While the Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock prepares for new and exciting programming for a Summer 2011 official reopening, it will also host and present limited yet exciting offerings — both artistic and community-oriented — throughout Summer and Fall 2010. The first of those is a summer computer seminar series facilitated by Boone-based CyberDiamond, LLC. The computer seminars, which will begin 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 10 computers) and the average home computer user. A different focus, or topic, will be offered weekly on Tuesdays at 9am – 11am or Wednesdays at 6:30pm – 8:30pm for five consecutive weeks from July 13 to August 11 at the Hayes Center in the Ebert Reception Hall on the second floor. Each session can be purchased individually or get the 5th class FREE if you purchase the entire 5-course seminar by July 14.
“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. Below are the individual topics:
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 3rd party firewall software; Be aware and click smart – how to remove and prevent problems.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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). 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 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 and 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.
Latest Comments