LOCAL ROADS' COMPUTER TRAINING CLASSES By WILLIAM T. SUNLEY, Engineer of Local Roads and Streets

The Bureau of Local Roads and Streets is offering six computer classes starting July 1st of this year. They include: (1) Beginning Lotus 1-2-3, (2) Beginning DataEase, (3) Advanced Lotus 1-2-3, (4) Advanced DataEase, (5) Fifteen DOS Commands, and (6) MFT Accounting Package. Each class is approximately two days in length and will be held in Springfield.

Beginning Lotus 1-2-3 is designed for the computer novice ("How do I turn this thing on?"). We will teach basic spreadsheets, printing spreadsheets, and functions, sorts, and basic macros. The class will begin creating spreadsheets immediately so students can arrive expecting to get right to work.

Beginning DataEase is also designed for the computer novice. We will create new databases, teach basic database relationships, and write quick reports. This class covers a lot in two days.

Advanced Lotus 1-2-3 is for the person who has already written Lotus spreadsheets but may not know all the bells and whistles. Some of the topics covered are complex macros, graphs, combining spreadsheets, and "if" statements. This class is also designed to answer any other questions you may have, so bring your Lotus problems to class and we will try to solve them.

Advanced DataEase is designed for the person who has already written DataBase databases and used quick reports. The class topics are relationships, DQL procedures, special character printing, and imports of other data. This class will also answer any other questions, so again bring all your DataEase problems with you.

The Fifteen DOS Command class is set up for novice computer users. We will teach the following commands: Directory, Date, Time, Copy, Disk Copy, Move, Format, Make Directory, Change Directory, Remove Directory, Type, Erase, Path, Backup, and Restore. We think these are the most used DOS commands. We will also try to answer any other DOS questions and cover BAT FILES.

The MFT Accounting Package class is for counties that are not presently using the package. It is not intended for those who are already familiar with the package. It is intended for those who are currently not using it or may be utilizing a new hire. We will create the DATABASES, enter records, and go over each procedure.

Computer access is the reason all classes are held in Springfield. We will be glad to offer the classes at another location if someone can provide a room and five computers (the instructor will bring three).

The classes are designed for sixteen students per class (two people per computer). Each student should bring a 5 3/4 inch double density and a 3.5 inch high density formatted disk. This will allow each student to take home all class work completed.

The dates of the classes will be determined by the number of people wishing to attend. We had about ninety people sign up for both the Beginning Lotus and Beginning DataEase classes this fiscal year.

If you have any questions or any suggestions regarding a place to hold class, please contact Brad Smrcina or Dennis Whitehead at the Central Office of the Bureau of Local Roads and Streets at 217-782-3970. •

May 1992 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 23