COMPUTER ESSENTIALS COURSE OUTLINE

In as little as four months, or take longer if you wish, you can be ready to use a computer. U.S. Career Institute prepares you to do word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, multimedia and even Web pages.

You get everything you need to know in easy-to-understand lessons that take you step by step from the basics through advanced capabilities. This gives you a preview of what you will learn.

Here is a complete list of the Instruction Packages, lessons and supplements you will receive.

Click on the instruction links below for complete course content.

Instruction Pack 1
Instruction Pack 2
Instruction Pack 3
Instruction Pack 4
Instruction Pack 5

Computer Essentials Instruction Pack I  Back to Top

Welcome to the World of Computers
You’ll learn about the importance of computers in society and business today, the history of computers and about the many careers that are
open to individuals with the right computer skills.

The Nuts and Bolts: Computer Hardware
You’ll learn the components of a computer system and how computers work. You’ll also learn about different types of computerized data, data storage, communication, input and output devices.

The Tools: Computer Software
You’ll explore software programs, operating systems, system tools and
utilities and programming tools, generalized and custom software,
networks and software development.

Microsoft® Operating System: Computer Connections
You’re introduced to Microsoft® Windows where you’ll connect your
computer and explore the operating system. You’re also introduced to the Microsoft® Office programs used in the remainder of the
course—Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Navigating in Microsoft® Windows Vista: Basic Operations
You’ll continue to learn about Microsoft Windows® and its various programs.


Also included in Pack I:
• "You Can Do It!” CD
• Computer Buyer’s and User’s Guide
• Ergonomics: Creating a Healthy Home and Work Environment
• Flash Pen•

Computer Essentials Instruction Pack II  Back to Top

Create Documents in Microsoft® Word: Part I
You’ll learn about the basics of Microsoft® Office Word—the word-processing software application. You’ll create and edit professional-looking documents, explore the Help menu, keyboard keys
and shortcuts.

Create Documents in Microsoft® Word: Part II
You’ll take your Word foundation to the next level; you’ll create, edit, format and print professionallooking documents. You’ll discover the editing
keys and strategies to format documents, and practice proofreading documents in order to present a professional document.

Desktop Publish in Microsoft® Word: Part I
You’ll study desktop publishing and discover basic desktop-publishing guidelines. You’ll also explore different types of desktop-publishing
software and graphics, create styles and produce a table of contents.

Desktop Publish in Microsoft® Word: Part II
You’ll ramp up your skills with additional desktop-publishing tools.
You’ll learn to line up graphic elements using grids, as well as create text boxes, fill them with text and images, move, cut, paste, delete and link them.

Microsoft® Excel Basics
You’ll learn the basics of Microsoft® Excel in this lesson. You’ll differentiate between a spreadsheet and a text-based, word-processing document and study ways in which workbooks and worksheets are organized. You’ll also discover ways worksheets are used in the business world.

Also included in Pack II:
• Computer Essentials CD
• USCI Sticky Notes
• Professional Development I—Creating a Professional Image

Computer Essentials Instruction Pack III  Back to Top

Work with Data in Excel®
You’re provided with plenty of hands-on practice with worksheets. You’ll generate Excel reports and discover tools that are unique to Excel. You’ll
format data in cells and then format the page as a whole.

Microsoft® PowerPoint: The Anatomy of a Presentation
You’ll study the basic components of presentations, as well as the features of PowerPoint. You’ll learn about the benefits of PowerPoint and format slides to create a more effective presentation.

Put Microsoft® PowerPoint to Work
You’ll explore some of the more advanced functions. You’ll design presentations from templates and create them from scratch.


Also included in Pack III:
• Professional Development II—Managing Stress, Time and Money
• Gel Wrist Rest


Computer Essentials Instruction Pack IV  Back to Top

The Internet and the World Wide Web
This lesson covers the Internet in detail. You’ll discover the intricacies of the Internet and the World Wide Web and the many ways to connect to
the Internet. Finally, you’ll explore different types of networks and the various Internet languages.

Research Using the Internet and the World Wide Web
You’ll learn to effectively research on the Internet and the World Wide Web. You’ll also learn ways to find relevant information and how to document
information correctly.

Security in the Information Age
This lesson introduces you to the intricacies of e-mail. You’ll discover necessary precautions against computer hazards, like severe weather
and natural disasters, as well as people and world events.

E-mail Etiquette
You’ll learn about e-mail etiquette, such as an ideal time frame for replies and reasons to avoid emoticons. You’ll also learn to check spelling and
grammar in order to e-mail professionally.


Also included in Pack IV:
• Professor Teaches® Microsoft® Office Tutorials
• Professional Development III—Career Advancement
• Mouse Pad
• CD Case

Computer Essentials Instruction Pack V   Back to Top

Organize with Microsoft® Outlook
Outlook is a versatile tool that you can use to customize workflow, organize resources and stay on track. You’re introduced to the features and
benefits in this lesson.

Put Outlook® to Work
You’ll learn more advanced Outlook features in this lesson. You’ll learn to stay organized with appointment reminders, task lists, meeting requests
and calendars.

Put It All Together
This practicum presents a real-world, workplace scenario that reinforces the importance of computer application skills. You’ll have the opportunity to
apply the skills you learned in this course.

Also included in Pack V:
• Professor Teaches® Microsoft® Office Tutorials
• Computer Essentials Career Starter Kit

SPECIAL BONUS: As a paid-in-full graduate, you’ll receive a valuable graduation gift...

• Graduation Gift: Resumé Maker™ Software Program

What better graduation gift than one of the absolute best resumé formatting, organizational and graphics packages available today? This software makes it easy to create a powerful resumé for yourself—one that really gets you noticed!