Where I cover: My ‘patch’ is most of the area covered by North Somerset Council (from the coast going east as far as the A38) and also parts of west Bristol.

To contact Lesley, click here.

Availability: I’m fairly flexible but would prefer to avoid travelling during the ‘rush hours’!

What I teach:

• Using your computer with confidence
• Basic skills – mouse, keyboard, file management etc
• Office applications – Microsoft or Open Office
• Discovering the internet – What’s on offer that’s useful to you?
• Surfing and research – for hobbies and interests – search engines
• Finance and shopping – banking, buying on the internet, eBay etc
• Social use – emailing, Skype, groups, Facebook etc
• Benefits and advice – government sites, AgeUK, CAB etc
• Community activity – ‘having your say’, ‘making your voice heard’
• Personal websites, blogs etc
• Keeping safe on the internet

I’m no techie but will do my best to point you in the right direction!

About me: I’ve been around a long time!  My first ‘proper’ job on leaving school was as a Mathematical Assistant, doing calculations ‘by hand’ (with the help of electric rather than electronic calculators) for the designers of Concorde.  The main frame computers then were huge, the disc drives enormous and data input was by punched card and paper tape!!  Slide rules were still in use! Thirteen years later, after Concorde had flown, I left to start a family.  It was when my children were quite young that the Spectrum and the BBC computers became all the rage.  That’s when I started on home computing and the rest is history!  Now my four-year-old grand-daughter has got mouse clicks and cursor movements ‘off to a tee’!

However, I’m very aware that many of my generation who didn’t have the chance to ‘grow up’ with IT can imagine that it’s ‘too difficult’ or ‘too scary’ and are now unwilling or unable to take advantage of the wonders of digital technology.  If that sounds like you I’d like to show you otherwise!!  Working at your pace, on what interests you, showing you just the things that will be useful to you (I’m no ‘amazing expert’ – I use what I find helpful and of interest and leave the specialist stuff to the brainy people!), I’ll help you to gain new skills, widen your horizons and maybe gain a whole new lease of life!!!

One of my goals is to teach and demonstrate how using computers can be an enjoyable experience, as well as a very effective way of saving both time and money. It is very rewarding to see people become an active part of the Digital Age, with all the advantages it offers.

Where I cover: From the south east, east and centre of Bristol to west and north west outskirts of the Bath area, including, Saltford, Keynsham, Kingswood Longwell Green, Oldland and all districts within the Postcodes of BS1 -BS5; BS14; BS15; BS30; BS31

To contact David, click here.

Availability: Flexible – I am able to make most days and evenings

What I teach:

• Computer (laptop), printer & scanner essentials for beginners
• Introduction to Windows (Various versions latest Windows 7)
• Email, Microsoft Outlook and Webmail
• Web browsing & social networking (Facebook, Twitter)
• Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, & Powerpoint
• Top tips on saving time & money online – cashback, auction (eBay)
• ‘Video-phone’ friends & family all over the world for ‘free’ (Skype)
• Enjoy music, video, digital photography, TV & radio on computers
• Computer security and safety – antivirus, antispyware
• ‘Housekeeping computers’ including backups and data storage
• Advice on purchasing a computer, assistance with setting it up
• Optimising, upgrading existing equipment for minimal cost

About me:

Family man, with a wife and five sons who has recent experience of helping the older members of my family in their late 70′s down to the youngest age 3 become confident in using a computer.

Significant computer tutoring experience of providing one to one training to numerous people from the early 1990′s implementing voice recognition software for personal clients. Built own computers for professional and personal use.

Co-founding Director of a software company, which included managing the Technical Infrastructure (servers, networks, desktop & laptop computers). Qualified Microsoft Certified Professional with over 20 years experience with computers and IT.

When time permits, outside normal work and family commitments, enjoy watching rugby and cricket fixtures (especially when sons are playing); walking, playing some golf, and the occasional days sailing, when the opportunity arises.