Vista Getting started with your new Windows laptop

Vista - Getting started with your new Windows laptop
You may have a new laptop computer or may be thinking of buying one. Even if you have completed a beginner's course using an earlier version of Microsoft Windows, you may be baffled by the new Vista operating system. This short course is designed to teach you the basics you need to start exploring your computer and finding out what it can do for you.

What does the course involve?
You will learn through tutor demonstration and practical exercises in class using your own laptop computer or one provided by the college.

What will I study?
The Desktop We will look at the desktop - the screen that greets you when you switch on and log on to Windows - and answer the question, 'Where can we go from here?'. We will also discuss the Windows Sidebar and the gadgets it contains.

Programs We will cover how to access the programs installed on your computer and consider your options to add more programs.

Windows Basics What is a window and how does it differ from previous versions of Windows? How do we use menus, buttons, bars and boxes on a Vista computer? The course will guide you to an answer to both of these questions.

What are the entry requirements for Vista - Getting started with your new Windows laptop?

• You do not need to have studied this subject before.
• There are no entry requirements.

How is the course assessed?

• There is no assessment for this course

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own laptop to this class?
If you have one, you will gain more from learning on your own laptop. Please ensure that its battery is fully charged before each class or bring along a lead to connect to the mains.

I don't have my own laptop yet. Can I still take part?
Yes - the college has a few Vista laptops which you can use in class.

I have Vista on my desktop computer. Can I enrol on this course?
Yes - the course is intended mainly for laptop users, so a few topics may not be relevant to desktop computers, but you should benefit from the course as a whole.

I have an Apple Macintosh. Is this the course for me?
Sorry - This is specifically aimed at users of laptops or desktop computers with Windows Vista as the operating system.

This information is believed to be correct. Cirencester College continually updates and reviews its provision to ensure that it meets the needs of the community. Therefore the right to amend, change or delete learning programmes, accreditation routes or terms and conditions relating to entitlement to study is reserved at all times. We aim to provide open access to a comprehensive range of high quality education and training for the whole community over the age of 16 regardless of race, class, belief, language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, previous educational attainment or particular circumstances.