Students who want to save their work from computer courses should bring a USB flash drive to class. Please review the information about textbooks and registration procedures before attending class.

This course covers the basic hardware and software of a PC, including operations and interactions with peripherals. Hardware topics include component identification, the memory system, peripheral installations and configuration, preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repair. Software topics include how to install device drivers, resolve resource conflicts, and configure and optimize operating systems. PC Fundamentals or equivalent experience is recommended. A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, 8th Edition by Michael Myers is the required textbook. 48 hours. $129

Explore CS5’s new perspective drawing tools, variable-width strokes, and vector bristle brushes. Master the pen tool, discover the anatomy of beziers, and learn how to draw and fine-tune contours. Apply color and transparencies; import images; and create type, brushes, and patterns. Explore the gradient mesh tool and special effects. Excellent keyboarding and word processing skills are recommended.Adobe Illustrator CS5 Classroom in a Book (Paperback) by Adobe Creative Team, ISBN # 978-0-321-70178-7 is the required textbook. 36 hours. $129

Create websites using Dreamweaver, the industry’s top software web editor. Topics include a short introduction to HTML, layout techniques using Cascading Style Sheets, site navigation, graphics using Adobe Fireworks, and site management. Excellent keyboarding and word processing skills are recommended. Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 Bible, by Joseph W. Lowery, ISBN # 978-0-470-58586-3 is the required textbook. 36 hours. $129

Discover CS5’s new Content-Aware features. Explore a variety of graphic and retouching tools available with Photoshop. Create selections, masks, and layers and work with different file formats and image resolutions. Excellent keyboarding and word processing skills are recommended. Textbook required. 36 hours. $129

Explore Microsoft Excel 2010 using hands-on, skills-building exercises. View, create, format, and print spreadsheets and workbooks. Develop and update formulas and work with built-in functions. Produce, edit, and customize charts. Textbook included. Basic competency in word processing is recommended. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 6 hours. $95

Learn the fundamentals of the Microsoft Office Suite. Format documents with Word, develop spreadsheets with Excel, design PowerPoint presentations, and create an Access database. Basic computer and keyboarding skills are recommended. Textbook required. 24 hours. $74

Discover the new features available with the latest version of Microsoft Office Suite. Edit your pictures with Word's enhanced picture editing tools, insert Excel graphs in single cells, and edit videos in PowerPoint. Basic computer and keyboarding skills are recommended. Textbook required. 24 hours. $74

These hands-on courses are informative and enjoyable. Create cards, newsletters, and flyers; send emails and pictures to family and friends; search the Internet for information about any topic; or develop or enhance your computer skills to stay current in today’s job market. These courses are designed for senior adults but are open to anyone age 18 or older. NC residents 65 years and older are exempt from the tuition charge. A $5 lab fee is charged for courses held at Durham Tech locations. All students must pay lab fees. For more information, call 919-536-7236, ext. 4010.

This leisurely-paced course introduces you to what you need to connect and engage with family, friends, and your community. You’ll discover the world of email, share photographs, shop and bank online, find reliable health care information online, read e-books, listen to music online, and surf the web. Keyboarding or equivalent experience recommended. Textbook required. 24 hours. $74 ($69 DCSL)

Students plan, design, create, and publish a working website. Topics include text editor, interface design, HTML, graphics, and site management. Skills are introduced through structured exercises and applied through individual creative projects. Keyboarding and word processing or equivalent experience recommended. Web Page Design with HTML/CS5 by Alec Fehl, ISBN # 978-1-59136-129-9 is the required textbook. 36 hours. $129