Introduction to Personal Computers: Using Windows XP
Course Specifications
Course number: 084124
Software: A Typical installation of Windows XP Professional.
Course length: 0.5 day(s)
Course Description
By using a personal computer, you can accomplish many tasks that might be more difficult and time-consuming to accomplish on your own. Some of those tasks might include writing a letter, analyzing numeric information, or maintaining an updated list of client information; however, before you use a personal computer, you need to understand what it is and how it works. In this course, that's what you will do. Once you're comfortable with that, you will begin using your personal computer. 
Course Objective: You will learn the basic skills necessary to operate a personal computer.

Target Student: This course is designed for a user who has never used a personal computer and needs to use a personal computer on the job.

Prerequisites: This course was designed for the student who is completely new to personal computers and needs to learn the basics about Windows XP. If you are using the Windows XP operating system and are new to computers, you should take this course before attempting any other Element K Content courses. 
There are no prerequisite courses for this course.

Delivery Method: Instructor led, group-paced, classroom-delivery learning model with structured hands-on activities.
Hardware Requirements
•	A 233 MHz or higher processor is required. A 300 MHz or higher processor is recommended. 
•	A minimum of 128 MB of RAM is recommended for Windows XP Professional. 
•	A minimum of 1.5 GB of available hard-disk space.
•	Either a local CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, or access to a networked CD-ROM drive. 
•	A Microsoft mouse, or compatible pointing device.
•	A Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution video adapter and monitor is recommended. 
•	An Internet connection with access to the World Wide Web is necessary to complete a portion of the “Networking” lesson. (Note: Internet access may require payment of a separate fee to a service provider; local charges may also apply). 
Platform Requirements
Software Requirements
•	A Typical installation of Windows XP Professional.
•	A default installation of Office 2000 if you plan to complete the “Using Application Software” lesson. 
Performance-Based Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 
•	prepare to use a personal computer.
•	start a personal computer.
•	use application software.
•	begin using a network.
Course Content
Lesson 1: Getting Started with Personal Computers
Topic 1A: Identify Uses of Personal Computers
Topic 1B: Identify Types of Personal Computers
Topic 1C: Identify the Common Components of a Personal Computer
Topic 1D: Identify How Personal Computers Work

Lesson 2: Using a Personal Computer
Topic 2A: Set Up Your Computer
Topic 2B: Start Your Computer
Topic 2C: Log in to Your Computer
Topic 2D: Display My Computer

Lesson 3: Using Application Software
Topic 3A: Navigate in a Word Processing Document
Topic 3B: Update a Spreadsheet
Topic 3C: Run a Presentation
Topic 3D: Find Information in a Database

Lesson 4: Connecting to a Network
Topic 4A: Identify Types of Networks
Topic 4B: Access the Internet