What Courses Can Teach Me to Use a Personal Computer?

<p>A personal computer (PC) is a machine that stores and uses data and processes instructions to present a viewable, useful image. A personal computer can be a laptop, tablet, handheld or desktop model. They can be used at work, at home or, if you use a portable system, almost anywhere. Computers with the proper hardware can gain Internet access through a wired or wireless connection. </p> <p>You can use your personal computer for various tasks, so you may want to choose courses based on your needs. Beginner courses familiarize you with the basics, like Internet surfing and checking electronic mail. You could take courses to learn about specific software programs, like Microsoft Word, Adobe PageMaker or QuickBooks. Some classes even teach you how to play games or watch videos on the computer. Whatever your needs, you can learn how to navigate and operate a PC through some basic computer literacy classes. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutCoursesThatTeachHowToUseAPersonalComputer">Important Facts About Courses that Teach How to Use a Personal Computer</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Programs </td><td> Non-degree training</td></tr> <tr><td>Prerequisites </td><td> Usually none</td></tr> <tr><td>Online Availability </td><td> Distance learning programs available</td></tr> <tr><td>Classes </td><td> Introduction to computers, keyboarding and other computer basics</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---CourseInformation">Course Information</h3> <h4 id="section---BasicOperatingSystemCourses">Basic Operating System Courses</h4> <p>Personal computer courses cover a variety of topics, such as computer fundamentals, an introduction to the Windows operating system, basic keyboarding, computer functions for the workplace or Microsoft Office applications. Introductory courses typically teach you skills that help you become familiar with essential navigation. You'll learn how to use the Start menu, create and find folders, access toolbars and organize your desktop while practicing with your mouse and keyboard. Topics may also cover surfing the Internet, setting up and using an e-mail account and creating, saving and printing documents. </p> <h4 id="section---SoftwareProgramCourses">Software Program Courses</h4> <p>While programs like Dreamweaver and Excel are usually briefly touched on in introductory computer classes, you might need additional instruction to better understand these applications. Many schools offer beginning, intermediate and advanced classes that cover specific products. The purpose of such courses is to focus on an application, like Microsoft Word, and teach you about the features and functionality of it. Beginning courses usually focus on basic tasks, and each level progresses to teach you more advanced tasks and uses for the program. </p> <h3 id="section---EducationalSettings">Educational Settings</h3> <p>Many places offer personal computer courses. If you're still in high school, computer science classes may be offered as elective or mandatory courses. These basic classes teach you how to use a computer and often include courses on common applications and technologies. </p> <p>Adults can enroll in computer classes offered by technical schools, community colleges or universities. Most of these settings offer basic computer literacy programs for adult learners. Some classes can even be completed online.</p>