Course curriculum

  • 1

    About this tutorial

    • About this tutorial

  • 2

    Lesson 2: What is a computer?

    • What is a computer?

    • Hardware vs. software

    • What are the different types of computers?

    • Desktop computers

    • Laptop computers

    • Tablet computers

    • Servers

    • Other types of computers

    • PCs and Macs
  • 3

    Lesson 3: Basic Parts of a Computer

    • Introduction

    • Computer case

    • Monitor

    • Keyboard

    • Mouse

    • Mouse alternatives
  • 4

    Lesson 4: Buttons and Ports on a Computer

    • Introduction

    • Front of a computer case

    • Back of a computer case

    • Other types of ports

    • Peripherals you can use with your computer

    • Speakers/headphones: Speakers and headphones

    • Microphones

    • Web camera

    • Digital cameras

    • Game controllers and joysticks

    • Mobile phones, MP3 players, tablet computers, and other devices
  • 5

    Lesson 5: Inside a Computer

    • Inside a computer

    • Motherboard

    • CPU/processor

    • RAM (random access memory)

    • Hard drive

    • Power supply unit

    • Expansion cards
  • 6

    Lesson 6: Laptop Computers

    • What is a laptop computer?

    • How is a laptop different from a desktop?
  • 7

    Lesson 7: Mobile Devices

    • What is a mobile device?

    • Tablet computers

    • E-readers

    • Smartphones
  • 8

    Lesson 8: Understanding Operating Systems

    • What is an operating system?

    • The operating system's job

    • Types of operating systems

    • Microsoft Windows

    • macOS

    • Linux

    • Operating systems for mobile devices
  • 9

    Lesson 9: Understanding Applications

    • What is an application?

    • Desktop Applications

    • Mobile apps

    • Installing new applications
  • 10

    Lesson 10: Setting Up a Computer

    • Setting up a computer

    • Setting up a laptop computer

    • Setting up a desktop computer
  • 11

    Lesson 11: Getting Started with Your First Computer

    • Getting started with your first computer

    • Turning on a computer

    • The keyboard and mouse

    • Using a computer
  • 12

    Lesson 12: Getting to Know the OS

    • Getting to know your computer's OS

    • Getting to know the interface

    • All about your computer's file system

    • Opening your computer's file system

    • Basic navigation

    • Deleting files

    • Opening files and applications

    • Adjusting your computer's settings

    • Shutting down your computer
  • 13

    Lesson 13: Connecting to the Internet

    • How do I connect to the Internet?

    • Types of Internet service

    • Choosing an Internet service provider

    • Hardware needed

    • Setting up your Internet connection

    • Home networking
  • 14

    14: Getting Started with the Internet

    • Getting started with the Internet

    • Browsing the web

    • Navigating websites

    • Other things you can do on the Internet
  • 15

    Lesson 15: Understanding the Cloud

    • What is the cloud?

    • Why use the cloud?

    • What is a web app?
  • 16

    Lesson 16: Keeping your computer physically clean

    • Keeping your computer physically clean

    • Cleaning the keyboard

    • Dealing with liquids

    • Cleaning the mouse

    • Cleaning the monitor

    • Tips for cleaning other computer surfaces

    • Keep it cool
  • 17

    Lesson 17: Protecting Your Computer

    • Protecting your computer

    • Safeguarding against malware

    • Backing up your computer

    • Other maintenance techniques
  • 18

    Lesson 18: Creating a Safe Workspace

    • Creating a safe workspace
  • 19

    Lesson 19: Basic Troubleshooting Techniques

    • Troubleshooting

    • Using the process of elimination

    • Simple solutions to common problems

    • Solving more difficult problems
  • 20

    Lesson 20: How to Use Your Computer's Built-in Help

    • How to use your computer's built-in help

    • How to access built-in help

    • Features of a help file
  • 21

    Lesson 21: Learning a New Program

    • Learning a new program

    • You know more than you think you do!

    • Look for similarities with programs you've used

    • Check for hidden toolbars or panels

    • If you're having trouble
  • 22

    Lesson 22: Bringing Your Files with You

    • Bringing your files with you

    • Using a USB drive

    • To connect a USB drive:

    • To safely remove a USB drive:

    • Saving files to the cloud
  • 23

    Lesson 23: Using Accessibility Features

    • What are accessibility features?

    • Common accessibility features

    • Using accessibility features

    • Web accessibility

    • Accessibility features in specific software

    • Assistive technology devices