Basic Computer Course for
Beginners
(4 Days a Week, 1 Hour per Session - Total 4 Weeks)
Course Goal:
Equip beginners with essential computer skills
for daily tasks, work, and online safety in
just 16 sessions.
Weekly Breakdown
Week 1: Computer Basics & Operating System
Day 1: Introduction to Computers
What is a computer? Types (Desktop, Laptop, Tablet)
Basic hardware (CPU, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse)
Powering On/Off properly
Day 2: Windows/macOS Basics
Desktop, Start Menu, File Explorer/Finder
Creating & Managing Folders
Day 3: File Management
Copy, Move, Delete, Rename Files
USB Drives & Cloud Storage (Google Drive/OneDrive)
Day 4: System Settings & User Accounts
Changing Wallpaper, Screen Resolution
Creating & Switching User Accounts
Week 2: Essential Software Skills
Day 5: Microsoft Word / Google Docs
Typing, Formatting Text, Saving Files
Creating a Simple Resume
Day 6: Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets
Basic Spreadsheets (Data Entry, SUM, AVERAGE)
Making a Personal Budget
Day 7: PowerPoint / Google Slides
Creating a 3-Slide Presentation
Adding Images & Transitions
Day 8: Practical Assignment
Hands-on practice (Word Doc + Excel Sheet + PPT)
Week 3: Internet & Communication
Day 9: Internet Basics
How the Internet Works
Using Google Search Effectively
Day 10: Email & Online Safety
Creating a Gmail Account
Sending/Receiving Emails + Attachments
Day 11: Cybersecurity Essentials
Strong Passwords, Phishing Scams
Safe Online Shopping/Banking
Day 12: Video Calls & Social Media
Zoom/Google Meet Basics
Facebook/WhatsApp Intro (Privacy Settings)
Week 4: Productivity & Troubleshooting
Day 13: Keyboard Shortcuts & Tips
Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Alt+Tab, Print Screen
Speed Typing Practice
Day 14: Basic Troubleshooting
Fixing Frozen Screen, Slow Performance
Updating Software & Antivirus Scan
Day 15: Final Project Work
Create a Resume (Word)
Make a Budget (Excel)
Design a Presentation (PPT)
Day 16: Assessment & Certification
Q&A Session
Practical Test + Certificate Distribution
Teaching Method:
30 mins → Instructor Demonstration
25 mins → Hands-on Practice
5 mins → Q&A
Materials Needed:
Computer/Laptop for Each Student
USB Drive (for saving work)
Printed Shortcut Guides
Outcome:
After 16 hours, students will confidently:
✔ Use a computer for work & study
✔ Manage files & basic software
✔ Browse safely & communicate online
✔ Troubleshoot common issues
Helpful Tips For Students
Here are some helpful tips for students taking this Basic Computer Course for Beginners to
maximize learning and confidence:
📌 General Tips for Success:
1. Be Patient with Yourself
o Computers can feel overwhelming at first—every expert was once a beginner!
o Don’t rush; focus on one skill at a time.
2. Practice Daily (Even for 10-15 Minutes)
o Reinforce learning by repeating tasks (e.g., creating folders, typing in Word).
o Try using the computer outside class (e.g., sending an email to a friend).
3. Take Notes
o Write down steps for tricky tasks (e.g., saving files, attaching emails).
o Use screenshots or phone photos for quick reference.
4. Ask Questions!
o No question is "too basic." If you’re confused, others probably are too.
o Clarify doubts immediately during hands-on practice.
💻 Practical Computer Tips:
5. Use Keyboard Shortcuts (Saves Time!)
o Ctrl + C (Copy), Ctrl + V (Paste), Ctrl + Z (Undo)
o Windows + D (Show Desktop), Alt + Tab (Switch Apps).
6. Organize Files & Folders
o Name files clearly (e.g., Resume_2024.docx).
o Create folders for different topics (e.g., "Work," "Personal").
7. Internet Safety First
o Never share passwords or click suspicious links.
o Look for 🔒 (padlock icon) in browser bars for secure sites.
8. Save Your Work Frequently!
o Press Ctrl + S every few minutes to avoid losing progress.
o Save backups on USB or cloud (Google Drive/OneDrive).
🎯 Course-Specific Tips:
9. Week 1 (Basics):
o Practice using the mouse/touchpad (try free online games
like MouseTutorial.com).
o Explore your computer’s settings to feel comfortable.
10. Week 2 (Word/Excel/PowerPoint):
o For Word: Type a short diary entry daily.
o For Excel: Track daily expenses (e.g., coffee, groceries).
o For PPT: Make a slideshow about your hobby.
11. Week 3 (Internet & Email):
o Bookmark useful sites (e.g., Google, YouTube).
o Send test emails to yourself with attachments (photos, documents).
12. Week 4 (Troubleshooting):
o Restart your computer if it’s slow—this fixes many issues!
o Install a free antivirus (like Avast or Windows Defender).
😊 Mindset Tips:
13. Celebrate Small Wins!
o Finished your first document? Opened an email? That’s progress!
o Confidence builds with each small success.
14. Teach Someone Else
o Explaining what you learned (e.g., to a family member) reinforces knowledge.
15. Don’t Fear Mistakes
o Accidentally deleted a file? Closed a program? It happens! Learn how to
recover.
o Mistakes are part of the process.
Need Extra Help?
Free Practice Websites:
o Typing: TypingClub.com
o Excel: ExcelEasy.com
YouTube Tutorials: Search "Basic Computer Skills for Beginners."
Remember: Every computer expert started where you are now. Keep going! 💪
📋 Basic Computer Course -
Student Progress Checklist
(Tick off each skill as you learn it!)
✅ Week 1: Computer Basics & Operating System
Power computer on/off properly
Identify basic hardware (monitor, CPU, keyboard, mouse)
Use desktop icons and start menu
Create, rename, and delete folders
Save a file to USB drive
✅ Week 2: Essential Software Skills
Microsoft Word / Google Docs:
Type and format text (bold, font size)
Create and save a document
Insert a table/image
Print a document
Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets:
Enter data in cells
Use SUM and AVERAGE formulas
Create a simple budget sheet
PowerPoint / Google Slides:
Add slides and text
Insert images/transitions
✅ Week 3: Internet & Communication
Perform a Google search
Bookmark a website
Send/receive email with attachment
Recognize phishing scams
Join a Zoom/Google Meet call
✅ Week 4: Productivity & Troubleshooting
Use 5 keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+C, Alt+Tab)
Restart a frozen computer
Update software
Back up files to cloud/USB
🎓 Final Project
Created a resume (Word)
Made a budget sheet (Excel)
Designed a presentation (PPT)
Course Completed! 🏆
Date: _________
Signature: _________
📝 Notes Section (Write down tricky steps or questions)
✨ Tips for Using This Checklist:
1. Post it near your computer as a quick reference.
2. Review weekly to see how much you’ve learned.
3. Ask your instructor about unchecked boxes before the course ends.
Bonus: Students who complete all checkboxes by Week 4 get a small reward (e.g., printed
certificate, keyboard shortcut cheat sheet).