Using Windows and Managing Your Files
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- 17 lessons
- 3 h 25 min
- Certificate
Computer basics - Beginner
Computer Basics and Digital Literacy
Start from zero: learn what a computer is, how its parts work, how to use it with confidence, and how to stay safe and healthy while you do.
About this course
This course is your first step into the digital world. You will learn what a computer is, how the main parts work together, and how to switch on, log in, use the mouse and keyboard, and open and close programs.
You will also meet the software that runs on computers and phones, learn how to install it safely, and build good habits: strong passwords, backups, caring for your equipment and using a computer in a healthy way.
The course is written for complete beginners. No experience is needed, and every lesson ends with a short activity you can do on your own computer, laptop or phone.
What you will learn
- Explain in simple words what a computer is and how it turns input into output.
- Name the main parts of a computer and say what each one does.
- Compare storage types and read memory sizes such as MB, GB and TB.
- Switch a computer on and off safely and move around the desktop.
- Use a mouse, touchpad and keyboard with growing confidence.
- Tell operating systems from applications and install software safely.
- Create safer passwords and make a simple backup plan.
- Look after your equipment, your health and other people online.
Course content
5 modules · 18 lessons · 3 h 18 min · 6 quizzes
Module 1: Meet your computer
What a computer is, how hardware and software differ, and how a computer turns input into output.
- What is a computer? 10 min
- Hardware and software 10 min
- Types of computers and devices 10 min
- How a computer works 12 min
- Quiz: 7 questions
Module 2: Parts and devices
The parts inside and around a computer: processor, memory, storage, ports, peripherals and how to measure memory.
- Inside the computer: CPU, RAM and motherboard 12 min
- Storage and measuring memory 12 min
- Ports, cables and peripherals 12 min
- Quiz: 8 questions
Module 3: Starting and using a computer
Switching on and off, the desktop, the mouse and touchpad, the keyboard, and working with windows and programs.
- Switching on, logging in and shutting down 10 min
- The desktop, mouse and touchpad 12 min
- Keyboard layout and shortcuts 12 min
- Working with windows and programs 12 min
- Quiz: 7 questions
Module 4: Software and apps
Operating systems, applications, safe installation, updates and licences.
- Operating systems 10 min
- Applications and installing software safely 12 min
- Updates, licences, free and paid software 10 min
- Quiz: 7 questions
Module 5: Being digital
Digital literacy, passwords, backups, caring for equipment, power protection, online manners and healthy use.
- What is digital literacy? 10 min
- Passwords and backups 12 min
- Caring for equipment and power protection 10 min
- Healthy and respectful computer use 10 min
- Quiz: 7 questions
Final exam
30 questions. Pass with 70% or more to earn your certificate.
What you need
- No experience needed
- A computer, laptop or smartphone to practise on (a shared one is fine)
Further reading
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