Computer Security and Maintenance Series

Topic 1 (July 13 at 9am or July 14 at 6:30pm) – My Computer Is Slow as Molasses…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 – do I have a virus and what are they?; Okay – time to get rid of them: programs to get viruses out of your computer and tips to keep them out; Update – why vintage is not good in computers: anti-virus software,  anti-spyware software, your firewall and how to use it, good 3^rd party firewall software; Be aware and click smart – how to remove and prevent problems. $30 or ($25 for Watauga, Avery, Ashe, or Caldwell business employees or residents)

Topic 2 (July 20 at 9am or July 21 at 6:30pm) – 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 – tips to know; Firewalls – 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 – this doesn’t apply to me – oh, yes it does; Mac viruses – explained, anti-virus software recommendations. $30 or ($25 for Watauga, Avery, Ashe, or Caldwell business employees or residents)

Topic 3 (July 27 at 9am or July 28 at 6:30pm) – 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 – beware, no protection out of the box; Why you need a wireless router; Internet sharing wirelessly and safely; WEP versus WPA/WPA2 –what the heck are they?; It’s not just the computer – my kids have all these wireless devices i.e. Smartphone, Gaming consoles, etc.; Password protection is necessary; Extend your wireless range – location; Keep your neighbors off your wireless Internet; Protect your connection from outside prying eyes. NOTE TO ALL ATTENDEES: PLEASE, bring your wireless capable working laptop, netbook or notebook to this session. We will be interactive; using real wireless routers in real world applications, we will be setting them up from scratch, configuring and setting the security as well as accessing the wireless routers control panel. You will learn how to connect to the wireless router during the session. $30 or ($25 for Watauga, Avery, Ashe, or Caldwell business employees or residents)

Topic 4 (August 3 at 9am or August 4 at 6:30pm) – 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 – it’s 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 – be green and be safe! NOTE TO ALL ATTENDEES: PLEASE, bring your wireless capable working laptop, netbook or notebook to this session. $30 or ($25 for Watauga, Avery, Ashe, or Caldwell business employees or residents)

Topic 5 (August 10 at 9am or August 11 at 6:30pm) – If I Don’t Know You, Why Should I Trust You?
Virtual safety and Internet security. Children and the Internet; Social networking safety tips – dos and don’ts; 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 – superimposed webpage; Web meetings – are they safe?; Web browsers — Firefox, IE, Safari, Mosaic etc.; Trust your gut. $30 or ($25 for Watauga, Avery, Ashe, or Caldwell business employees or residents)

Entire Series (Topics 1 to 5) – Computer Security and Maintenance
You must register by July 14. $120 or ($100 for Watauga, Avery, Ashe, or Caldwell business employees or residents)

_____________________________________________

Cost per session is $30 or ($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). 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. You can also pay by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) on our website at www.hayescenter.org or by calling 828-295-0112 x5.

The Computer Security and Maintenance (CSM)seminar series will be held at the Hayes Performing Arts Center in the Ebert Reception Hall on the second floor. Boone-based CyberDiamond, LLC is conducting CSM and will not be charging the Hayes Center a class facilitation fee. CyberDiamond is donating their time and effort. 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.

_____________________________________________

Computer Security & Maintenance (CSM), is geared towards small businesses (fewer than 10 computers) and the average home computer user.

“The topics in this computer seminar series are extremely important to businesses who are committed to protecting the personal information of their customers as well as their own,” says Jack Galvan, owner of CyberDiamond. “Every computer that is connected to the Internet is vulnerable of data theft. There are things happening (and running) behind the scenes in your computers that you may not be aware of. I’m 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.”

“Plus, 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.”

The idea behind CyberDiamond’s lecturing style is to make learning about computer safety and maintenance fun and interesting without getting all technical or 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.

One Response to “Classes”