Following the end of Microsoft support for Windows XP many have been puzzled concerning a safe and secure method for computing at a reasonable or no cost level. The good news is that it can be safely done. If you have a working XP computer (or ANY computer) with a reasonable amount of memory (RAM), there are solutions available.

If a new version of Windows is not for you, there are solid alternate operating systems that can be installed at no cost. The new operating system would have Google Chrome Internet browser or Firefox browser, Gmail, AOL mail etc. just as you might have used on Windows. An office suite compatible with Microsoft Office is included and hundreds of programs and apps are available to download and install at no cost. Installation of an operating system is contemplated, but not required, and this can be done on the students own laptop. Use of a modified computer will follow routines that are familiar to most computer users.

Basic computer skills and general knowledge of your computer's specifications (512 MB RAM usually required) for this course. This workshop is intended for any resident who routinely uses a home computer and is familiar with the default folders used in Windows. Students should have some experience installing a program, but this is not critical.