Course Outlines

Overview of what’s in the courses

The “Course” details can change as they are designed to be feasible within a 1 hour slot. If there are specifics you would like assistance with, we are happy to help on an individual basis via email (contact details on Home Page)

Course Content – Very Basic

Basic Computer Knowledge

This is an easy to understand entry level introduction to computers for users who are looking to start with no previous knowledge

 

  • Very Basic overview of the hardware
  • Difference between Desktop Computers, Laptops and Tablets
  • Explanation of what an Operating system is
  • Very basic overview of Software and Applications
  • What are “peripherals” – Explanation and examples
Basic Introduction to the Internet

This is an easy to understand entry level introduction to the internet for users who are looking to start with no previous knowledge

 

  • What is a “Browser” and explanation on how to access
  • What is a “Home Page”
  • How to search the Internet
  • Saving and Accessing Favourites
  • Benefits of the Internet
  • Pitfalls and what you need to watch out for
  • Examples of what can be accessed on the internet
    • News
    • Video
    • Music
    • Information
    • Purchasing goods
  • Accessing your email on the internet
Apple Products and Android Tablets

A short overview of the difference between a Windows computer, Apple devices and Android devices

 

  • Ipad – overview – Types of device – Pro’s and Cons
  • Android Devices –  Types of Device – Pro’s and Cons
  • Apps – what they are and where to find them

Course Content – Microsoft Office

Microsoft Word - Word Processing (Basic)

This is an introduction to Microsoft Word – a word processing program for creating letters and documents. The knowledge from this course can be applied to other Word Processing programs

 

  • Editing text.
  • Saving and Printing Documents.
  • Utilising Word’s spell check and thesaurus features.
  • Using shortcuts.
  • Applying formatting to documents.
  • Cut, Copy & Paste.
  • Text Alignment, Margins & Indents.
  • Bulleting and Numbering.
Microsoft Word - Word Processing (Proficient)

This is a lead-on from the basic course – or for usrs who are comfortable with the basics and want to learn a bit more

 

  • Using auto-correct
  • Using clipart
  • Using text boxes
  • Using columns
  • Thesaurus / Spell Check
  • Breaks – Page/Section
  • Orientation
Microsoft Excel - Spreadsheets (Basic)

 

This is an introduction to Microsoft Excel – a program for working with numbers and data. The knowledge from this course can be applied to other spreadsheet programs. For users who have little existing knowledge of spreadsheets

 

  • Excel basics: Understanding the ribbon tabs and their tools
  • Entering & Formatting Data, Numbers & Tables.
  • Calculating Totals & Summaries using Formulas.
  • Making it pretty – borders alignment and fill
  • Merge and centre
  • Printing
  • Sorting
Microsoft Excel - Spreadsheets (Proficient)

 This is a lead-on from the basic course – or for users who are comfortable with the basics and want to learn a bit more

 

  • Filtering
  • Conditional Formatting.
  • FlashFill
  • Protecting Cells and Sheets
  • Freeze Panes
  • Hiding Data
  • Multiple Sheets
  • Linking Sheets and Workbooks
  • Summary pages
Microsoft Outlook - Email (Basic)

This is an introduction to Microsoft Outlook – a program for working with emails, contacts and calendars.

 

  • How Email works
  • Receiving email
  • Sending emails
  • Deleting emails
  • Replying
  • Add an attachment
  • Blind Carbon Copy (BCC) – what is it
  • Store Contact Details
  • Using the Calendar
  • Intro to tasks
  • Creating folders
  • Sorting emails and columns
  • What NOT to do with emails (Scams)
Microsoft Outlook - Email (Proficient)

This is a lead-on from the basic course – or for users who are comfortable with the basics and want to learn a bit more

 

  • Types of email (Web based / POP / IMAP /365) – benefits and problems
  • Email Rules
  • Signatures
  • Receipts
  • Managing your emails
  • Creating Categories
  • How to identify a dodgy email
  • Creating Distribution lists
  • Creating to-do lists / Follow-up reminders
  • Backing up
Microsoft PowerPoint - Presentations (Basic)

This is a basic introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint – a program for working with Presentations

 

  • What does the software do?
  • Where you would use it
  • Presenter Notes 
  • Animation
  • Graphics
  • Copy Slides
  • Export as a slideshow
  • Resources (templates)
Microsoft OneDrive - Data Management

This is a basic introduction to Microsoft OneDrive – a program for data management. Not as complicated as it sounds and can be a life saver in the right situation

 

  • What is OneDrive
  • Why do I want it
  • How it works
  • How to configure it
  • Restrictions
  • Benefits
  • Storage Costs
Microsoft Teams - Video conferencing and more

This is a basic introduction to Microsoft Teams – a program that is used a lot in Video Conferencing, but has a lot more functionality.

  • Chat
  • Video Conferencing
  • What is a Team, and why you would use one
  • Addin’s
  • Security
  • Files
Microsoft Access - Database (Introduction)

This is a basic introduction to Microsoft Access – a program that is used for collating data for all sorts of subjects, providing reporting and quick access to filter information.

This Subject does require a good grasp of basic computer knowledge.

  • What is a relational database
  • Tables – creation and editing
  • Queries – creation and editing
  • Forms – creation and editing
  • Reports – creation and editing
  • Demonstration of creating a database
  • Example of what can be Achieved and the benefits

Other IT Courses

Tips and Tricks

A quick fire course on some tips and tricks to make your computing experience better.

 

  • Updating your computer with security Patches
  • Snipping Tool – Now with Video
  • 5 minute Excel  taster
  • Some websites you might find interesting
  • Some free alternative software you might find helpful
    • Free Office software
    • Free Advanced Photo Editing Software
    • Free PDF creator and editor
    • Free Diagram software
  • AI (Artificial Intelligence) – what is it and what can it do?
Cyber Security

An overview for how to keep yourself safe while online.  All explained in easy to understand terminology to make it clearer.

 

  • Explain what a Virus / Malware is
  • Why Identity theft is a serious problem
  • Why backup is very important
  • What is “Phishing” and how to avoid it
  • Create secure passwords
  • How to identify dodgy emails 
  • Phone scammers
  • Password Managers – What they do and why you need one
  • Password Managers – A few examples
  • What is Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) also known as 2FA
  • Encrypting your computer
How To Backup your Files and Pictures

What happens if your computer goes “bang”? The most common thing that goes wrong with a computer is the hard drive, which holds all your files and pictures. We will explain the importance of a backup, and what options you have. You can re-write a document, but you can’t take the photo again 🙁

 

  • What is a “Backup”?
  • Why do i need a backup?
  • What do i need to backup?
  • What are the options?
  • How much does it cost?
  • How do i know if it worked
Photo Editing

.This is a basic introduction to Photo Editing using a Windows computer

 

  • How and where to save Photos
  • Explanation of sizes and quality and where they would be used
  • Bulk editing photos
  • Reduce size / quality
  • Cropping
  • Lightening / Darkening
  • Explanation of other more advanced techniques

IT Courses requiring Basic Knowledge

Video Editing

 A beginners overview of Video editing using a Windows computer.

 

  • An overview of some video editing software
  • Explanation about Time lines
  • Explanation about Transitions
  • Explanation about sound
  • Explanation about Effects
  • Explanation of Rendering
  • Considerations about computer requirements
  • How to post to YouTube and share the video
Sketchup - 3D Modelling

Have you ever wanted to create a 3D image on the computer? This a very basic introduction to Sketchup – an online free 3D modelling software that is very powerful.  This program could take years to master, but it’s an interesting program to play with if you like that sort of thing.  This not a detailed tutorial, as we dont have a huge amount of experience, but it is a door-opener, giving an idea of what can be achieved (and it’s free 🙂 )

 

  • An explanation of the program and where to find it.
  • A short demonstration of some of the basic capabilities
  • Where to find resources
Purchase a personal Domain Name

Have you ever wondered about getting your own domain name? This course will give you the overview of what it is, what you can do with it, and how to get one.

Having your own domain name can give you a personalised email and even a website if you want. 

 

  • What is a domain name
  • Why would i want one
  • What can i do with it
  • How much does it cost
  • What are the benefits
  • How to buy one – Demonstration
  • How to set it up – Demonstration
  • Considerations 
  • How to make changes
Website Development

This is an overview course for starting up a website. What you need, how much it costs, and outlines the basics for setting up a new WordPress website

 

  • Why would you want a website
  • How much does it cost
  • What is WordPress
  • Why is it popular
  • What do i need to get started
  • Themes
  • Plugins – an overview
  • What considerations do i need once i have got it up and running
  • Security
  • Backup
Understanding Home Networks (Advanced)

This is a course to explain how your home network is configured and help understand how to add in additional devices, How they connect and how to troubleshoot problems.

 

  • What is a Router and what does it do.
  • What is a Firewall and why do i need it.
  • IP Addressing – what is it and is it important.
  • DHCP
  • Why would you use a static IP address.
  • DNS
  • Security Cameras.
  • HomePlug use.
  • Storage Devices.
  • Wifi.
  • Ethernet.
An Introduction to Servers - (Advanced)

An overview of what a Windows server does, what the difference is between a server and a computer.  Aimed at either business or enthusiasts and explains why you would need or use one.

 

  • Physical differences
  • Operating system
  • Active Directory Security
  • DHCP
  • DNS
  • File Sharing
  • Applications 
  • Networking
  • Storage – RAID
  • Azure 
  • Microsoft 365 domain
Office 365 for Business (Advanced) (1.5 - 2 Hours)

This is an overview of all the capabilities of the business version of Office 365, with an explantion of how everything fits together, with some very helpful tips on the tools that are available within the current Licenced package. We have run this with multiple companies, and it has been very successful. We guarantee that there will be information that you didn’t know.

 

  • Licencing
  • Emails
  • OneDrive
  • SharePoint
  • SharePoint Lists
  • Teams
  • Planner
  • Forms
  • PowerBI
  • Backup