Computer Refresher Course

Lesson 1 • Hardware Components and Their Functions

Identifies physical parts of a desktop and laptop and explains each component's role. Establishes vocabulary needed for all subsequent technical topics.

Lesson 2 • Shutting Down and Restarting Safely

Explains proper shutdown, restart, and sleep procedures to protect data and hardware. Completes the full power-cycle knowledge needed for responsible computer use.

Lesson 3 • Using a Mouse and Keyboard Effectively

Builds precise mouse control and essential keyboard habits to speed up all computer tasks. Reduces errors and fatigue in daily computer use.

Lesson 4 • Navigating the Desktop Environment

Teaches taskbar, Start menu, and desktop icon usage for efficient workspace control. Provides the navigation foundation required for all file and application work.

Lesson 1 • Understanding the File System

Explains drives, directories, and file paths so learners can locate any file confidently. Provides the mental model underlying all file management tasks.

Lesson 2 • Copying, Moving, and Deleting Items

Covers cut, copy, paste, and delete operations using menus and keyboard shortcuts. Builds the core manipulation skills used in every file management scenario.

Lesson 3 • Searching and Sorting Files

Demonstrates search tools, filters, and sort options to locate files quickly. Reduces time lost hunting for documents in large folder structures.

Lesson 4 • Compressing and Extracting Files

Introduces ZIP archives for reducing file size and bundling multiple items. Prepares learners to send and receive compressed files in professional settings.

Lesson 1 • Inserting Tables and Images

Adds tables for structured data and images to enhance document communication. Expands document capability beyond plain text for professional reports.

Lesson 2 • Formatting Text and Paragraphs

Applies fonts, sizes, bold, italics, alignment, and spacing to improve readability. Connects visual presentation to professional document standards.

Lesson 3 • Text Entry and Basic Editing

Teaches typing, selecting, deleting, and rearranging text efficiently. These editing skills underpin every document task covered in later sections.

Lesson 4 • Working With Page Layout

Configures margins, orientation, headers, footers, and page numbers for polished output. Prepares documents for printing or formal digital submission.

Lesson 1 • Creating Basic Charts

Generates bar, line, and pie charts from spreadsheet data to visualise trends. Visual output skills prepare learners for presentation and reporting work.

Lesson 2 • Entering and Formatting Data

Covers data types, cell formatting, and consistent entry practices for clean datasets. Proper formatting prevents calculation errors addressed in later sections.

Lesson 3 • Basic Formulas and Functions

Introduces SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, MIN, and MAX to automate calculations. Demonstrates how formulas replace manual arithmetic in workplace data tasks.

Lesson 4 • Spreadsheet Interface and Navigation

Orients learners to cells, rows, columns, sheets, and the formula bar. Establishes the spatial understanding required for all spreadsheet operations.

Lesson 1 • Browser Basics and Settings

Introduces browser interface elements, tabs, bookmarks, and essential settings. Establishes a productive browsing environment before research tasks begin.

Lesson 2 • Online forms and secure transactions

Guides learners through completing web forms, recognising HTTPS, and protecting personal data. Builds safe online behaviour essential for professional and personal use.

Lesson 3 • Downloading and managing online files

Covers safe file downloads, managing the Downloads folder, and verifying file integrity. Connects browsing skills to file management covered in Chapter 2.

Lesson 4 • Effective search techniques

Teaches keyword strategies, search operators, and result filtering to find accurate information faster. Directly improves research quality for all workplace tasks.

Lesson 1 • Calendar and meeting scheduling

Uses integrated calendar tools to schedule meetings, set reminders, and manage availability. Extends email skills into full digital communication workflow management.

Lesson 2 • Managing attachments and links

Explains attaching files, sharing links, and safely opening received attachments. Reduces risk of data loss and security incidents from mishandled files.

Lesson 3 • Composing professional emails

Teaches subject lines, salutations, body structure, and sign-offs for workplace messages. Connects writing clarity to professional credibility and response rates.

Lesson 4 • Organising and searching your inbox

Applies folders, labels, flags, and search filters to maintain an efficient inbox. Prevents missed messages and reduces time spent managing high email volume.

Lesson 1 • Safe browsing and email habits

Reinforces secure browsing behaviours and email vigilance to prevent credential theft. Integrates security awareness into the browsing and email skills from earlier chapters.

Lesson 2 • Backing up data and recovering files

Covers backup strategies, schedules, and recovery procedures to minimise data loss. Ensures learners can restore work after hardware failure, theft, or ransomware.

Lesson 3 • Understanding common cyber threats

Describes phishing, malware, ransomware, and social engineering tactics used against users. Awareness of threat types is the prerequisite for all protective actions.

Lesson 4 • Keeping software and systems updated

Explains why updates patch vulnerabilities and how to manage automatic update settings. Reduces exposure to known exploits that target outdated software.

Lesson 1 • Uploading and organising cloud files

Demonstrates uploading, folder creation, and file organisation within a cloud drive. Extends file management skills from Chapter 2 into a cloud environment.

Lesson 2 • Sharing files and setting permissions

Covers share links, permission levels, and expiration settings to control file access. Ensures learners share information securely and appropriately in team settings.

Lesson 3 • Real-time co-editing documents

Teaches simultaneous editing, comment threads, and version history in shared documents. Builds collaborative document skills that reduce email back-and-forth.

Lesson 4 • Team messaging and video calls

Introduces instant messaging channels, video conferencing, and screen sharing for remote teamwork. Completes the digital collaboration toolkit for distributed work environments.