I am an Accredited Digital Champion and a tutor-assessor for the Digital Unite Academy.

Where I cover: Malmesbury is the centre of my ‘patch’. I cover as far as Stroud (North), Chippenham & Calne (South), Wootton Bassett (East) & Chipping Sodbury (West) and all districts within the Postcodes of  BS37, GL10, GL11, GL12, GL13, GL2, GL5, GL6, GL8, GL9, SN11, SN14, SN15 and SN16.

To contact Chris, click here.

Availability: I can offer a range of flexible lessons – most days and some evenings

What I teach:

• Computer (PC or laptop), printer & scanner essentials for beginners
• Introduction to Windows (Various versions latest Windows 7)
• Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, & PowerPoint
• Email, Microsoft Outlook and Webmail
• Web browsing & social networking (Facebook, Twitter)
• Top tips on saving time & money online – Shopping, Banking, Holidays, etc.
• ‘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
• How to make computers more accessible for people with disabilities or limiting conditions

About me:

I live with my wife in North Wilts, although I originally come from Hampshire. My working life has been both exciting and varied, giving me a range of life skills and experiences. On leaving school at 15yrs I joined the Royal Navy, served 8 yrs, and then became a Police Officer with Surrey Police, left after 5yrs, then worked the next 30yrs with Surrey Social Services – Learning Disability Residential Provision.  I retired in January 2008.

Since July 2008 I have worked part-time as an IT Learning co-ordinator for a local Housing Association, teaching Computer/IT Skills to a range of individuals and groups in the Chippenham area.

I am also experienced in making computers more accessible using the options already built in to applications such as Microsoft Windows and Office and by using specialist software such as voice recognition and InPrint2 for those who have physical and/or learning disabilities.

However, I’m very aware that many people 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! At a pace that is suitable to your needs, on what interests you and the things that will be useful to you. I’ll help you to gain new skills, widen your horizons and maybe gain a whole new lease of life!!!