Udemy

Basic Computer Skills: Hands-On Training for Beginners

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  • 19,260 Students
  • Updated 10/2025
4.6
(5,368 Ratings)
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Course Information

Registration period
Year-round Recruitment
Course Level
Study Mode
Duration
11 Hour(s) 37 Minute(s)
Language
English
Taught by
Todd McLeod
Rating
4.6
(5,368 Ratings)

Course Overview

Basic Computer Skills: Hands-On Training for Beginners

Build essential computer skills fast: apps, folders, typing, settings & real-world projects made easy.

Unlock the world of technology with this beginner-friendly Basic Computer Skills course, taught by Todd McLeod—a best-selling Udemy instructor, California professor, and Microsoft Certified Educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. Perfect for absolute beginners or those brushing up on essentials, this hands-on course covers everything from powering on your computer to managing files, installing apps, and using AI tools like ChatGPT, Grok, and Gemini to learn faster. Gain confidence navigating Windows or macOS, typing efficiently, printing documents, and staying safe online through practical videos, real-world projects, and clear, step-by-step instructions. This course also contains the use of artificial intelligence to help you master computer skills.


Why Choose This Course?

  • Comprehensive Beginner Curriculum: Learn to navigate your desktop, manage files, install apps, connect devices, take screenshots, and boost productivity—all tailored for beginners.

  • AI-Powered Learning: Use ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, and Copilot to answer questions, summarize content, analyze documents, and simplify tech concepts instantly.

  • Hands-On Practice: Build practical skills with exercises like batch file renaming, organizing downloads, and typing projects to reinforce real-world applications.

  • Expert Instruction: Learn from Todd McLeod, renowned for his clear, engaging, and empowering teaching style that makes technology approachable and fun.

  • Essential Digital Skills: Master in-demand computer literacy for work, school, home tasks, or helping others, empowering you to thrive in a tech-driven world.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Power On/Off & Navigation: Turn on, shut down, restart, or sleep your computer safely to prevent data loss and manage energy efficiently.

  • Mouse & Keyboard Mastery: Use left/right clicks, scrolling, drag-and-drop, and shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V) for fast, confident navigation.

  • Desktop & Windows Control: Navigate the desktop, taskbar, Start menu, and windows on Windows or macOS to multitask like a pro.

  • File Management: Create, rename, move, and organize files/folders in File Explorer or Finder for a clutter-free digital workspace.

  • Recycle Bin/Trash: Delete, restore, or permanently remove files using Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac) without stress.

  • Essential Shortcuts: Master copy, paste, undo, redo, and select all to edit text and files quickly and recover from mistakes.

  • Safe App Installation: Download and install apps from trusted sources (e.g., Microsoft Store, Apple App Store, Google Play Store) and avoid malware with tools like Virus Total.

  • Uninstall & Optimize: Remove unwanted programs and manage startup apps to boost your computer’s speed and performance.

  • Personalize Settings: Adjust volume, brightness, display, wallpaper, and themes for a comfortable, customized setup.

  • Connect Devices: Set up second monitors, projectors, mice, keyboards, webcams, or printers and troubleshoot recognition issues.

  • Text & Document Handling: Open, save, edit, and move text in apps like Word or Notepad, using spell check and word count for polished work.

  • Typing Skills: Improve speed and accuracy with typing practice tips and tools like TypingClub or Keybr.

  • Screenshots & Printing: Take full/partial screenshots on Windows/Mac, set up printers, and print documents/web pages with correct settings.

  • Safe Downloads: Download files safely, understand types (.zip, .exe, .pdf, .jpg, .png), and organize your Downloads folder efficiently.

  • USB & External Storage: Connect USB drives, copy files to/from external storage, scan for viruses, and format drives for reliable use.

  • Practical Projects: Rename multiple files using patterns and complete hands-on tasks to solidify your skills.

  • AI Productivity: Use AI to summarize articles/videos, analyze documents, generate ideas, and solve tech problems for smarter, faster work.


Who Is This Course For?

  • Absolute Beginners: No prior computer experience needed—perfect for those new to technology.

  • Job Seekers: Gain essential tech skills to enhance resumes and excel in workplace interviews.

  • Students: Develop computer literacy for schoolwork, projects, or online learning.

  • Parents & Caregivers: Learn to help kids or others with tech tasks confidently.

  • Adults & Seniors: Build digital confidence for everyday tasks like email, browsing, or managing files.

  • Tech-Frustrated Users: Overcome confusion and master computers with clear, practical guidance.


Course Highlights:

  • Engaging Video Lectures: Short, beginner-friendly lessons with clear demos and AI role-play examples.

  • Real-World Projects: Practice renaming files, organizing folders, typing, and using AI for tasks you’ll use daily.

  • Quizzes & Exercises: Test your skills with interactive activities and solutions to track progress.

  • Certificate of Completion: Earn a Udemy certificate to showcase your new computer proficiency.

  • AI-Enhanced Learning: Leverage ChatGPT, Grok, and other AI tools to simplify concepts and accelerate mastery.


Enroll Today!


Join thousands of students who have transformed their digital confidence with Todd McLeod’s practical, empowering courses. With lifetime access, hands-on projects, and expert guidance, you’ll master basic computer skills and harness AI to navigate technology with ease. Described as “fun,” “confidence-boosting,” and “life-changing,” this course will forever change how you interact with computers.

Take the first step to digital independence today! Enroll now in Basic Computer Skills: Hands-On Guide for Absolute Beginners and unlock essential tech skills with confidence and ease.

Course Content

  • 10 section(s)
  • 190 lecture(s)
  • Section 1 Essential Computer Setup & Navigation
  • Section 2 Working with Windows Operating System
  • Section 3 Installing, Removing, and Managing Apps
  • Section 4 Device Settings and Everyday Adjustments
  • Section 5 Typing, Text, and Document Handling
  • Section 6 Screenshots, Printing, and Saving to PDF
  • Section 7 File Downloads and Installations
  • Section 8 USB Drives and External Devices
  • Section 9 Practice Projects for Real-World Skills
  • Section 10 Final Tips and Lifelong Learning

What You’ll Learn

  • Navigate the desktop, taskbar, windows, and settings
  • Use a mouse, keyboard, and essential shortcuts with ease
  • Create, rename, delete, and organize files and folders
  • Download and install apps from safe sources
  • Take screenshots and save or print documents
  • Connect to printers, USB drives, and Bluetooth devices
  • Adjust system preferences like volume, display, and theme
  • Practice real-world tasks to reinforce every skill


Reviews

  • M
    Mary Wong
    4.0

    Course was very informative and covered a lot of topics My only issue was the Images from the screen were to small .

  • J
    Jacqueline Marie Casalini
    2.5

    Start of the course was very informative. Learned enough that I was becoming comfortable and not so afraid. But Mr. McLeod got faster moving about computer, I found it hard to keep up. Sorry to say he talked a lot about his life making it hard for me to focus. Thank you for what I did learn.

  • J
    Janet Sharot Nalubega
    5.0

    Yes, it was great and well explained thank you so much.

  • U
    Udemy User
    5.0

    total newbie here, I am 60 years old and always shied away from computers. I picked the basic computer course and so far I am enjoying learning. The tutor is doing a great job of explaining the subject also I find him funny, which makes learning fun

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