Catawba County News

Technology: Get Started, Stay Safe

Published: January 02, 2020

Is learning about technology high on your list of desires for 2020? If you’d like to increase your comfort level with Internet platforms and programs, we can help get you started.

• Having a personal email address is often necessary when you’re interested in signing up for certain online sites, receiving newsletters (about recipes, job openings, etc.), or gaining access to articles, message boards, and other user tools.

In our upcoming Email Account Sign-up class, we can help you create your own email address quickly and for free. With it under your belt, you can do things like apply for jobs, receive emails from personal and business contacts, and even scan and send documents to yourself.

This introductory workshop takes place at 10 am on Wednesday, January 8 at the St. Stephens Branch Library and at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, January 8 at the Southwest Branch Library.

• If it’s the device itself that is causing you stress, library staff stand at the ready to help troubleshoot any problems. Whether you’re trying to decipher a tablet, smartphone, or laptop, we’re available to teach you the basics or unravel the confusion. All branches offer these services throughout the year by appointment, but we’re also hosting a dedicated technology session to assist with specific needs.

This New Device, Help! option takes place from 4-6 pm on Wednesday, January 8 at the Maiden Branch Library. Registration is required; call 828.428.2712.

• Finally, if you’re worried about how to stay safe online, we’re offering a presentation entitled Online Job Applications: Don’t Get Scammed. Although most employers require applicants to complete applications via the Internet, this particular approach can present new challenges in the form of online job scams. Based on NC Works’ Job Search Best Practices, we’ll present a 45-minute workshop to show you how to keep your information and bank account safe from job scammers.

The session takes place at noon on Friday, January 10 at the Main Library in Newton.