Community College of Philadelphia Classes

Wordle: Cloud of NTR CCP Class Testimonials
Word cloud made from student feedback 2008-2012.

 Every two or three weeks during each academic year, NTR partners with the Student Life Center of CCP to help students and other CCP folks to acquire low-cost computers. The deal includes a two-hour orientation, free dial-up Internet service for those who need it, and a free flash drive. Total price for everything here: $195.

We distribute an informative flier on campus. To help you spot it quickly, here's an example (PDF, Spring 2013).

Session dates for Summer 2013 are, all at 10am-noon:

  • Monday, June 3
  • Tuesday, June 4
  • Tuesday, June 18
  • Monday, July 22
  • Monday, Aug 5
  • Tuesday, Aug 6

Registration for each Monday class closes at noon on the preceding Thursday; for Tuesday it closes on Friday.

The Computer

As of Summer 2013, these are the specs of the computers CCP people get from this NTR program:

  • Desktop computer with Pentium 4 Hyper-Threading or better CPU.
  • Windows 7.
  • 1 GB or more RAM (memory).
  • LCD flatscreen monitor.
  • Keyboard and mouse.
  • CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive.
  • Speakers.
  • Ethernet (local network) card.
  • 80 GB or larger hard drive.
  • At least half a dozen USB ports (for printers, flash drives, cameras, MP3 players, etc).
  • Most of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Typing tutor and lots of other cool little programs.
  • Maintenance software, e.g., IOBit Defrag, Advanced Windows Care, anti-virus, etc.
  • A three-year guarantee. NTR does the repairs right on its own premises only 5 minutes walk from CCP. We fix anything except smashed computers, water damage, insect infestation, or anything else truly horrendous. We'll restore your computer to where it works as well as when you got it, even if your neighbor tried to put a failed "upgrade" on it, or if children tried to "feed" the computer graham crackers or popsicle sticks. Repairs are free but may take a week or longer. We can't guarantee recovery of lost data. Note: Please don't forget the guarantee! We really do care and want to keep your machine running.

The Orientation

In a two-hour instructional session held at NTR, attendees get to "meet your computer":

  • We walk you through the process of setting the whole machine up, so that when you get home, you'll know how to rig all those wires and start operating the machine right away.
  • You open the computer up, and we give you a tour of its innards. This is good for, among other things, having a better idea of how to add memory, new drives, etc.
  • We show you how to keep your computer running longer without problems, for example: How to defragment your hard drive. How to run other maintenance programs to keep you safe from viruses and spyware.
  • And we're certainly happy to answer questions. Do bring questions! "Knowledgeable" is one of the most common words that students write on our feedback forms.This is a chance to get answers to questions that you have long had.

How to Sign Up

This NTR program is for people with any category of CCP ID card: students, faculty, staff, etc.

  1. First, go to the Student Life Center. That's in room S1.19, which you'll see on the first floor as you walk back toward the Coffeehouse.
  2. The front desk person will take your name and then instruct you where to go to make the payment at a CCP cashier.
  3. Bring the receipt back to the Student Life Center, and the staff will give you a map to help you find the orientation session.
  4. Don't forget to get the map. No one at CCP will be able to help you find NTR if the student activities staff are not there.
  5. Show up at NTR, on Brandywine Street, on the date and time you selected. Directions.
  6. Free parking is provided in the lot adjacent to the NTR building, but not in the lot on the corner of 16th St. (The corner lot is private and restricted to monthly parking only. They will tow you away if you park there, and you'll have to pay to get your car back.)

If you'd rather talk on the phone with somebody before registering, here's the number for the front desk of Student Life: 215-751-8164.

What Other Attendees Have Written About This

“Instructor was very knowledgeable, answered all my questions. I felt very comfortable.” CG, Dec ‘12

“In the two hours here at NTR and with [instructor] leading in assisting the class to become familiar and knowledgeable with the computer and software, I am now more knowledgeable and comfortable with working with and in the computer programs. [Instructor] is not only very knowledgeable in all areas of computer and software orientation, but a very kind, patient and overall pleasant instructor and person, I highly recommend him for future classes as an instructor.” CH, Nov ‘12

“It was fun!!” NH, Nov ‘12

“Very well put together.” KM, Oct ‘12

“Enjoyed. [Instructor] was very nice and explained everything to my understanding.” HP, Oct ‘12

“[Instructor] is very patient and should be teaching technology at a professional level.” LN, Jun ‘12

“It was very knowledgeable. I would recommend for students wanting to know how their computer actually works, and computer terms.” AA, Apr ‘12

“The presentation was excellent. I enjoyed seeing the insides of the computer -- good information about the C: drive, etc.” RM, Apr ‘12

“The presentation was very helpful! Great information for computer use!” SF, Apr ‘12

“Information that was provided was very helpful, and being an experienced computer user I learned some things that I wasn't aware of.” SM, Mar ‘12

“Presenter's interpersonal skills excellent. Answered all questions I had, offered many suggestions.” RH, Mar ‘12

“It was very thorough. [Instructor] was polite and knowledgeable!” DM, Mar ‘12

“Presentation enriching.” JL, Feb ‘12

“Very nice and patient guy!” DW, Nov ‘11

“Instructor friendly, easy to understand. I learned a lot opening the computer like RAM, modem.” MM, Oct ‘11

“Knowledgeable and informative. I loved the fact that he wanted the user to be comfortable and aware of all software and hardware of the computer system.” KS, Oct ‘11

“Very informative. Love the Defragmenter.” BH, Oct ‘11

“He was great overall. Glad I came and experienced this program.” AM, Sep ‘11

“Actually seeing the components of the computer was fascinating and intimidating.” HP, Jun ‘11

“I really enjoyed it. Everything was well presented.” MB, Apr ‘11

“Very informative and helpful.” EC, Apr ‘11

“I thought the class was terrific, especially for people who haven’t a clue about computers. I enjoyed the class!” EJ, Mar ’11

“We were showed how to take the computer apart, clean the computer, and the functions of the computer.” MM, Mar ‘11

“Excellent! [Instructor]’s analogies were great. He taught in simplicity where I was able to understand and apply the applications taught right away. Time went by quickly. He did not make me feel dumb with some of the questions I asked.” TP, Nov ‘10

“The presentation was excellent and informative.” MC, Oct ‘10

“I am grateful of the overall presentation. I learned some new information about my computer and you can’t beat the price.” JS, Oct ‘10

“I learned a great deal about operating systems of a computer. I know more now than I did this morning.” SK, Sep ‘10

“I appreciate being able to look into the computer and gain confidence in the identification of each part and its usage. Thank you.” JL, Sep ‘10

“Very specific and interesting presentation encourages more interest regarding computers and technology associated with it.” DW, Sep ‘10

“Very helpful and insightful.” JO, Aug ‘10

“An excellent experience.” NM, Jun ‘10

“Instructor was great, very helpful and patient. (I) was glad they showed how to change out RAM.” AW, Jun ‘10

“Teacher did very good with the workshop. I am happy with all the knowledge that he helped me with. Overall everything went well.” TW, Jun ‘10

“Very informative, excellent presentation. Q&A were answered well.” SB, Apr ‘10

“Was excellent. Instructor very knowledgeable.” YC, Apr ‘10

“Very good presentation. Very interesting workshop.” VT, Apr ‘10

“He presented the information in a planned format and friendly manner. He answered questions, as silly as some were. I learned how to open up my computer and its basic functions in a manner I'd never known. I have a better understanding on maintenance and computer storage (RAM). Keep up the good work.” RJ, Apr ‘10

“Thank you for your concern in reference to my computer knowledge.” LR, Apr ‘10

“Good. Learned a lot.” CC, Apr ‘10

“This workshop was very informative. I learned finally where the motherboard was and what ROM was and how to upgrade. I want to come again so I can understand more about how a computer is built.” JF, Apr ‘10

“Very good class.” JT, Mar ‘10

“Very well given! I now know more, well, a lot more, about maintenance on the computer.” MW, Mar ‘10

“Very thorough, and instructor answered all questions. Very pleased with all aspects.” AB, Mar ‘10

“Very precise and informative. The presenter spoke slowly and explained all aspects in an understandable manner. I liked when he allowed me to open, disconnect, and reattach the RAM, hard drive and disk drive. I feel like I could build a computer if I wanted.” HM, Feb ‘10

“Very informative, great learning experience, seems like a great starter computer.” ST, Feb ‘10

“Instructor is very knowledgeable and informative with the presentation. He is patient when it comes to questions asked. I am comfortable with the computer now. He made me feel confident about using and caring for my computer. He provided many options for single uses of things concerning the computer. Having many resources makes me assured that I can care for my computer more competently.” DC, Feb ‘10

“The presentation was such a treat. The information, time and attention (in constructing the PC and presenting it) was ideal. The patience of the presenter coupled with the comprehensive familiarization with the PC was great. It helped to curtail the anxiety one usually has when dealing with PC issues.” BT, Jan ‘10

“The presentation was very enlightening. The instructor was very well informed and prepared.” JS, Jan ‘10

“Very informative and made me comfortable to take apart and put together [the computer].” RG, Nov ‘09

“It was very informative and I learned a lot of new computer jargon. Instructor not only showed me how to operate my computer, it was very hands-on.” MT, Nov ‘09

“Very informal! Presented well and detailed.” TR, Oct ‘09

“Instructive, very informal and patient. Nice guy.” LM, Oct ‘09

“Presenter was very knowledgeable and clear with explanation and care of the computer.” CG, Oct ‘09

“It was very hands-on and informative.” AC, Sep ‘09

“The workshop was great. I learned how to use my computer better.” PB, Aug ‘09

“Excellent teacher and program.” LJ, Jun ‘09

“I did receive some valuable information about computers that I did not have any prior knowledge of. The instructor was extremely professional and knowledgeable.” MC, Jun ‘09

“Very knowledgeable, and kind.” RG, Apr ‘09

“A terrific opportunity and experience. Thank you.” CF, Mar ‘09

“Excellent, please continue program! Thank you!” EM, Mar ‘09

“Very good instructor.” EW, Feb ‘09

“I learned a lot about the simple things that make a computer run or stop running. Now when something is wrong I can check it out for myself instead of throwing it out.” CB, Aug ‘08

“I thought the instructor was very helpful and easy to understand. He made my experience with computers one of less fear.” TB, Mar ‘08

“It was great! Easy to understand and very valuable! I'm sure it will save me time and money.” LP, Mar ‘08

“Wonderful, really helped me to understand some things that eluded me before. Instructor was really nice and informative.” LA, Feb ‘08

“The presenter was very explanatory of the various tools available in the PC. I was very pleased with his demeanor and helpfulness." DH, Mar ‘08

Instructor “did an outstanding job! Learned a lot about the inside work of this computer & programs.” JO, Jun ’08

“Nice introduction to the working of computer.” GT, Jun ‘08

“Very knowledgable and helpful.” MJ, Jan ‘08

“Very helpful.” JB, Jan ‘08

“My father and I learned a good amount of new things. For example, learning to open the CPU and replacing parts and closing it.” SL, Jan ‘08

Instructor “understood and answered every question asked, he was obviously very knowledgeable in this field.” BL, Jan ‘08

“I learned more about hardware.” AP, Jan ‘08

“He was very good and knows just [what] he is doing.” SB, Feb ‘08

“Professional and pleasant.” JS, Jan ‘08

“Teacher was great and explained things easy.” SB, Feb ‘08

“I thought the class was very informative.” RS, Feb ‘08

“Everything was excellent.” AA, Feb ‘08

“Presentation was well organized. All of the information given will be essential to my learning.” NF, Apr ‘08

“The instructor was very patient. Also, he spoke with clarity. The instructor enjoyed instructing the class. I learned so-o-o much from him during the time that I spent in his presence.” CW, Feb ‘08

“I thought that the presentation was presented well and with a wide range of knowledge.” BB, Apr ‘08

“Very knowledgeable, patient, friendly.” GC, Feb ‘08

Instructor “was an excellent presenter. He demonstrated excellence in all areas of teaching. He is a very knowledgeable person in his area of profession.” RH, Feb ‘08

“Excellent on explaining any concerns that I had.” TC, Feb ‘08

“The presentation was excellent and very easy to follow.” PS, Mar ‘08

“Excellent, there was not a question he did not have an answer to. I feel very confident.” MJ, Feb ‘08

“Very detailed info on basic instructions on how to look inside the computer.” HW, Mar ‘08

“Instructor was very informational and relatable.” JS, Feb ‘08

Instructor “is an excellent & very personable instructor. He has made an outstanding impression on me! Very knowledgeable about all aspects of computer. His tutorial is great. I will recommend several individuals.” IA, Mar ‘08

“The presentation was very informative. It was nice doing business with you guys.” MS, Apr ‘08

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