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Course Description: Meet Windows 7, the newest operating system from Microsoft! Learn how to customize your Win7 setup, and to create and work with shortcuts. Practice the use of the taskbar, Windows Explorer, Control Panel, file management, Accessories, the Search utility, and on-line Help. This course is for those with only limited previous Windows experience. Prerequisite: Basic computer knowledge.

Syllabus …

1. Getting Comfortable with the Windows 7 Desktop (Ch 1)

a. Check Out the Desktop (overview)

b. Go with the Start Menu

c. Get Familiar with the Taskbar (overview)

2. Examining the Anatomy of a Window (Ch 2)

a. Explore the Parts of a Window

b. Arrange windows (snap & stack)

c. Flip between Windows

3. Creating Your First Documents (Ch 3)

a. Start WordPad

b. Save a Document

c. Quit WordPad

d. Open a Document

e. Discover How a Dialog Box Works

4. Organizing Your Documents (Ch 5)

a. See All Your Documents As Files on a Disk

b. Find a Misplaced File

c. Create a Folder to Organize Your Files

d. Rename a File or Folder

e. Move or Copy a File or Folder

f. Delete and Restore a File or Folder

g. Select Multiple Files

5. Making Windows 7 More Fun to Use (Ch 14)

a. Personalize Windows with a Theme

b. Choose a Desktop Background

c. Color Your Windows

d. Change the Sounds Your Computer Makes

e. Set Up a Screen Saver

f. Save Your Theme

g. Change Desktop Icons

h. Pick Your Mouse Pointers

i. Change Your Account Picture

6. Using the Taskbar and Start Menu Smartly (Ch 15)

a. Tune Up Your Taskbar

b. Control System Notification Messages

c. Pin Icons to the Taskbar

d. Use Taskbar Jump Lists

e. Customize Your Start Menu

f. Pin Icons to the Start Menu

7. Making Windows 7 Easier to Use (Ch 16)

a. Make Your Screen Easier to See

b. Stop Double-clicking for Good

c. Check to Select

8. Updating Windows 7 (Ch 17)

a. Activate Windows Now

b. Perform a Windows Update

9. Protecting Your Computer (Ch 18)

a. Check the Action Center

10. Enjoying Photos in Windows 7 (Ch 12 – as time permits)

a. View Photos in Windows 7

b. See Photos in a Slideshow

c. Display a Photo on Your Desktop

The following chapters of Windows 7 for Seniors are not normally covered in class. However, feel free to ask questions about this content in class or by email (mark@mjhinton.com): Part II: Chapters 6, 7; Part III: Chapters 8, 9, 10; Part IV: Ch 11; Part VI: Chapter 19.

Compare with Windows 7: New Features Syllabus