elcome, to the Charlotte County Computer Group, Corp (CCCGC) word processing class. Everything you do on a computer involves using some sort of word processor. If you are writing something, using a spreadsheet, drawing something, or putting anything down on a surface, it is all considered word processing. This is not a new thing. Cavemen, creating drawings on a cave wall were using simple word processors. We have come a long way since them.

Word processing is not something you can learn in one session, no more than you can learn a graphics program or a spreadsheet program in one lesson. They all have a learning curve, which means that you will have to practice what you have been taught. If you don’t, you will forget everything before the next lesson is given.

This class which consists of six lessons given over three months. If enough interest is shown, we can extend the lessons to cover more of the subject since there is a lot to learn in word processing. When we finish the course you will realize that we have only scratched the surface.

We will begin with the basic desktop, with its menus and toolbars, and do formatting, inserting graphics, tables, columns, different fonts, envelopes, labels, and lots more. You will also learn how to make a ‘drop cap’, much like the one that starts off this article.

Ms-Word 2003 will be the word processor of choice, but what we teach can be used with any word processor. The classes will be given on the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday of each month, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Center for Independent Living (CIL) located in Schoolhouse Square Mall located at 4300 Kings Highway, Unit 402.

While these classes are free to CCCGC members, we do request that you be familiar with using a computer before signing up. If not, you will quickly get lost, while the rest of the students move on. Time does not permit us to train you in using a computer.

Anita Cantrell (limulus29@hotmail.com)

Aaron Rennert (arennert3@comcast.net)