Instructor: Robin Hyett
Office Phone: 440.749.3327
Office Hours: 10 am - 6 pm, M-F
E-mail: robin@familydesigns.net
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to using Windows XP Home and Professional Editions. In the eight units, the student will learn how to move around the Windows desktop, work with Windows programs, manage files and folders using My Computer and Windows Explorer, customize Windows using the Control Panel, maintain their computer disk, connect to the Internet, browse the Web, and exchange e-mail messages.
Text/Materials:
Text: Steven M. Johnson Windows XP - Illustrated Introductory, Course Technology, 2002.
Project files: Spectrum WebFX will provide instructions on a CD of Project files.
Software: Microsoft Windows XP Home or Professional Editions.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures/Demonstrations: The first half of each class will be used to highlight the important material within each unit using discussions, handouts, and computer demos.
Labs: The last half of each class is dedicated to hands-on learning, facilitated by the instructor. The student will work at their own pace during this portion of the class to solidify the lesson material or to begin work on the weekly projects.
Projects: Each project consists of four parts: the Concepts Review, Skills Review, one Independent Challenge, and the Visual Workshop from the end of the unit discussed during that week. Eight projects that correlate to Units A-H will be assigned throughout the course.
Quizzes: Four hands-on quizzes will be given. Quiz exercises are pulled from the Independent Challenges at the end of each unit.
Course Outline
Unit A: Getting Started with Windows XP
Discussion Topics
- Start Windows and view the desktop
- Use the mouse
- Get started with the Windows desktop
- Manage windows
- Use menus, toolbars, and panes
- Use scroll bars
- Use dialog boxes
- Use Windows Help and Support
- Turn off the computer
Review Unit A
Unit B: Working with Windows Programs
Discussion Topics
- Start a program
- Open and save a WordPad document
- Edit text in WordPad
- Format text in WordPad
- Create a graphic in Paint
- Copy data between programs
- Print a document
- Play a video clip or sound
- Create a movie
Review Unit B
Unit C: Managing Files and Folders
Discussion Topics
- Understand file management
- Open and view My Computer
- View files and folders
- View the Folders list
- Create and rename files and folders
- Search for files and folders
- Copy and move files and folders
- Delete and restore files and folders
- Create a shortcut to a file or folder
Review Unit C
Unit D: Customizing File and Folder Management
Discussion Topics
- Add a folder to the Favorites list
- Change folder options
- Change file details to list
- Change file and folder list views
- Display disk and folder information
- Compress files and folders
- Use personal folders
- Manage files and folders on a CD
Review Unit D
Unit E: Customizing Windows Using the Control Panel
Discussion Topics
- Change the desktop background
- Customize the desktop
- Change the desktop appearance
- Change desktop screen settings
- Set the date and time
- Work with fonts
- Add a scheduled task
- Customize the taskbar
- Customize the Start menu
Review Unit E
Unit F: Maintaining Your Computer
Discussion Topics
- Format a disk
- Copy a disk
- Find and repair disk errors
- Defragment a disk
- Clean up a disk
- Restore computer settings
- Remove a program
- Add a program
- Enter DOS commands
Review Unit F
Unit G: Exploring the Internet with Microsoft Internet Explorer
Discussion Topics
- Understand the Internet and Web browsers
- Connect to the Internet
- Start Internet Explorer
- Open a Web page and follow links
- Add a Web page to the Favorites list
- Make a Web page available offline
- Change your home page and add a link button
- Search the Web
- Preview and Print a Web page
Review Unit G
Unit H: Exchanging Mail and News
Discussion Topics
- Start Outlook Express
- Explore the Outlook Express window
- Add a contact to the Address Book
- Compose and send e-mail
- Retrieve, read, and respond to e-mail
- Manage e-mail messages
- Select a news server
- View and subscribe to a newsgroup
- Read and post a news message
Review Unit H
