All proceeds benefit the Hayes Performing Arts Center re-positioning team to bring back quality theater productions to Blowing Rock
HIDEThe summer computer seminar series facilitated by Boone-based CyberDiamond, LLC. Begins July 13 for five consecutive weeks, are part of a fundaising effort to sustain the Center during limited operations until its grand reopening.
The series, titled Computer Security & Maintenance (CSM), is geared towards small businesses (fewer than 100 employees) and the average home computer user. A different focus, or topic, will be offered weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for five consecutive weeks from July 13 to August 11 at the Hayes Center in the Ebert Reception Hall on the second floor. The classes will be held on Tuesdays at 9AM and Wednesday's at 6:30pm each topic runs between 1 hr and 40 mins to 2 hr 30 mins with flexbible time for Q&Aâs at the end of each session. Each session can be purchased individually or get the 5th class FREE if you purchase the entire 5-course seminar by July 14.
âThe topics in this computer seminar series are extremely important to businesses who are committed to protecting the personal information of their customers,â says Jack Galvan, owner of CyberDiamond. âEvery computer that is connected to the Internet is vulnerable of data theft. There are things happening (and running) behind the scenes of your computers that you may not be aware of. Iâm going to try to help you understand and control these things in a way that even the casual computer user can identify. These sessions are geared to be fun. I guarantee you will not be bored.
âPlus, with the amount of technology kids are exposed to today, I can help make your home computer and their lives safer just by giving you some tips on safeguarding your computer and their interaction with social media sites.â
The idea behind CyberDiamondâs lecturing style is to make learning about computer safety and maintenance fun and interesting without getting all technical and, frankly, boring. Each topic will be presented with all or a combination of the following: a large screen projector, PowerPoint presentations, videos, test-your-knowledge games, interactive audience participation, and printed take-home handouts. Below are the individual topics:
Topic 1 (July 13 or 14) â My Computer Is Slow as Molassesâ¦I Want to Throw this Darn Computer Out the Window!
Infections may be slowing your computer, find out what to do to fix it! Telling signs of spyware and adware; Why do these things slow my computer down?; Oh no â do I have a virus and what are they? Okay â time to get rid of them: programs to get viruses out of your computer and tips to keep them out; Update â why vintage is not good in computers: anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, your firewall and how to use it, good 3rd party firewall software; Be aware and click smart â how to remove and prevent problems.
Topic 2 (July 20 or 21) â I Think My Kids/Employees Are Infecting Me!
Security Tips For the Home and Small Business User. Computer and data security; Home user versus small business; Protecting your data and computer; Viruses, malware and spyware definitions; Creating passwords â tips to know; Firewalls â what are they and what do I do with them?; Receiving e-mails and attachments; Downloads; Trusting websites; Wi-Fi: Your kids/employees may be infecting your network: protect your wired and wireless network, know what your kids/employees are downloading, social networks can be harmful; I have a Mac â this doesnât apply to me â oh, yes it does: Mac viruses â explained, anti-virus software recommendations.
Topic 3 (July 27 or 28) â How the Heck Is My Neighbor Using My Internet for Free?...Securing Your Wi-Fi Router for Your Home and Small Business
Share the Internet with other family members and/or co-workers safely. New Wi-Fi router â beware, no protection out of the box; Why you need a wireless router, Internet sharing wirelessly and safely; WEP versus WPA/WPA2 âwhat the heck are they?; Itâs not just the computer â my kids have all these wireless devices i.e. Smartphone, Gaming consoles, etc.; Password protection is necessary; Extend your wireless range â location; Keep your neighbors off your wireless Internet; Protect your connection from outside prying eyes.
Topic 4 (August 3 or 4) â Lock the Doors and Windows, I Am Going Online!...Securing Your Information in a Dangerous Online World
Computers and physical security. Computer location; Passwords; Wi-Fi; Data storage; Locking everything â itâs not that hard; Data backup and restores: virtual/off-site versus on-site; Flash drives, thumb drives, CD/DVD ROM writers, external hard drives: how they can help and hurt you or your business and your kids; Disposing of computers â be green and be safe!
Topic 5 (August 10 or 11) â If I Donât Know You, Why Should I Trust You?
Virtual safety and Internet security. Children and the Internet; Social networking safety tips â dos and donâts; phishing; Adult sites; Trusted sites; What is an SSL?; Online purchases; Credit cards; Social security numbers; Free credit reports scams and identity theft; Webcams; Wi-Fi; Clickjacking â superimposed webpage; Web meetings â are they safe?; Web browsers â Firefox, IE, Safari, Mosaic etc.; Trust your gut.
Cost per session is $30 ($25 for Watauga, Avery, Ashe, or Caldwell business employees or residents). Or get the the 5th class free if the entire series package is purchased by July 14: $120 (or $100). Only cash or checks are accepted at the Hayes Center Box Office, or pay by mail: Send checks to Hayes Performing Arts Center, PO Box 1009, Blowing Rock, NC 28605.
The CSM seminar series will be held at the Hayes Performing Arts Center in the Ebert Reception Hall on the second floor. CyberDiamond is not charging the Hayes Center a class facilitation fee. All proceeds from participation will go to the Hayes Center Repositioning Fund to help reopen the Center in Summer 2011. For more information on registering, call 828-295-0112 x5. For more information about CyberDiamond, click on our news section at www.hayescenter.org or visit them at www.cyberdiamond.net.
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