Basic Computer

What is taught on our basic computer courses? Windows XP: Lesson 1

Basically, this part of our basic computer courses teach you how to control the computer once the machine has been turned on. Moving, Restoring, Maximizing windows is taught.

Windows Vista is now taught as well. With some machines dedicated to Vista, the differences are pointed out.

Microsoft Word:Lesson 1 & 2

Word-Processing. Once you get used to word-processing
you will never want to hand-write again. Whether you want to write letters, create flyers and posters or even tackle your first novel, Microsoft Word is the program you need to get to grips with.

For those with some prior knowledge of Word, it is usually the case that topics such as setting margins tabs and paragraph indents are still of interest and they find it useful even to go over the very basic things. (It is still surprising how experienced users may not be aware of the difference between the delete and the backspace delete keys!) TImes change. Whereas in the past it may have been necessary to spend some time using the mouse, it is found that these days, more than likely we are able to cover topics such as Macros, Templates and Mail Merge.

Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet: Lesson 3

Microsoft Excel is used for adding up numbers. For example, your weekly spending, household budget or mortgage repayments.

Editing. Moving around the sheet. Series. Formatting. Formulas. Absolute Reference. Charts. Excel is probably the most friendly package of all.

Microsoft Access Database: Lesson 4

Essentially for storing names and addresses. Making a Table, Form , Query, Form and Report. Often in an office situation, it would be required to simply use a Form to enter data. This Access course teaches how to design such things in the first place!

PowerPoint Desk-Top Publishing: Lesson 5

For making fancy slides and presentations with tables, pictures and graphs. Word Art, Clip Art. Animation. PowerPoint can also be very straightforward - once the difference between a new slide and a new presentation is realized!

Windows Explorer: Lesson 5

Creating folders. Deleting files. Restoring files. Moving files about. Generally organizing your computer!

Internet/email: Lesson 6

What is an ISP. What is a URL. Web Searching. Email Attaching Replying. Forwarding. Web Publishing. Once again, it is increasingly the case that people do have a little experience with the web and correspondingly the course has adapted to introduce an introduction to making your own web and get a name for yourself!

Who are our basic computer courses for?

Housewives, businessmen and women, graduates looking for jobs or people in between jobs - anyone who needs new skills. Age range: 8 to 80 (so far!).

How long are the basic computer courses?

6 three-hour sessions : 6 mornings or 6 evenings.

Daytime schedule : 10am to 1pm every other day.
i.e. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

Evening schedule : 6.30pm to 9.00pm, Mondays (but this may be another night by consensus). Plus, free and unlimited practice time.

Class duration is 3 hours with a short break. (2 1/2 hrs evening). This is fairly intensive with everybody "pressing the same key at the same time".
Practice time is unlimited and free of charge in order to consolidate what you have learned if necessary. A member of staff is usually then on hand to give assistance.

Do I get sent off to a corner with a computer and a book / audio program and asked to get on with it?

NO!

Do I get almost constant individual attention? (Which I need if I know nothing about computers)

YES.

What standard will I achieve?

Although the course starts from a very elementary level, it
is quite surprising how much can be covered. The level achieved in Windows and Word-processing for example is "proficient";.

Do I get printed notes?

Yes ! A very simplified and much acclaimed colourful manual which we have developed.

Can I get a letter of confirmation after successfully taking the course?

Yes. A college certificate is issued.

Would it be useful to include this on my curriculum vitae?

Yes, it is very impressive to an employer if you can state for example that you can use the latest version of Word for Windows or Excel for Windows.

Will I learn the difference between a hard disk and a flash drive?

Yes. Along with a lot of other things you need to know about the computer itself. This is particularly useful if you are about to buy a computer.

Can I seek assistance even when the course is completed?

Yes.

Are you sure I can do it?

We can guarantee that anyone can achieve a level of competence. This guarantee is based upon having no-one to date who could not cope - despite an almost universal apprehension before starting.

2003 or 2007?

Office 2003 is mainly tuaght. The differences with Office 2007 are demonstarted. If only 2007 is required, please let us know.