Microsoft Office online provides training material for Window’s basics. All of the topics listed below are designed to introduce a new user to personal computing and the Windows operating systems. Even though the topics are designed for those with minimal computing experience it accommodates those who have used Windows before.

Knowing what you have in front of you is key whether you are just using your PC for quickly typing something up or playing music. By learning about the basics of Windows you can speed up your productivity, progress on to more difficult function confidently, as well as utilising the tools in the software you already have as well as your own skills.

All topics listed on Microsoft online are as follows:

• Introduction to computers
• Parts of a computer
• Using your mouse
• Using your keyboard
• Turning off your computer properly
• Desktop fundamentals
• The desktop (overview)
• The Start menu (overview)
• The taskbar (overview)
• Windows Sidebar and gadgets (overview)
• Working with windows
• Using menus, buttons, bars, and boxes
• Programs, files, and folders
• Using programs
• Working with files and folders
• Getting started with printing
• Using Paint
• Using WordPad
• Internet, e‑mail, and networking
• Exploring the Internet
• Getting started with e‑mail
• Managing your contacts
• Understanding security and safe computing
• Setting up a wireless network
• Pictures and games
• Working with digital pictures
• Learn about Windows games
• Help and support
• Getting help
• What accessibility features does Windows offer?

The topics above also cover navigation, how to create folders where you can save your work, and the importance of organising them into sub folders. They also cover where to go if you cannot remember where you have saved something, as well as giving you the knowledge to alter some of the settings, where programs are found such as Microsoft Word, changing the mouse settings to suit a left handed user, quick access icons, how to shut down your computer properly, and where to get help should you need it.

By Kelly Foxhall