Reviews and Blog Posts: ctc

Benefits Eligibility Assistance at the Library

Assistance illustration

What: One-on-one drop-in assistance with Denver Human Services programs. No appointment is necessary and Denver residency is not required.
Who: Denver Human Services
When: Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Central Library, Level 4

Could you or someone you know use food, medical, or cash assistance but don't know how to get the process started?

Have you been told you can apply for benefits online, but don't know how?

Denver Human Services and Denver Public Library have joined forces to help people apply for benefits, find out if they're eligible, and track benefits once they've received them. Denver Human Services staff will work with customers on a first-come-first-served basis on Level 4 of the Central Library every Wednesday from 10-2.

Looking For a Job?

Looking for a job today is a tough business. People spend hours looking for jobs, more hours applying, and even more hours waiting to hear back from potential employers. It's a tough business.   Hopefully some of these tips can help you!

First, take a look at some of the classes the Community Technology Center has to offer. We have a wide range of job search classes that we offer monthly.

 

Interviewing 101: Wednesday, July 11, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Learn how to answer common interview questions and make a good impression at your interview.

Resume & Job Search Workshop: Friday, July 13, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Looking for a job? Need help with your resume? Drop in and work on your resume and get some job search tips.

Be smart about antivirus protection!

Sick computer being inspected by doctors in haz-mat suits

So the antivirus trial or subscription you had has expired, and now our computer is giving you messages like “YOUR VIRUS PROTECTION HAS EXPIRED! RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION NOW OR EVERYTHING WILL CATCH FIRE! AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!” Once that happens, you have a choice: pay to renew what came with your computer or find a replacement.

But don’t just install the first thing that shows up in Google. A little research can help you make a decision that ensures your computer is protected – and it might protect your wallet, too. There are two main sites I turn to for information on antivirus products: AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. Both are independent organizations, not connected to any vendors of antivirus software, who run comprehensive detection, cleaning, and usability tests.

LinkedIn Hacked - Change Your P@$$w0rd

LinkedIn recently reported that it was hacked and the passwords to 6.5 million accounts were compromised. If you have a LinkedIn account, make sure you change your password to protect yourself. Take a look at a few tips to make a strong password to protect yourself in the future!

There are several rules you should know when you are creating a new password:

1. Always use 8 or more characters
2. Never use a dictionary word or a person's name
3. Always use letters, numbers, & symbols
4. Never use personal information to create a password
5. Always capitalize random letters

Get a Job Already!

Do you have a resume that looks like you typed it one-handed and blind-folded on a typewriter in 1986? Worse yet, do you not have a resume at all and you're on the job hunt?

Nowadays a resume is a must, whether you're looking for a contractor gig or applying to be the next CEO of Apple. Never fear, we’re here to help! The CTC’s resident job seeking experts have created a Resume Basics class designed to give you the know-how to create a sleek, professional resume that highlights your good sides and downplays your not-so-good sides.

Is the Purple Pill Right for You? - Get Health Information Online

MedlinePlus is the National Institutes of Health's Web site for patients and their families. Produced by the National Library of Medicine, it brings you information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues in language you can understand. MedlinePlus offers reliable, up-to-date health information, anytime, anywhere, for free.

You can use MedlinePlus to learn about the latest treatments, look up information on a drug or supplement, find out the meanings of words, or view medical videos or illustrations. You can also get links to the latest medical research on your topic or find out about clinical trials on a disease or condition. 

Learn more in our free class, Is the Purple Pill Right for You?

Computer Guts

Inside a PC

Interested in how the stuff inside your computer works and want to know which part does what? Or maybe you're trying to upgrade your computer's hard drive?

Even if you're just curious, the Community Technology Center is offering a hands-on class to get to know your computer better! PC Hardware 101 will be held on September 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. on Level 4 of the Central Library — and it's free! The CTC is staffed with talented people who are always eager to help you learn, so come and discover your computer's guts!

Connect with eMedia at a branch near you!

Volunteer Dawn assists a patron learning how to use the iPad.

Did you know that you can still check out eBooks and place holds, even when the library is closed? We have a large collection of eMedia -- downloadable eBooks, audio eBooks and eFlicks (movies) -- available on your portable device or home computer 24/7. The Community Technology Center is providing FREE instruction to show you how it's done.

The Community Technology Center will be heading out to several branch libraries to give you an opportunity to learn how to download and install the software needed to access Denver Public Library's eMedia collection.

We will be visiting the following branches on the following dates and times:

Virginia Village Branch Library: Wednesday 7/27, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

What the heck is a Docent, and why do you really want to be one?

Docent with student

UPDATE: Thank you to all of the wonderful applicants we've seen as a result of this blog post. We are currently at capacity, and will not be accepting more Docent applications at this time. Check back later!

At DPL, “Docent” is a fancy word for a highly-trained volunteer with special skills, and here at the Community Technology Center, docents are basically the glue that holds the place together.

They teach one-on-one lessons to customers who need help with topics like email, internet searching, word processing and job seeking, as well as downloading music and even advanced topics like designing websites. They also work the help desk with staff, answering phones and customer questions with intelligence, courtesy and a healthy sense of humor. Some docents even teach classes.

Tech Petting Zoo at Bear Valley Branch on Saturday, April 16, 2011

Tech Petting Zoo

Did you know that you can still check out eBooks and place holds, even when the library is closed? We have a large collection of eMedia -- downloadable eBooks, audio eBooks and eFlicks (movies) -- available on your portable device or home computer 24/7. The Community Technology Center is providing FREE instruction to show you how it's done!

The Community Technology Center will be heading out to Bear Valley Branch Library on Saturday, April 16 from 10-11:30 a.m. to give people an opportunity to learn how to download and install the software needed to access Denver Public Library's eMedia collection.

If you have a laptop or smart phone, please bring it with you! We will help you install and set up the software on site!

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