Library Computer Taster Sessions
'First Click' - computer taster sessions
Do you feel left out of the digital age? If you have never touched a computer before, these sessions are right for you. We see mostly complete beginners.
Our free sessions will help you begin to learn basic computer skills. They are called 'tasters' because they give you a flavour of what it is like to use a computer, and once you have experienced this, you can then decide what to do next.
Each session is a mixture of demonstrations and hands-on exercises. Usually there is one tutor plus one or two volunteers to help you. We give you a set of notes covering everything in the session, so you won't need to write anything down. The sessions are held in training rooms at Poole and Rossmore libraries - they are very informal, with an emphasis on having fun.
There are three 1½-hour sessions:
Mouse, keyboard and basic word processing skills
Learn how to use a mouse, the most important keys on the keyboard, and how to enter, edit and save text. For absolute beginners - no previous knowledge required!
Poole Library sessions
- Mon 8th September 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Weds 1st October 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Weds 22nd October 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Weds 12th November 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Weds 3rd December 2.30 - 4.00pm
Rossmore Library sessions
- Tues 19th August 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Tues 16th September 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Tues 14th October 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Tues 11th November 2.30 - 4.00pm
Basic internet searching
Learn how to find a website when you know the address, how to find your way around a website and how to search for information. You should know the basics of how to use a mouse and keyboard before starting this session. Ideal if you'd love to 'surf the net' but are a bit scared!
Poole Library sessions
- Mon 15th September 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Weds 8th October 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Weds 29th October 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Weds 19th November 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Weds 10th December 2.30 - 4.00pm
Rossmore Library sessions
- Tues 26th August 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Tues 23rd September 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Tues 21st October 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Tues 18th November 2.30 - 4.00pm
Set up an e-mail account
Set up your own e-mail account using a free web-based e-mail service. Send and receive messages, reply and forward messages, and learn how to send attachments like photos. A basic knowledge of word processing and using the internet is required. If you want to keep in touch with friends and family across the world, this is the one for you.
Poole Library sessions
- Weds 20th August 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Mon 22nd September 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Weds 15th October 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Weds 5th November 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Weds 26th November 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Weds 17th December 2.30 - 4.00pm
Rossmore Library sessions
- Tues 2nd September 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Tues 30th September 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Tues 28th October 2.30 - 4.00pm
- Tues 25th November 2.30 - 4.00pm
Please ring 01202 262421 for more information and to book your place, or ask at any Poole library.
Special keyboards are available for all sessions, as well as a trackerball pointing device. We also have an adjustable desk for wheelchair users. If you require any of these please enquire when you book. The room is fitted with a hearing loop.
'Flying Solo' - learn how to log on and use the library computers
These sessions are designed to show you how to use the library computers. You will need to be a library member and should have your library PIN. The sessions give you the opportunity to practise what you have learnt at our Taster sessions. You will gain confidence in using a computer and will gradually learn to work alone and sort out for yourself any problems you may experience.
The session lasts for a maximum of one hour and there will be someone on hand to help you do the things you want to do on the computer.
The next sessions are:
Poole Library sessions
- Wednesday 17th September 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Monday 29th September 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Monday 13th October 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Monday 27th October 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Monday 10th November 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Monday 24th November 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Monday 8th December 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Monday 22nd December 4.00 - 5.00pm
Rossmore Library sessions
- Tuesday 19th August 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Tuesday 26th August 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Tuesday 2nd September 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Tuesday 16th September 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Tuesday 23rd September 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Tuesday 30th September 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Tuesday 14th October 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Tuesday 21st October 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Tuesday 28th October 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Tuesday 11th November 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Tuesday 18th November 4.00 - 5.00pm
- Tuesday 25th November 4.00 - 5.00pm
How to book
Just ring 01202 262421 or ask at any library
What you will do
You can choose! - online tutorials, word processing, emails or just surf the net. There will be someone on hand to help you.
Online How-to guides
If you are a novice, you may find it useful to look at Computer Tutor, the BBC's guide to using computers, or Webwise, their guide to using the internet.
If you prefer to follow a course, Learndirect has lots of IT courses, some of which are free. Have a look at their catalogue.
Alternatively, it is very easy to register with Myguide 
, which provides you with a very simple way of searching the internet and sending emails. It only takes a few minutes to register.
If you would rather go to lessons on a regular basis, check out what Poole Adult Learning has to offer. From basic computer skills, to shopping on e-bay, there's something for everyone.
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