers program features, program configuration to include setting personal defaults, and creating a basic document to examine the way word processors work.
The second session covers using the more advanced features of the program to create a newsletter type document.

Microsoft Word Application for Windows 10 (Word Mobile) – 3 Hours
This is an application, not the Microsoft Office Word program. This session explains the differences between the application and the Word program. It is free and can be installed on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or phone. However, the application is fully functional only on tablets and phones with a screen size that is less than 10.1 inches. On a desktop computer or laptop, the application is read only.

PC Maintenance, Part 1 – Clean - 3 Hours
This three-hour session covers cleaning out the inside of the computer, deleting unnecessary programs, folders, and files, the programs you should be using to keep your computer free of viruses and malware, and keeping the operating system and programs up to date. 

PC Maintenance, Part 2 – Protect and Recover - 2 Hours
This two-hour session covers controlling things that start when you start your computer, removing icons from the notification area, basic maintenance procedures you should be following to remove unnecessary information, and using the restore program to recover from a serious computer malfunctions.

Windows Live Mail 2012 (Windows 7, 8.1 & 10) – 4 Hours
This introduction to the Windows Live Mail program is covered in two, two-hour sessions. You will be working on computers running the Windows 7,  Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 operating system.
The first session covers the program features, program setup and configuration, and receiving email.
The second session covers sending email. 

Windows 10 Mail and People Applications - 2 Hours
These two applications are installed along with the Windows 10 operating system. The email portion of the session covers email account setup, reading, and sending email messages. The people application is like an address book. This is where you store names and email addresses. When you compose an email message using the Windows 10 Mail application, recipient information can be retrieved from the People folder.

Workshops
Workshops are unstructured training sessions that will allow you to gain additional knowledge about the program or subject being covered, receive help with personal projects, find out how to do something, and improve your computer skills while working at your on pace.
 


Obsolete Classes

The following training sessions have been offered in the past by the Bella Vista Computer Club, but will not be offered in the future because they have been replaced by other classes or cover obsolete subject matter.

Computer Security – 3 Hours
This three-hour session covers the programs you should have on your computer and the procedures you need to follow to keep your computer safe from viruses, malware, spam, and other potentially harmful programs. Most of these programs are free and can be downloaded from the Internet so you need to know where to go and what to look for. 

Computer Security for Regular People, Part 1 – 2 Hours
Instructor Justin Sell, Bella Vista Computer Services.  This class is meant as a translation of the basic concepts of computer and network security to regular people.  No need for you to be a computer expert!  Part one will go through common uses of computers.  Then, for each use we discuss what your risks are and if you should even be worried.

Computer Security for Regular People, Part 2 – 2 Hours
Instructor Justin Sell, Bella Vista Computer Services.  This class is meant as a translation of the basic concepts of computer and network security to regular people.  No need for you to be a computer expert!  Part Two will go through all the common types of devices you might use.  Then, we will discuss how to mitigate your risks in the simplest way possible.

Windows 7 Security Sunset: What to Do This Year – 1 Hour
This is not a BVCC created class but a viewing of a video produced by the Association of PC User Groups (APCUG), to which BVCC belongs, from a session presented at the May 4 APCUG Virtual Technology Conference.  There will be an opportunity for questions. 
Anyone who has not yet migrated from Windows 7 and is still depending on Windows 7 to access the Internet should become aware that will become less safe once support for Windows 7 Security Updates cease on January 14, 2020.  This session examines the options one should consider prior to 2020.

Windows 8.1 Mail and People Applications - 2 Hours
These two applications are being installed along with the Windows 8.1 operating system. The email portion of the session covers email account setup, reading, and sending email messages. The people application is like an address book. This is where you store names and email addresses. When you compose an email message, recipient information can be retrieved from the people folder.

Setting Up Windows 10 – 4 Hours
That new Windows 10 computer looks and works the way it was designed by the computer manufacturer and Microsoft. During this class you will find out where settings can be changed to not only make the computer look and work the way you want, but make it more user friendly and secure. This is the place to start if you want to be in control of your computer.
The material has been revised to cover Windows 10 updates through the end of 2016 and will be presented in two, two-hour sessions. Sign up for both sessions.

Understanding Windows 8.1 – 4 Hours
This introduction to computing using the Windows 8.1  Professional operating system is covered in two, two-hour sessions. You will be working on computers running the Windows Professional operating system.
The first session stresses terminology, the components of the desktop computer system, the various features of the operating system, settings that need to be changed to make the computer more user friendly, and various ways to obtain help.
The second session includes an introduction to a word processor, using Internet Explorer to access the Internet, and using Windows Live Mail to send email messages.

Understanding Windows 10 – 4 Hours
This introduction to computing using the Windows 10 operating system is covered in two, two-hour sessions. You will be working on computers running the Windows 10 Home operating system.
The first session stresses terminology, the components of the desktop computer system, the various features of the operating system, settings that need to be changed to make the computer more user friendly, and various ways to obtain help.
The second session includes an introduction to a word processor, using Microsoft Edge to access the Internet, and using Windows 10 Mail application to send email messages. This is where you start learning how to use your Windows 10 computer.

Using Computers with Windows 10, Part 1 – 2 Hours
This is the first part of a three part series that takes an in-depth look at the Windows 10 operating system.
This two-hour session covers terminology, starting with Windows 10, basic program configuration, Using Microsoft Word, File Management, Internet, Using the Web, and several helpful tools.

Using Computers with Windows 10, Part 2 – 2 Hours
This is the second part of a three part series that takes an in-depth look at the Windows 10 operating system.
This two-hour session covers Adding and Deleting Icons, Sticky Notes, Creating Folders, Copying, Cutting, Pasting, Printing, and other major procedures that are part of the operating system.

Using Computers with Windows 10, Part 3 – 2 Hours
This is the third part of a three part series that takes an in-depth look at the Windows 10 operating system.
This two-hour session continues reviewing the major programs that are part of the operating system and looks at Windows 10’s  Computer and Internet Security, Firewalls, Virus, Spam, Phishing, Desktop Displays, Excel and Windows 10 Maintenance.

Using Windows 8.1, Part 1 – Programs - 3 Hours
This is the first part of a three part series that takes an in-depth look at the Windows 8.1 Professional operating system.
This two-hour session covers terminology, basic program configuration, several helpful tools, obtaining help, and maintenance issues.

Using Windows 8.1, Part 2 – More Programs - 3 Hours
This is the second part of a three part series that takes an in-depth look at the Windows 8.1 Professional operating system.
This three-hour session covers the major programs that are part of the operating system.

Using Windows 8.1, Part 3 – Projects - 3 Hours
This is the third part of a three part series that takes an in-depth look at the Windows 8.1 Professional operating system.
This three-hour session continues reviewing the major programs that are part of the operating system and concludes with using the Windows Live Movie Maker to make a movie and using Microsoft Word to create a newsletter type document.

File Management – 3 hours
This three-hour session could be called information management. It’s all about creating folders and storing the information you create or download to your computer in an organized and logical manner so it can be easily accessed and used. 

Internet, Internet Explorer 11 – 4 Hours
This introduction to using Internet Explorer  to access the Internet is covered in two, two-hour sessions. The program can be used on both Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 computers.
The first session covers program features, program configuration, an easy way to access a .com web site, Internet navigation, techniques for refining Web searches, and using the Favorites folder.
The second session covers the programs and add-ons you should have loaded on your computer, downloading information and programs from the Web, working on secure web pages, printing information from a web page, and maintaining the program.

Setting Up Windows 8.1 – 3 Hours
That new Windows 8.1 computer looks and works the way it was designed by the computer manufacturer and Microsoft. This three-hour session will cover the areas where settings can be changed to not only make the computer look and work the way you want, but make it more user friendly and secure.

Setting Up Windows 10 – 3 Hours
(Replaced by revised 4-hour two-part course)
That new Windows 10 computer looks and works the way it was designed by the computer manufacturer and Microsoft. During this three-hour session you will find out where settings can be changed to not only make the computer look and work the way you want, but make it more user friendly and secure. This is the place to start if you want to be in control of your computer.

Understanding Windows 7 – 4 Hours
This introduction to computing using the Windows 7 operating system is covered in two, two-hour sessions. You will be working on computers running the Windows 7 Home Premium operating system.
The first session stresses terminology, the components of the desktop computer system, the various features of the operating system, settings that need to be changed to make the computer more user friendly, and various ways to obtain help.
The second session includes an introduction to a word processor, using Internet Explorer to access the Internet, and using Windows Live Mail to send email messages. 

Using Windows 7, Part 1 – Programs - 2 Hours
This is the first part of a three part series that takes an in-depth look at the Windows 7 Home Premium operating system.
This two-hour session covers terminology, basic program configuration, several helpful tools, obtaining help, and maintenance issues. 

Using Windows 7, Part 2 – More Programs - 3 Hours
This is the second part of a three part series that takes an in-depth look at the Windows 7 Home Premium operating system.
This three-hour session covers the major programs that are part of the operating system. 

Using Windows 7, Part 3 – Projects - 3 Hours
This is the third part of a three part series that takes an in-depth look at the Windows 7 Home Premium operating system.
This three-hour session continues reviewing the major programs that are part of the operating system and concludes with using the Windows Live Movie Maker to make a movie and using Microsoft Word to create a newsletter type document.