Chapter 1
Essential Computer Skills
The very first chapter of the At Home Computer Course for Beginners. I’m sure that many of you will already know some of this, but perhaps not all of it.
This first chapter is all about getting started with your PC, getting accustomed to how computers work.
With the Essential Computer Skills, we’re building a solid foundation. Filling in the gaps in your knowledge and skills.
Mouse & Keyboard Basics.
Here I’d like to take you through a few of the basics of using a keyboard and mouse.
How to change your mouse settings to make it easier to use, and keyboard keys you need to find.
The Windows Desktop
Since every time we turn on the computer, we end up at the Desktop, we’ll take a tour & see how to set it up.
Control Window Size & Position.
Programs open inside what’s called a window. It’s how Windows gets its name. The clever thing is you can control the size & position of these windows.
Navigating Your Computer.
Finding all your pictures, documents etc can be difficult.
But once you’ve mastered Windows File Explorer, you’re laughing.
It’s All About Folders
A place for everything and everything in it’s place. Using folders just makes sense
How To Save Files On A PC.
How to save files, where you want them, so you can find them again later.
Save Or Save As.
Should you use Save or Save As to save your files?
What is the difference between them?
How To Open Files.
How to open files. Sounds easy right? Just double left click and you’re done.
But what about those times when you need the file to open in a different program or app.
Hmmm, could be interesting.
How To Copy And Paste.
Copy and Paste is one of those skills that you’ll use over and over again.
How To Cut And Paste.
Sounds like Copy & Paste, and it is, but with one big difference. We’ll look at how to Cut & Paste, and how it differs from Copy & Paste. It can be a real time saver.
How To Select More Than 1 File At A Time.
Now your copying & cutting, you’ll want to speed things up by selecting more than one file/folder at a time.
Chapter 2.
Windows.
All the stuff you need to know about Windows.
Windows User Accounts.
Create separate accounts for all the people that use your home computer.
Explaining Microsoft, Local, Administrator and Standard user accounts.
How To Change Your User Account Name.
We’ve all done it, a silly typo when creating a Windows account. It’s an easy fix.
How To Delete A Windows Account.
Have you got old, unused user accounts on your computer? It’s rather easy to delete them out of the way.
How To Update Windows.
Keep your computer running smoothly by making sure you have the latest updates.
Take A Screenshot Of Your PC.
Sometimes, grabbing an image of the computer’s screen is just the best way of recording some information.
Show Image Thumbnails.
When your computer shows your pictures as file names rather than thumbnails…
How To Tag Your Photos.
Organise your pictures by adding tags to them. Tags work like keywords, letting you use Windows search features to find the pics you want quickly.
Chapter 3.
The Internet.
Chapter 3 and we’re on the ‘net.
How To Use Google Chrome.
If you’re using Google Chrome, you need to read this.
How To Download.
Downloading is synonymous with computers & the Internet. And since your connected to the ‘net, you’ll have to know what you’re doing when it comes to downloading.
Anti Virus Software.
You’re gonna need protection in this here town pardner.
Looking at Anti Virus programs, both free and paid for.
Why You Should Be Using Strong Passwords.
They’re looking for you. They’re after your accounts. It’s personal.
How To Use Google Chrome Password Manager.
Use your browser to look after your complex passwords and logins.
How To Send Large Files Over The Internet.
How to send large files and folders over the Internet to someone else.
Chapter 4
Chapter Four already? Yes and we’re sending emails by the billion everyday.
Introducing E-Mail.
E-Mail, what can I say. It’s at once brilliant and a burden. We’ll look at how it works.
Yahoo Mail.
How to add pictures, links & attachments to Yahoo E-Mails.
Gmail Email.
How to add pictures, links & attachments to Gmail E-Mails.
Outlook.Com Email.
How to add pictures, links & attachments to Outlook.com E-Mails.
How To Email A Folder.
Sometimes it’s just better to send everything in a folder. But just how do you attach a folder to an email?
Disposable “Burner” Email Addresses.
If your not sure you want to hand over your real Email address, use a temporary one.
Forwarding Emails From 1 Account To Another.
If you’ve got several email accounts, you can set up email forwarding to have them all delivered to just one inbox.
Chapter 5.
Computer Security.
Keeping your computer safe. Keeping yourself safe.
Clean Up Google Chrome.
Spring clean Chrome for a better Internet experience. Clear cache, delete extensions and more.
Scan Your PC For Malware.
Use the free version of the powerful malware scanner to check your computer for viruses, trojans, hijackers etc.
Backup Your PC.
We need to talk about backing up. What is it? How can you do it?
Backup To A USB Stick.
No matter how good your defences, or how vigilant you are, it only takes a moment to get infected. Protect yourself from losing your most precious stuff by backing it up to a USB stick.
Using Google Drive For Backups
Save your most precious pictures into the cloud for safekeeping. It’s easy to do and a lot better than losing them.
Windows File History.
You can use Windows own backup tool, File History, to create ongoing backups of your files
Back Up Your Entire Computer.
How to create a Windows system image. Back up everything on your computer.
How To Restore Files From Backups.
Lost something? If you’ve been using Windows backup, you can restore it.
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