Module 2: Fundamental Computer &

Operating System Skills

Module Objective:
Acquire foundational skills in using an operating system, managing files and folders, performing
basic computer operations, and handling user accounts.

2.1 Fundamental Computing Skills

 Understand the basic functions of a computer and its operating system (OS).
 Learn to interact with the OS graphical interface.
 Use keyboard and mouse effectively for daily tasks.

2.2 Starting the Computer

 Press the power button on the CPU.
 Wait for the OS to load (Windows 10 desktop screen).
 Log in if user account requires credentials.
 Understand the basic desktop layout: taskbar, icons, start menu.

2.3 Working with the Operating System

A. Creating Folders

 Right-click on the desktop or inside a directory.

 Select “New” > “Folder.”
 Name the folder appropriately.
 Use folders to organize files for easy access.

B. Understanding File Directories

 File directories are hierarchical structures that organize files and folders.
 Root directory is the base, e.g., C:\ drive.
  Subdirectories (folders) help categorize files.

C. Organizing Basic Directory/Folder Structures and Files

 Create folders by category or project.

 Move or copy files into folders for order.
 Use drag-and-drop or right-click menu options.

2.4 Working on the Control Panel

 Open Control Panel via Start Menu or Search.
 Use it to access system settings like network, hardware, user accounts, and security.
 Explore common categories:
o System and Security
o Network and Internet
o Hardware and Sound
o User Accounts
o Appearance and Personalization

2.5 Creating and Administering User Accounts

 Open Control Panel > User Accounts.
 Add new users (standard or administrator).
 Modify account types and permissions.
 Set or change passwords.
 Importance of account management for security and personalization.

2.6 Basic Keyboarding and Mouse Skills

 Use keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+C for copy, Ctrl+V for paste).
 Practice left- and right-clicking on the mouse.
 Learn drag-and-drop operations.
 Use scroll wheel and keyboard arrows for navigation.

2.7 Using and Navigating Programs

  Launch applications via Start Menu or desktop shortcuts.
 Switch between open programs using Taskbar or Alt+Tab.
 Close, minimize, maximize windows.
 Understand window components: title bar, menu bar, status bar.

2.8 Fundamentals of Using Windows 10

 Start Menu: access programs, settings, and power options.
 Action Center: notifications and quick settings.
 File Explorer: browsing files and folders.
 Taskbar: pin and access frequently used programs.
 Search bar: find files, apps, and settings quickly.

2.9 Installing and Uninstalling Software

 Install software using setup files (.exe or .msi).
 Follow installation wizard steps.
 Uninstall software via Control Panel > Programs and Features.
 Use “Add or Remove Programs” to manage software.
 Importance of only installing trusted software to avoid malware.

2.10 Access and Manage Basic System Settings

 Change display settings: resolution, brightness.
 Adjust system volume and sound settings.
 Configure network settings: Wi-Fi, Ethernet.
 Set time and date.
 Customize desktop background and themes.

Summary:
 Operating system skills are essential for efficient computer use.
 File and folder organization improves productivity.
 Managing user accounts enhances security.
 Basic software management keeps the system functional.
 Navigating Windows 10 and its features empowers users to work confidently.
Would you like me to prepare PowerPoint slides for this module as well?

Certainly! Here's an expanded and detailed lecture note for Module 2: Fundamental Computer
& Operating System Skills, covering each topic more thoroughly with examples and
explanations:

Module 2: Fundamental Computer &

Operating System Skills

Module Objective:
Develop a solid foundation in using the Windows 10 operating system, including file
management, user account administration, basic keyboard/mouse skills, program navigation, and
system settings management.

2.1 Starting the Computer

 Locate the power button on the CPU (or laptop).
 Press the power button to start the system.
 Observe BIOS or POST (Power-On Self-Test) messages briefly.
 Wait for the Windows 10 login screen.
 Enter user credentials (if applicable) and press Enter.
 Desktop loads, showing icons, taskbar, and start menu.

2.2 Working with the Operating System

A. Creating Folders

 Right-click on the desktop or inside any folder.

 Select New > Folder.
 A new folder appears with a default name "New folder".
 Rename the folder by typing a descriptive name (e.g., "Projects", "Reports").
 Organize files by grouping related documents in these folders.
B. Understanding File Directories

 Windows uses a hierarchical file system starting from drives like C:\, D:\.
 Directories (folders) hold files or other folders (subdirectories).
 Path example: C:\Users\Username\Documents\Reports\June
 Helps users organize and find files efficiently.

C. Organizing Basic Directory/Folder Structures and Files

 Create folders for different projects, subjects, or file types.

 Use drag-and-drop to move files into folders.
 Use copy-paste for duplicating files in different locations.
 Avoid clutter by regularly cleaning and organizing files.

2.3 Working on the Control Panel

 Open Control Panel via Start > Windows System > Control Panel.
 Categories include:
o System and Security: System info, firewall, updates.
o Network and Internet: Network status, Wi-Fi setup.
o Hardware and Sound: Devices, printers, sound settings.
o User Accounts: Manage users, passwords.
o Appearance and Personalization: Display, themes.

2.4 Creating and Administering User Accounts

 Navigate to Control Panel > User Accounts.
 Create a new user account:
o Choose account type: Standard User (limited privileges) or Administrator (full
control).
 Change account settings or password.
 Importance:
o Separate users keep files private.
o Administrators manage software and system settings.
 Practice logging in/out with different accounts.

2.5 Basic Keyboarding and Mouse Skills

Keyboard:

 Common shortcuts:
o Ctrl + C = Copy
o Ctrl + V = Paste
o Ctrl + X = Cut
o Ctrl + Z = Undo
o Alt + Tab = Switch between open apps
 Navigating text using arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up/Down.

Mouse:

 Left-click: Select, open files/folders.

 Right-click: Open context menus.
 Double-click: Open files or folders.
 Drag and drop: Move or copy files.
 Scroll wheel: Scroll through documents or webpages.

2.6 Using and Navigating Programs

 Open programs via:
o Start Menu: Click on the Windows icon and select program.
o Desktop Shortcut: Double-click icon.
 Switch between programs with:
o Taskbar: Click app icons.
o Alt + Tab: Keyboard shortcut.
 Window controls:
o Minimize: Hide window.
o Maximize: Full screen.
o Close: Exit program.
 Understand window elements: title bar, menus, toolbars.

2.7 Fundamentals of Using Windows 10

 Start Menu: Access apps, settings, power options.
 Taskbar: Pin frequently used apps for quick access.
 Notification Area: See notifications and system icons.
 File Explorer: Browse files and folders easily.
 Use Search Bar for apps, files, and settings.
2.8 Installing and Uninstalling Software
Installing:

 Download setup file (.exe or .msi).

 Run the installer and follow prompts.
 Accept license agreement.
 Choose installation location (default usually best).
 Finish and launch program.

Uninstalling:

 Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.

 Select program and click Uninstall.
 Follow prompts to remove software.
 Importance of removing unused software to keep PC clean.

2.9 Access and Manage Basic System Settings

 Display Settings: Adjust resolution, brightness, scaling.
 Sound Settings: Change volume, input/output devices.
 Network Settings: Connect/disconnect Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
 Date and Time: Set time zone and synchronize clock.
 Personalization: Change wallpaper, lock screen, themes.

Summary
 Operating system basics empower efficient computer use.
 File and folder management keeps data organized.
 User account control enhances security.
 Keyboard and mouse mastery improves navigation.
 Installing and uninstalling software maintains system health.
 Managing system settings personalizes and optimizes your computer.

Would you like me to create PowerPoint slides or add practical exercises based on this detailed
note?
Certainly! Here’s a detailed practical exercise set for Module 2: Fundamental Computer &
Operating System Skills designed to help learners apply key concepts through hands-on tasks:

Module 2 Practical Exercises: Fundamental

Computer & Operating System Skills

Part 1: Starting and Using the Computer

Exercise 1: Start and Shutdown the Computer

 Locate and press the power button to turn on the computer.

 Observe the boot process until the Windows 10 login screen appears.
 Log in using your user credentials.
 Shut down the computer properly using the Start menu.

Part 2: Working with the Operating System

Exercise 2: Create Folders and Organize Files

 Navigate to the Desktop or Documents folder.

 Create a new folder named Training Materials.
 Inside Training Materials, create subfolders: Documents, Images, and Videos.
 Move or copy sample files into these folders appropriately.

Exercise 3: Understand File Directories

 Open File Explorer.

 Navigate through drives (C:\, D:\ if available) and folders.
 Observe the folder path shown in the address bar.
 Note the difference between files and folders.

Part 3: Control Panel and User Accounts

Exercise 4: Access and Explore Control Panel
  Open Control Panel via Start Menu.
 Explore categories: System and Security, Network and Internet, User Accounts.
 Change the display language or screen resolution in settings (if available).

Exercise 5: Create and Manage User Accounts

 In Control Panel, go to User Accounts > Manage another account.

 Create a new standard user account named TrainingUser.
 Log out and log in using the new account.
 Change the password for TrainingUser.

Part 4: Keyboard and Mouse Skills

Exercise 6: Keyboard Practice

 Open Notepad or WordPad.

 Practice typing the sentence:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."
 Use keyboard shortcuts:
o Ctrl + C (copy), Ctrl + V (paste), Ctrl + X (cut)
o Ctrl + A (select all), Ctrl + Z (undo)

Exercise 7: Mouse Practice

 Practice right-clicking on the desktop to open the context menu.

 Drag and drop a file from one folder to another.
 Use the scroll wheel to navigate long documents or webpages.

Part 5: Using and Navigating Programs

Exercise 8: Launch and Close Programs

 Open the Start menu and launch Calculator.

 Use the calculator to perform simple calculations.
 Close the program.
 Open Notepad and type a few sentences.
 Switch between open programs using Alt + Tab.
Part 6: Fundamentals of Windows 10
Exercise 9: Using the Desktop and Taskbar

 Pin an application to the taskbar (e.g., Notepad or Calculator).

 Use the search bar to find and open Settings.
 Open Action Center and review notifications.

Part 7: Installing and Uninstalling Software

Exercise 10: Install a Sample Program

 Download a free software installer (e.g., VLC Media Player or any small utility).
 Run the installer and follow the prompts to install the program.
 Open the installed program to confirm installation.

Exercise 11: Uninstall a Program

 Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.

 Select the recently installed program and uninstall it.
 Confirm the removal process.

Part 8: Access and Manage Basic System Settings

Exercise 12: Adjust System Settings

 Open Settings > System > Display.

 Change the screen brightness or resolution.
 Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet and connect/disconnect from Wi-Fi.
 Change the date and time settings via Settings > Time & Language.

Summary of Practical Outcomes:

 Start and shut down the computer correctly.
 Create folders and organize files in a directory structure.
 Navigate the Windows 10 file system and control panel.
 Create and manage user accounts securely.
  Demonstrate basic keyboard shortcuts and mouse operations.
 Open, switch, and close programs efficiently.
 Install and uninstall software following safe procedures.
 Adjust basic system settings to personalize the environment.

Would you like me to prepare step-by-step guides or screenshots to support these exercises?

Certainly! Here’s an expanded and more detailed practical exercise set for Module 2:
Fundamental Computer & Operating System Skills, adding advanced activities and more
variety to reinforce learning:

Module 2 Practical Exercises: Fundamental

Computer & Operating System Skills –
Extended

Part 1: Computer Startup, Shutdown, and Login

Exercise 1: Start, Sleep, Restart, and Shutdown

 Turn on the computer and log in.

 Put the computer into Sleep mode and then wake it up.
 Restart the computer using the Start menu.
 Properly shut down the computer.

Part 2: File and Folder Management

Exercise 2: Advanced Folder Organization

 Create a folder structure in Documents:

 Training Materials
 ├── Word
 ├── Excel
 ├── PowerPoint
 └── Internet
 Move example files into the correct folders.
  Rename files and folders with meaningful names (e.g., Word_Practice1.docx).
 Delete unnecessary files or folders.

Exercise 3: File Properties and Search

 Right-click a file and view its Properties (size, date created, modified).
 Use the File Explorer search box to find files by name or type (e.g., .docx or “Report”).

Part 3: Control Panel and Settings

Exercise 4: Customize Control Panel Views

 Switch Control Panel between Category, Large icons, and Small icons view.
 Open System to view basic PC information (RAM, system type).
 Access Device Manager and identify connected hardware (e.g., keyboard, display
adapter).

Exercise 5: User Account Types and Password Reset

 Explore the difference between Administrator and Standard user accounts.

 Change the password of your user account through Control Panel or Settings.
 Set up a password hint or PIN for login.

Part 4: Keyboard and Mouse Advanced Practice

Exercise 6: Keyboard Shortcuts and Special Keys

 Practice common Windows shortcuts:

o Win + D (Show Desktop)
o Win + E (Open File Explorer)
o Win + L (Lock Computer)
o Alt + F4 (Close active window)
 Use Function Keys (F1 for Help, F5 to Refresh in some programs).

Exercise 7: Mouse Precision and Gestures

 Adjust mouse pointer speed and double-click speed in Settings.

 Use right-click and explore context menus in different programs.
 Practice drag-and-drop to copy and move files between folders.
Part 5: Program Management
Exercise 8: Managing Startup Programs

 Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).

 Navigate to the Startup tab.
 Enable or disable startup programs to improve boot time.

Exercise 9: Use Windows Search Efficiently

 Use Start Menu search to launch apps, documents, and system settings.
 Search for specific files by date modified or type.

Part 6: Windows 10 Features

Exercise 10: Personalization Settings

 Change desktop background (wallpaper).

 Customize Lock Screen with images or slideshow.
 Modify themes and color schemes.

Exercise 11: Notifications and Focus Assist

 Open Action Center and clear notifications.

 Set up Focus Assist to limit interruptions during work hours.

Part 7: Software Installation and Maintenance

Exercise 12: Install Software from Microsoft Store

 Open Microsoft Store app.

 Search for and install a free app (e.g., a game or utility).
 Launch and explore the app.

Exercise 13: Update and Maintain Software

 Check for Windows updates via Settings > Update & Security.
 Update installed programs if available.
 Use Disk Cleanup tool to remove unnecessary files.
Part 8: System Settings and Security
Exercise 14: Firewall and Antivirus Settings

 Open Windows Security center.

 Check firewall status and virus protection.
 Run a quick virus scan.

Exercise 15: Backup and Restore

 Set up File History backup to an external drive or network location.

 Create a system restore point.
 Practice restoring a file from a backup.

Part 9: Troubleshooting Basics

Exercise 16: Basic Troubleshooting Steps

 Use Troubleshoot Settings to fix common problems (internet, audio, printer).

 Restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager to fix frozen desktop.
 Use Safe Mode to start the computer with minimal drivers.

Summary of Extended Practical Outcomes:

 Master power options including sleep, restart, and shutdown.
 Organize complex folder structures and manage files efficiently.
 Customize Control Panel and understand user account management.
 Apply advanced keyboard and mouse shortcuts.
 Manage startup programs and use Windows search effectively.
 Personalize Windows 10 environment and control notifications.
 Install, update, and maintain software securely.
 Manage system security, backup, and basic troubleshooting.

Would you like me to prepare a downloadable PDF or interactive checklist for these exercises?