By Pat Maurer
For many, computers are a great tool that allows you to have a hobby.
Like to cook? Get some great recipes off the Food Channel website.
But that’s not all you can do with a computer. You can connect through social networking websites like Facebook. It doesn’t cost anything to stay in touch and update friends and family about your life. You can even share photos and movies online. There’s no need to miss a family birthday – you can see a video of your grandkids blowing out the candles or opening your present.
If you want to try something new, there are millions of websites dedicated to every possible subject. You can start a brand new hobby and find all the information you need.
Then there’s blogging. Share your lifetime of experience, ideas and opinions with the world – or just your family. Blogs can be public or private and a great was to express yourself.
Go shopping. Have you ever wanted something you just can’t find locally? Chances are you can find it online and it won’t cost any gas or time. If you are a coin collector or looking for a new great book to read, there are often great discounts online. With one of the new Kindles, you can even download books, more than 1,000, and read them electronically – and there are loads of classic stories that cost little or nothing to buy online.
Don’t have a computer? Don’t let that stop you. Our area libraries do have them and offer free internet access too. If you are nervous about learning, or wonder how much you will use a computer, start at the library. You can purchase later if you really enjoy it.
In Clare at the Pere Marquette District Library, there are eight computer classes available in September including:
9-8: Learn how to type from 5 to 7 p.m.
9-13: basic computer skills from 5 to 7 p.m.
9-14: basic Microsoft Windows from 5 to 7 p.m.
9-20: how to use the internet from 5 to 7 p.m.
9-21: basic Microsoft Word from 5 to 7 p.m.
9-27: how to use a computer to find a job from 5 to 7 p.m.
9-28: how to use your digital camera from 12 to 2 p.m.
9-29: basic Microsoft Excel from 4 to 6 p.m.
At the Harrison District Library, September Computer classes (all held from 4 to 6 p.m.) include:
9-12: Basic computer skills.
9-15: Basic Microsoft Windows skills.
9-19: How to use the internet.
9-22: Basic Microsoft Word.
Registration is required call 989-539-6711 or Nick Loomis at 386-7576 ext. 6.