• Understand the Windows environment and about Files & Folders
• Understanding of W.I.M.P (Windows Icons, Menus and Pointers)
• Learn how to use input devices, the humble Keyboard and Mouse
• Windows Explorer

In this lesson you will come to understand the Windows environment and the basics of how it works, how data and information is stored and organised within windows. This section covers understanding and the use of Windows Icons, Menus, and Pointers (commonly referred to as W.I.M.P).

You will learn how to process and perform tasks using WIMP and Windows Explorer, and how to direct and give instructions to the computer by learning the basics of using the common keyboard and mouse. You will gain an understanding of how these input devices integrate and communicate with the computer and how they can be used to manipulate the Windows environment.

• Getting to grips with the look and feel of your Operating System
• Understanding User Profiles and Storage Locations

In this lesson you will learn the basics of using your operating system and the key differences between Windows versions; whether you use Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or the new Windows 8 this lesson will help you get to grips with your version of Windows.

You will learn about User Profiles, what they are and how you will use them in your every day computing.

• Keep your files & documents organised using Folders
• Effective levels of folders and sub-folders, and the many properties of each

In this lesson you will learn how to organise your files (documents) using folders and sub-folders. Just like in real-life, organisation helps keep things in order and helps to make items easy to find when you need them.

Learn how to search through your files and folders instantly, and view files in order of specific properties, such as size and date, etc.

• Learn what the Internet is.
• What is a Web Browser, what does it do?
• How to efficiently ‘surf the web’ using tabs and windows
• Learn how to keep your passwords and personal details safe online

Everyone has heard of the internet and many of us use the internet in our daily life, but what exactly is the internet? In this lesson you will receive a brief introduction to the Internet and its history; what the Internet actually is, why it was originally developed and how it works.

You will learn about Web Browsers, what they are, which you should use and why you should care. We’ll also show you how to efficiently browse the internet using Tabs and windows.

Learn how to tell if a website you are using is secure and whether or not to trust it when entering your personal information. Finally we will show you how to formulate secure passwords, keep them secure and how you can manage your passwords and accounts across multiple websites in addition to keeping all of your personal data safe and secure online.

• How to access and use the free applications that come bundled with Windows
• What the limits of these applications are, and what other software you may be interested in
• How to expand on your software library and the other types of software available

Bundled into windows are some very basic yet useful applications which can slowly introduce you to software. Whether you’d like to be able to write a letter, send an email or maybe just take some notes - there are tools built into Windows that allow you to do this.

We will also show you the limitations of these programs and why you may prefer to upgrade or purchase a more advanced package. We’ll also give you an overview of the types of other software packages available.

• Learn how to make backup copies of your files
• How to automate your backups
• Help prevent potential corruption
• Avoid data loss

Something often overlooked with computers is backing up your information. In this lesson you will be learning not only the importance of backing up your data regularly, but also how to automate the process and the reasons why you should backup.

You will learn how to make backups from within the Operating System and also about some of the 3rd party cloud-based programs and applications available which can assist with this and the benefits provided by these.

• Setting up an email account (email address)
• Web based or Client based email
• Description of email clients

Most people today have at least one email address; many have multiple. In this lesson we will explain the advantages of having multiple email addresses, how to get one, the pros and cons of web mail vs an email client and the email services and clients available to you, and the features and facilities of each.

• Learn how to make telephone (and video) calls over the internet
• Learn how to declutter and make money on eBay
• Learn about shopping online and the basics of online security

In this lesson you will learn how to save and even make some money using the Internet.

From free telephone (and video) calls using Skype, to selling unwanted items on eBay; the Internet offers a treasure trove of tools, websites and applications to help make your life easier and accomplish regular everyday tasks more conveniently.

• Write documents, letters
• Create post cards, posters and flyers

In this lesson you will learn how to make the most of Microsoft Word (or your word processing application of choice). What sort of tasks can be made easier by using a word processor.

Learn about Templates included with some word processing applications and what you can do with them.

• Why computer maintenance is important
• What is a Disk Cleanup utility, why and how you should use one
• What is a Disk Defragmenter, and how to use one
• How to automate - or manually run Windows Updates
• The importance of regular computer maintenance:
  • Security fixes
  • Software patches
  • How to prevent degrading system health

This lesson will provide you with a thorough knowledge of computer maintenance and show you how you can maintain your own system.

You will learn about file continuity, the importance of clearing out your system clutter, and how to prevent prolong your systems lifespan, ensure speed and performance are maintained and that your system is up to date and as secure as possible.

• What is ‘the Control Panel’?
• Commonly used Control Panel items
• How to safely add/remove programs
• Adding new devices to your computer
• Adjust your monitors display settings
• Creating and managing user accounts

In this lesson we will teach you about the Windows Control Panel and the many tools it holds that you can make great use of.

There is quite a lot you can do in the Control Panel, but if you don’t have a good understanding of its contents you can do more harm to your computer than good. The aim of this lesson is to help you feel comfortable navigating around the Control Panel and give you an understanding of the key elements and facilities available.

• Why you need a software protection package
• What anti-virus software does and why you need it
• The different types of protection available
• What is a Firewall and what is it for

In this lesson we will be covering the basics of Internet Security and Anti-Virus software. You will learn about the different types of software packages available, why the software is important, what it does and how to decide what package is best suited to your needs.

We will also download and install for you, a (optional) free trial of our recommended security software for you to test drive. You will learn how to configure the software for effective use and how to update and monitor the software and state of your systems protection.

• How and why you would want to use spreadsheets
• An introduction to spreadsheet formulas
• How to use a spreadsheet to assist with calculations and budgeting on a day to day or month to month basis

Spread sheets are a very useful tool however sometimes found intimidating. We will slowly introduce you to the world of spreadsheets and show you how to get the best out of them. You will learn the basic uses of spreadsheets, how to use formulas to conduct calculations, and how they can assist you with your day to day life and calculations.

We will show you how to set up a spreadsheet which you can then use to manage your finances on a day to day or month to month basis, including budgeting to track your incomings and outgoings.