Basic Computer Course

Month 1: Computer Fundamentals & Operating System Basics

• Week 1: Introduction to Computers

• What is a computer? (Definition, characteristics, history)

• Types of computers (Desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone)

• Basic components of a computer system (Hardware vs. Software)

• Overview of hardware (CPU, RAM, storage, input/output devices)

• Basic computer operations (Turning on/off, connecting peripherals)

• Understanding data and information, file concepts.

• Week 2: Operating System (OS) Basics - Windows/macOS/Linux

• What is an Operating System? (Role and function)

• Introduction to popular OS (e.g., Windows 10/11, basics of macOS/Linux)

• Navigating the desktop environment (Icons, taskbar, start menu)

• Using the mouse and keyboard effectively (Basic gestures, shortcuts)

• Basic system settings (Display, sound, date/time, user accounts)

• Week 3: File & Folder Management

• Understanding files and folders

• Creating, saving, opening, moving, copying, and deleting files and folders

• Using Recycle Bin/Trash

• Organizing files effectively

• Search functionality within the OS

• Week 4: Basic Computer Security & Maintenance

• Understanding computer viruses and malware

• Introduction to antivirus software and firewalls

• Password security and basic data privacy

• Safe practices for using public Wi-Fi

• Introduction to file compression (ZIP files) and data backup (USB drives, basic cloud storage)

• Basic troubleshooting (Restarting, common error messages)

• Routine maintenance (Disk cleanup, software updates)

Month 2: Office Productivity Software

• Week 5: Microsoft Word (Word Processing)

• Introduction to Word Processors (MS Word/Google Docs)

• Creating and saving new documents

• Typing and basic text editing (Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo, Redo)

• Text formatting (Font, size, style, color, alignment)

• Paragraph formatting (Indentation, spacing, bullets, numbering)

• Inserting elements (Images, tables, shapes)

• Page layout (Margins, orientation, page breaks)

• Printing documents and print preview

• Week 6: Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheet Application)

• Introduction to Spreadsheets (MS Excel/Google Sheets)

• Understanding cells, rows, columns, and worksheets

• Entering different types of data (Text, numbers, dates)

• Basic formulas (Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)

• Common functions (SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, COUNT)

• Formatting cells and data

• Creating basic charts and graphs (Bar, Line, Pie)

• Week 7: Microsoft PowerPoint (Presentation Software)

• Introduction to Presentation Software (MS PowerPoint/Google Slides)

• Creating new presentations from scratch or templates

• Adding, deleting, and rearranging slides

• Inserting text, images, shapes, and multimedia

• Applying themes, backgrounds, and layouts

• Slide transitions and animations

• Delivering a basic slideshow

• Week 8: Integrated Office Skills & Practical Projects

• Combining skills from Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (e.g., creating a report with an embedded Excel chart, presenting it in PowerPoint).

• Working with different file formats (PDF, JPG, PNG)

• Basic document handling and organization tips for digital work

• Practical projects: Creating a resume, a personal budget, a simple school presentation.

Month 3: Internet & Digital Communication Skills

• Week 9: Internet & Web Browse

• Introduction to the Internet and its applications (WWW, email, e-commerce)

• Understanding web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)

• Navigating websites using URLs

• Effective search engine usage (Google search techniques)

• Understanding online safety (Phishing, secure Browse, avoiding scams)

• Introduction to cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive)

• Week 10: Email & Online Communication

• Basics of email (What is email, email address structure)

• Creating and managing an email account (Gmail, Outlook)

• Sending, receiving, replying, and forwarding emails

• Attaching files to emails

• Introduction to instant messaging (WhatsApp, Telegram basics)

• Basic video conferencing tools (Zoom/Google Meet basics)

• Week 11: Introduction to Social Media & E-Governance

• Understanding popular social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn basics)

• Basics of online ethics and digital etiquette

• Introduction to E-governance services (e.g., applying for government services online, paying bills)

• Basic online transactions and digital payment tools (UPI, net banking basics)

• Week 12: Review, Advanced Topics & Final Project

• Review of all modules

• Brief introduction to more advanced concepts (e.g., basic networking concepts, data privacy beyond basics, ethical hacking awareness, AI basics).

• Q&A and troubleshooting common user issues.

• Final practical project incorporating skills learned (e.g., designing a simple digital flyer, creating a small business report with data, setting up a basic online presence).