This resource page is a one-stop location for information related to the weekly Foundational Tech Lessons offered by CCTV Cambridge Community TV. All sessions are free,
DATE & TIME
Mon, Oct 19 1:00–2:00 PM | Foundational Tech Hands-On: Staying Safe from Viruses & Malware
How viruses and malware typically get onto a computer (bad links, attachments, pop-ups, fake downloads), the difference between free and paid antivirus software, safe browsing habits, automatic updates, and how to recognize "scareware" tech-support scams versus a real infection.
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Mon, Oct 26 1:00–2:00 PM | Foundational Tech: Password Managers & Backup Codes: Moving Beyond Sticky Notes
What a password manager does and how to set one up, why backup codes matter and where to keep them safely, and simple habits for stronger, more memorable passwords.
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Mon, Nov 2 1:00–2:00 PM | Foundational Tech: Streaming Video & Cutting the Cord: Netflix, Peacock & Smart TVs
How streaming services and smart TVs work as an alternative (or complement) to cable, comparing popular streaming apps, and setting up a device like a Roku, Fire Stick, or smart TV app.
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Mon, Dec 7 1:00–2:00 PM | Foundational Tech: External Storage Devices: Backups, Flash Drives & Cloud
A plain-language look at external hard drives, SSDs, and USB flash drives; when to back up to a physical device versus the cloud (or both); how to set up and label an external drive; and an easy "keep 3 copies, 2 kinds of storage, 1 offsite" backup habit.
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Mon, Dec 14 1:00–2:00 PM | Foundational Tech: Video Calling Made Easy: FaceTime, Zoom & Google Meet
Starting and joining a video call, adding people to a group call, sharing screen or photos mid-call, and troubleshooting the most common video-call hiccups (camera, mic, and audio not working).
Mariana conducted a technical training session on managing phone photos and storage space, covering iPhone photo organization, iCloud vs Google Photos functionality, and decluttering techniques. She demonstrated how to use the Photos app's search and filtering features, create folders and albums, manage duplicates, and transfer photos using AirDrop between Apple devices. The session included step-by-step instructions for setting up iCloud photo backup and downloading Google Photos for Android users, along with methods for clearing storage space by deleting unnecessary photos, videos, and apps. Participants asked questions about navigation differences between iPhone versions and received guidance on locating specific app features. Slides
Meet and greet to discuss future needs, classes.
Learn how to organize files, folders, and declutter your digital documents. April 27, 2026. See Video library for details.
We had a drop-in tech help session. Individuals signed up for 10 minute slots. Next time, we will increase the time to 15 minutes. In that we covered, how to take a screenshot, consolidate mail in one box (forwarding all emails to one), fix windows update messages. Next time we will cover google docs and how to navigate maintenance/tech support contracts. Where/with whom is the best option.
We held a hands-on session walking participants through the process of:
Creating an event entry in google calendar; adding guests; setting up reminders; editing.
Opening and working on a google sheet
Review of google drive and how documents are stored
Using functions in google sheets
A few of us met last Monday for an interactive discussion.. We talked about topics, format, and the need for drop in tech help. A social gathering is of interest every so often. READ MORE