Diploma in Computer Application

Month 1: Computer Fundamentals & Operating System Mastery

• Week 1: Introduction to Computers & Hardware Basics

• Definition, Evolution, Generations of Computers

• Characteristics and Applications of Computers

• Computer System Architecture (Input, Processing, Output)

• Hardware Components: CPU, Memory (RAM, ROM), Storage Devices (HDD, SSD, Pen Drive, CD/DVD)

• Input Devices (Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Mic), Output Devices (Monitor, Printer, Speaker)

• Types of Computers (Desktop, Laptop, Tablet, Smartphone)

• Concept of Data, Information, and Knowledge.

• Week 2: Software Concepts & Operating System Introduction

• Types of Software: System Software (OS, Utility Software), Application Software

• Introduction to Operating Systems (OS): Role, Functions, Popular OS (Windows, macOS, Linux - brief overview)

• Detailed study of Windows OS (e.g., Windows 10/11):

• Desktop environment: Icons, Taskbar, Start Menu, Notifications

• Working with Windows: Opening, Resizing, Moving, Closing windows

• Using Mouse and Keyboard effectively: Shortcuts, Gestures

• Week 3: File & Folder Management (Windows Explorer)

• Understanding Files, Folders, and Drives

• Creating, Naming, Renaming, Copying, Moving, Deleting Files and Folders

• Using Recycle Bin / Trash

• Searching for Files and Folders

• Understanding File Extensions and File Types

• Organizing Data effectively: Best practices

• Introduction to Notepad (basic text editing)

• Introduction to WordPad (basic rich text editing)

• Week 4: Basic System Utilities & Security

• Managing drives (Formatting, Properties)

• Control Panel / Settings: User Accounts, Date & Time, Display Settings, Add/Remove Programs

• Introduction to Computer Networks (LAN, WAN, Internet Concept)

• Computer Security: Viruses, Malware, Antivirus Software, Firewalls (basic understanding)

• Password Security, Data Backup & Restore (local methods)

• Basic Troubleshooting: Common error messages, restarting, checking connections.

Month 2: Microsoft Office - Word Processing & Presentations

• Week 5: Microsoft Word - Document Creation & Formatting

• Introduction to MS Word Interface (Ribbon, Quick Access Toolbar, Status Bar)

• Creating, Opening, Saving, and Printing Documents

• Text Selection, Copy, Cut, Paste, Undo, Redo

• Font Formatting: Type, Size, Color, Bold, Italic, Underline

• Paragraph Formatting: Alignment, Line Spacing, Indentation, Bullets and Numbering

• Find and Replace, Spell Check and Grammar Check

• Week 6: Microsoft Word - Advanced Features & Layout

• Working with Tables: Creating, Formatting, Merging, Splitting Cells

• Inserting Objects: Pictures, Shapes, Clip Art, SmartArt, WordArt

• Page Layout: Margins, Orientation, Page Size, Columns, Page Breaks

• Headers and Footers, Page Numbers

• Mail Merge (Basic concept and application for letters)

• Document Views, Zoom

• Week 7: Microsoft PowerPoint - Fundamentals & Design

• Introduction to MS PowerPoint Interface

• Creating New Presentations (Blank, from Template, from Design)

• Adding, Deleting, Duplicating, and Rearranging Slides

• Working with Text Boxes and Placeholders

• Inserting Images, Shapes, Videos, Audio

• Applying Themes, Backgrounds, and Slide Layouts

• Understanding Slide Master

• Week 8: Microsoft PowerPoint - Animations & Delivery

• Slide Transitions: Applying and Customizing

• Animations: Entrance, Emphasis, Exit, Motion Paths

• Working with Charts and Tables in PowerPoint

• Adding Speaker Notes

• Setting up and Running a Slide Show

• Saving in different formats (PPTX, PDF, Video)

Month 3: Microsoft Office - Spreadsheet & Data Management

• Week 9: Microsoft Excel - Spreadsheet Basics & Formulas

• Introduction to MS Excel Interface (Workbook, Worksheet, Cells, Rows, Columns)

• Entering Different Types of Data (Text, Numbers, Dates, Formulas)

• Cell References (Relative, Absolute, Mixed)

• Basic Arithmetic Formulas (+, -, *, /)

• AutoSum and other basic functions (SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN, COUNT)

• Basic Data Entry Best Practices.

• Week 10: Microsoft Excel - Advanced Functions & Data Tools

• Logical Functions (IF)

• Text Functions (CONCATENATE, LEFT, RIGHT, MID)

• Date & Time Functions

• Sorting and Filtering Data

• Conditional Formatting

• Data Validation (Basic)

• Week 11: Microsoft Excel - Charts & Data Visualization

• Creating Various Types of Charts (Column, Bar, Pie, Line)

• Customizing Chart Elements (Titles, Labels, Legends)

• Printing Worksheets and Workbooks (Print Area, Page Breaks)

• Introduction to Pivot Tables (Basic understanding of what they are for)

• Protecting Cells, Worksheets, and Workbooks.

• Week 12: Integrated Office Project & Review

• Comprehensive project combining MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills (e.g., creating a report using Word, embedding an Excel chart, and presenting it in PowerPoint).

• Review of all MS Office applications, tips, and tricks.

• Keyboard shortcuts for efficiency in Office applications.

Month 4: Internet & Digital Communication

• Week 13: Internet Fundamentals & Web Browse

• What is the Internet? History, evolution, and basic concepts (WWW, HTTP, URL, IP Address)

• Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

• Types of Internet Connections (Broadband, Fiber, Mobile Data)

• Web Browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge (features and usage)

• Navigating the Web: Bookmarks, History, Tabs, Incognito Mode

• Effective Search Techniques: Using search engines (Google, Bing), keywords, advanced search operators.

• Week 14: Email Communication

• What is Email? How it works (SMTP, POP3, IMAP)

• Creating and Managing an Email Account (Gmail, Outlook.com)

• Composing and Sending Emails (To, Cc, Bcc, Subject)

• Receiving, Reading, Replying, and Forwarding Emails

• Attaching Files to Emails, Managing Attachments

• Email Etiquette and Best Practices, Spam Management.

• Week 15: Online Safety, Security & Cloud Computing

• Cybersecurity Basics: Phishing, Spam, Malware, Ransomware (awareness)

• Protecting Personal Information Online: Strong Passwords, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Secure Browse Practices (HTTPS, recognizing suspicious links)

• Introduction to Cloud Computing: What it is and its benefits

• Using Cloud Storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox - basic file upload, sharing)

• Week 16: Digital Collaboration & E-Governance

• Introduction to Online Collaboration Tools (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides for real-time collaboration)

• Basic Video Conferencing (Zoom, Google Meet basics for joining/hosting)

• Introduction to Social Media Platforms (Awareness, privacy settings)

• E-Governance: Understanding online government services (e.g., utility bill payments, applying for documents, taxes online - Indian context examples)

• Basic Digital Payments: UPI, Net Banking fundamentals, mobile wallets.

Month 5: Database Management & Basic Hardware Concepts

• Week 17: Microsoft Access - Database Fundamentals

• Introduction to Database Concepts (What is a database, advantages)

• Understanding Relational Databases (Tables, Records, Fields)

• Introduction to MS Access Interface

• Creating a New Database and Tables

• Defining Data Types and Field Properties.

• Week 18: Microsoft Access - Data Entry & Relationships

• Entering and Editing Data in Tables

• Primary Keys and Foreign Keys

• Establishing Relationships between Tables (One-to-One, One-to-Many)

• Understanding Data Integrity.

• Week 19: Microsoft Access - Queries & Forms

• Creating Simple Select Queries (Retrieving specific data)

• Designing Forms for Data Entry

• Adding Controls to Forms (Text boxes, Labels, Buttons)

• Navigating through Records using Forms.

• Week 20: Microsoft Access - Reports & Basic Networking

• Creating Simple Reports for Data Presentation

• Printing Reports

• Basic Database Security Considerations

• Introduction to Computer Networking: Types of Networks (LAN, WAN, MAN), Network Devices (Router, Switch, Hub - conceptual), Network Topologies (Bus, Star - conceptual).

Month 6: Advanced Concepts, Project & Career Readiness

• Week 21: Advanced Digital Literacy & Cybersecurity

• Understanding Digital Footprint and Online Reputation

• Advanced Cybersecurity Threats (Phishing awareness, Social Engineering)

• Introduction to Digital Marketing Concepts (SEO, Social Media Marketing basics)

• E-commerce: Buying and Selling Online (Platforms, Security tips)

• Week 22: PC Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Software Installation and Uninstallation

• Disk Cleanup, Disk Defragmenter

• Driver Management (Understanding drivers)

• Dealing with common PC issues (Slow performance, freezing, network issues)

• Backup and Restore strategies (using external drives, cloud solutions)

• Week 23: Resume Building & Interview Skills (Digital Focus)

• Using MS Word to create a professional resume template.

• Tips for online job search (Job portals, LinkedIn basics).

• Basic interview etiquette (especially for online interviews).

• Understanding career paths after DCA and basic next steps for further learning.

• Week 24: Final Project, Revision & Assessment

• Comprehensive Project: Students will work on a final project that integrates skills from all modules (e.g., creating a small business proposal document in Word, including an Excel budget, and a PowerPoint presentation for it; developing a simple Access database for contact management).

• Full course revision and doubt clearing.

• Practical and/or Theoretical Assessment/Exam.