Learning to drive a car, operate a power tool or do something new on your computer involves a mind and body connection. Your brain is learning something and your body must coordinate new movements. It’s important to practice each new step in sequence, uninterrupted, so that the mind and body can make the new connections.

Mac to School’s training programs promote this mind-body style of learning. You start with the basics and build on the skills you will need to accomplish your particular tasks. As the student, you sit in front of the computer, mouse in hand, as you learn each new skill.

Your mind and your body stay focused on learning the new tasks and everything is written down, step by step, so that you have clear and easy to understand instructions to follow as you practice.

One on one training is done in your home where it is comfortable and quiet and without distractions. We customize your computer to meet your needs, adjusting the font sizes for easier reading, adding tools to your favorite programs. And if I see some shortcuts that you might be ready to use, I’ll teach you those, too, and write them down so that you will remember them.

This proven style of teaching has given thousands of users great computer skills and, more importantly, the confidence to thrive in this ever-changing world of technology.

Tips and Tricks

Color-Code Your Folders

It’s easier to find things when they’re color-coded. Click one on the folder (or document) you want to color. Click on the File menu. the last choice shows your color choices. Choose one. When you click off of the item, you’ll see the color applied.

Fun Mail with Apple Mail

If you want to send fancy emails, try using the STATIONERY feature in Apple Mail. Click NEW MESSAGE. In the top right corner of your toolbar, click SHOW STATIONERY. You’ll see several templates or pre-designed emails. Click in the categories on the left to see more choices. Choose one and then you can customize it with your own pictures and text.

Adding Photos to Apple Mail

The easiest way to add photos to your email and even to Mail’s Stationery is to click on the Photo Browser icon in the top right corner of the toolbar. All of your iPhoto images will appear. Just click on the picutre you want and drag it into the body of your email.

iCal Calendar Colors

You can change the colors of your calendars in iCal to suit your preferences. Click once on the Calendar you want to change. From the File menu, Choose Get Info. The current color is displayed on the right side. Click on the arrows to see more color choices. Click Other to open the Color palette, where you can choose any color in the rainbow.

Print Your Address Book

Apple’s Address Book has many printing options so that you can take your lists with you and also, so that you have a backup hard copy. You can print your entire Address Book or just selected Groups. You can print all of a person’s information or just their name, email address and phone number. You can also use the Address Book to print mailing labels and envelopes.

First, choose who you want to print by selecting names or a group. Then, under the File menu, choose Print. From the STYLE pulldown menu, choose to print envelopes, mailing labels or a list. You can modify the layout of the labels, choose which fields print in a list. Some things are not changeable.

Favorite iPhone App of the Month

Dragon Dictation: Record a memo and easily turn it into an email, faster than you can say Dragon Dictation!

Dragon Dictation is a free app (my favorite kind) from the same people that make the voice recognition software for your computer. Just tap a button to record and then you have the choice to edit the text, send it to Email or as a Text Message.