Getting started

After studying this course, you should feel equipped with digital skills that are important to function in the modern world. You will be able to:

• Use a computer and make it more accessible.
• Create your own files using Microsoft Word.
• Send and receive messages via email, Facebook, Twitter and Skype.
• Access and search the internet securely.
• Use online services such as shopping and banking.
• Stay safe and legal online.

Do you consider yourself to be a complete beginner?

If you do, you may wish to go to the Additional information [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]   section first before starting on Lesson 1. This section explores the various parts of a computer and explains how the internet works as well as how to search online.

Additional information is divided into four sections:

• Your computer hardware.

• Adjusting your set-up.

• How the internet works.

• Searching on the internet.

However, if you already feel confident on the basics, you can skip Additionational information and go straight to Lesson 1.

We hope that you enjoy the course and benefit from signing up to other free courses once you have the digital skills, confidence and trust to go online and connect!

Key words and concepts are in bold. There is a course glossary you can refer to if any of these are unfamiliar to you.

Let’s get started with Lesson 1.