Companies that manufacture products you use every day are turning their Web sites into mini education centers. And it’s all for free. Their courses extend beyond the basic “how to use our products” topics. Visit the following sites if you’re looking for ideas to increase your business and software expertise.

Adobe, makers of Acrobat and other inventive software, offers online seminars and events that may be scheduled for a town near you. Learn more about using Acrobat, digital video and more.

http://www.adobe.com/events/main.jsp

Avery, the office products company, gives you access to a business resource center that includes free template downloads and a host of ideas to build your business. Don’t forget to sign up for their newsletter.

http://www.avery.com

Hewlett Packard offers online classes in their learning center. Wait until you see the class list – digital photography, Internet firewall protection, creating presentations, desktop storage solutions, and much, much more.

http://www.hplearningcenter.com

Are you a member of the “I Hate Filing” club? Esselte, best known for their Pendaflex brand filing products, simplifies this tedious chore with information on how to do it quickly and easily. Sign up for their newsletter, which often provides a link to receive a free product. Pendaflex also has a learning center. Look for the link.