Personal computers are a major tool in use every day, and everyone seems to want to know about computers.

“If you’re new to computers, just not feeling comfortable with them yet, or want to learn the newest software programs and maintenance tips, the Continuing Education Division at Sandhills Community College has a course to help you develop the computer confidence you seek,” says a spokesman.

“Mouse/Keyboard Skills” will be offered Monday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon. An afternoon class is also offered Monday, May 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. This course, which is designed for absolute beginners, is free and has no prerequisite.

A free class on “PCs and Macs — So, What’s the Difference?” will be offered May 17 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

“Excel Level 1” will be offered Mondays and Wednesdays, May 17 through June 28, from noon to 2 p.m. Registration for this course is $65 (waived for those 65 and older) plus a $5 technology fee. The prerequisite for this course is “Windows: Level 1” or prior Windows experience with mouse and keyboard proficiency.

“Computing for Beginners Using Windows Vista/Windows 7” will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 18 through June 10, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Registration for this course is $65 (waived for those 65 and older) plus a $5 technology fee. The prerequisite for this course is “Mouse/Keyboard” skills or prior computer experience.

“iWork ’09,” Apple’s productivity suite for word processing, compelling spreadsheets and cinema-quality presentations, will meet Tuesdays, May 18 through July 27, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Registration for the course is $65 (waived for those 65 and older) plus a $5 technology fee. The prerequisite for this course is “Using Your MacIntosh and Mac Applications.”

“Windows Vista/Windows 7-Level” will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 18 through June 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. or Mondays and Wednesdays, May 19 through June 16, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Registration for each course is $65 (waived for those 65 and older) plus a $5 technology fee. The prerequisite for this course is beginner’s class or prior computer experience.

A new “Computer Maintenance Using Software” course will be offered Tuesday, May 18, and Thursday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to noon. This six-hour course will review the necessary tasks to keep a smooth and fast-running computer.

Registration for the course is $65 (waived for those 65 and older) plus a $5 technology fee. The prerequisite for this course is “Windows Level 1.”

“Quickbooks: Level 1” will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 18 through June 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration for the course is $65 (waived for those 65 and older) plus a $5 technology fee. The prerequisite for this course is “Windows Level 1” or prior Windows experience with mouse and keyboard proficiency and knowledge of accounting fundamentals.

“Using Your McIntosh Computer” will meet Mondays and Wednesdays, May 19 through June 16, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Registration for the course is $65 (waived for those 65 and older) plus a $5 technology fee.

Register for the courses at least a week in advance.

Walk-in registration and payment can be made at the Continuing Education office located on the first floor of Van Dusen Hall during the College’s scheduled hours of operation.

Phone-in registration at (910) 695-3980 requires payment with Visa, MasterCard or Discover.

View all computer classes and all Continuing Education summer semester class schedules at www.sandhills.edu.

The site also contains a calendar that contains every Continuing Education class on the start date and full information about all classes.