How to use a computer?

[penfold1992]

Im doing a project portfolio and its based on the basics of how to use a computer.
The course is aimed at people that are not familiar with the computer, mainly people over 50+ however im just not quite sure where to begin?

im wondering if anyone can dig up or find a good content guide as to the basics of using a computer.

i guess some key things are like:
navigating around a pc
components (external) of a pc and how to connect them up
"what do these buttons do"
simple use of the internet
protection and security

nothing to rigorous just some topics to cover. The course time span is over 2months with once or twice a week 2 hour sessions if that helps anyone xD

and yes i know if i google it ill find thousands of topics but that doesnt give me feedback to whether the guide is good or not -.-

thanks in advance!

[Toshiharu]

What operating system are we talking about?

[penfold1992]

What operating system are we talking about?

good question. for user friendly-ness we wont pick mac.. they suck lolololololol

but no seriously
Windows XP and windows 7 are both viable options... i know they are very different but im taking into account if someone has a XP machine and will be upgrading to W7 thats all

[Azilius]

You honestly can't do this yourself from years of using a computer? Why do we need to find a guide for you..why can't you find one for yourself?

[penfold1992]

You honestly can't do this yourself from years of using a computer? Why do we need to find a guide for you..why can't you find one for yourself?

its a project portfolio... search engines dont necessarily give good information on what people think that others need to be taught.

im not asking to go find a guide on the internet so i can copy word for word what it says and present it, im looking for ideas that can be used for a guide... like what topics you think are necessary and how you would go about teaching someone how to use a computer.

im not finding or making a guide to make that clear, i am just looking for things that would go into a guide.

after reading my first post, i can see how that was confusing...

[MrJoey]

I would say go with windows 7, anyone that needs help, will have bought one recently, and all computers are now sold with Windows 7. Disconnect your computer and all peripherals, and take notes as you put it back together. Is it really that hard to figure this out?

[penfold1992]

I would say go with windows 7, anyone that needs help, will have bought one recently, and all computers are now sold with Windows 7. Disconnect your computer and all peripherals, and take notes as you put it back together. Is it really that hard to figure this out?

please read the thread before posting.

and yes it is hard to figure out, thats why people make guides for it... i can solve a rubiks cube in under 20 seconds but is it really that hard to get under 40 seconds?
just because some people dont understand how to use computers doesnt mean you have to make them out to be retarded.

[MrTwilliger]

It depends how smart your audience. I say start with the basics, explain what a computer is, what it does, what you can achieve with it. Describe how to turn it on, turn it off, using a mouse and keyboard (shirt keys, alt keys, control keys etc). Then proceed to navigating, explain what files and folders do, explain what a program is etc etc. Just start with the basics and go from there.

[[SD]Master_Wong]

your using a computer right now why not write one yourself?

[MrJoey]

I would say go with windows 7, anyone that needs help, will have bought one recently, and all computers are now sold with Windows 7. Disconnect your computer and all peripherals, and take notes as you put it back together. Is it really that hard to figure this out?

please read the thread before posting.

and yes it is hard to figure out, thats why people make guides for it... i can solve a rubiks cube in under 20 seconds but is it really that hard to get under 40 seconds?
just because some people dont understand how to use computers doesnt mean you have to make them out to be retarded.

Did you not read my suggestion? "Is it really that hard to figure out?" Was in reference to figuring out where to start. Start with the basic setting up/connecting the computer, then the actual set-up of a computer, then from there talk about actually using it. Use your brains a little.

[penfold1992]

well i was just asking what topics you guys would cover really...
2 brains is better then one kinda thing

[*BlackFox]

It depends how smart your audience. I say start with the basics, explain what a computer is, what it does, what you can achieve with it. Describe how to turn it on, turn it off, using a mouse and keyboard (shirt keys, alt keys, control keys etc). Then proceed to navigating, explain what files and folders do, explain what a program is etc etc. Just start with the basics and go from there.

Well, I think this sums it up pretty well.