Course Content

Description: This is a course for complete beginners where you will learn what hardware and software is, and how to operate a personal computer using Windows. The course also includes a free typing tutor for keyboard skills.

Who Should Attend: Complete beginners who need to learn the fundamentals of using a personal computer.

Duration: 1 day, though it can be 2 days depending on the experience of the user.

Prerequisites: Ability to read, write, communicate, and comprehend at least at the GET level.

Unit Standards: SAQA US ID: 117925: Describe the concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the use of its components in a healthy and safe manner (NQF Level 2, 3 Credits).

Module 1: Personal Computers

• What is a computer and the different types of computers.

Module 2: Hardware

• Components of a PC and how a computer works.
• Understanding the system unit, input devices, output devices, and input/output devices.
• Storage devices, peripheral devices, and computer performance.

Module 3: Networking

• Data communications and what a network is.
• E-mail, the Internet, and how to access the Internet.

Module 4: Software Components of a computer

• What computer software is, including Operating Systems and Application software.

Module 5: Starting up and shutting down the PC

• Starting up and shutting down Windows.
• Handling problems with starting, system hangs, and system error messages.

Module 6: Using Windows

• Desktop, icons, and the Start menu.
• Starting programs and understanding a Window.
• Using menus, dialog boxes, and working with more than one Window.
• Rearranging Windows on the Desktop.

Module 7: Files and Folders

• File Explorer, Documents, and the Control Panel.
• Understanding drives, folders, and files.
• Opening folders, opening files, and changing the view.
• Printing files, printers, and changing display properties.

Module 8: Managing Files and Folders

• Selecting, creating, moving, and copying files or folders.
• Copying files to another disk.
• Deleting, restoring, and renaming files or folders.
• Emptying the Recycle Bin.
• Creating shortcuts on the desktop and using Find File.

Module 9: The Internet

• The World Wide Web and HTML.
• Understanding browsers and surfing the Internet.
• Using search engines like Google, Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Bing.
• Managing favorites/bookmarks and changing your home page.