Computer & Internet

Our Computer Training Kiosk

Dapto Seniors'  was part of the Broadband for Seniors initiative but now still runs its own computer and Internet instruction for members who are interested. This instructions costs nothing (though we would ask that participants give a gold coin donation toward the preparation of handouts etc).

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The classes cover a range of skill levels from absolute beginners to people who have a basic understanding of computers and the Internet. These lessons can be tailored to an individual's particular needs.

We have a Windows 10 operating system (see picture above), scanner, web cam and colour printer. We have Microsoft Office and Publisher but also some of the latest (legal) freeware which will very likely suit all your home needs without any cost whatsoever - instruction can be given on how to obtain them for your own computer.

Bring your own

Our computers have many superb programs for demonstration and training but you can bring your own laptop so you can learn about your own computer and receive personal instruction using the same machine that you use at home.

Topics covered:

Some examples of the topics classes can cover are:
  • All the basic skills such as using the mouse, the 'Windows' desktop, using a ‘browser’, setting up an email account etc.
  • Find and move files on your computer.
  • Basic word processing and/or spreadsheets.
  • Sending and receiving emails. How to send and receive ‘attachments’. Send your photographs to friends and relatives.
  • Searching the Internet for programs, information, businesses and web sites and how to download or ‘bookmark’ this information for easy access in the future.
  • The principles of on-line shopping, newsletter groups, WiFi, ‘Googling’, ‘hotspots’, FAQs and more...
  • The importance of anti virus software and an active firewall.
  • Where/how to get excellent, useful but free programs quite legally - you need never pay for a piece of software again.
  • Save, catalogue and edit your digital photos.
  • Create and copy your own CDs and DVDs.
  • Skype - talk to someone anywhere in the world for free.
  • ‘Rip’ music from your CD collection for your MP3 player or mobile phone.
This is only a small selection of the one-on-one tuition available but everything is designed around your particular needs. Questions are encouraged, in fact, compulsory.

Free Internet

Members are reminded that Dapto Library has free Internet connected computers available for library members to book, They also have a free WiFi 'Hot Spot' which enables you to connect your own laptop to their internet, likewise Heininger House and the Ribbonwood Centre also offer a free WiFi Internet connection throughout the building – just ask at the office for the password.

Leaflets and Handouts

As part of our regular tuition classes we create handouts for students on subjects of particular interest or concern. These leaflets are downloadable as PDF flies by right clicking on the link (the heading in red) then click on "Save Link as..." or " Save Target as... " in the context menu.

What can I do?

A directory of some of the things you can do with your computer and the Internet. Definitively not a definitive list.

Using Windows Explorer

A guide to the main features of Windows Explorer. To help you to unlock full potential of this Microsoft program to enable you to maintain your computer's files and folders exactly as you want them.

Cut and Paste

Step by step instructions on using Windows shortcut keys to manipulate text and files. Something every Windows user should be aware of.

Connect to the NBN.

Dapto is one of the lucky areas to receive the original NBN plan of fibre to the home.

This leaflet describes the cheapest and easiest way to connect to the NBN; the only equipment required are your computer/laptop with a network port, a network cable and information from your ISP (Internet Service Provider). This leaflet tells you how to make it work.

Set up a Router as a Repeater.

This hand out is for those who have WiFi dead spots in their house where the internet does not seem to reach. It details how to set an old WiFi router to fill the void.

Using KeePass - Password Manager

How many people are tempted to use the same password for everything? Too many! This program keeps all your passwords in one place, generates secure passwords and is available for mobile devices as well as your computer. You only have to remember one (secure) password.

ImgBurn - Save your files to a CD or DVD

ImgBurn is free disk burning software. It enables you to burn files (eg Photos) or whole folders to a CD or DVD either as a backup or to share with friends and relatives. The handout explains how to install the program on your computer and how to use it's most important feature.

Club Information

A small brochure to wet your appetite about CPSA Dapto Seniors'. It gives brief details of the many club activities as well as meeting dates, club location as well as a potted history of the club.

Mobile Device Safety (Tablet, Phone etc)

A brief handout on keeping the data on your mobile phone or tablet safe. This information came from the government's Stay Safe On Line web site and is very useful without being scary. Just one quote, "Remember your smartphone or tablet is a mini-computer and you need to protect and secure it just as you would your home or laptop computer. Treat your smartphone like your wallet; keep it safe and with you at all times." Well worth reading.

Little Black Book of Scams

This is the ACCC booklet giving details of scams, rip-offs, rorts and swindles which have been carried out in Australia together with ways of avoiding them (basically if it sounds too good to be true it probably is). Worth reading too.

Convert Word Document Files to PDF

This is a Word file which uses VBA to convert an entire folder of Word files to PDF. The original files are not changed but a separate folder is created with the PDF files contained within. You probably will need to tell your browser to download it and you may need to tell Word that this file is safe (depending on your security setting) but you can be assured that it is.