computing-fundamentals ISBN: 978-1-61691-865-1

Computing Fundamentals

Learn the basics, level up your digital game, and get job-ready with Computing Fundamentals to sharpen your edge.

What you will be able to do

Computer Literacy: Understand basic computer components, hardware, and software, and how they work together.
Operating System Navigation: Learn to use and manage Windows 8.1 efficiently, including file management and system settings.
Microsoft Office Proficiency: Gain hands-on skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access for creating documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases.
Internet and Email Communication: Browse the web effectively, use search tools, and manage email communication professionally and securely.
Cybersecurity Awareness: Understand key privacy, security, and safety practices for using networks and the internet.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Learn basic system maintenance, troubleshooting steps, and performance optimization for computers.

Beginner Self-paced · 1 year access 4.6/5 (22 Reviews)

01 / About

About This Course

Try Free → No credit card required

Enroll in our Computer Basics course to build essential tech skills.

In this course, start with the absolute basics; from understanding what a computer is to how it thinks, stores, and shares information. Explore different computer types, key system components, and how to keep your machine running smoothly. Then, get hands-on with Windows 8.1, Microsoft Office 2013, and practical tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

From navigating the internet to sending email, you’ll move through clear, real-world lessons designed for beginners…plus, learn how to stay secure, avoid digital drama, and handle everything from file management to tech troubleshooting.

Whether you’re preparing for a course, re-entering the workforce, or finally getting serious about upskilling, this is where you start strong.

02 / Lessons & labs

See exactly what you will learn and practice

Download outline (PDF)

Lessons

19 Interactive Lessons · 114 topics

01 Computer Basics 7 topics

Understanding Information Systems
Identifying Computer Types
Understanding Software Types
Computer System Components
How Computers Communicate
Summary
Test Yourself

02 The System Unit 7 topics

Understanding CPUs
Understanding Memory
Understanding Motherboards
Understanding Power Supplies
Troubleshooting Common System Unit Problems
Summary
Test Yourself

03 Input, Output, and Storage 5 topics

Selecting and Using Input Devices
Selecting and Using Output Devices
Choosing Appropriate Storage Devices
Summary
Test Yourself

04 Operating System Basics 6 topics

Understanding System Software
Comparing the Major Operating Systems
Understanding Device Drivers
Understanding Digital Storage
Summary
Test Yourself

05 Introduction to Windows 8.1 6 topics

A Tour of Windows 8.1
Starting Up and Shutting Down
Running Applications
Managing Files
Summary
Test Yourself

06 Windows 8.1 Administration and Maintenance 5 topics

Managing User Accounts
Using System Utilities
Troubleshooting Common Windows Problems
Summary
Test Yourself

07 Understanding Application Software 6 topics

Business Productivity Software
Graphics Software
Other Types of Software
Managing Your Applications
Summary
Test Yourself

08 Understanding Microsoft Office 2013 7 topics

Understanding the Office 2013 Interface
Using Basic Features of Office Applications
Saving, Opening, and Creating Files
Printing and Sharing Files
Setting Application Options
Summary
Test Yourself

09 Word Processing with Microsoft Word 8 topics

Editing and Formatting Text
Formatting Paragraphs
Formatting Documents and Sections
Working with Pictures
Working with Tables
Correcting and Collaborating
Summary
Test Yourself

10 Creating Spreadsheets with Microsoft Excel 8 topics

Understanding the Excel Interface
Moving Around in a Worksheet
Changing the Structure of a Worksheet
Entering Formulas and Functions
Creating Charts
Working with Data Tables
Summary
Test Yourself

11 Managing Databases with Access 7 topics

Understanding Access Databases
Creating Databases and Tables
Understanding the Access Interface
Creating Queries
Creating Forms and Reports
Summary
Test Yourself

12 Creating Presentation Graphics with PowerPoint 7 topics

Building a Basic Presentation
Formatting a Presentation
Creating and Inserting Content
Applying Transitions and Animations
Presenting a Slide Show
Summary
Test Yourself

13 Networking and Internet Basics 9 topics

Our Connected World: Communication Systems
The Internet
Ways of Classifying Networks
Wireless Networking Technologies
Network Hardware
Understanding and Connecting to the Internet
Troubleshooting Network and Internet Connections
Summary
Test Yourself

14 Online Communication 5 topics

Internet Communication Types
Communicating Appropriately
Using and Managing Email
Summary
Test Yourself

15 Web Basics 5 topics

How the Web Works
Accessing the Web with a Browser
Using Web Search Tools
Summary
Test Yourself

16 Network and Internet Privacy and Security 5 topics

Network and Internet Security Concerns
Network and Internet Privacy Concerns
Strategies for Improving Security
Summary
Test Yourself

17 Legal, Ethical, Health, and Environmental Issues in Computing 6 topics

Legal Issues in Computing
Ethical Issues in Computing
Health Issues in Computing
Environmental Issues in Computer Disposal
Summary
Test Yourself

18 Appendix A: Customizing Windows 8.1 4 topics

Customizing the Interface
Changing Location-Based Settings
Summary
Test Yourself

19 Appendix: Key Terms 1 topics

Glossary

03 / FAQs

Questions before you start

Is this course suitable for complete beginners?

Absolutely. This Fundamentals of Computer course is designed for individuals with little to no prior experience with computers.

It starts from the basics, including understanding hardware components, operating systems, and gradually progresses to more advanced topics like using Microsoft Office applications.

Do I need any special software or hardware to take this course?

The computer basics course materials are accessible online, and you can learn the theoretical aspects within the hands-on lab activities.

How does this course help in career advancement?

Gaining basic computer skills is essential in today's job market. Completing this course can enhance your resume, prepare you for more advanced IT training, and open doors to entry-level positions requiring basic computer proficiency.

Learn Computer Basics

This online basic computer course unlocks the essentials of computing, guiding you through hardware and software fundamentals, everyday applications, and hands-on activities.

1 year of full access
Certificate of completion

Try Free

No credit card required