Introduction to PCs - Online Course

This series is designed to introduce users to personal computers. Users will learn what a PC is and what an operating system is. They will learn basic computer skills such as turning a computer on, logging on to Windows, and working with files. Users will also learn to identify and use the major components of a PC, both externally and internally, including: disk drives, monitors, mice, keyboards, and printers.

This series is for anyone who wants an introduction to the use of a PC with Windows as the operating system. This online course contains 10 lessons and should take approximately 35 hours to complete.

Lesson 1: Introducing the PC (4.0) hours

Introducing the PC teaches you how to explain what a PC is, identify components of a PC, describe types of PCs, and start and shut down a PC. This course introduces users to basic computer concepts and instructs users on how to start the PC. Topics include Defining a PC, Describing a typical PC, The front of the PC's console, The back of the PC's console, Types of PCs, Basic PC software, Turning on the PC, Using a power strip or UPS (uninteruptible power source), Starting Windows, Logging on to Windows, Shutting down the PC, Resetting the PC, and Leaving the computer on.

Lesson 2: Using Your PC (4.0) hours

Using Your PC teaches you how to navigate the desktop, use the Windows taskbar and Start menu, use windows, menus and dialog boxes, and use a PC's disk drives. This course teaches users how to navigate within the Windows operating system and use the drives in a PC. Topics include Navigating the desktop, Using the Windows taskbar, Using the Start menu, Exploring Windows, Using windows in Windows, Using menus and dialog boxes, Getting help from Windows, Describing a PC's disk drives, Locating a PC's disk drives, Accessing disk drive information, Using the CD-ROM/DVD drive, Using the floppy drive, and Using the Zip drive.

Lesson 3: Working with Folders and Files (4.0) hours

Working with Folders and Files teaches you how to create, use and delete folders, create, open, name and save files, find, move, copy and delete files, and create shortcuts to files. This course introduces users to the concepts of folders and files and explains how they are used within the Windows operating system Topics include Using folders, Viewing folders, Creating folders, Deleting folders, Compressing folders, Using the Open dialog box, Using the Save As dialog box, Naming files, Selecting files, Moving files, Copying files, Creating shortcuts, Deleting and undeleting files, and Finding files in Windows.

Lesson 4: Inside Your PC (4.0) hours

Inside Your PC teaches you how to identify the motherboard, BIOS and microprocessor, explain the use of jacks, ports and other connections, recognize types of disk drives, and define, idenify and add memory. This course explains the components within a PC and how they are used. Topics include The motherboard and BIOS, The microprocessor, Connecting to the motherboard, Using the PC's clock, Jacks and ports, Using USB ports, Using FireWire and serial ports, Using other connections, Types of disk drives, The hard disk drive, CD-ROM and DVD drives, Other disk drives, Defining memory, Identifying your PC's memory, and Adding memory to your PC.

Lesson 5: Basic Peripherals (4.0) hours

Basic Peripherals teaches you how to adjust and operate a monitor, use a mouse, operate a keyboard, and configure and use a printer. This course describes the function and uses of typical peripherals that are used with PCs. Topics include Monitors and graphics, Adjusting the monitor, Altering the display, Using two monitors, Troubleshooting monitors, Types of mice, Using a mouse, Adjusting a mouse, Using the keyboard, Troubleshooting the keyboard, Types of printers, Setting up a printer, and Using a printer.

Lesson 6: Other Peripherals (3.0) hours

Other Peripherals teaches you how to connect and use a modem, utilize sound on a PC, create and edit images, and identify and install peripherals. This course and uses of other peripherals available for a PC including modems, sound cards, scanners, digital cameras, and external disk drives and explains how to install these peripherals. Topics include Defining Modems, Types of Modems, Connecting a Modem to Your PC, Using a Modem, Sound on a PC, Using Sound in Windows, Using Other Sound Features, Scanners and Digital Cameras, Moving Images to a PC, Editing Images, Installing Peripherals, Identifying Popular Peripherals, and Upgrading Your PC.

Lesson 7: Understanding Software (2.0) hours

Understanding Software teaches you how to install software, uninstall software, update software, and describe common types of software. This course introduces users to typical software available for PCs and how to install and update the software. Topics include Buying software for your PC, Installing software, Uninstalling software, Updating software, Software for the some, Entertainment software, Business software, and Other software.

Lesson 8: Introducing the Internet (3.0) hours

Introducing the Internet teaches you how to configure Windows for the Internet, connect to the Internet, disconnect from the Internet, use a Web browser, and send and read e-mail. This course introduces users to the Internet and explains how to use a Web browser and e-mail. Topics include Getting on the Internet, Configuring Windows for the Internet, Connecting to the Internet, Using Internet software, Using a Web browser, Visiting Web sites, Starting Outlook Express, Sending e-mail, and Reading e-mail.

Lesson 9: Internet and E-mail Tips (4.0) hours

Internet and E-mail Tips teaches you how to use Internet search engines, set bookmarks on Web pages, personalize e-mail messages, use the Outlook Express Address Book, download programs and music from the Internet, and send and receive e-mail attachments. This course provides users with detailed information on how to best use the Internet, Web browsers, and e-mail. Topics include Searching the Web, Shopping online, Using bookmarks and history, Other tips for using the Internet, Personalizing your e-mail, Managing your e-mail, Using your address book, Other tips for using e-mail, Saving a Web page, Downloading programs and music, Working with e-mail attachments, and Using FTP.

Lesson 10: Troubleshooting and Tips (3.0) hours

Troubleshooting and Tips teaches you how to back up files, use System Restore and Safe Mode, handle viruses and other issues, troubleshoot common problems, and identify common mistakes and helpful tips. This course provides users with information on how to protect data on their computer and overcome potential problems in addition to offering tips on how to maximize the efficiency of their PC. Topics include Using the Emergency Boot Disk, Backing Up Your Files, Dealing with Viruses, Using System Restore, Checking Your PC for Trouble, Using Safe Mode, Checking for Device Conflicts, Restoring a Device Driver, Troubleshooting Startup Problems, Identifying Sources for Help, Identifying Ten Common Mistakes, Identifying Ten Smart Purchases, and Top Ten Tips from a Guru.