Basic Computing Skills

Course Description

Put your fears aside! Come and learn how a computer works, how to operate a mouse and be introduced to the Windows operating system. With this gentle introduction to computers, you'll feel more comfortable taking other courses. Basic hardware concepts, an introduction to word processing and a taste of the Internet and email will be covered. All reference materials provided. No experience necessary.

Participant Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand personal computer components
Use the Start menu
Understand standard window components
Use the mouse to click, double click and drag icons on the desktop
Open and close programs (applications)
Maximize, minimize, restore, size and move windows on the desktop
Use and select various menu options
Customize your mouse settings
Use Help feature
Understand computer memory and information storage
Understand & create folders and files
Understand basic keyboard functions
Use WordPad

Course Content

Lesson 1: Getting Started with Windows

Topic A: Windows Explorer Environment
Topic B: Create Folders & Shortcuts
Topic C: Open Programs
Topic D: Create a Document in WordPad
Topic E: Save a file
Topic F: Print a Document
Topic G: Move/Copy/Delete Files & Folders
Topic H: Change Display Properties (Control Panel)
Topic I: Use Help
Topic J: Using Search

Lesson 2: Getting Started with the Internet

Topic A: Internet Explorer Environment (Menus, Toolbars)
Topic B: URLs and Entering Known Addresses
Topic C: Explore Several Search Engines
Topic D: Search the Internet
Topic E: Navigating Through a Website
Topic F: Set a Home Page
Topic G: Manage Favourites
Topic H: Use Help