FREE Computer Training @ Flint Public Library

I'm a beginner!
How can I learn to use the computer?

Computers for Beginners - Main Library Training Lab
This 2-session class is an easy way to learn the basics, from mouse handling to surfing the Internet! No previous experience required. A new session begins every few weeks. Call to reserve a seat: (810) 249-2569.

• Learn about the basic components of a computer and the Windows operating system
• Practice using the mouse.
• Practice opening and closing windows and programs.
• Learn about the internet and how to use it.
• Go to web sites by typing in addresses, clicking on links, and searching on the Internet.
• Print a certificate of completion, and take home a practice disk.

Computers for Beginners - Cody Library A condensed, single-class version of our Computers for Beginners class. No previous experience required. Held on the morning of the third Monday each month.
Call to reserve a seat: (810) 238-5822.

Internet One-on-One - West Flint Library Make an appointment for a private one-hour tutoring session with a librarian. Most Tuesdays and Thursdays 11 AM - 1 PM.
Call to reserve a time: (810) 238-3637.

Internet One-on-One - Cody Library Make an appointment for a private one-hour tutoring session with a librarian.
Call to reserve a time: (810) 238-5822.

Practice, practice, practice! - Use your Flint Public Library Card to log in to a computer at any of our Library branches. You can use a computer for an hour a day.

Learn online! - Click here for online tutorials about some of the programs available at the Flint Public Library.

Okay, I am not a Beginner any more.
What can I learn next?

We have three intermediate-level classes and one advanced-level class for you...

Microsoft Word for Beginners - Main Library Training Lab
Once you've learned the basic skills of using a computer, take this introductory course on Microsoft Word, where you will learn to create, edit, save, and print documents. This is an intermediate class. Call to reserve a seat: (810) 249-2569.

• Learn about the basic features of the Microsoft Word program.
• Use and take home a practice disk of documents.
• Change the font and spacing of text in a document.
• Move text within a document.
• Copy text from the Internet to a document.

Internet Skills - Beyond the Basics - Main Library Training Lab
Take your beginning Internet skills to the next level. In this class you will visit seven web sites with different types of information, and will learn an Internet skill at each site. This is an intermediate class. Call to reserve a seat: (810) 249-2569.

• Learn keyword searching to use a search engine.
• Fill in fields to check the weather.
• Use fields and change results to map a location.
• Use hyperlinks on images and lists to find local events.
• Browse and search, and use the help pages in an online auction site.
• Use fields and drop-down menus to make travel reservations.
• Navigate a complex web site to find health information.

Find It Online - Main Library
Improve your Internet searching skills in this more advanced class. Topics include search engines, Web directories, and specialized databases. Students should have a basic knowledge of computers before beginning this class, i.e., be able to open up Internet Explorer and go to a given website; this is an advanced class. Call to reserve a seat: (810) 249-2569.

• Understand how information is organized and accessed on the Web.
• Use advanced searching techniques on search engines.
• Learn about the features of different search engines.
• Discover all the searching tools available from the Library's homepage.
• Find information in specialized subscription databases.

E-mail for Beginners - Main Library Training Lab
Email has become the most common form of on-line communication. It can be used to communicate with friends, relatives, and businesses. Learn how to sign up for a free web based Yahoo email account. A free web based email account is easy to use. Users can access their email messages from any computer connected to the Internet. Call to reserve a seat: (810) 249-2569.

• Learn about email communications 
• Register for a free email account.
• Compose, send, and receive email messages.
• Sign in and out of your email account.

Advanced Web Searching - Main Library Training Lab
Internet search tools have a variety of ways to refine and control searches. Some offer menu systems. Others require special commands as part of your query. Learn to use Internet search tools to find wanted search terms and keep out unwanted terms to create a successful search strategy. Stop searching and start finding! Call to reserve a seat: (810) 249-2569.

• Discover how to effectively use internet search tools.
• Learn how to search for the wanted terms and exclude unwanted terms.

• Explore the Invisible Web and what it can do for you.

• Understand what "I'm Feeling Lucky" means.

I'm researching my family history.
What can I do online?

We have an intermediate-level class for genealogy enthusiasts.

Genealogy on the Internet - Main Library Training Lab
Learn to research your family tree in this hands-on class. We teach you the basics, show you some good websites to get started, then give you some time to begin your research. You must know how to type in a Web address, click on links, and type in a search box; this is an intermediate-level class. Call to reserve a seat: (810) 249-2569.

• Discover on-line resources, some free and some available at the Library.
• Start filling out a pedigree chart.
• Learn about databases, Internet resources, and the difference between them.
• Start your own genealogical research and ask questions.

More computer topics at the library:

Researching Foundation Grants - Main Library Training Lab
Do you need funding for your nonprofit organization? Do you want to learn the philanthropic resources available to you? Join us to learn how to use both the print and electronic resources in the library’s Foundation Center Collection. Call to reserve a seat: (810) 249-2569.

• Learn about the Foundation Center Collection (FCC).
• Become familiar with the books on grant-seeking and writing.
• Practice using the Foundation Center Online database to find funding for your nonprofit.
• Study the grants research process.

I need an e-mail account.
Can I set one up at the library?

Yes. Our staff can help you set up a free e-mail account with Yahoo or Hotmail and learn how to send and receive mail.