PC Essentials for New Users

Purpose
To set the scene for people who have very little or no computing experience but who would like to understand a little more about the technology and the software available. This course would include a very brief introduction to the use of applications such as word processing and spreadsheets.

Although there will be a reasonable degree of practical work, please note, this course only gives you the foundations - to become more proficient in Word, Excel, Using the Internet, etc, we run additional courses.

This course is normally run on a customised basis only, but if you are prepared to share a course with others, let us know and we'll see if we can match you up with people having similar requirements.

Intended For:
Anyone who has no real experience of personal computers but who would like to obtain some general background for business or personal use before considering further training.
Some keyboarding skills would be preferable.

For delegates wishing to take further training, we suggest you look at the introductory modules of an application course in Word or Excel.

Objectives:
To give delegates: an understanding of the fundamental concepts and terminology associated with business computers;
a brief introduction to word processing and spreadsheet software
a brief introduction to file management
a foundation on which to build further skills

Suggested Course Outline
Duration: half a day

The Hardware:
Identify the hardware components of a personal computer system
Describe in broad terms the principles of storage and the conditions that might endanger that storage
Power up a PC and other devices such as printers correctly and, where appropriate, log on to a Network

Running Software
Load and exit Windows - explaining the Desktop, Start buttons and Taskbar
Starting and exiting Applications
Turn on/off the PC and other devices correctly
Log on/off a Network (if appropriate)
Explain the purpose of networking and use shared resources where this is applicable

Creating a File
Using Word, creating a basic document
Saving and printing.
Closing the file.
Opening existing files, basic editing and saving

The Basics of File Management (through an Application such as Word):
Explain the naming conventions to be used when creating files
Delete unwanted files
Restore deleted files and shortcuts from the recycle bin, if appropriate

Additional Modules

In addition to the half day module above, customers could select from the following modules. Each of these is also a half day in length.

Module 1: Using Word Processing Software:
Creating a basic memo: entering text, centring headings, adding bold/underlining
Creating a document based on a master file or template, such as a letter
Running a spelling checker
Saving the file
Closing the file
Opening the file
Making some text changes - deleting, inserting and moving
Incorporating some formatting such as bold, underlined text, and centred headings
Printing the file

Module 2: Using Spreadsheet Software:
Creating a small spreadsheet: entering data and row and column totals
Incorporating some formatting such as bold, underlined text, and centred headings
If time permits, prepare a bar chart based on a small range of data (using QuickChart only)
Saving the file
Closing the file
Opening the file
Modifying some of the data
Printing the file

Module 3: Revision and Extension plus

File Management through Explorer or My Computer:
Make a folder
Move or copy files from one folder to another
Save files choosing an appropriate drive and folder

Further Modules:
Outlines can be supplied if delegates would like to add further modules for grounding in one or more of the following:
Email
Internet use
Electronic Calendars and Organisation tools (such as Outlook)
Presentation Packages (such as PowerPoint)

Question Time
There will be opportunities throughout the course to ask questions, but delegates may elect to reserve some time specifically for questions and answers.