Basic Computer Class

How to use a computer?

Most computer literacy courses will focus on how to perform certain tasks with your computer. How to open a specific program, or perform very specific functions in Windows (the operating system which controls the computer). The problem here is that when the computer updates, and Windows 10 updates every few months, things change. The positions of icons, menus and other computer programs shift and change, so the task you learned how to do no longer works in the order you learned how to do it, leaving you frustrated, irritated and feeling like you have failed. This should not be the case when you have the proper computer literacy skills. You should feel confident to continue to use the laptop or desktop even though things are changing all the time. You need to learn why you do certain things on a computer and not how to do them.

Basic Computer Skills

Our focus is to get you to learn why you do certain things with a computer. When you have a core understanding of how the computer works and why you perform certain actions you will build confidence in using any laptop or desktop you sit in front of. When you learn to drive you have to learn the rules of the road first. The same is true with computers. Learning the rules that govern the Windows operating system builds an understanding you can utilise to operate your computer to its full potential. You will feel less anxiety and more confidence in your computer skills.

Beginner Class

We approach the course from the stand point of an absolute beginner computer user. We encourage you to bring in your own laptop or notebook PC so that we can give you a hands-on lesson on why you do certain things in Windows with your laptop. Most intermediate computer users may not want to do a beginner training computer class, but we have found through decades of computer problem solving for customers and businesses, that basic computer knowledge is often lacking in most users and so many intermediate users would also benefit from this class to fill in their knowledge gaps.

What type of computers will you learn?

While our computer classes are designed to train you to use Microsoft Windows 10. The skills you will learn will help you to be competent and computer literate with older and newer computers and operating systems as well as Apple Mac.

3 Short Computer Courses

The basic computer training class is divided into three one and a half hour courses that together form the one 4.5 hour class. Each course can be done at different times, but they will need to be done in the correct order so that you build upon your previous skills and understanding to enhance your computer literacy skills.

• [1A] Computer Orientation
• [1B] Computer Basic Rules
• [1C] Computers on The Internet

[1A] Computer Orientation Course

This computer class is designed to orient you to the hardware of your laptop or desktop computer. The essential jargon that will help you navigate the world of computers and the internet. Discover what all the

computer components and peripheral devices are and how to physically handle the computer. Reduce the fear of the device and gain confidence in your understanding of how the hardware works.

• Power and turning the device on and off
• Understanding the keyboard and what all the keys do
• The mouse and the touch pad
• Discovering ports and their function, connection and uses
• Understanding the language and structure of notation, binary, file sizes and capacity, files and folders
• Understanding the operating system, programs, applications and apps
• Where things are stored on your computer and the internet
• Learning effective folder structure systems to find all your files easily
• Understanding user accounts, permissions and passwords on the device and the Internet
• Log into the operating system
• Orientation of the desktop, icons, shortcuts, task bar and menu

[1B] Computer Basic Rules Course

Gain the skills necessary to operate the Windows operating system, manipulate the computer and navigate your way around. Learn to structure your files, move them around in folders, find them later through search. You will learn the fundamentals used in every computer program developed since the 1980s allowing you to operate every program you encounter. It is a prerequisite that you have completed 1A before doing 1B.

• Mouse pointers and what they mean
• Understanding left click, double click and right click
• Differentiating icons and menu items
• Learning how windows work: movement, size adjustment, closing, minimising and snapping
• Understanding the menu bar
• Function of folders and file exploration: creation, deletion, views, sorting and file naming/renaming
• Scrolling and scroll bars
• The fundamentals of moving, cutting, copying and pasting
• Selecting, deselecting, dragging and dropping
• Making life easier with short cut keys
• Dialogue boxes and how the computer communicates
• Searching the computer

[1C] Computers On The Internet

Laptops and desktops without access to the internet these days are rudimentary devices at best. Connecting and using the internet in a variety of situations while on holiday, in a different office, a friends house, on the road or in public is vital to undestand. Not only to keep you connected and able to use your computer, but to communicate and stay safe and secure. It is a prerequisite that you have completed 1A and 1B before doing 1C. If you have a smart phone (iPhone or Android) you should bring it with you to this course.

• Understanding the basics of networking: IP and domains
• Bandwidth and what this means
• Connecting to Wi-Fi, hotspots and tethering your mobile
• Public and private networks
• Learning URLs and links
• Windows, browsers, and tabs
• Sessions and security
• Notifications
• Fundamentals of email: how email works, the basic structure of all email accounts
• Check boxes, drop menus, links and buttons
• Passwords, pins and two factor authentication
• Updates

Computer Class Duration and Size

Each of the 3 computer training courses (1A, 1B and 1C) is 1.5 hours in length and will have a maximum of 4 participants. In total the class is 4.5 hours long, but if you are doing the class in one day it stretches of 6.5 hours with breaks. You can attend the computer training with your laptop at any time a course is available, but they must be done in order (A, B, C). If you want you can attend for the entire day as each course has a 1 hour break in between, during which time you can ask more questions and clarify your understanding if you wish.

As there is a maximum of 4 participants the computer class is small enough to facilitate time with the teacher and learn with and from other course attendees. You will have enough time and attention with the teacher to ask the questions you need to ask.

Where are the computer training sessions held?

Everything is taught at our offices in Northbridge on the Sydney North Shore. Suite 3, 165 Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge. We are conveniently located on Sailors Bay road with a bus stop for buses from North Sydney station at our front door. There is 2P public parking in the area as well as all day parking within a 2 minute walk. The training room is up a flight of stairs and unfortunately there is no wheelchair access to the building.

When are the computer classes held?

Currently the computer training classes are held every Friday throughout the day (10am to 4:30pm). You can choose to attend individual courses over time, or all together in one day. If you do choose to do them over time we suggest that you don't leave too much time between courses so that the information remains fresh in your mind.

• Course 1A – 10:00am to 11:30pm
• Course 1B – 12:30pm to 2:00pm
• Course 1C – 3:00pm to 4:30pm

Who is the computer trainer for the class?

Gareth Barrett has decades of experience in computer problem solving. He is the lead problem solver for Get It Fixed. His skill is breaking down the complexity of modern computing into simple easy to understand and learn concepts. He prefers to use layman terms rather than computer jargon to help you understand why certain things are important when using your computer. He teaches various different subjects to people all over the world via the internet and has taught at a university level. He is not afraid to answer every question you have, no matter how simple or complex. You will find he is well spoken and personable. He is comfortable with conversing with people of all ages, social and cultural backgrounds.

Must I bring my own laptop?

It is preferable that you do so the trainer can show you specifics on your own computer. We like to keep our computer class sizes very small so that you get the individual attention you need to learn your own computer. We also advise that you bring your own smart phone (iPhone or Android phone) for the class 1C – Computers on the Internet so that we can teach you how to “tether” your computer on your own phone.

What if you don't have a laptop, or can't bring your desktop?

We will provide a laptop for you to use during the computer class. Please be sure to tell us if you cannot bring a laptop, so we can make one available for you.

Computer Class Cost

The 3 computer courses that make up the class cost $150 each, however, if you pay for all 3 together as a package the cost is $400 in total.

Do you offer a student or seniors discount?

Unfortunately not. Our classes sizes are very small and we tailor the teaching to the individuals in the group you attend with. While each course in the computer class is 1.5 hours, we do allow a 1 hour break where you can gain extra attention from the educator.

Do you offer a discount for couples or friends?

If you want to learn with your own group of friends, family or colleges you can book out an entire day for $1,500 and learn at your own pace with people you know. This works out to $375 per person for 4 people for the entire day. You can also choose the day you want to do the class on as well (including the normal Friday class time).

Do you offer private 1-on-1 computer training?

Yes, we can do private 1-on-1 training. This is the same as our full day group rate of $1,500. We can do the class wherever you are in Sydney and on whichever date suits you (except Fridays).

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept EFTPOS, Visa, Mastercard , Amex, PayPal, cheques, electronic transfer and cash. You must make a payment in order to book for the class. We do not accept payment on the day.

Can I purchase the computer class as a gift?

Absolutely. We are more than happy to make the gift an enjoyable experience for your loved one.

Do you offer a refund if I don't attend?

In order to receive a full refund you must have cancelled your booking at least 24 hours before the starting time of the class. We are more than happy to reschedule your times if you notify us with at least a day notice. Please contact us if you have any concerns about not being able to attend a computer class, we are always willing discuss the individual situation.

How can I book or get further information about the computer class?

Please fill in the accompanying form on this page, or give us a call on (02) 9967-5306. We are happy to discuss the classes with you and answer any further questions you may have.