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Information Technology

Computer & IT Foundations: Essential Skills for Beginners

Computers, Windows & Essential Technical Skills

Learn to use a computer with confidence, from the very first click. In 8 weeks of friendly live classes you practice on your own Windows computer: files, documents, the internet, email, online safety, solving common problems, networks and using AI assistants safely, so you are ready for work, study and further technical training.

  • Live classes
  • Beginner
View curriculum

Live on Zoom

Duration
8 weeks
Format
4 live classes per week
Live classes
32 × 60 min
Live teaching
32 hours

How the course is taught

All classes are taught live on Zoom by your instructor, who shares their screen and works through each topic step by step. You follow along and practice on your own computer during the class, ask questions as you go, and get help when you're stuck. Between classes you complete short practice tasks that build on what you learned. Classes may be recorded for educational replay, with access restricted to authorized students in the relevant class.

Live on Zoom · The instructor shares the screen

Who this course is for

This course is for adults with little or no computer experience who want to feel at ease with technology. It suits people who use a computer for the first time at work, those returning to study or changing careers, and anyone who wants a solid base before a technical course such as SQL Server DBA or Practical AI. Every step is explained in plain words and practiced in class, so nobody is left behind.

Support after the course

At the end of the course you receive feedback on your final practical assessment, a personal 30-day practice plan to keep building your confidence, and a recommendation for the course that fits your next step. You also keep your course folder, notes and checklists, so you can look back at every skill whenever you need it.

What you'll learn

Curriculum

8 modules · 64 topics covered

The order the course is taught in. Open a module to see what it covers and the practical work it includes.

Module 01: Getting started with confidence

The first week is about feeling comfortable on your own computer. In the free first class you learn the Zoom controls, find your way around the Windows desktop and get your first small wins, and in the second class you practice those skills until they feel natural. In the third and fourth classes you learn in plain words what is inside a computer, and practice the keyboard, mouse and window skills you will use every day.

Module 02: Files and productivity

This week you learn to keep your work organized and to create the documents you will need at work and in future courses. Two classes cover files: how files and folders work, then file types, storage and compressed files. Two classes cover your work: documents and PDFs, then simple spreadsheets and clear screenshots for support requests.

Module 03: Internet and communication

This week covers how to use the internet safely and communicate the way workplaces do. In the first two classes you learn how browsers and web addresses work, how to judge whether a website can be trusted, how to search well and where downloads go. In the next two you write clear emails, manage calendar invitations, share files from the cloud with the right permissions and share your screen in Zoom.

Module 04: Security and troubleshooting

This week builds two habits every computer user needs, with two classes for each. First, staying safe: strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, spotting phishing, updates and backups. Second, solving problems with a simple step-by-step method instead of guessing, and using Windows tools such as Task Manager to find the cause.

Module 05: Windows and the command line

This week takes you from using Windows to understanding how it is set up. In the first two classes you learn the difference between a standard user and an administrator, find your way around Settings, and install, update and remove software safely. In the next two you meet the command line in a calm, step-by-step way, so it no longer feels intimidating before technical courses.

Module 06: Networking fundamentals

This week explains how your computer connects to a network and the internet, without unnecessary theory. In the first two classes you learn what routers, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, IP addresses, DNS and DHCP do. In the next two you use a few simple commands to work out whether a connection problem is on your computer, your network or the internet.

Module 07: Data, servers and cloud

This week opens the door to technical careers. In the first two classes you learn what data and databases are, why almost every application uses one and how people ask a database questions with SQL. In the next two you learn how servers, virtual machines and the cloud work. This gives you the background for courses such as SQL Server DBA, without turning this course into SQL training.

Module 08: AI and practical readiness

The last week prepares you for what comes next. In the first two classes you learn to use AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot for everyday tasks, check their answers and keep your information private. You then review the whole course at practice stations, show what you have learned in a practical assessment and leave with a 30-day practice plan and a recommended next course.

Class schedule

Times are shown in the official time zone for each class, with your local time when available.

  • 8 weeks
    Starts
    January 25, 2027
    Ends
    March 18, 2027
    Class time
    21:00–22:00 America/Chicago

By the end of the course

  • Operate a Windows computer confidently.
  • Organize, find, move, compress and back up files.
  • Use browsers, search, downloads and uploads safely.
  • Communicate professionally through email, cloud sharing and Zoom.
  • Apply password, MFA, phishing and device-security habits.
  • Troubleshoot common problems with a method instead of guessing.
  • Use Windows settings, the command line and basic network checks.
  • Use AI assistants safely and check their answers.
  • Explain data, databases, servers, virtual machines and the cloud in plain words.

Before you start

  • No previous computer, IT or programming experience is needed. The course starts from the basics.
  • You need access to a Windows computer (laptop or desktop) that you can use during and between classes.
  • You need a stable internet connection for live classes.
  • You need to be able to join Zoom. Before class 1 we send a short guide that shows you how to install and test it, step by step.
  • Before class 29, you create a free account with an AI assistant. The tutor sends the instructions.

Next step

Join the next live cohort

Confirm the dates in the enrollment panel and enroll online.

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