Best Places for Computer Classes In Pittsburgh

It's never to late to learn a new skill, especially when it comes to technology. From basic computing to advanced programming skills, these computer classes for PC and Mac users in and around Pittsburgh will help students of any age excel. From IT geek to those who've tried to resist technology's pool, these classes have everyone covered. 

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh PC Center
4400 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 578-2561
www.carnegielibrary.org

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's main branch in Oakland is a fantastic and free resource for computer classes. Classes at the PC Center teach basic skills such as typing letters and resumes in Microsoft Office, safely navigating around the Internet with an Internet browser, and reading and sending personal emails. Take up to four classes a month, and with the small class sizes of nine students or less, expect personalized attention from the instructors. Check the list of courses available to sign up.

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Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania
118 52nd St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
(412) 632-1706
www.goodwillswpa.org

Another opportunity for free computer skill education is at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania's Lawrenceville location. There are two class options offered here. Both offerings are for the basic, 10-week Computer Skills Class, one option for native English speakers and the other option is for native Spanish speakers. Limited to English- and Spanish-speaking adults 18 and older, these classes focus on overcoming computer-use fears. Goodwill also offers the option of job search help and other charity services through the Goodwill organization. Students of this class are permitted to take the class as often as needed to gain confidence.

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Silver Scholars
380 Carmell Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
(412) 283-0105
www.silverscholars.com

Billing itself as a training program for the baby boomer generation and beyond, Silver Scholars not only offers computer classes all around the Pittsburgh region, but also in-home computer assistance. Past classes have been held in Bethel Park, Oakmont, Canonsburg and Richland Township. Check the website for updates about 2013 class locations and dates. In addition to large classes, Silver Scholars also offers individualized tutoring and home computer network setups of modems, routers and printers at a fee of $50 per hour.

Community College of Allegheny County
Click here for locations
(412) 237-2525
www.ccac.edu

CCAC is the ultimate resource for computer classes. The Computer Information Technology department offers 44 computer classes from the basics of typing on a computer keyboard to desktop publishing to programming a computer. Students enrolled in certain classes even have the opportunity to receive a free copy of Microsoft software to install on their home computers while they are enrolled at CCAC. For a full list of courses, visit the Computer Information Technology website's course catalog. The cost of classes varies based on the number of credit hours required for each course.

Apple Store Shadyside
5508 Walnut St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 316-2460
www.apple.com

For Pittsburghers who are Mac users, the Apple Store in Shadyside is known for its helpful personal and group training and topic-specific workshops. A visit to the store's website offers the chance to schedule free, in-store training sessions online. Workshops for iPad, MacBook and the Mountain Lion operating system are all available to students who need help with their Apple products. Additional classes are also available at Apple's two other Pittsburgh-area locations in Ross Park Mall and South Hills Village Mall.

Sally Turkovich Wright lives in her beloved city of Pittsburgh with her husband, Jason and German Shepherd, Zeus. She is a policy analyst by training, an eyewear stylist by trade and an amateur healthy-living advocate by choice. She also writes a column for Twoday Magazine. Catch up with her there at twodaymag.com. Her work can be found at Twodaymag.com.