Where I cover: South of Ipswich to Harwich, Clacton & Frinton. Postcodes: CO7, CO11, CO12, CO13, CO14, CO15, CO16, IP9.

To contact Kirt, click here.

Availability: Weekdays by arrangement.

What I teach:

• Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Desktop Publisher for creating greeting cards, brochures etc.
• Use of the Internet and email.
• I’m particularly keen to help with home entertainment, such as digital photography and video, e.g. using digital cameras and camcorders, printing photographs and editing home movies, converting old videos to CD etc.

I can also help with:

• Setting up internet connections to send and receive emails.
• Wireless networking, setting up and connecting 2 or more home computers
• Installing antivirus software and firewalls to protect PC’s.
• Repairing, maintaining and upgrading PC’s.

About me:

I guess I’m one of the fortunate “older ones” to have been exposed to computers nearly all of my working life. I worked for Rank Xerox during the 70’s and early 80’s selling dedicated word processors and the 820 Personal Computer for business. The 820 was like the IBM PC and ran very basic word processing and spreadsheet programmes.

Since then I have worked for companies like NEC, Canon, Atlantic Computers and been involved with IT at all levels from providing strategic IT consultancy to giving presentations to companies and organisations ranging from large corporations to Chambers of Commerce and one man bands.

During my work as an IT Manager for a small petrochemical company I setup a PC manufacturing plant building 12-15 PC’s a week, even though I no longer build PC’ s commercially I’m often asked to build them for friends, so would be pleased to advise on buying and upgrading equipment or sorting out hardware or technical problems.

Teaching is something I particularly enjoy and gained a Cambridge University CELTA to teach English to foreign language students. I did that for 3 years and still occasionally teach one to one.

In the early days of the Internet, I quickly discovered how much information was available, and soon stopped visiting the reference section of the local Library!

My ambition is to pass on my enthusiasm for the latest Computer Technology, and encourage as many people as possible, to go online.

I can teach you how to get the most out of your computer, and give you the confidence to use it for day to day tasks, like e-mails, word processing and online shopping, as well as for fun and entertainment.

Where I cover: Doncaster Urban Area (East of the A1), Goole, Howden, Selby District (South of the River Aire), Scunthorpe Urban Area (West of the A15, North of the M180).

To contact Simon, click here.

Availability: Monday – Friday Daytime and Evenings. Also Daytime at the weekend.

What I teach:

• Introduction to Computers
• Browsing the internet and sending emails
• Shopping online – how to shop on line safely and securely
• Troubleshooting – virus awareness and prevention
• Word Processing
• Spreadsheets
• Digital Cameras
• Photo editing, organising, uploading to web
• Using your printer
• Using your scanner
• Buying and selling on eBay
• Introduction to Facebook
• Online Forums, joining and participating
• MSN, Skype, Webcam setup
• Home networking, wired and wireless

About me:

During a 35 year career in Transport and Logistics Management, I have watched the distribution office evolve from a couple of workers using pencils and planning sheets, to a huge system of computers linking hundreds of businesses worldwide. For the last 15 years I have worked for a major industrial gas company in a variety of roles, including testing computer systems, and training colleagues and contractors during the introduction of new software.

I have always enjoyed the challenge of explaining the most complicated features of a product or system, in terms that anybody can understand. Software developers often fail to produce any meaningful set of instructions, relying instead on complex online help systems, which presuppose a level of computer-literacy far in advance of many end-users.

It’s fortunate that I seem to have more patience than most, and I always take time to make the lesson suit the trainee.

My Grandchildren always come to me when their laptops need attention, or they need help with installing or configuring the latest software; I’m sure I can help you as well, no matter what your age group, or ability level.

Where I cover: All the villages and towns to the south/south west of Reading in Berkshire, from Thatcham in the west to Wokingham and Bracknell in the east. The postal codes include RG2; RG12; RG7; RG27; RG30; RG40; RG41; RG42; RG45; GU15; GU46; GU47

To contact Felicity, click here.

Availability: Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 4.00pm but am flexible and can work with people’s timetables where possible.

What I teach:

I cover all aspects of using a computer and the internet. The list seems to be endless but you can learn as much or as little as you like.

• write letters
• spreadsheets to keep your money straight
• designing and printing birthday cards
• writing your memoirs and turning them into a book
• sending emails
• browsing the internet
• shopping and banking online
• booking travel and holidays online
• comparing prices online
• using your computer and the internet as a telephone for free and talking to your friends and relatives at home and abroad using either just speech or a web-camera so you can talk face-to-face.

About me:

I am 56 years old and have been married for 35 years and have two grown children, a dog, six chickens, a goldfish and a sheep called Dave.

My past career has been involved in company administration in every area of responsibility.  During the past two years I have written a couple of technical books and run a small concierge/PA company called “Silver Services” which is aimed at making people’s lives easier.

Where I cover: The South Hams, Southern Dartmoor, South Devon and West Devon.

Postcodes included are:  TQ5, TQ6, TQ7, TQ8, TQ9, TQ10, TQ11, TQ12, TQ13, PL3, PL6, PL7, PL8, PL9, PL19, PL20, PL21.

I will travel further on request.

To contact Elizabeth, click here.

Availability: Flexible

What I teach:

• The very basics
  • How to: turn the computer on, use the keyboard, use the mouse.
• Printing
• Scanning
• Windows
• The Internet
  • Email, Internet shopping, Internet banking, Online safety
• Internet browsing
  • Google searches (finding information and then finding it again)
  • Government sites
  • Wikipedia
  • Google Maps & routes
  • Google Earth
  • Ebay
  • The BBC
  • Plan & book holidays /flights.
  • Take online tours of famous places
• Microsoft Calendar & diary functions with Reminders & repeats!
• Microsoft contacts
• Word processing including Microsoft Word
• Spreadsheets including Microsoft Excel
• Presentation skills including Microsoft Power Point
• Basic Digital Photography
• Keeping your computer files organized & backed up

About me:

I have spent over 20 years working for Healthcare organizations and the NHS.  Since the 1980’s I have used computers to find, store and retrieve information.  I have helped many people of all abilities become comfortable with computers, develop their skills and use ICT to their advantage.  I believe that Windows is “Life without Walls” and that with patience and practice comes ICT confidence that anyone can achieve.

I live with my husband on the southern tip of Dartmoor in the beautiful South Hams area of Devon where we are just starting to develop our garden.  I also enjoy reading, cooking and travel.

Where I cover: Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell and Wolverton, post codes MK1 to MK16.  Emberton, Lavendon, Olney and all areas covered by post code MK46.

To contact John, click here.

Availability: Monday to Thursday 9.30 to 5.30; Friday, evening and weekend by special arrangement.

What I teach:

• Computing basics for complete beginners.
• Using Windows XP and Vista.
• File management.
• Basic maintenance.
• Backing up data.
• Updating and upgrading software.
• Use of web browsers i.e. Internet Explorer and Firefox.
• Use of the Internet.
• Staying safe online – antivirus and firewalls.
• E-mail using MS Outlook or webmail.
• Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007.
• Word processing.
• Spreadsheets.
• Databases.
• Presentations – slide shows.
• Publications – posters, newsletters, etc.

If there is anything else not listed that you want to learn about I will help if I can or try to point you in the direction of someone who can.

About me:

I spent 35 years of my working career in engineering, both mechanical and then electrical and undertook a number of IT projects during this time although my computer skills were self taught.

I decided to obtain a formal NVQ IT qualification in 2000 and after being made redundant from my engineering post in 2002 I was offered an IT tutoring post, first on a casual basis and then as a permanent tutor, with the FE college where I was studying. I feel that being a student myself helped me to be a better tutor as I understood some of the problems and uncertainties that learners were experiencing.  I went on to obtain a Microsoft Office Specialist Expert qualification in Word and Excel  and an NVQ A1 assessors award in IT.

The learners I taught ranged from 21 to 86 with various levels of skill in the use of IT from reasonably competent to absolute beginners so a great deal of patience was required.

I know that many people of my age (60+) are afraid of modern technology and I aim to show them that far from being something to be afraid of, this technology, once mastered can even help them to enjoy life more.

I am married with three grown-up children and five grandchildren.  When not sat in front of a PC I read, go to the gym and am an active member of my local Church.

I understand the need for patience when learning new skills especially when the topic can at first seem a daunting prospect.  How to use a computer can be broken down into small chunks which can be practised and perfected in the peace and quiet of home, without worrying about the opinion of other students in the traditional classroom method of teaching.

Where I cover: Mid and South Shropshire and the Mid-Wales border towns including Telford, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Newport, Bridgenorth, Church Stretton, Craven Arms and Welshpool.

To contact Barrie, click here.

Availability: Monday to Friday by prior appointment

What I teach:

• Using your computer with confidence
• Basic skills – mouse, keyboard, file management etc
• Office applications – Microsoft Office or Works
• 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

About me:

I’ve been around computers for a long time!  My first ‘proper’ job on leaving university was as a computer programmer using paper tape and punched cards as input – very frustrating but revolutionary at the time.  The main frame computers then were huge; the disc drives enormous and all hidden in a big mysterious room guarded jealously by the computer staff.  Slide rules were still in use! Then along came “personal” computers such as the Spectrum and that was the jump that brought computers into the home.   Since that time computer use at home has grown exponentially to the extent that it’s difficult to keep up with all the advances and jargon.

I haven’t even mentioned the World Wide Web yet!  That is probably the most significant leap in technology this century. I cannot imagine my life and business operating effectively without it. Whilst I have recently retired from my life as a computer consultant, I cannot just forget all that knowledge and enthusiasm I still have for computer and the internet. I believe that it is vital that everyone should learn how to use the basic technology to simplify their life and broaden their horizons. I wish to use my expertise and teaching skills to benefit people of my own age group

I expect to be able to transfer the patience and skill that I use in the classroom to make newcomers to the world of the internet enjoy every minute and discover how the digital age will help them.

My 25 years in industry have given me mountains of experience in working with people as well as introducing new technology, so I am happy to come along and help you whether at home or at work, and even if you haven’t yet got a computer.

Where I cover: I am available to tutor you if you live in Kidderminster, or the rest of DY10, Alcester and the B49 area, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Droitwich and Pershore as well as any part of B45, B48, B49, B60, B61, B96, B97, B98, WR7, WR9, and WR10.

Availability: I am available full time and so I am happy to come to you Monday to Friday, 8.30 until 5.30. You can probably persuade me to do evenings or even weekends!

To contact Stephen, click here.

What I teach:

• Computing for beginners
• Choosing, buying and setting up a computer.
• Getting connected to the internet
• Setting up files and directories
• Downloading software
• Maintenance
• How to set up, create and manage e-mail
• Online Shopping
• Online banking and using credit cards safely
• Online Official Form Filling
• Digital Photography –uploading, printing and editing, organising files, Picasa, etc.
• How to set up and video call relatives aboard
• Computer and Internet Security (choosing a virus checker, keeping it up to date)
• How to download music and film to create CDs and DVDs
• How to begin tracing your family tree
• How to create slide shows using PowerPoint
• How to use any of the Microsoft Office applications (letter writing, posters making a database…), Movie maker, Photostory
• Introduction to social networking sites, e.g. Facebook, Twitter

As a teacher I have constantly taught software skills, sometimes only an hour after I have first seen a program, so if you can’t do anything, ask, and I’ll figure it out!!

About me:

I started out in Nottingham, but haven’t lived there since I set off to University. It was whilst I was at Leeds University that I met my wife, and my first computer (one has considerably outlasted the other).

I travelled all over the U.K., dragging my wife and two children behind me, but finally landed here in Kidderminster, working in the carpet industry. As everybody switched to hard flooring I decided to try something new. I returned to college, at the age of 52, and took my PGCE alongside all the youngsters (just proves that you are never too old to learn).

Since then I have been teaching 11 to 18 year olds, mainly that they don’t know everything about computers and there is still stuff to find out!

I really find it very sad when I hear people say that they can’t, or often don’t want to use a computer or the internet. This has inspired me to a new challenge, to prove to people that not only can they use a computer, but they can get enormous pleasure and benefit from using one.

One of my friends is a lady in her eighties who takes her laptop with her everywhere she goes. She emails me and sends my photos that she has taken with her digital camera and then put them on to her computer. I am a great admirer of the way she tackles it. She is as good as anyone’s grandchildren who currently annoy everyone by making gobbledygook look so effortless.

Apart from teaching you how to use a computer, my other passion in life is photography. I now post some of my photos on the internet and you can see them at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenb-p. This is another thing that I can help you with – whether it’s buying the right camera for you, right through to posting your photos where your relatives, or everybody else can see them.

I spend my free time singing with the Kidderminster Choral Society, Fly fishing and travelling both to foreign countries (we love America), and to places in the UK, although this takes me back to photography where my favourite topics are birds and travel.

I do believe that life should be fun, so if you want to go on a journey into the digital age with me, I hope that not only will you arrive at end knowing how to get the best from your computer, you will have enjoyed the trip all along the way.

Whilst working I realised that classroom tuition did not suit everyone, people need to learn at different rates and have diverse needs. I tailor the subject to these needs whilst helping students overcome any fears of computers. I work strictly at your pace moving forward only when you are ready

Where I cover: The Wigan post code area including Wigan, Hindley, Atherton, Standish & Skemersdale.

Availability: Monday to Friday evenings from 18:00hrs. Saturday & Sunday between 13:00 – 18:00.

To contact Paul, click here

What I teach:

• Introduction to basic computer skills for absolute beginners
• How to start it up and basic mouse technique
• Using Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7
• How to use Windows for File/Folder management and other maintenance tasks.
• Using the Internet for e-mails, browsing, and for research and safely using on-line shopping
• Microsoft Office XP/2003 & 2007 or Open Office
• Word processing for writing letters etc,
• Spreadsheets for home finance etc
• Desk Top Publishing for producing Birthday cards, posters and newsletters
• Presentation for slide shows e.g. displaying a collection of items related to a talk
• Database for such as club membership records.
• Digital photography – transferring images to your computer and basic editing.
• Basic computer maintenance and repair
• Setting up and using Wired and Wireless home networks

About Me:

I have been working with computers since the early 1980’s and specialise in helping beginners learn to use computers and the Internet, but I can also help people who need specific training in Microsoft Office 2003 / 2007 (Word, Excel etc) and am familiar with the Windows XP, Vista & Windows 7 operating systems.

Whilst I was working I realised that normal classroom computer tuition did not suit everyone, as people need to learn at different rates and have diverse needs. I have the skills required to teach people on a more individual needs basis and in tailoring the subject matter to these needs whilst helping them overcome any fears of computers they may have.

I work strictly at your pace moving forward only when you are ready I believe the best way to achieve this goal is one to one training individually tailored to the student.

My Web Pages:

http://www.dostutor.myby.co.uk

Qualifications:

• ECDL
• CISCO Certified Academy Instructor
• CompTIA A+ Certified Technician

Partners/Alliances:

Wigan Over 50s Forum

As a Chartered Accountant involved in computers in the financial sense for the last thirty years I now concentrate on computers generally and to that end have recently obtained CompTIA+ certification and PTLLS teaching qualifications.

What you can expect from me is a professional, friendly, patient, measured service. I do not use jargon, everything is explained in plain English and I work strictly at your pace moving forward only when you are ready.

Where I cover: I cover two areas:

Gargrave, Grassington, Skipton, Ilkley, Burley in Wharfedale, Bingley, Shipley, Hawarth, Keighley and all areas in between ie postcodes LS29, BD16, BD17,BD18, BD20,BD21,BD22, and BD23.

Blackpool, Lytham St Annes, Thornton Cleveleys, and Fleetwood ie postcodes FY0, FY1, FY2, FY4, FY5,  FY7 and FY8.

To contact Terry, click here.

Availability: All reasonable times, just get in contact.

What I teach:

I can teach you in all the areas listed below as well as help you with any simple technical problems.

• WINDOWS  XP & VISTA
  • Basic operating Skills
  • Tips for shortcuts and ease of use

• SECURITY
  • Passwords
  • Safety on the Internet
  • Viruses & Malware

• INTERNET
  • Getting on the Internet
  • Web browsing :various methods
  • Social networking (Facebook, Twitter)
  • Buying and selling on E-Bay
  • SKYPE

• E-MAILS
  • Getting an E-mail account
  • Personal E-Mails
  • Web-Based E-mails

• LOCAL AREA NETWORKING
  • Small home networks

• MICROSOFT SOFTWARE
  • Creating, reading and using Excel Spreadsheets,
  • Creating and giving Powerpoint Presentations
  • Letters and word processing with Word

• ADVICE on SAGE and all FINANCIAL/ACCOUNTING/ TAX  software

• REPAIRS & UPGRADES

About me:

After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with an international firm of chartered accountants, I worked extensively in systems and financial management within the television industry with the BBC and ITV and broadened that experience generally in financial management, contract negotiations and legal and business affairs.

I followed that as a self employed accountant in systems and project work with a wide variety of organizations and joined the Civil Service after spending two years as part of the team implementing a new computerized financial accounting system within one of the Government  Agencies

I am particular anxious to help older people in computers as they were not introduced to them early or, as now, in childhood. Knowing how to access a computer and all its facilities will open a new and exiting world to you because, remember, as each week passes not knowing about computers becomes more and more disadvantageous.

Where I Cover: Aylesbury, Amersham, Berkhamsted, Chalfont St Giles, Chesham, Great Missenden, Hazlemere, Holmer Green, Princes Risborough, Stoke Mandeville, Wendover, West Wycombe… (All districts within postcodes: HP4-8, HP14-17, HP19-22 & HP27)

To contact Daniel, click here.

Availability: Mornings, afternoons & evenings most days.  Please contact to discuss current availability.

What I teach:

• New Starters: The basics – from the very beginning
• Buying a Computer: How to choose, how much to spend and what else do you need
• The Internet: How to connect and what to do; How to search for what you want
• Shopping on the Internet: Banks, books, food shopping, making purchases, Ebay …
• Creating Documents: Wordprocessing, spreadsheets, newsletters, etc
• Digital Photography: Putting your photos on a computer and how to edit them
• Emails/Chat/Skype: Getting in touch with the rest of the net & talking with family/friends
• Website Design: How to build and upload a basic site from scratch
• Social Networks: Facebook, message boards and others
• Watching TV and Playing Music: BBC Iplayer/Youtube/Last.fm/Spotify/ITunes…
• Playing Games Online: I prefer chess!
• Purchasing Software: Installing and using programmes
• Protecting your Computer: Virus checkers, spyware, keeping yourself safe
• Computer Maintenance: Keeping your computer running properly
• Keeping the Price Down: Free alternatives to expensive software
• User Confidence: How to find answers for yourself and know what you want

Much more besides – If you’re interested in something not listed here, let me know and I can probably help!

About me:

I have been using computers for most of my life and typing almost comes more naturally to me than writing!  Throughout my career I have come into contact with computers on an everyday basis and enjoy the challenges that learning a new program can bring.  When at home I enjoy creating sites for the internet and participating in online blogs and discussions.  I like the way that the Internet can help me live my life more simply, whether I’m checking today’s news stories or booking a ticket to the theatre.  It’s also a great way to stay in touch with friends.

One of my favourite websites is the “Internet Chess Club” and I try to play online as often as I can.  Until recently I captained a chess team for my local club, and have won my league of the Bucks Individual!  I’ve also competed in archery tournaments and often visited magic websites but I’m more of a “technician” than a performer.  On days off I’m a real ale fan and enjoy a weekend walk in the Chiltern Hills before stopping off for a couple of pints.

I’ve helped teach many people how to use modern technology from family and friends, to social workers for the county council, teenagers in a children’s home or adults with disabilities through Mencap.  I like to try and fit my style around the client around their personality and needs and I hope that I’ll be able to help you too.