McCann set to teach Windows 10 class

Over 32 years, Microsoft has released 22 versions of the Windows operating system and Malta's Kelly McCann has almost used them all. On Thursday, February 23, McCann will be teaching a class on Microsoft's latest OS – Windows 10 - and spots are still open.

"Come on down," McCann said. "The last class I taught on Google was a lot of fun and I think most of the people who took it found it useful."

McCann, the Technology Coordinator at Malta Schools and owner of "I am THE Geek" computer repair in Malta, started using Windows around the 3.1 version and has watched them get progressively better – for the most part - ever since.

"Windows 10 is a big change, but a good change," McCann said. "If people are buying new PC's or laptop they are most likely going to be using Windows 10."

Malta's Todd's Technology owner Eric Wilke told the PCN that though he did sell some computers with Windows 7 during the Christmas Holiday that he personally feels the Windows 10 computers are a better purchase. Wilke said the majority of his customers have told him they like Windows 10 and he no longer stocks the older computers.

McCann said the Windows 10 class will assist those fluent in Microsoft verbiage and those who don't know Microsoft from mincemeat.

"Some people come to class and don't know where the power button is and others are already doing home networking," he said. "Somewhere in the middle emerges the class."

McCann said he has taught several dozen different classes to people of all age; from kid's camps to internet for seniors.

"I helped a 75-year-old gentleman set up his first email account and watched him light-up because he was so happy," McCann said. "You think teaching moments only happen in kindergarten? That was cool."

The free classes are made possible through the Triangle Communications Connected Community Challenge Grant. Through the grant, the HiLine Technology Committee formed and used half of the money on the HiLine Technology Roundup Tech Fair - held in Malta last September -and the other half on Community Tech Education which features the Windows 10 class next week. The Technology Committee, made up from members of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, the PhillCo Economic Growth Council, Triangle Communications, the Malta School District, Phillips County Hospital, City of Malta, Phillips County Library and local merchants.

Upcoming, free classes will be:

◘ Windows 10 – Feb 23, 6 p.m. at the Malta High School computer lab.

◘ Understanding Your Gadget – March, Confirming Date, PC Library.

◘ Word – March 16 at 6 p.m. at the Malta High School computer lab.

◘ Dark Side of the Internet– April, confirming Date.

◘ Quickbooks – April, confirming date.

◘ Excel – May 4 at 6 p.m. at the Malta High School computer lab.

TO RSVP for the Windows 10 class or for more information on upcoming classes, contact Dina Meneely at the Malta Chamber of Commerce (654-1776) or Ashley Stuart at the PhillCo Economic Growth Council (654-5525.)