You can sign-up for Center 50+ activities and classes online. The Username and password used to login to the online system are the same as for the City of Salem Utility Billing, Parks & Recreation, and Permit Application Center sites.

If you do not have an existing account with the City of Salem you must first create an account.

How to Register/Create an Account

1. Open an Internet Browser and go to the registration page.
2. Click the words New User at the top of the screen.
3. Choose a unique username and password and complete all the fields on the screen.
4. Be sure to mark the checkbox to accept the Terms and Conditions.
5. Click the Register button.
6. The system will send you an email message to verify your email address. When you receive the email, please click the verification link and login to the system.

Your registration is complete, and you can now sign up for classes.

Use the Online System

Once you are registered, you have the ability to:

• View your past classes and events
• Pay for classes and events
• Pay for online classes

You asked for our Top Tips For Using Computers and here it is! Thank you to our Chemeketa Community College Intern, Jeshua Fagan, for providing this tool.

TOP TIPS

1. Make a strong password and keep it safe
• Your phone, computer, Facebook, email, even your WIFI all require a password to use, when you are making your own password you may be instructed to create a “strong” password.
• A strong password is a mix of capital and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters. One way to create a password is to take a word or phrase you use often and substitute or add numbers and symbols: For example., “H@ppyB1rthd@y!23”
• Put your password reminders in a safe and accessible place.
2. Keep your device updated
• Your computer, smart phone, and other devices will need to be updated regularly. While these updates can be inconvenient, they are necessary for your device to function efficiently, and by putting them off you may be putting yourself at risk.
• Installing and updating antivirus software is an important part of keeping your computer safe, but what about your phone? According to an article from Digital information World, most android phones stop getting software support after 2 or 3 years at the most.
• Phones that no longer receive support are vulnerable and have been described as “having asbestos in the home” (Matloob, 2020).
3. Personalize your settings
• Most phones have a variety of settings ranging from screen brightness and text size to optional features that can be used in real life or change the way you use your phone.
• Your phone is capable of using a variety of apps that can be helpful for tracking your diet, counting the number of calories you burn while walking, and even reminding you to do activities such as taking your medicine or walking the dog.
• Whether you want a personalized experience adjusting your phone to fit your needs or a simplified easy to use approach, most devices will give you the option to choose.
4. Contact information and privacy
• Your phone allows you to store saved contact information for your family and friends so you no longer have to type in or remember each individual’s phone number, this also allows you to clearly see who is calling you if they are in your saved contacts.
• Robo and scam calls are an unfortunate reality when dealing with technology, in these situations it is perfectly fine to just hang up or not respond.
5. Social media
• Social media can be beneficial in connecting with your friends and family, however it is not immune to scams and illegitimate activity.
• Avoid oversharing on social media and be selective about what you post. You may be aware not to share your phone number, address or social security number, but also be cautious about disclosing details of your relationships, finances, favorite locations or medical information.
6. Take advantage of your device’s accessibility features
• You may have tried to customize your phones settings, but what if that is not enough?
• Due to arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain and other conditions, it can be difficult to handle a phone for a long period of time or perform the touchscreen gestures needed to navigate a lot of newer technology.
• Most phones have accessibility features in the settings which can offset those difficulties such as voice commands or easier physical controls.
• Everyone’s needs are different so don’t be afraid to check out features that might make your experience a bit easier.
• Cases & Accessories
• While your device might be full of bells and whistles, sometimes it’s worth investing in some accessories that make using your device that much easier. Accessories such as special mice, controllers, or extra-large buttons or a shock proof case for your device which will provide some extra protection incase it falls as well as provide some extra grip while using your device can be greatly beneficial and cheaper than buying a new device.
7. Take it one day at a time
• Take your time learning your device, take short breaks when you feel exhausted. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Be patient and know that you cannot learn everything in a day. After learning a new skill, take time to practice it.
• Learning everything your device can do will be too complex to fit into one sitting, try focusing on learning a single feature at a time.
• Think about hobbies and activities you’ve performed for work or leisure, whether it’s tinkering with a car or lawn mower, knitting, sowing, or even playing sudoku or a crossword. Think about how to apply what you’ve learned to what you’re learning now. 
8. Google it
• In some cases there may not be someone physically there to assist you, but once you are connected to the internet you can use Google to find out the answer to your questions.
• Having difficulty understanding how to do something on your device? Don’t be afraid to Google it! (any internet service will do). Type your question into the search bar and see what you can find.
9. Ask for help
• Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for help when you make the choice to learn about technology. Most young people are good at this and will be more than willing to help.
• This could also be a great time to spend time and bond with your child or grandchild. If you are an older person, who is still working you could request your younger colleagues or someone from the IT department to spend some of their breaks teaching you.

If you want to continue learning on your own but aren’t sure how there are some sites dedicated to providing information in an easy to use format. one example is “techboomers.com”