 |
|
Prescott Campus Computer Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a flash, thumb, jump drive or memory stick?
Can I save my work on a CD, and if so, what kind of CD?
What is Blackboard and how do I use it?
Which computer class should I take?
What is a flash, thumb, jump drive or memory stick?
A flash, jump, thumb, pen, keychain drive and even memory stick are all words to describe the same thing: a USB drive that is a plug-and-play, portable storage device about the size of a thumb.
The device will work for both Mac and PC's, and does not require batteries or an external power supply. When the device is plugged into a USB port, the computer automatically recognizes it as a removable drive and assigns it a drive letter, such as E:.
Files can be saved, copied, moved or deleted from it just as you would a floppy disk or hard drive. However, it is not recommended as a backup device - users are encouraged to backup their files to a CD-RW or CD-R disk or zip disk.
The USB drive can store virtually any digital data media, and range in capacity from 8 MB to 2 Gigabytes. Be sure to buy one that corresponds to your present and future storage needs; for example, an art or architectural graphics student will need a lot more storage capacity than a word processing student, because graphical files tend to be so much larger.
Also note that not all flash drives are the same: depending on the manufacturer, some flash drives may require drivers to be installed on the computer in order for them to be able to be used. If you are working on public computers, drivers are not allowed to be installed, and hence you may not be able to use the drive. At Yavapai College we will install the driver for you if you find that your device is needs one to function.
Can I save my work on a CD?
Yes and No. If you format the CD first, you may save directly to a CD-RW disk just like you would a floppy disk or hard drive. However, a formatted CD may not be recognized by another computer or operating system. The safest method would be to save your work onto a hard drive, and then once you are finished, 'burn' a copy of the file to a CD-RW or CD-R.
What is Blackboard and how do I use it?
Blackboard is a software program used for online and regular classroom instruction.
Click here for more information about Blackboard
For workshops on how to use Blackboard.
Which computer class should I take?
- How to operate your PC CSA100, CSA101, or CSA102
- How to type or build documents take CSA111, CSA112, CSA113 or CSA114
- What the Internet can do CSA104
If you have a little experience and you want to learn...
- More about Computer Systems CSA110
- How to operate your keyboard faster and more accurately CSA112
- Even more advanced Keyboarding skills CSA113/114
- How to Ten-Key by touch CSA115
- Basic word processing, database and spreadsheet functions CSA126
- How to surf the Internet CSA177
- Windows XP CSA172
- Word Processing CSA 140
If you have some computer experience and you want to learn a specific software package...
- Word Processing -- Microsoft Word CSA 140/141
- Spreadsheets -- Microsoft Excel CSA138, CSA238
- Database development -- Microsoft Access CSA139, CSA282
- Integrated software suite -- Microsoft Office CSA126
- Desktop publishing -- Microsoft Publisher CSA133
- Desktop publishing -- Microsoft Word CSA134
- Presentation slides/graphics -- Microsoft PowerPoint CSA142
- Website creation – Creating Web Pages using Dreamweaver CSA/WEB144
- Website animation – Macromedia Flash CSA230
- Website creation – HTML: Introductory Concepts & Techniques CSA/WEB167
- Website databases – PHP & MySQL Programming CSA/WEB 167
- Creating Web Applications – Advanced Web Enhancement: AJAX CSA/WEB266
If you have some computer experience and you want to learn how to maintain, repair, program, or network...
- How to program in different languages CSA161, CSA164, CSA168, CSA169, or CSA265
- More about Computer Networks (including CISCO certification) CNT100, CNT120, CNT140, CNT150, CNT155, CNT160, or CNT170
- How operating systems work CSA179
- PC Architecture & system analysis CSA170 and CSA281
- A + Certification CNT110
- Server Certification (Windows or Linux) CNT122, or CNT130
- How to install, repair, upgrade, and maintain computers CSA184
- How to maintain software and troubleshoot CSA201
For advice on advanced courses or questions in general, check with a CSA instructor ... OR CALL THE COMPUTER LAB: 928-776-2158
