A new course, "Computer Using XP Questions and Answers," will be offered through the Continuing Education Division of Sandhills Community College. This will cover the use of Microsoft's XP Operating System (XP will be supported by Microsoft until 2014).

Students will confirm their knowledge of computerese and setting up information retrieval using an effective directory. This will be conducted as a forum to resolve users' questions or expand knowledge of their computer.

The course will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 1 through June 15, from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration is $65 (waived for those 65 and older) plus a $5 technology fee that must be paid by all. The prerequisite is "Windows Level 1."

Another new class, "Smart Internet," is for anyone who uses the Internet. Learn how to protect yourself and your computer from Internet's virus hazards. Topics include controlling spam, adware and pop-ups, running and scheduling virus scans, preventing viruses, installing Windows patches and updates, installing and configuring a firewall, as well preparing a backup in case of disaster.

"Smart Internet" will meet Mondays and Wednesdays, June 2 through July 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration for the course is $65 (waived for those 65 and older) plus a $5 technology fee that must be paid by all. The prerequisite for this course is "Windows Level 1 and Internet Basics."

Register at least a week before the first day of the class. Walk-in registration and payment can be made at the Continuing Education office located on the first floor of Van Dusen Hall, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until 8:30 p.m., no registration on Fridays during summer semester. Phone-in registration at (910) 695-3980, requires payment with Visa, MasterCard or Discover.

View all continuing education summer semester classes at www.sandhills.edu. The site also contains a calendar with every continuing education class listed on the start date and information regarding classes.