Windows XP -- the new Windows Experience -- is the latest and greatest version of Microsoft Windows. Whether you're new to Windows or an experienced PC aficionado, there's a lot to learn in the all-new Windows XP.

For the Windows newbie, there's never been a better time to learn. The new XP interface is designed to make the learning curve easier than ever. Experienced Windows users will also appreciate the new frictionless interface that makes a computer quicker, easier, and more productive. This course covers all the basic skills and concepts needed to use a computer to do anything - be it surf the Internet, write a book, day trade stocks, manage your finances, play music, edit photos, or just do e-mail. You need only know enough to get connected to the online course. Basic buzzwords and concepts of drives, directories, files, and so forth are explained in depth, as well as all the skills you need to get help when you need it, back out of awkward situations gracefully, and take advantage of the Internet like never before.

You'll also learn to use and customize the new interface; work with texts, pictures, photos, sound, music and DVD, Interactive TV and video; create shortcuts to favorites; get the most from the Internet; and even build your own local area network (LAN).

To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:

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Syllabus:

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 the lesson is released, but you must complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

A new section of each course starts on the second or third Wednesday of each month. 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.

Week One

Wednesday - Lesson 01

In this first lesson, we'll start at the beginning by defining all the terms that everybody else assumes you already know. You'll discover the simple meanings behind words like keyboard, mouse, shortcut, click, right-click, drag, desktop, menus, scrollbars, title bars, toolbars, the taskbar, dialog boxes, and more. By the time you finish this lesson, you'll know how to apply what you've learned to opening and closing programs, working with multiple programs, and much more.

Friday - Lesson 02

With some basic skills and terminology under your belt, you're ready to go through the process of creating, printing, editing, saving, and reopening you first document. In this lesson, you'll learn valuable skills for working with text and how to copy and paste. You'll learn how to place a document in a folder, then find and reopen it again at any time in the future with ease. You'll also learn tricks of the trade for finding lost files on your system.

Week Two

Wednesday - Lesson 03

Have a digital camera or scanner? Looking to get some pictures into the computer, or work with the pictures you already have? Then you'll love this lesson. Here you'll learn about opening, editing, cropping, and resizing pictures. Undo the changes you don't like, and keep the changes you do like. Organize your pictures so they're easy to find. Print your pictures or view them in a slide show. Send pictures to family and friends through e-mail. And use your own pictures as you Windows desktop background!

Friday - Lesson 04

In today's lesson, you'll learn about making music with Windows XP. You'll find out how to control the sound volume on your PC. Then we'll go over how to create your own collection of favorite songs and play them right from your computer. Finally, we'll discuss how to make your own custom music CDs of favorite songs and how to copy songs to a portable music player. It's easier than you'd think!

Week Three

Wednesday - Lesson 05

Most people have heard of viruses that can infect your computer. In today's lesson, you'll learn all about protecting your computer from those and other threats to your computer's security. You'll discover the importance of using free automatic updates to keep your computer secure. You'll learn to use the free Windows firewall to protect your PC from Internet hackers. And you'll see how to use antivirus and other programs to shield your PC from harmful programs and irritating ads.

Friday - Lesson 06

In this lesson, we'll take a tour through the network of files and folders on your computer's hard disk. You'll see how everything that's in your computer is actually stored in files, and those files are organized into folders. You'll learn about tools and techniques for navigating and exploring your computer's folders and the files within them. You'll also find out about external computer disks like floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs. You'll even learn how to create your own folders!

Week Four

Wednesday - Lesson 07

In today's lesson, we'll build on the tools and terminology you learned in Lesson 6 to take your skill level to new heights. Here you'll learn what words like kilobyte, megabyte, and gigabyte really mean. You'll learn how to move and copy files between folders and different kinds of disks. And you'll discover the tricks to renaming and deleting files, as well as recovering files you erased by accident. As an added bonus, you'll learn how to create your own custom shortcut icons, making it easy to get to the files and folders you use most.

Friday - Lesson 08

Don't like something about the look and feel of your computer screen? In this lesson, you'll learn how to personalize Windows XP. First, you'll learn about Control Panel, where most options for personalizing your PC are stored. You'll see how easy it is to change the appearance and size of things on your screen. And you'll discover techniques for customizing your mouse and keyboard to you own needs. You'll even learn to create user accounts, which allow each person who uses a computer to have his or her own personal files and settings, separate from others who share the same computer.

Week Five

Wednesday - Lesson 09

In today's lesson, we'll get into some of the technical hardware that makes the whole computer work. You'll learn about RAM, the CPU, and other major computer components. You'll learn to discover the capabilities of your own computer, and how to keep it in peak condition. You'll discover new ways to troubleshoot problems and get the information you need, when you need it, without always having to ask some knowledgeable person.

Friday - Lesson 10

Did you know that there are over 100,000 different programs available for Windows XP? Nobody has them all or needs them all. But it's nice to know you have choices. In this lesson, you'll learn about acquiring and installing new programs. You'll also learn how to remove any programs you don't want. And you'll learn about adding hardware devices like printers, scanners, and cameras to your computer.

Week Six

Wednesday - Lesson 11

Pictures are fun, but did you know you can also create your own movies with Windows XP? In today's lesson, you'll find out how to use the Movie Maker program that's built right into Windows XP. With it, you can create your own slide shows and videos complete with custom titles, credits, background music, and special effects.

Friday - Lesson 12

These days, it's not unusual to have two or more computers in a household. In our final lesson, we'll discuss the art of networking, or getting multiple computers within the home to talk to each other. You'll learn how several computers can share a single Internet account, printer, and even files.

To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:

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. As a seasoned veteran of the computer industry, Alan's 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.

To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:

Requirements:

Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader). A computer equipped with a copy of Windows XP is recommended. Students who want to learn about the product before purchase are also welcome.

To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:

Student Reviews:

• "A fine course! I learned so much. Now using XP will be much more enjoyable."
• "Alan Simpson was a excellent instructor and made the course feel like a classroom, by the way he handled the discussions. You can learn a lot by what happens to others."
• "Any time I had problems, I received quick feedback. When the problem could not be solved immediately, the instructor would work with me no matter how many minutes or hours were needed to solve the problem. With the time spent answering questions (in depth if needed) about all the problems of the students in this class, this instructor or teaching assistant went "above and beyond" duty to help each one of us... I really appreciate that because when I taught, I did the same thing although I wouldn't do it any other way... it takes a lot of time and energy!!!"
• "As a former educator, I've taken many computer workshops. This was the most helpful ever. It is really a well-designed and helpful course."
• "Before the cours,e my computer knowledge was random and I was not confident. Now, I am very confident. Also I was not a believer in online courses. Now, I like them very much and recommend them to anyone who is interested! I am sure you will learn more than in a classroom."
• "Before the course my computer knowledge was random and I was not confident, now I am very confident. Also I was not believe on online courses, now I like them very much and recommend them to anyone who is interested. I am sure you will learn more than in a classroom."
• "Best computer class I have taken."
• "Each lesson was very helpful. I really appreciated being able to print the lesson up for future reference. The format was easy to follow. I enjoyed it a lot!"
• "Even though I've been using Windows since version 3.1, I managed to pick up a few tips that I didn't know before the class."
• "Excellent class. I have been using XP for a long time, but now I feel like I can take advantage of all it has to offer. There are many things I never knew existed that have really helped me."
• "Excellent course -- extremely helpful to operating Windows XP and performing many new tasks with pictures, music, CD's and movies!"
• "Excellent course! The Instructor was very detailed in his lessons. Material used was up to date and scoped in on the subject matter. I recommend that others take his classes, you will benefit greatly."
• "Great class. Would definitely recommend this class, and instructor, to every level of computer proficiency."
• "Great course. Comprehensive and user-friendly."
• "Great course- great introduction. I cannot believe all the capabilities that Windows XP has. I got far more from this course than I had anticipated. The instructor was very good and it was obvious that he would continue trying to find answers to discussion questions if he didn't have them right away. I think sometimes he went "above and beyond" what he was expected to do. He seems to really enjoy working with computers. Thanks a lot!!"
• "Highly recommended. A fast and fun way to learn a lot of very useful information."
• "I absolutely enjoyed this course and am so glad that I took it."
• "I am a beginner and a senior citizen and I enjoyed the course very much. If I can understand it than anyone can!"
• "I am much more knowledgeable about many aspects of my computer (Windows XP) than I was before taking the course. I was not aware of just how much I didn't know. It was a great experience."
• "I am strictly a beginning in the computer world. This class was extremely helpful for this reason. It got down to the basics and information was explained in a language understandable to a beginner."
• "I am thrilled with my success. Thank you so much for sharing all this information with me in such a non-threatening environment. My hats off to you for the way you prepared each lesson, making it easy for me to go back and quickly find information I needed, by finding it in 'Bold Print'. Your Index will help as I spread my wings to fly off into the area of 'I can do this'! Thanks so much for the wonderful time."
• "I feel much more comfortable with my computer now. Best of all, I never left the house!"
• "I feel that I have learned a great deal from this course. I have brought books on XP but learning here was so much better than reading a book. Each lesson was a discovery which excited and motivated me to continue. I know I have learned things I would never have learned on my own. Thank you."
• "I felt it was an excellent course in every respect."
• "I have impressed my family and friends with all the knowledge I received from this course. They think I'm an expert!"
• "I have learned so much and had so much fun learning all these wonderful things about my new operating system. Mr. Simpson answered the questions in the discussion area promptly, clearly, and with a sense of humor at times. I truly enjoyed this course and my only regret is that the course is over already!"
• "I have learned so much from this course that I would highly recommend it to others."
• "I have recommended the course to all XP owners that I know. And I thought the course was fun!"
• "I have taken about 12 online computer courses. Most have been excellent. This course was absolutely outstanding in its design, coverage, and clarity."
• "I have used Windows XP for several months, however, I found many new techniques to make its use easier. Also, I explored several new areas such as movies and working with photos. Very worthwhile and economical."
• "I learned a lot from this class. The instructor was very thorough. I wish you had more classes with this instructor."
• "I learned an exceptional amount in this course. I felt my questions were dealt with extremely well and I appreciated this help."
• "I learned way more than I ever dreamed I would. After finishing each new lesson /chapter, I got all excited as I discovered that my new computer had all these cool features that I previously knew nothing about."
• "I more than got my money's worth and I plan to sign up for another class."
• "Instructor was Great!"
• "I really admire Mr. Simpson's patience and support."
• "I really enjoyed the class - the material was put together in an easy to follow format, had excellent photos/graphics and all the web sites provided more hands on follow-up than can be completed in a single 6-week course."
• "I really enjoyed the course, once I knew how to get started. I had a wonderful instructor, the assignments came in well in advance, and I was able to get on line any time I want. The good thing about this is that it allowed me to work on my own time. Thank you so much."
• "I still CAN NOT believe how much I learned, and in my PJ's at that! This course was exacting what the syllabus & course description outlined. Taught in an easy to follow & understand manner. I was very hesitate to embark on an on-line course or even a "classroom" after 30 some years, but I would now like to continue. Thanks so much!"
• "I thoroughly enjoyed taking this course! Alan Simpson is one terrific teacher. He has taken the mystery and fear out of computers for me."
• "I thought this was an excellent computer class. I liked the way you started out slow and easy for the beginners and gradually got more technical when I was ready for it. I liked the way that you arranged the material, with fun stuff mixed in between the hard stuff. I liked how thorough you were and how you anticipated where we might have trouble and tried to prevent it before we got lost. I really appreciated that. I learned a lot and really do appreciate the time and effort that you obviously put in to this class. You are an outstanding teacher."
• "I truly enjoyed the course and especially Alan Simpson's teaching style. His lessons were very thorough, interesting, and complete, and his step by step instructions were easy to follow. I would like to take another class from him."
• "I've been working with Windows since Windows 95 and just got a new computer with XP and rather than struggle with the learning process I decided to take this course and loved every minute of it. Not only did it help me but now I feel qualified to help others with XP. Good job."
• "I've found this course to be extremely helpful. The lessons were clear and easy to follow. I have benefited from this course more than I would have in a traditional classroom. The instructor was great! Thank you."
• "I've taken 3 or 4 of these courses and found this one to be one of thr best, if not the best. The instructor was on top of the discussion section with a rapidity that amazed me, and gave very detailed answers. As a former teacher, I was impressed. The tests questions were clear and unambiguous. There are such things as master teachers, and I think we had one for this course. Thank you."
• "I would highly recommend this course to any one who was looking to expand their knowledge of Windows XP. There is so much I learned that I didn't realize even existed thank you for a wonderful learning experience."
• "Lots of information that is clearly explained. I am new to computers and am delighted to find a class that presents the materiel in a way that even I can understand. Wow! Thank You!"
• "Loved the course, thank you. I now feel like I can use my computer without blowing it up."
• "Much more than I expected. Best on-line class I have had yet."
• "My husband and I had fun discussing this class and learning together. He liked all the technical stuff and I enjoyed the more creative chapters. We both learned a great deal and will definitely take more online classes (I did the quizzes by myself!)"
• "My sincere thanks to the course instructor. I enjoyed this class and will find the lesson information very useful in the future. I especially appreciated the many screen examples and illustrations."
• "Reading through the discussion page on various lessons, I feel Mr. Simpson made a real effort in answering the questions. I admire his patience with which he tried to answer some very ambiguous questions."
• "Superb course! The ability to complete the course at my own pace really helped. Your coverage and down-to-earth discussion of the various subjects was useful and to-the-point."
• "Taking this course is one of the best decisions I have made. The lessons were easy to understand and I was able to follow along. When I had a question it was answered very quickly and had step by step instructions which was needed."
• "Thanks so much, I did enjoy the class and actually learned a lot--I say actually because I learned more in the past 8 weeks than I did in 4 years of college."
• "Thank you, Alan Simpson, for making me a more confident user of my Windows XP system. Looking forward to another online course in the future."
• "Thank you for a wonderful learning experience. Alan Simpson should write more courses. He seems to understand what it takes to make course content understandable to a beginner. Great course!"
• "Thank you for helping me overcome my unfounded fears of computers. What fun a computer can be!"
• "Thank you! This course was helpful and enjoyable. I appreciate your light-hearted and down-to-earth style, and also the way you give us the easiest ways to do things and not ALL the ways."
• "Thank you very much--I was a neophyte and now I am not afraid of the computer."
• "The class was very enjoyable and convenient since I am a working mom and on the run constantly."
• "The course covered all the essentials (and more) of XP in a comprehensive language not found in the commercial texts. Made learning and application easier and gratifying."
• "The course was a really good one, its much better than reading a book on windows xp."
• "The course was excellent. I obtained the knowledge which I had expected. The price is extremely reasonable. My expectations have been fully met and I am congratulating you on the design, content and execution of the course."
• "The course was very well written and presented. Everything was taught in a methodical manner, and each question or pondering was anticipated and addressed as you worked your way through. Queries were answered promptly in a respectful, sharing way without making anyone feel less than intelligent."
• "The course was written on a level that I could understand and not way over my head. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and looked forward to the days that I could start a new lesson. Thanks for such a wonderful learning experience. I will definitely be taking another online computer course."
• "The instructor had great interaction skills and demonstrated his knowledge without being a know-it-all. I look forward to taking more of his classes!"
• "The instructor went out of his way to find the answers to student's questions. And the extra mile to give suggestions and web sites to help us!"
• "The teacher was excellent and went out of his way to be helpful many times over. I would recommended this course to friends."
• "This class and instructor were TERRIFIC! I hope there will be another opportunity to take a class from Mr. Simpson. He is so thorough and conscientious about answering questions. Thank you so very much."
• "This course at first seemed to be a beginner course, that I thought was of no use to me. As I continued through the whole course, I realized that there was much more to learn! I am so impressed by this course. I would definitely take more courses by this instructor!"
• "This course is excellent. It has opened a whole new world to me."
• "This course opened up many opportunities for me to be able to use my computer that I never would have learned from the tutorials or help sections offered on the computer. Also, I could understand what I was reading, unlike the instructions that come with the computer (my eyes glaze over about 2 sentences after starting to read). I'm very happy with this course and have mentioned it to many friends as a very worthwhile learning experience."
• "This course was a great help to me in fully understanding the many options available in Windows XP. It was exactly what I was looking for!"
• "This course was excellent! I feel quite confident about using XP."
• "This course was extremely helpful to me as a new user of XP. I wasn't particularly interested in the movie making information -- that was reflected in my grade! But, I gained an incredible amount of helpful information that I'm sure will be useful for years to come."
• "This Course was extremely helpful to me. I feel like I can do so much more with Windows XP now. I also now know more about it than most of my co-workers."
• "This course was handled professionally. I am impressed and will take more courses taught by Alan Simpson. He handled the subject material via lessons and discussions which enabled you to learn what was being taught effectively. I am able to use my computer for various functions which I didn't know existed, and have a more in depth knowledge of the functions and programs I used before."
• "This course was just what I was hoping it would be. I gained a lot of information and answered questions I have had from the time I got my computer."
• "This instructor answered every question that I had and taught me so much more that I expected to learn in this course. He answered the questions usually with in a few hours of sending them. He was very through. Shows that he knows his stuff and is interested in making sure that we do also."
• "This instructor was outstanding at answering student questions in a clear and timely manner. I have never taken an on-line class with better instructor student interaction."
• "This is the best on-line course I have ever taken. The instructor has a style of writing that makes everything very easy to understand. Hs step by step instructions are excellent."
• "This was a very comprehensive, well-written course, and Alan Simpson's discussion answers were very complete, extremely helpful and incredibly prompt. He's raised the bar for instructor performance. Bravo!"
• "This was a very good course, especially for someone who is technologically challenged. The promptness with which questions were answered in the discussion area allowed you to continue working with little lapse of time."
• "This was a very good course, expecially for someone(me)who is technologically challenged. The promptness with which questions were answered in the discussion area allowed you to continue working with little lapse of time. Some areas I will have to restudy to make the learning permanent. Thanks for a offering the course online."
• "This was my first on-line course and I'm very pleased with the way it went."
• "This was my first online course. I was surprised at the quality of instruction and content. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in learning more about Windows XP. I'd be interested in taking more classes from this instructor."
• "This was the 1st class I ever took online. It was great!!!! The instructor did a great job with the lessons. I never got bored or disinterested in any lesson."
• "This was the best online instruction I've seen. I never thought so much technical material could be presented in such a user friendly manner."
• "Truly excellent instructor! Grateful for his interest in his students and concerned help. A wonderful experience!"
• "Wow, I feel so much more comfortable with my computer now. Alan Simpson communicated on a level even I could understand. Thank you."
• "Your class was a real "hoot". I'm sure you would be very interesting in person in a classroom. Thanks for putting this class together. I really liked it."

To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below: