Adobe Training in Alabama

Software choices for the Fall 2009

2009-11-08T16:36:00.000-08:00

Amazon.com Widgets

Military Spouses obtain free training through the DoD MyCAA Program

2009-11-08T15:59:00.000-08:00

Military Spouses: Join Millbrook Office Support and Training Center 21 November to learn how the MyCAA program can help you obtain the skills you need to compete in today's competitive job market.

Our special guest will teach you:

About the Military Spouses program- MyCAA
Give you the information and knowledge on how to sign-up for the program.
How to create a required training plan.
Help you get registered during the open house.

Once everyone has a full understanding of the MyCAA program, we will help you understand how Millbrook Office Support can help you receive the training you need and earn the related certification(s).

Date: 21 November 2009
Time: 10:00

For questions or to RSVP e-mail: mycaa@millbrooktrainingcenter.com

Food and Refreshments will be provided!

For more information on MyCAA click here

Adobe Video Training Week

2009-09-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Have you noticed the quality of video productions have improved? Man of those Hollywood style techniques can now be created on your computer. Join us s for our first Adobe video week. In September, we will be hosting an entire video training week featuring Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects, and Adobe Encore CS4. This will be an incredible chance to attend this instructor led week of training. Each course will take you one step closer to helping you understand the ins and outs of the new video editing CS4 suites.

In this week long training session you will learn everything you need to know to capture video, edit it, add special effects, and create a slick looking DVD interface.

Click the link belo0w to learn more about this incredible training event.

www.millbrooktrainingcenter.com/schedule

For those web developers, our Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 and Adobe Flash courses are also guaranteed to make.

If you are more into print design, our Adobe InDesign CS4 course is also guaranteed to make.

Join us in our celebration continues through September and into October. We will be opening the new training room with our video week. This will give our instructor more freedom to move around the room.

If you have any questions shoot us an email at sales@millbrookofficesupport.com

Until next time!

Dennis Tomlin

Fall training schedule

2009-09-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I have been a bit neglectful to my blog. I promise to make it up. I have a great training schedule to throw out there.

Let's start with Microsoft Sharepoint

Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 for the Site Owner / Power User
Course Code: MSPS073001

About this Course

This two-day instructor-led course provides students with the knowledge and skills to administer a SharePoint Team Site in the role of site owner or power user.

Audience Profile

This class is designed for the owner of a Microsoft Office SharePoint Server site who needs to know how to create sites and lists, manage user access and customize lists and web part pages.

At Course Completion

After completing this course, students will be able to:

Use and customize Lists and Libraries
Create Forms Libraries
Create Basic and Web Part Web Pages
Customize Sites and Workspaces
Manage Users and Groups
Monitor Site Activity.

This course is next week! Act fast! Visit www.millbrooktrainingcenter.com/schedules

Introduction to Development Using Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 Course
Code: MSP3001

This is official Microsoft sanctioned curriculum taught by a Microsoft Certified Expert.
To view the full course curriculum click here

About this Course: This in-depth, two-day, instructor-led course provides students with the knowledge of using Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 to create reusable and modular Web sites for use in intranet, extranet, or Internet scenarios. Students will learn how to manage access to information stored within a SharePoint environment, how to perform common object model tasks, and how to create Web parts to customize user interfaces. Participants will also learn how to use Web services for data requests transactions, how to create and deploy event receivers, and how to utilize Windows Workflow Foundation.

Audience Profile: This course is intended for Developers and IT Professionals.

At Course Completion:

After completing this course, students will be able to:

Discuss the Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 architecture and the key elements in Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, such as site collections, Webs, lists, and Web Parts.
Understand the new Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 features, such as galleries, master pages, site columns, content types, and workflow.
Understand the new features available only through Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007. * Extend an existing Web application with the ASP.NET 2.0 pluggable authentication.
Configure user access to a Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 environment and configure user permissions, and implement security with Users/Groups, SharePoint objects, and permission levels.
Understand the ASP.NET 2.0 and Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 Web Part infrastructure, and the SharePoint Page and Web Part life cycles.
Use the Microsoft Visual Studio Extensions for Windows SharePoint Services Framework to build a custom Web Part.
Understand the advantages and limitations of Web service orientation in SharePoint technologies.
Use Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 Web services in development projects.
Create an application that uses SharePoints Web services to extend SharePoint functionality.
Understand when to use event receivers versus when to use workflows and list the types of SharePoint objects that support event receivers.
Create and deploy a basic event receiver.
Discuss the basics of Windows Workflow Foundation, how they fit into Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, and how to leverage this technology in Windows SharePoint Services 3.0.
Build a workflow in SharePoint Designer.

This course is next week! Act fast! Visit www.millbrooktrainingcenter.com/schedules

We are an Adobe Authorized Training and Microsoft Partner. We are a locally owned small business. Try us, you will enjoy the custom flavor of our classrooms.

See you in class!

Career Development & Technology Training

2009-05-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

What's New: Our Career Development Center

Why Chose Career Development?

Whether you want to train for a new career, advance within your current company, or simply learn new skills to stay competitive in today's job market, Millbrook Office Support and Training Center's hands on instructor led classes can help.

The technology industry has developed a diverse range of careers, including everything from tech support specialists to database administrators to specialized project managers, to office specialist. These are the go to people in your office.

"Web developers, for example, are responsible for the behind-the-scenes code and programming of Web sites and Web-based services. While the edges are often blurred in Web positions, Web developers typically have a more technical orientation than Web designers, who focus on a site's look and feel, and information architects, who focus on sites' organization. Web developers' projects vary widely, ranging from bare-bones active Web pages to complex, multilayered Web applications that might power an ecommerce site." This paragraph I thought really summed up IT diversity. It came from http://www.insidetech.com/.

All of these skills can be picked up through career development programs at local centers like ourselves.

We offer two forms of career development:

Specialized courses:

All of our courses are taught by certified experts, without exception

They are intensive and condensed - ranging from 16 to 40 hours per course

Courses are taught by industry experts who offer valuable insight into industry trends and best practice

Certification tracts:

We offer training tracts to help you prepare for your desired certification exam.

Upon completion of your certification coursework and successful exam completion you will both CEU's and college credit in some programs.

Certification Programs

Earning a certification in an area of study can be extremely important to your career development plan. Whether you want to train for a new career, advance within your current company, or simply learn new skills to stay competitive in today's job market, Millbrook Office Support and Training Center's hands on instructor led classes can help.

Look for this area to continue to grow!

Explore the Microsoft training option a little more by visiting http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/career_development/microsoft_certifications.php

This information and much more can be found on our web site at: Millbrook Training Center

Our Microsoft Schedule will be posted this week. We will be adding more certification options in the very near future.

Until next time,

Dennis Tomlin

Adobe InDesign CS4 Course Guranteed To Make

2009-05-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I hope you are all finding the career tools you need to help you either find a new job or even a new career. We are excited to announce our second Adobe CS4 class is filling up.

Only a couple of weeks ago we announced we were beginning the switch to the new Adobe CS4 Creative Suite and now we are pleased to announce there are only a couple of seats left in the upcoming instructor led Adobe InDesign CS4 class left. Bill Carberry will be teaching this fantastic course. So, no matter if you are new to page layout and design or ready to begin making the most of InDesign this is the class for you.

So, if you are looking for Adobe InDesign training in Alabama, we can help and are actually based in Alabama. You can read more by visiting Adobe InDesign CS4 or you can check dates and register by visiting Adobe Courses.

Remember always train at an Adobe Authoriozed Training Center(AATC) to make the most of your training budget.

Until next time,

Dennis Tomlin

Adobe CS4 training opens with a bang

2009-04-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank Stacy Cates for a great opening class. Today was our first Adobe CS4 class and we started it in true fashion with Adobe Photoshop. It wasn't the largest class we have had since opening last year but everything went off incredibly. The students are already buzzing about the intermediate class in May and asking when would we be offerring an advanced Photoshop class.

It looks like we will be adding an Advanced Photoshop class to the June schedule. The CS4 package is definitely living up to its hype.

Enough about the Photoshop class. It is not too late yet but it is getting close too being too late to signup for the Iluustrator CS4 class on April 27th with Adobe ACE Bill Carberry. To signup visit our site at: http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/schedule/index.php

Bill is an incredible instructor with 20 years of practical "real world" expereince he able to bring into the classroom. His background in print and typography allows him to help each student overcome issues they are having in their own professions.

So don't miss another great Adobe class at Millbrook Office Support and Training Center, Alabama's only Adobe Authorized training center.

To learn more about Illustrat or other upcoming claasses visit us at: http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com

Hope to see you soon!

Dennis

Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and other training

2009-04-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

Since we opened our training center I get asked what is the training plan, especially on a budget? So, I thought it out a little, copied parts of some of my other post and thought I would share it here.

All of it really depends upon your learning preferences. I have been a multimedia specialist for the Air Force for about 5 years now. I started in 2000, as an assistant doing general office duties, with some web, graphics, etc as I could encourage them to let me do them. My original degree is in Mass Communications, specializing in Radio, Television, and Film. How did I get here?

I have used Lynda, Total Training, the WOW books, and instructor led hands on classes. The instructor led classes are more expensive but I think they are extremely valuable. In fact, I believe in them enough, my wife and I opened Millbrook Office Support and Training.

As much as I would love to tell people class room training is the only way to go, well it is not, especially if your training budget is out of your own pocket and your budget is limited. I get asked for training plans a lot and I pretty much stick to the same general plan concept.

First, I tell them to get the software. Open it up and actually experiment with it. Explore the help files and FREE online tutorials.

Then look at Lynda or Total Training on a month to month plan but rarely a full year subscription. Make sure you can fit in the time to use the pay plans before committing a lot of money on them. It can be difficult to set aside the time everyday, other day, or so on to sit down and use the online training. You really have to be dedicated to it.

Then attend a training class at a certified training center. A certified expert can teach you ways of saving time, money, and really cool tricks that are priceless that you may never discover by training on your own. This advice is the same no matter what the type of training it is. Adobe, Microsoft, 3D Max, any of the complex programs can be difficult to figure out on your own. A true Adobe certified expert at an Adobe Authorized Training Center is well worth the time, the money, it will cost to attend a Photoshop or Illustrator class.

If ever in Alabama, we would love for you to attend one of our training classes. You can find us at http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com

I wish you well and good luck with which ever plan you decide on.

Dennis

Adobe Illustrator CS4 Course at the end of April

2009-04-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

OK, OK, I know I just posted the Photoshop deal but I did want to give my faithful a heads up. Sometime between now and then there will be a super deal on the coming Adobe Illustrator CS4 Course.

This is going to be a really fun class. Bill Carrberry, one in incredible Adobe ACE, will be back in town to head this one up. I have been in his CS3 classes but I can't wait to really see what Adobe Illustrator CS4 can do in the hands of a true craftsman.

There will more on this in the future. Until then, feel warned there is a deal in the water and it has teeth.

Learn more about he class at: http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/schedule/Adobe-Illustrator%20CS4-55.html

Til then, good luck on the Photoshop contest.

A Photoshop training offer to any blog followers out there.

2009-04-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

if you have looked in my profile you saw where I own Millbrook Office Support and Training Center. This forum is for social networking and I started thinking what a great opportunity to truly introduce who we are to my followers.

So here it is. We have an incredible graphic designer and an Adobe Certified Instructor in Photoshop. Stacy has won all kinds of awards in graphic design.

She is a Photoshop user and certified trainer. She will be in our center on April 13th and 14th. I know it is really short notice, sorry I just thought about it. I will reserve 2 seats for the first two bloggers to post a follow up post, that would like to come. Even better, I'm going to drop the price.

For her class only, I will drop the price from $749.00 to $449.00. You have to tell my office this is the "Blogger Photoshop" deal. This class is hands on and instructor led.

Here's a little about my company:

Millbrook Office Support & Training Center offers both instructor‐led and web based training you need to become more productive and creative.

As the only Adobe Authorized Training Center(AATC) in Alabama, you will have a rare opportunity to be trained by the best designers, artists,
and instructors in the country.

You can learn more about us at http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com or http://millbrookofficesupport.com .

I am going to start doing stuff like this on my blogs. So stay tuned.

Hope to hear from you!

Offer expires Saturday night at 9:06pm CST. That's 24 hours to win

Adobe Authorized Training Center (AATC) and a Microsoft Partner closer to you than you might have thought

2009-04-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Millbrook Office Support and Training Center's newsletter and blog. If you are receiving or reading this for the first time, we hope you are pleasantly surprised to learn there is an Adobe Authorized Training Center (AATC) and a Microsoft Partner closer to you than you might have thought.

Our entire team thanks you for your support. Our goal is to bring you training and information that will help you become more creative and productive.

Please remember custom classes are available both on-site or at our training center.

Sincerely,

Dennis Tomlin
Millbrook Office Support and Training Center
http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com
http://www.millbrookofficesupport.com

Training Center in the New

2009-03-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

Things will get better but don't cut our future short

2009-03-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

It doesn't seem like a day goes by without hearing more economic bad news. I can't imagine when that will stop but I do hope soon. One thing I can tell you is we all need to stick together and become more efficient and much more sufficient on our own businesses if we are going to turn things around any time soon.

Training in any form is a key part to making this happen. We have to invest in our children's education so they can compete for jobs that have been being out sourced. We also have to find ways to invest in our own current adult workforce much for the same reason.

Hang in there everyone. We will pull through these very tough times.

To learn more about registering for our instructor led classes visit Call 334-285-6808 or visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/
Til next time.

Dennis Tomlin

Our first Adobe Photoshop CS4 class is almost here

2009-03-20T04:54:00.000-07:00

Your chance is slipping away to get involved in the first Adobe's CS4 class at Millbrook Office Support and Training Center, Alabama's Only Authorized Training Center Center.

On April 13th, we will have Stacey Cates in for an incredible hands on training class. She will be teaching all of the essentials for Adobe Photoshop CS4. The class is guaranteed to make. There will be many other CS4 classes but this is the first.

Here' a snippit of our upcoming schedule:

Adobe InDesign CS4 Class on March 30th
Adobe Introduction Photoshop CS4 Class on April 13th
Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 on April 6th
Adobe Flash on May 18th
Adobe Acrobat 9 Class on May 25th

We have left plenty of dates open for both custom classes or special requests. If there is something you need in the way of an Adobe or Microsoft instructor led class, just let us know.

To learn more about registering for our instructor led classes visit Call 334-285-6808 or visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/
Til next time.

Dennis Tomlin

The Creative Explosion at the Legends

2009-03-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

We are about to make an an incredible announcement concerning a conference we are planning. It is called the The Creative Explosion at the Legends.

Stay tuned to learn more.

Until then, check out our new CS4 training schedule at hands on training schedule.

These classes include; InDesign CS4, Dreamweaver CS4, Photoshop C4S and more.

Check us out at www.millbrooktrainingcenter.com.

Until then,

Dennis Tomlin

Adobe Introduction Photoshop CS4 Class and others now at Millbrook Office Support in Alabama

2009-03-13T04:35:00.000-07:00

Wow it is finally here! Adobe's CS4 has been out for since late 2008 and now it is available at Millbrook Office Support and Training Center, Alabama's Only Authorized Training Center Center.

On April 13th, we will have Stacey Cates in for an incredible hands on training class. She will be teaching all of the essentials for Adobe Photoshop CS4. The class is guaranteed to make.

If you are ready to make the switch, we are there with you.

Here' a snippit of our upcoming schedule:

Adobe InDesign CS4 Class on March 30th
Adobe Introduction Photoshop CS4 Class on April 13th
Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 on April 6th
Adobe Flash on May 18th
Adobe Acrobat 9 Class on May 25th

We have left plenty of dates open for both custom classes or special requests. If there is something you need in the way of an Adobe or Microsoft instructor led class, just let us know.

To learn more about registering for our instructor led classes visit Call 334-285-6808 or visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/
Til next time.

Dennis Tomlin

Adobe Photoshop CS4 Hands On Training

2009-03-05T12:56:00.000-08:00

We are now teaching Adobe CS4 Suite classes. We are starting them out with one of the Adobe flagship programs... Photoshop CS4.

This class is for all levels of Photoshop users. Seasoned users may wish to take this class in order to fill in holes in their Photoshop knowledge or to rid themselves of bad Photoshop habits. Students will learn not only about how Photoshop works, but also about many of the new CS4 features.

This class will be taught by Stacy Cates. Stacy Cates, co-author of the Photoshop CS4 Bible, has been in the graphic design and printing industry for more than 20 years. She has been teaching Adobe Photoshop since 2001 and holds Adobe Certified Instructor and Comptia Certified Technical Trainer certifications, as well as a Georgia Institute of Technology Certificate in Web Design. Her teaching experience ranges from training one-on-one to teaching college-level computer art courses. Stacy brings to the classroom knowledge about a wide variety of practical applications for Photoshop. She specializes in using Photoshop to design and prepare images for printing, to color-correct, and to retouch images. Stacy has earned numerous awards for publication design from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

The instructor will go over the differences of CS3 and CS4.

Click here to review course outline.

You can register for this hands on, instructor lead class by visiting Millbrook Training Center or call (334) 285-8955.

Options for those needing to retrain

2009-02-07T12:46:00.000-08:00

Everyday it seems the unemployment numbers continue to rise. Maybe seeming to rise is an understatement as we are setting new records for unemployment. Saying I sympathize with how so many that are losing their jobs, we would on the surface would appear to be a slap in their virtual face. However, I truly found myself in their shoes.

In 2000, I found myself without a job and without insurance. I had been a broadcast instructor with a local community college. Due to cutbacks my department was cut and my job with it. I went to scrambling. Hunting through want ads on web sites, news papers, and friends. It was only after a temporary job with the Census, that lead into a short stint with the Social Security Administration, that helped me land a career as a civil servant with the Air Force. Yes from teacher to a multimedia specialist. Only in America.

That's right though, only in America do you have so many opportunities even when things look there bleakest. We do have to willing to compromise and to work hard.

While the glass may currently appear half empty for you, try to make the most of this opportunity. How many times did you day dream about a better job, a different job? A job that truly tested you. Maybe one that allowed you to be creative? Now is the time for action! Take this time to be retrained in to a career that you love.

Many former employers are offering money for retraining as part of your severance package. Both state and federal grants are available to attend technical schools, college, or even training. Make the most of this time and money to go back to school or attend training that will help you obtain a new career when our economy rebounds.

Have you always wanted to be a graphic artist, a designer, illustrator, bookkeeper, or anything you weren't? Join us for some Photoshop or InDesign classes. Attend your local college, most of all keep your head up. See an opportunity and take it.

Until next time.

Dennis Tomlin
Millbrook Office Support and Training Center
Adobe Training Classes

I am glad 2009 is finally here

2009-01-30T16:11:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

Are you glad 2009 is here? Personally, I am. You see, we have created small and hopefully realistic goals for our training business. If you are just joining us, in June of 2008 we opened a new computer training business and custom print service. By July, we became the only Adobe Authorized Training Center in Alabama and a Microsoft partner. Shortly after that...well the good news was few and far between, at least as far as the training goes. We have had a few good classes but only a few.

We are hanging in there thanks to some wonderful testing opportunities and we are about to become an ACT testing center. These opportunities have been true blessing and have kept us afloat.

Now, 2009 is here and we are setting micro goals. So far, we are optimistic. I will keep you posted. 2009 is going to be a great year for education and a great your for training.

Talk to you soon.

respectfully,

Dennis Tomlin
Millbrook Office Support and Training Center
Adobe Training Classes

Adobe Illustrator Hands On Instructor Led Class in Alabama

2008-11-25T19:05:00.000-08:00

We understand not everyone is ready to move on to Adobe CS4. So we will be offering CS3 until the Spring of 2009. In February 2009 we will be offering another Adobe Illustrator instructor led class.

Our last class was a great and I must admit really fun. I have been using Illustrator for about 5 years now and Bill showed me tricks I have never seen before. The class was primarily made up of a water heater manufacturer based in Montgomery, Alabama.

They do their own illustration for their marketing materials and their craftsman in the machine shop. Some of them were new to the company and others new to Adobe Illustrator. They needed to learn everything from interacting with 3D objects created in another program to the incredible arsenal Illustrator has to offer.

I think they all left here excited and blown away at the true power of Adobe Illustrator.

So in February we will be bring Bill Carberry back for another Illustrator class. I hope to see you in it.

We understand it may be a heavy upfront investment but it is an investment that pays off long term.

Stop by our site to learn more about our InDesign instructor led classes.

To learn more about registering for our instructor led classes visit Call 334-285-6808 or visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/

Til next time.

Dennis Tomlin

Adobe InDesign Instructor Led Training

2008-11-23T15:29:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Although we have only held a few classes now, we have had great success with our instructor led classes. Most of our classes are based around the Adobe Classroom In A Book series. Our instructors begin with the first seven to ten chapters depending upon the experience of our students. From that point it is more of an instructor led custom course than a typical of the shelf course.

Why do we take this approach? Well, that is simple. We understand that our students may come from different backgrounds and have different needs. For instance, in a class we just finished our students were trying to migrate or convert their Quark files into InDesign files. This can be a daunting but not impossible task and that is where an instructor led class truly has an advantage over many online tutorials for Adobe programs like Photoshop and InDesign. Our custom approach allows each class to leave with all of the topics they need covered.

We understand it may be a heavy upfront investment but it is an investment that pays off long term.

Stop by our site to learn more about our InDesign instructor led classes.

To learn more about registering for our instructor led classes visit Call 334-285-6808 or visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/

Til next time.

Dennis Tomlin

Announcing our Adobe Training for 2009

2008-11-21T16:12:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe 2009 is almost here. Since opening this past summer it has been a challenge when it come to which Adobe classes to teach. I know designers, developers, and photographers need instructor led training but reaching them has truly been difficult.

So, I hope by launching our Winter 2009 Adobe classes it will give corporations, businesses, and individuals looking for Adobe instructor led classes will find us in time to get scheduled or at least give us some feed on what they need.

So, here it is:

Adobe InDesign CS3 Class on January 12-13 2009
Adobe Introduction Photoshop CS3 Class on January 26-27
Adobe Illustrator CS3 Class on February 9-10
Adobe Acrobat 9 Class on March 16-17
Adobe InDesign CS3 on March 30-31

We have left plenty of dates open for both custom classes or special requests. If there is something you need in the way of an Adobe or Microsoft instructor led class, just let us know.

To learn more about registering for our instructor led classes visit Call 334-285-6808 or visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/
Til next time.

Dennis Tomlin

Bert Monroy: A truly great inspiration but there is more

2008-11-14T19:35:00.000-08:00

I have been a NAPP for several years and along with producing great magazine, running a forum that discusses everything Adobe, they created the Creativity Tour. This tour truly brings incredible talent to large and small cities alike.

It was on tour when I first heard of Bert Monroy. Since then, I have had the priviledge to sit in several of Bert Monroy's workshops and seminars with his creativity tour. His video instruction is no doubt a useful tool and should be watched on a weekly basis. You can see them at http://revision3.com/pixelperfect/. The weekly Pixel Perfect webcast breakdowns the keys to a creating succesful realistic digital design.

He works hard to teach you the tools inside of Photoshop and Illustrator in order to set your own creativity free, not to copy his work.

Read more about Mr. Monroy on his site at: http://www.bertmonroy.com

Now that I have talked Bert up, the one difference between him and us. Hold the horses, there are many differences. He is a genius at creating photrealistic scenes and a true pioneer in the field. He has long hair, ok let's get back on track here. We are a training center where we bring instructors in for hands on training. The hands on training portion is truly key to learning how to do, well nearly everything.

It has been proven we learn with our brains but retain with our hands. At least the masses do anyway. We need to push buttons, turn knobs, and so on during the learning process. Another big difference between our instructor led classes is our flexibility. Bert and others teaching these large classes allow students to watch how it is done. At Millbrook Office Support and Training Center, you have the opportunity to create, play, and have fun. Our instructors take your industry and apply it to the class you are in.

I have not been specific here but it is important to understand how the filters work with in Adobe's Photoshop, Illustrater, and their many other complex programs... that's why it is so important to work along with the instructor, learning as you go, exploring, and having fun.

So by all means take part of the tours and the other lecture based classes but remember, they are not a substitute for an Adobe or Microsoft expert, leading an instructor led experience and letting you drive during the process.

To learn more about registering for our instructor led classes visit Call 334-285-6808 or visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/
Til next time.

Dennis Tomlin

Photoshop Fun and Inspiration

2008-11-13T19:32:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of cool ways to learn programs like Photoshop. It may in class with someone like us and for many instructor led classes are the best way. You can learn a lot of information that is relevant to your industry, your projects, and so on. Other ways are with online tutorials or services like Lynda.com.

However most can do a tutorial and get a match or close to the end product but it doesn't really test what you have learned. Ah, so enter the contest. There are thousands of them out and I will list others along the way but one nice selection of different contests, all on one site can be found at:

http://www.worth1000.com/cdir.asp?display=photoshop&filter=f.format_id=1

Well worth checking out. Oh, one other not on contests. When you are looking for inspiration give one a whirl. You might it was "time well wasted".

All, for this one. Remember, your hair will fall out when your dead. Quit pulling it out now. Enjoy life, have fun!
Dennis Tomlin

334-285-6808

http://millbrookofficesupport.com

http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com

The demand for the COMPTIA classes are high!

2008-11-10T05:21:00.000-08:00

The demand for the COMPTIA classes are high. So, every time we register 6 students we will have a class. We cap them off at 10 students per class, so register today. In January, we will be offering a 5 day Microsoft SharePoint developers class taught by Mark Dunn's training company. This will be a great class for those working in large or small companies. It will be centered around those that are SharePoint Developers. This will be a great course for those working in the government or at Maxwell AFB, especially since the Air Force is moving to an all SharePoint site way of doing things, at least that is how it seems.

To learn more about registering for a class visit http://millbrookofficesupport.com or http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com Or you can call 334-285-6808.

Til next time!
Dennis Tomlin

Now registering Instructor led COMPTIA, SharePoint, and .NET classes

2008-11-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

In 2004, the DoD created a directive that requires all DoD information assurance technicians and managers are trained and certified to effectively defend DoD information, information systems and information infrastructures.

COMPTIA's A+, Network+, and Security+ training courses have been approved courses. Starting in January, Millbrook Office Support and Training Center will be offering the COMPTIA A+ class. We will offer a 7 and 5 day version of the class. The 7 day class will offer a much more hands on class but both are geared toward passing the COMPTIA certification exam.

If you are interested you can read the most current PDF concerning it here:
Information Assurance Training, Certification, and Workforce Management Directive 8500.01E

This section was taken from a post that describes what it entails.

"What is the significance of this mandate and of commercial certification in general? This mandate will have far-reaching implications, including:

* The Directive is viewed as a government endorsement of the effectiveness and costefficiency of commercial certification.
* It provides military and civilian personnel with a certification that is professional, internationally recognized and vendor-neutral (not tied to any agency, technology or product).
* It provides a portable certification that is recognized in both the public and private sectors.
* It mandates and endorses a global standard (ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024).
* It positions the information security profession as a distinct job series."

To read it all visit: click here

To learn more about registering for a class visit http://millbrookofficesupport.com
or http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com

Or you can call 334-285-6808.

The demand for the COMPTIA classes are high. So, every time we register 6 students we will have a class. We cap them off at 10 students per class, so register today.

Expanded Training Now in Millbrook

2008-11-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

We were very proud to be announced as the only Adobe Authorized Training Center in Alabama. However, we are growing into so much more at a break neck pace. In the past few weeks we have been named as the only private sector examination location for the State of Alabama insurance examination. We have partnered with the University of Alabama to test insurance agents from across Alabama. The exam will either let existing insurance agents broaden their horizons and sell new types of insurance or allow new agents into the industry.

We are also in the process of striking a deal with COMPTIA to bring in certified experts to teach A+ certification courses. Everything should be finalized soon and classes beginning right after the new year. Our classes will have two formats, a five and seven boot camp style. Both of them are instructor led but the seven day will allow for more hands-on exercises.

In December, We are excited to bring Stacy Cates in for three days of fun and hard work. The first two days will be an instructor led hands-on advanced Adobe Photoshop class. The third day is all about photo editing. Stacy will teach you the secrets of Photoshop's power when it comes to its photo restoration capabilities and the other over looked touches that separates another edited photo from one that allows the "natural" beauty of the subject to come out. These classes are a must for those looking to take their creativity to the next level.

As you can see there are some pretty cool things going on at Millbrook Office Support and Training Center.

Join us at Millbrook Office Support and Training Center on November 10 & 11 for our Adobe Illustrator hand on class. Call 334-285-6808 or visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/

Adobe Illustrator Class Guaranteed

2008-10-23T19:06:00.000-07:00

Adobe Illustrator classes aren't quite as popular as Photoshop and some of the other Adobe products but I think that might be a mistake, depending upon your industry. In a Birmingham Alabama creativity tour with Bert Monroy , I was able to see how well Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator could work together but it was until I went back to school did I realize how powerful Illustrator can be with the right training.

It is somewhat backwards to Photoshop users and that had a lot to do with, well everything to do with why I didn't give it a fair try.

Illustrator is designed to create light weight vector designs not bloated pixel creations. If you create artwork that needs to be reproduced in everything from tiny to huge Illustrator is your only smart way, although smart objects can help it is not replacement. Logos, web graphics, and more can be created and replicated with powerful Illustration tools.

If you are not familiar with a smart object, well you are missing quite a treat within Adobe's Photoshop CS3. I will save the big deal for another post. I will say the smart object tool will help you blow up images or parts of designs without it becoming to pixelated. It gives you a little wiggle room but don't confuse it with a true vector image. It is far from it. That is still Adobe Illustrator's domain.

Join us at Millbrook Office Support and Training Center on November 10 & 11 for our Adobe Illustrator hand on class. Call 334-285-6808 or visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/

Printing service and training center celebrates 6 months

2008-10-18T15:56:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe Millbrook Office Support and Training Center has only been open six months. What started out as a custom print shop or “boutique” and a computer training center is growing into much more. According to Dennis Tomlin their plan in the beginning “was to become the only Adobe Authorized Training Center in Alabama, a Microsoft training partner, and a truly custom print shop”, but it seems more opportunities are coming their way.

A few weeks ago they began negotiations with the University of Alabama to become one of only four state insurance exam testing centers in the state. The other four are located in Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile, and now Millbrook. Starting on October 23, current and potential insurance agents located in central Alabama will now take at least five different insurance examinations with them in order to obtain their state insurance license. “Through this process we learned from Denise Maddox the coordinator at UA, insurance agents must pass exams if they want to sell policies for fire protection, life insurance, and other types of policies”. “This really excites us on two different levels” Dennis says. “The UA contract will help offset business operating expenses which are so important with the current economical turbulence but it also creates a win-win-win situation for all of us. Approximately fifty five potential clients that may need our other services will walk through our doors each week; agents needing business cards, forms, copies, promotional items, and our other many services. But it also brings fifty five people to Millbrook forty nine weeks per year, that otherwise may not have been coming to our community. They will be here for three hours or more. They will need lunch, gas, snacks… they will need the services our community offers. We are very excited for all of us about this opportunity.”
Millbrook Office Support’s other services have also grown in this short period of time. They have become a store front and soon a web front for other small business in our area. “We knew from the start we wanted to provide promotional items to other businesses and organizations but what we didn’t realize there were local small businesses working out of their homes creating many of these products. We have teamed up with a local jeweler, the Alabama clay sculptor, an engraver, an Alabama author, and a hand carved pen set maker, along with other unique craftsman located right here in the river region. We are all trying to make a living and working together, I believe we can all succeed even in these turbulent times.”

Not all of their products are created local. They have become an Amazon affiliate allowing books, software, unique gifts, and much more to be purchased through their web site. “It only made sense to join up with Amazon. They offer the books and software we teach in our classes. With our affiliation they stock the products saving us up front costs and our clients can order them as needed.

Millbrook Office Support was also a participant in the Chamber’s recent business expo. “It was a great opportunity for us. We were able to talk one-on-one with so many people and businesses from Millbrook and the surrounding area that had no idea we were here. And talk to other businesses that we had no idea where in Millbrook. Businesses that can do everything from repair dents in your vehicle, decorate your home, beauty products and so very much more. We were amazed how many unique small businesses were here in Millbrook. After the public was gone, we found ourselves talking to each other and sharing ideas on how to better serve our customers, cut expenses, affordable advertising strategies, and general networking with each other. An expo where small businesses can come together and gain exposure to each other and the public is such an awesome event. We can’t wait until next year’s expo to see how much more Millbrook has grown.”

Millbrook Office Support and Training Center represents the new small business model with the old “small town spirit”, with a high-tech flavor. The technology they bring to Millbrook represents the future of our town. Their willingness to work hard toward their own American dream when economist say they shouldn’t is incredible but it is their understanding of the importance of community that represents the American spirit our country and what our community was founded on. The founders of Millbrook new as a community we could do it. Millbrook Office Support also believes as a community working together we can do it.

For more information on computer classes or their other printing services visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com/
http://millbrookofficesupport.com/ or call 334-285-6808.

Learning Photo Retouching Can Really Pay Off

2008-10-07T04:29:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I'm taking a slight break from my top ten groups and associations. Someone can to our Millbrook Office with a disk full of images they wanted to create a lasting memory with in the form of a DVD. I told them great and that it sounded like a fun project.

After they left I started looking at the images and felt bad for them. Many of the pictures were damaged or out of focus. It was clear why they had given those pictures to me... they were great shots, a once in a life time opportunity but the problem was age or bad photography had stolen the moment.

Here's where an artistry only available in the digital dark room and Adobe Photoshop has the tools required. Before, I go any further, yes there are 1,000's of plugins out there to make photo retouching easier and more costly but you don't have to go that way.

Photoshop has a red eye remover, a variety of patch tools, color samplers, sharpening and blurring tools, and hundreds of combinations of tools to remove cracks, blurriness, tears and creases, picture noise and so much more.

So, you ask how can photo retouching pay off for you. Well, for the hobbyist it can help take an average photo and create well something truly special. However, you if you truly get serious about photo retouching a program like Photoshop can take a hobby and turn it into a career. It could be for a small wedding photographer or a major magazine or design firm. Retouching photos is everywhere and you can learn the skills but it takes time, practice, and training. Preferably from certified experts or at a minimum reputable craftsman in the field. You will truly pay for what you get but not what you need. Shop wisely when it comes to training.

So if you have Adobe Photoshop CS3 you have the tool box but do you have the skills. Well that may be a different story all together. Photo retouching is a craft. It is an artistry in to its self that can bring old photographs to life.

Let us help you learn the craft in an upcoming workshop with Stacy Cates here at Millbrook Office Support and Training Center. Seats are limited so call today for this special occasion.

334-285-6808 or visit http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com

You can view our entire schedule at:

Millbrook Training Center Schedule

Til next time.

And Let the top 10 begin!

2008-10-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

Depending upon your interest you will there is a group for just about anything you are looking to join. For instance, photography clubs can be of great interest whether you are a hobbyist or professional.

If you want to actually meet with others I would certainly checkout http://meetup.com You can search and find groups in your area with your same interests. For example, I have recently started a group that deals with graphics, web design, multimedia, and other related topics. You can find us at: http://webdesign.meetup.com/525/

10) So, http://meetup.com would rank only because of its diversity. You can find any kind of group you are looking to join, schedule meetings, post images, and has a bulletin board.

9) OK, so far I am focusing in on where to find the group for you. One of the next great places to join is Google Groups. Google groups allows you to join as many groups as you would like to and in as many areas as you can dream up.

For instance, I have an Adobe Photoshop groups, a photography group, an Adobe Illustrator group, an Adobe training in Alabama group, well I think you get the idea. If I am stuck on a problem or I can help someone else with a problem... the answer can be found in a Google help group. I think Yahoo and MSN also have them but I am really pleased with how google allows you to control the groups. You can find them at: http://groups.google.com/

That's it for this week. If you are interested looking for inspiration a group is a great way to start. You can find a few more ideas at:

Til next time!
Dennis Tomlin
Millbrook Office Support and Training Center
Alabama's Only Adobe Authorized Training Center

Associations and Friends are important for success

2008-10-02T04:34:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to live in a vaccum and have success as a designer, no matter what you are designing. You need to grow and one of the best ways to do this is by attending workshops, seminars, training classes, and joining associations.

There are hundreds of groups that use Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat and nearly everything Adobe. For that matter every program out there has a following, find it,join it, become a part by asking questions but also answer questions.

In my next post I will list my top ten list. Til then visit Tips to Make You Better

Til next time.

Millbrook Training Center

Where do you train?

2008-09-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

I've made no secret that we own Millbrook Office Support and Training Center. We opened this past summer. Before and since we have been looking at our competition, meaning where else can you go to get Adobe classes that are taught by Adobe certified experts.

We could be wrong but we haven't found any other Adobe Authorized Training Center's in Alabama. So, I'm very curious what is important to you when looking for training?

Are you looking for an authorized training center? Is it important to you that all of the trainers are not only experts in their field but are also experts in the software they are teaching such as Adobe's Photoshop CS3? Or can your instructor be someone that can read the book and muddle his/her way through the program?

How important is location? With fuel near record highs are you still making those trips to Orlando, Las Vegas, and other hot spots around the country?

I ask all of these questions because as the economy is shrinking, we are seeing training budgets not only shrinking but being slashed or cut out all together. We can help state, federal, military, and any other budget go so much further by cutting out expensive trips that cost more than the class itself. We would like for your to stay in Alabama for your training.

We can experts in nearly every graphic related field, along with other Microsoft technologies. Stop by and see us in Millbrook Alabama or visit us on the web at: Millbrook Office Support and Training Center

Photoshop CS3 Introduction
October 6 & 7

InDesign CS3
October 8 & 9

Photoshop CS3 Advanced
October 23 & 24

Illustrator CS3
November 6 & 7

Til next time!

Dennis
Millbrook Office Support and Training Center

Buyer Beware or Jump On In

2008-09-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I have question for nearly everyone if not everyone in the design, multimedia, and so on world. With the announcement of Adobe's new CS4 line of software are you going to go out and buy it as soon as it's offered or are you going to wait?

Often large corporations are pressured to release their software before it's really ready. I think all of us are familiar with Microsoft's masterpiece with Vista, ME, and so on.

I'm not sure if Adobe has done this with their full CS4 Suite or not. I know we are not going to run and buy it on day one but will concede to say we will be buying. We just are not sure how long before we jump on the bandwagon. After all, if there were issues during a class I'm not sure our clients would be very understanding and no matter how much beta testing goes into a software package there will be issues.

So that's my take. How about all of you? Do you jump in untested waters or let everyone else test the water, let you know how cold it is and then decide? To those who do decide to lineup at the software store at midnight to get the latest and greatest... let us know how it goes.

Til next time.

Dennis
Millbrook Office Support and Training Center
Millbrook Office Support and Training Center

A true print specialist coming in October

2008-09-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

In October, Millbrook has a real treat. Bill Carberry an Adobe Certified Instructor and Print Specialist for Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator, InDesign, PageMaker and Photoshop will be coming to Millbrook Office Support and Training Center to teach an Adobe InDesign CS3 course and a Photoshop CS3 Introductory course.

With decades of real world experience and application expertise, you can't ask for a better combination in an instructor. A typographer by trade, Bill loves to teach technology by translating technical terms into plain English. Bill believes learning should be an enjoyable experience and will teach you how to work smarter, not harder. You'll learn the best practices during detailed demonstrations and rigorous hands-on exercises that will keep you involved and informed. You can also receive expert answers to your specific questions by bringing relevant samples of your work to class. A veteran consultant for the publishing industry and recipient of a Best Speaker award from Toastmasters International.

Call today to reserve your seat for our Adobe Photoshop Introductory class on October 6th & 7th or on October 8 & 9th, an Adobe InDesign CS3 class.

This is too good of an oppurtunity to pass up.

3D could be a new trend

2008-09-23T04:16:00.000-07:00

With Photoshop CS3, one of the coolest things was its ability to do 3D and edit actual movies within it. This was extremely impressive. The ability to bring in 3D models color, paint, and applying effects to models is awesome no matter how you look at it.

I wonder if this is a new trend they will continue with CS4? Maybe we will know today.

Let's see!

Get registered at http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com

Til then!

Dennis Tomlin
http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com

Adobe Prepares to Release CS4

2008-09-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Well as good as the upgrade from CS2 to CS3 was, Adobe is promising and even better upgrade with the the new realease of Creative Suite CS4 and Web Suite CS4.

I have only had a chance to play around with a beta version of Dreamweaver CS4 and I must admit it had some pretty nice built in features. Some of them were available as either addon free from Adobe or purchased from 3rd parties. I have to believe that Adobe is trying to listen to its users.

Only time will tell.

Learn more by signing up for a free webinar introducing it to the world on September 23rd. I've posted a little more information at http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com

Let me know what you think about it.

Til then.

Dennis Tomlin
Millbrook Office Support and Training Center
http://millbrooktrainingcenter.com

Authorized Adobe Training Center now in Alabama

2008-09-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

for the past 10 years I've been sent across the country to attend Adobe and other types of training classes. Until now, there were no Adobe Authorized Training Centers in Alabama. We opened up Millbrook Office Support and Training Center for just that reason.

We bring in Adobe Certified Expert Instructors from around the country. Instructors in; Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and most of the other Adobe software solutions.

It amazed me until I started looking for training how few of the centers I was attending or considering attending didn't use certified experts but even more importantly, they don't use experts in the area they are teaching. If there is no other advice I can give you it is this.

Please seek out a training center that is an authorized training center or at least recognized by the people that create the training materials they are teaching. For example, an Adobe or Microsoft expert.

Secondly, make sure they are experts in what you want to learn. If you are trying to learn InDesign because you are in the print industry ask if your trainer is or has been in the print industry. Don't ever hesitate to ask about your instructor.

You want to spend your training budget wisely. So always ask the important questions.

If you need advice on potential Adobe or Microsoft training, please don't hesitate to ask. You can reach me at info@millbrookofficesupport.com or visit Millbrook Office Support and Training Center.

Til next time.

Dennis Tomlin