If you're new to computers, or just new to Microsoft Windows 7, this course will get you up to speed fast. In just six weeks, you'll make the transition from helpless beginner to happy PC user. 

We'll start with the absolute basics: the computer terms and skills everyone else assumes you already know. (And soon, you will know them!) Then you’ll explore some fun Windows 7 features that let you personalize your screen so it suits your style and your specific needs. You'll also learn about some handy gadgets you can put on your computer desktop for work or play. 

Next, you'll find out how to type and edit text so you can easily create emails or documents. You'll also learn how to save and organize your work so it’s always a snap to find your files. In addition, you’ll discover how to save and organize photos, fix the annoying “red eye” caused by flash cameras, and use basic photo editing techniques like cropping. 

After that, you'll pick up some tips that will help you search the Web like an expert using the Internet Explorer web browser that comes with Windows 7. You'll also learn how to use flash drives, CDs, and DVDs, and how to protect your system against viruses and other threats.  

In each lesson, you’ll find fun games and practical, hands-on activities to help you master your new skills. By the time you’re done, you’ll know the Windows 7 operating system from top to bottom—and you’ll be using it like a pro!

A new section of each course starts monthly. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

The final exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the final exam has been released, you will have two weeks to complete all of your course work, including the final exam.

You will need a desktop or portable computer running Microsoft Windows 7, as well as Internet access with email. The Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Reader plug-ins are recommended. These are free items you can easily download from http://www.adobe.com/downloads.    

Note: This course is not suitable for Macintosh users or people using Windows XP or Windows Vista.

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Alan Simpson.

With over 100 published books to his name, award-winning author Alan Simpson is widely regarded as a PC and Internet guru. His books have been published throughout the world in over a dozen languages. Alan is a seasoned veteran of the computer industry, and his books and online courses cover virtually all aspects of the computer industry, including Web development, operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, programming, networking, and security.

“ I thought the course was great. Having never taken a computer course since DOS this filled in a lot of gaps. ”

“ This was my first online course. I liked it a lot...I picked up some good tips and tricks. I would say it was a good review and solidified what I knew. ”

“ Thank you so much for offering this course online. It was very helpful to me. I learned a lot about Windows 7 that I was not aware of! ”

“ This was my first experience taking an online class of any kind---I enjoyed it! I liked having two lessons each week and the option to take up to two weeks to complete each lesson. The guidelines of the course were made very clear, and I liked that as well. ”

“ This course was extremely helpful to me. I came into this course with very little knowledge about computers, and found the course work to be challenging, but understandable. This is an excellent course for beginners. The instructor does a great job of explaining the terminology of computers, something I had not understood prior to taking this class. I highly recommend this class, especially for beginners. ”

“ The course was very helpful to me in my effort to bridge the gap between Windows XP and Windows 7. I found the course interesting and helpful. Thank you very much. ”

“ I am 77 years old and I have to say I was a little nervous about taking a computer class. I had just purchased a new computer with Windows 7 and I knew nothing about this operating system. Once I got started, I really enjoyed the lessons and learned so much. I really appreciated being able to print out the lessons to keep as a reference guide for later as well...Thank you! ”

“ I can't believe how much my computer skills have grown in six weeks! The instructor made it so easy to learn and explained everything in a very understandable manner. I was so impressed with this course that I am now enrolled in another course. ”

“ Great course! I have been using computers for years and yet learned a lot from this course. ”

“ This was the best course for a first time computer student. I have been struggling for a long time just trying to navigate around my computer. Most of the time I just threw my hands up in the air and wanted to give up. Now I feel more confident and ready to learn more. Thank you for offering this course for absolute beginners. I loved it! ”