Online Computer Tutorials

Learning your way around the Internet and programs like Microsoft Word or Excel can be pretty intimidating when you're just starting out. At Bossier Library we offer classes on things like Internet and Email, and programs like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. However, these classes have been on hiatus; first while we installed brand new computers at every branch and now to make way for the Summer Reading Programs. Classes will start again in September, but if you have a computer and an Internet connection you don't have to wait to start learning about computers! There are many online tutorials available that can help you master the basics. This week we are going to list the top three free online tutorial sites that we found just by searching on Google. Not all free tutorial sites are created equal, so we're going to rank our favorite results.

3. HomeandLearn.co.uk

Home and Learn is a site based in the United Kingdom, which is why it's address may look a little different than the ones you're used to seeing. However, all of the information is the same for programs in the United States. They offer tutorials on Beginners Computer, Word, and Excel. There are even a few classes on Web Design for those who are looking for something more advanced. Each Tutorial is divided into shorter lessons to make it easy to take it slow and cover all the information. Each lesson has screenshots so users can see exactly what they are describing. The only problem with this site is the many ads on the tutorials. There are banner ads at the top and bottom of each step in most tutorials. Because they are related to computers, sometimes users may find them misleading or confusing. Unfortunately ads are a necessary evil for most websites. Luckily, the ads do not take away from the usefulness of the website.
Overall: The tutorials on this website are easy to find and to follow. There are no video tutorials available.

2. Free-Computer-Tutorials.net

This site offers tutorials on Windows XP, Vista and 7, as well as on programs like Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. It's fairly easy to navigate with links on the left hand side to each lesson. There are pictures for every lesson that explain step by step the basics of the operating system or program.
The only downside to this website, in our opinion, is the number of ads. Though ads are a necessary evil on most websites, they can be distracting or even misleading.

This site also provides free video tutorials on YouTube or you can purchase individual lessons on CD/DVD through the website, if you prefer.

Overall: Easy to understand lessons and easy to navigate website make this a great site however the abundance of ads may be off-putting for some users. The free video tutorials make this a great resource for beginning computer users.

1. GCF Learn Free

This website offers tutorials on Basic Computer Concepts, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and even Access. You can also find tutorials on email and Internet basics. This site isn't just limited to computer topics, either. You can find tutorials on topics from the Workplace, like filling out tax information to basic math and grammar lessons. And they're all free!  Many of the classes are video based, making it even easier for beginning users.
 Registration is not required, but is available for users who want to return to lessons or track their progress. Registration requires a valid email address. Don't worry if you'd rather not register, all the lessons are available without registration. There are even classes with instructors available for users looking for Continuing Education Credits. Registration is required for those classes
GCF Learn Free also has free mobile apps so you can learn on your smartphone or tablet. This means you can take a lesson about iPads on the iPad itself! No other free tutorial site we found offered free mobile apps..
Overall: The variety of classes, clean layout of the website, engaging lessons and free mobile apps make this the best free computer tutorial site we found. We highly recommend it for anyone looking to expand their knowledge on computers and many other topics.

Stay tuned for more information about our Patron Computer Classes coming in September!
Have ideas on topics you'd like us to cover? Leave a comment here or on our Facebook or Twitter.

Please note: These are the opinions of the blog writer only, and not necessarily of Bossier Parish Library staff or patrons. No compensation was received from any of the above websites. (in fact, we'd be a little surprised if these websites even knew we were writing about them!) 

Part I: Are Your Personal Devices Protected...?

One of the biggest headaches of working in technology, is having to repair an affected computer. Depending on what library department that computer is associated with, it could take a day and a half - just focusing on that one machine - to "wipe it out and restore it" to suitable working conditions. Needless to say, its very frustrating and very time-consuming on my part. But for some of you, when this involves your home computer, it can be a very crippling feeling, especially if that computer is the only computer in your entire household.

So to continue our discussion on free and paid software to help you save time and money, I want to tell you about ways to protect the data on your personal laptops, home computers, smartphones, and tablets by gaining an understanding of why ANTI-VIRUS PROGRAMS are important and how you can download/install one of these programs onto your personal devices for FREE.

ANTI-VIRUS EXPLAINED:

Dummies.com defines anti-virus as "a utility used to spot and erase [computer] viruses from a system." As Princeton.edu points: a "true virus cannot spread [to another computer] without human interaction" in that a virus is "a software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computer." Therefore, EVERY DEVICE you own (and use) that connects to the Internet, from your home computer to even your smartphone, should have an anti-virus program installed on it.

Those who create viruses are getting clever and clever. Just like them, we too have to be just as clever in finding ways to safeguard our equipment. Therefore, installing an anti-virus program and forgetting about it, simply isn't enough. You need to make sure it stays up-to-date with the latest virus definitions. Now, virus definitions (or threat signatures) are databases that keep up with the latest viruses along with strategies to help your anti-virus program "get rid of it." So, why is all of this important?

According to an October 2011 report by Kaspersky Labs, makers of Kaspersky Anti-Virus, there are at least 70,000 new viruses introduced EVERYDAY. So whenever your anti-virus program notifies you that it is out-dated, needs to be updated, or has a new update to download/install, you should PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION!

It means that the anti-virus software really needs to connect back to its "home base" to obtain the latest updates. Why? - because today's viruses are brutal. Once your device is infected, the virus is likely designed to block your ability to get on the Internet thereby blocking your ability to update your anti-virus software. By then, its too late!

Here are two popular free antivirus programs.


(1) PANDA CLOUD ANTI-VIRUS FREE

• Unlike AVG, Panda Cloud is currently only available for computers and laptops. 

• Yet unlike any existing anti-virus program - paid or free, Panda Cloud is the first cloud-based anti-virus program on the market. Cloud-based means its a service available through the Internet. So you can only buy/download it via the Internet only, and not in stores.

• In a January/February 2012 performance test conducted by AV-Test.org, Panda Cloud was ranked #1, while AVG ranked third and Microsoft Security Essentials ranked lowest. In April 2012, PCWorld stated that Panda Cloud "...outperformed AVG in a malware [detection] test." Just so your know, malware is another name for a type of [computer] virus and it means "malicious software".

• To download Panda Cloud for FREE:
• Visit http://www.cloudantivirus.com/en/forHome/ and click on the Download Free button.
• Their FREE version offers protection against real-time anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, along with automatic, behind-the-scenes updates. In case you're wondering, spyware is a type of malware that monitors your actions as you're using your device and reports your actions back to someone else, likely a hacker.

(2) AVG ANTI-VIRUS FREE

• In April 2012, PCWorld named AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition as their top pick in "Free Anti-Virus  You Can Trust".

• Unlike Panda Cloud, AVG offers protection for your mobile devices as well as year-round telephone support for the FREE version installed on your personal computers and laptops.

• To download AVG for FREE:
• For Android-based devices, such as smartphones and tablets: 
• Visit the Google Play Store and search for "Antivirus Free" by AVG Mobilization. 
• Be sure to check the box to "Allow automatic updating" either before or after install.
• Like most anti-virus programs for mobile devices, it will scan every new app that you install, perform scheduled scans on your existing apps, emails, text messages, etc., along with performing automatic updates - if you have the "Allow automatic updating" button checked.
• For personal computers and laptops:  
• Visit http://free.avg.com/us-en/free-downloads and find the Install button for the latest FREE version.
• Their FREE 2012 version offers basic protection against viruses and spyware and don't forget about the year-round free telephone support.

Here are a few other FREE anti-virus programs:

• Avast
• Avira
• Bitdefender
• Microsoft Security Essentials

PLEASE NOTE: Not all anti-virus programs "get along", so you only want to have ONE anti-virus (AV) program on your computer at any given time. Multiple AV programs on the same device could cause a "tug-of-war" whenever a virus is detected. So if you already have an anti-virus program installed, consider uninstalling it prior to installing something else. If you are unfamiliar with whether your current program is working for you, then seek out expert advice by visiting your local computer store like Best Buy, Office Depot, or Staples.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

I personally used Panda Cloud on my personal laptop and AVG on my Android-based smartphone, so what do you use? Perhaps you use an anti-virus that is different from those mentioned here. If so, feel free to share your preferred AV program with us in the comments section below.

In Part Two, the discussion continues as I focus on how to protect and backup your smartphone data.

5 Safety Tips for Using a Public Computer

Sometimes patrons utilize computers at the local public library without fully understanding the risks involved. Public terminals are just that public—meaning they are used by hundreds of thousands of people each year. Below are five simple tips that are easy to follow and make it much harder for someone to gain access to your personal information when using a public computer.

1. Do not save your login information & always logout!

Avoid selecting any options for saving your login information especially when signing into financial account, medical/insurance accounts, email accounts and the like. Always logout of any site you visit instead of closing the browser window or typing a new address over the existing address. This help keep others from accessing your personal information.

2. Do not leave the computer unattended with sensitive information on the screen!

If you must leave the computer unattended, make sure that you utilize the “Lock” feature available in PCReservation to prevent another patron from getting onto that computer.

3. Erase your tracks!

When you are done using a public computer, you should delete at a minimum all the temporary Internet files and cookies and/or the Internet history (if preferred).

4. Watch for people watching your screen!

Consider this the old-fashioned way of snooping. When you are using a public computer, watch for people who collect your information by looking over your shoulder or watching as you enter passwords.

5. Do not enter sensitive information into a public computer!

As mentioned above, if you really want to be safe on a public computer, avoid typing your credit card number, social security number, or any other financial or otherwise sensitive information into a public computer. You should perform these types of actions on your home PC.

(Posting adapted from an article at Microsoft.com by the same title)