PC Applications - Online Course

This series is designed for computer users who have limited or no computer experience. The series of courses provides an overview of computer hardware, storage, software, and security and copyright considerations. This series also provides introductory instruction on using a personal computer and various PC applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, browser, as well as electronic mail applications.

This course is for those people who have never used a computer and for those who have some computer experience but no formal qualification proving their knowledge or skills. This online course contains 7 lessons and should take approximately 40 hours to complete.

Lesson 1: Concepts of Information Technology (IT) (3.0) hours

Concepts of Information Technology (IT) teaches you how to identify various kinds of computers, from mainframes to microcomputers, distinguish between computer hardware and software, identify the steps in developing a computer-based system, list several ways that networking extends the capabilities of a personal computer, list several precautions to follow to prevent damage to a computer and its data, and distinguish differences among copyrighted software, shareware, and freeware. After taking this course, the learner will be able to identify and differentiate various kinds of computers, hardware, and software. The learner will also be able to describe the concept of networking and list strategies for protecting their computers and the data they contain. Topics include Information technology, Understanding computer types, Main parts of a personal computer, Computer performance, Input and output, Computer storage devices, Software, Types of software, Systems development, Networks, The electronic world, Health, safety, and environment, Security, and Copyright and the law.

Lesson 2: Using the Computer and Managing Files (5.0) hours

Using the Computer and Managing Files teaches you how to start, shut down, and restart a personal computer, display information about the operating system and the desktop, format a diskette, identify the parts of an application window, manage folders, files, and program icons, and edit and print data. After taking this course, the learner will be able to start, shut down, and restart the computer; display system data, desktop information, and online help; work with icons and windows; organize files and folders; as well as edit and print data. Topics include Starting and shutting down the PC, Displaying system information, Changing the PC's desktop configuration, PC setup operations, Introduction to icons, Working with desktop icons, Working with windows, Using help, Text editing, File management, Working with folders and files, Deleting and restoring folders and files, Searching for folders and files, Compressing files, Viruses, and Printer setup.

Lesson 3: Word Processing (6.0) hours

Word Processing teaches you how to create, save, close, and revise a document or template, format characters and paragraphs individually and as a group (using styles), search and replace text, preview and print a document, create, manipulate, and format a table, and add and manipulate graphics and objects. After taking this course, the learner will be able to use a word processing application to create documents, as well as manipulate and format text. The learner will also be able to prepare a document for printing, preview and print a document, create tables, import objects, and merge a mailing list with a document. Topics include Opening and closing a word processing application and documents, Saving documents, Adjusting settings, Inserting data, Selecting and editing data, Copying, moving, and deleting text, Search and replace, Formatting text, Working with text formats, Working with paragraphs, Working with lists and borders, Document formatting, Headers and footers, and Creating tables.

Lesson 4: Spreadsheets (9.0) hours

Spreadsheets teaches you how to open, revise, close, and print a spreadsheet, insert, select, copy, move, and delete data, search, replace, sort, and format data, use, create, and copy both formulas and functions (e.g., SUM, AVERAGE, and IF), import an object and text file into a spreadsheet, and create, adjust, move, and delete a chart. After taking this course, the learner will be able to work with a spreadsheet application to insert and manipulate data. The learner will also be able to create formulas and functions, format and print a spreadsheet, import objects, and create and adjust charts. Topics include Opening and closing spreadsheets, Creating and saving spreadsheets, Using help, Adjusting settings, Cells, Rows and columns, Editing data, Copying data, Moving and deleting data, Find and replace, Sorting data, Handling worksheets, Working with formulas, Cell referencing, Working with functions, The IF function, Formatting numbers and dates, Formatting cell contents, Working with alignments and border effects, Creating charts and graphs, Editing charts and graphs, Worksheet setup, and Printing worksheets.

Lesson 5: Database (5.0) hours

Database teaches you how to open, close, create, and update a database, revise and save records, create, use, and revise a data entry form, create and refine a query, select and sort data, and create and edit a report. After taking this course, the learner will be able to work with a database application to create a database, create, use, and change a data entry form, retrieve information, and create reports. Topics include Database concepts, Opening and closing a database application, Adjusting settings, Defining table fields, Finalizing tables, Creating table relationships, Adding and revising records, Working with forms, Searching records, Filtering and sorting records, Queries, Advanced query functions, Creating reports, Working with reports, and Printing information.

Lesson 6: Presentation (6.0) hours

Presentation teaches you how to create, format, save, open, revise, and close a presentation document, export a presentation document to an application or Web site, add text and an images to a slide, use a master slide, preview and print a presentation document, and add special effects and deliver the slide show. After taking this course, the learner will be able to work with a presentation application to insert, manipulate, and format text, images, and slides. The learner will also be able to draw objects and produce charts for a presentation; print and distribute a presentation; and add special effects to a slide presentation. Topics include Opening and closing an application and presentations, Using help, Adjusting settings, Presentation views, Slides and design templates, The master slide, Adding and editing text, Formatting the slide layout, Inserting images, Creating charts and graphs, Creating organizational charts, Drawing objects, Editing drawn objects, Copying, moving, and deleting objects, Adding slide show effects, Preparing presentations, and Printing and delivering a presentation.

Lesson 7: Information and Communication (6.0) hours

Information and Communication teaches you how to open and close a Web browsing application, display a Web page, search the Web for information and navigate among pages, open and close an electronic mail application, create, send, receive, save, reply to, and forward a message, and use an address book. After taking this course, the learner will be able to open a Web browsing application, search for information on the Web, and use electronic mail to send and receive messages. Topics include Internet concepts, Security considerations, Using a Web browser, Adjusting settings, Accessing Web pages, Using bookmarks, Using a search engine, Printing Web pages, E-mail concepts and security considerations, Opening and closing an e-mail application, Using help, Reading mail messages, Replying to mail messages, Sending mail messages, Advanced messaging options, Copying, moving, and deleting messages, Mail management techniques, Using address books, Organizing messages, and Printing messages.