Theme: Basic Skills

In Module 1 the candidate will learn about some of the main concepts of IT at a general level. The candidate will learn about the general make-up of a personal computer in terms of hardware and software and about some of the concepts of Information Technology (IT) such as data storage and memory. The candidate will also learn some basic troubleshooting concepts and techniques and how to identify the setup and components of their computer. The candidate will gain an appreciation of health and safety issues as well as some of the environmental factors involved in using computers. The candidate will also learn about some of the important security and legal issues associated with using computers.

• Chapter 1: General Concepts

• Chapter 2: Hardware

• Chapter 3: Basic System Maintenance

• Chapter 4: System Interrogation

• Chapter 5: The Use Of IT In Everyday Life

• Chapter 6: Health and Safety and the Environment

• Chapter 7: Security

• Chapter 8: Copyright And The Law

In Module 2 the candidate will learn about some of the common functions of a personal computer and its operating system. The candidate will learn how to adjust main settings, use the built in help features and deal with a non-responding application. The candidate will learn how to operate effectively within the desktop environment and work with desktop icons and windows. The candidate will learn how to manage and organise files and folders, and how to duplicate, move and delete files and folders, and how to compress and extract files. The candidate will also learn what a computer virus is and how to use anti-virus software. The candidate will also learn how to use simple editing tools and the print management facilities available within the operating system.

• Chapter 1: Getting Started

• Chapter 2: Working With A Window

• Chapter 3: Desktop Icons

• Chapter 4: Using Applications

• Chapter 5: Data Storage In Windows

• Chapter 6: Windows Explorer

• Chapter 7: Working With Folders

• Chapter 8: Disks

• Chapter 9: Working With Files

This course is aimed at people who are using Hermes (or other cam.ac.uk mail servers) and who want to manage and take control of their email because it is taking up too much of their time. It will cover valuable tips and techniques for managing email effectively. The practical part will be self-paced: participants can select which exercises to do using either Hermes Webmail and/or Outlook. There will also be ample opportunity to ask questions.

This self-paced hands-on course gives an introduction to spreadsheets, databases and charting using Excel 2007. There is emphasis on short cuts and other efficient ways of working.

This 'crash course' will teach you the layout of the keyboard in about one hour. It is suitable for those just learning to start to type who want a 'quick start' approach.

A set of 2-hour tutorials on CD-ROMs on Macintosh System OS X. As exercises are not provided, it is not necessary to have this version of the system installed.

This course offers a basic introduction to Mac OS X, the latest version of the Mac operating system. It also gives an overview of some of the more advanced functions offered by the operating system, and the core applications, which both an office or PWF user would find useful to use e.g. Microsoft Word.

'The Online Netskills Interactive Course' (TONIC) is a web-based learning course on using the Internet. TONIC is an easy-to-understand, structured course, offering step-by-step, practical guidance on main Internet topics. The course is intended for beginners to networking who have some familiarity with computers. The course provides an introduction to the Internet and computer networks in general.

This course is part of the Scientific Computing series.

There is a very wide variety of tools available for scientists using computers. This variety can be daunting at first glance. This talk will unpick the maze of programming languages and other tools to provide some guidance on what might be appropriate to use for various purposes.

Statistics for the Terrified is a tutorial available on the PWF PCs aimed at people who want a very basic introduction to statistical concepts and techniques. It does not cover the use of any particular software, nor any advanced or specialist topics.

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This self-paced practical course covers the most commonly used features of Microsoft Word 2007. It is not suitable for experienced users of other versions of Word wanting to find out about the new features in Word 2007. Those needing basic Windows training may also attend this course and do relevant exercises under supervision.