PCW 22: Basic Computer Skills Workshop
Sample Outline

1. The Hardware
   • Identification of the external components of an Intel/IBM compatible personal computer: CPU case, monitor, mouse, keyboard, connecting cables
   • Identification of input devices (used to control the computer) vs. output devices (presents response of computer)
   • Identification of the features on the front panel of CPU case: Power button, reset button, drive slots, status indicator lights
   • Other types of microcomputers, e.g. Apple Macintosh
   • Peripherals such as printers

2. Start up
   • normal power up
   • safe shutdown
   • "Cold" boot vs. "Warm" boot
   • Windows Login (username and password)

3. Software 1: The Operating System
   • Loading of the Windows operating system
   • the splash screen
   • Function of operating systems such as Windows and MAC OS
   • Evolution of Windows OS and current versions
   • The Graphical User Interface
   • Elements of the Windows opening screen
     • the desktop
     • icons
     • taskbar
     • start button
     • system tray
   • Introduction to use of the mouse
     • mouse pointer
     • moving mouse pointer across desktop
     • mouse buttons
     • using the left button to select an object,
     • deselecting an object
     • dragging/dropping objects

4. Managing a window and more on using the mouse
   • Opening a window on the desktop by double clicking on an icon (e.g. My Computer, Recycle Bin)
   • Elements of a window
     • Title bar
     • Control buttons (min, max, close)
     • Menu bar
     • Drop down menus
     • Cascading menus
     • Selecting menu items with mouse
   • Manipulating windows
     • Moving (dragging)
     • Resizing (min, max)
     • Closing

5. The Start button and Menu
   • Elements of the start menu
     • Programs
     • Other elements (e.g. Control Panel)
     • Shutdown
     • Cascading (sub) menus
   • Selecting Start Menu items

6. Software 2: Applications
   • Application Software: What is it?
   • Types of Application software
     • Word Processing
     • Graphics
   • Starting a program (e.g. Notepad)
   • Exiting a program

7. Using applications: Word Processing
   • Starting Wordpad or similar word processing program
   • Elements of the main application window (menus, buttons etc.)
   • Entering, formatting and editing text
   • Text insertion and mouse pointer
   • Selecting text with mouse
   • Dialog boxes (e.g. displayed after selecting menu item)
     • Elements of dialog boxes
     • Buttons, checkboxes, radio buttons
     • Text boxes
     • Drop down menus
   • Understanding the keyboard
     • Typewriter keys
     • Toggle keys
     • Directional keys
     • Other special keys
   • Keyboard shortcuts

8. Storing files
   • Memory vs. Permanent/secondary storage
   • Understanding secondary storage media: diskettes, hard drives, zip drives, cds
   • Preparing diskettes: formatting
   • Saving files on diskette
     • Saving Wordpad file (File > Save)
     • Save File dialog box
     • Selecting drive (A:)
     • File names
   • Retrieving file with File > Open
   • File size and capacity of diskettes

9. Printing
   Sharing a printer and the concept of networking

10. Other types of applications
    • Graphics with Microsoft Paint
    • Web browsing with Internet Explorer/Netscape Navigator