Computer Essentials A Course for Small Organizations Are you an activist or organizers who wants to take good care of your group's computers, but don't have "tech" staff to do it? TecsChange is developing a user-friendly course to help grassroots groups keep their computers as healthy as possible! Who Can Apply? Staff or volunteers from small organizations are eligible to apply. We place priority on those doing progressive, social justice work. Class size will be limited (10-12 people). Apply early, as space fills up quickly. You'll learn to: Backup your computers so you don't lose files. Protect against viruses - automatically each week. Fix crashes - and know when to call for more help. Find technical volunteers or low-cost help when it's time for more complicated fixes. Know when to do Windows updates - and when to wait. Plan a simple policy for how folks should use computers at your organization. Learn about protection like "firewalls" and troublemakers like "spyware". Find out about insurance and extended warrantees for your computers. Decide the Internet access that is best for you. Understand the basics of computer networks. Know what databases can be used for. Learn about software licenses: do's and don'ts When to get, and not get, donated equipment. Dates and Deadlines The classes will start in early Fall 2005. The will run on Monday and Wednesday nights for three weeks. See schedule for individual classes. Each class will run from 7 to 9 PM. Please RSVP to insure a spot in the class. Cost There will be a fee of $10 per person per class. If you take the whole series the fee will be $50 (a savings of $10) To Register Please fill and mail, email or fax this registration form. Schedule Current class series schedule can be found here.