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Table of Contents

Section 0.0: Getting Started Information...... 4

Computer and Internet Basics

Section 1.1: Computer Systems and the Internet...... 5

Section 1.2: The Windows Operating System...... 6

Section 1.3: File Management...... 7

Section 1.4: Networking and System Updates...... 8

Section 1.5: Online Safety and Security...... 9

Section 1.6: Computer Hardware...... 10

Section 1.7: Printing from Office Applications...... 11

Common Office Features

Section 2.1: Getting Started with Office...... 12

Section 2.2: Customizing Views and Options...... 13

Section 2.3: Printing Files...... 14

Section 2.4: Navigating Files...... 15

Section 2.5: Working with Objects...... 16

Microsoft Word

Section 3.1: Introduction to Word...... 17

Section 3.2: Creating Documents and Using the Clipboard...... 18

Section 3.3: Modifying Fonts...... 20

Section 3.4: Formatting Paragraphs...... 21

Section 3.5: Formatting Pages...... 23

Section 3.6: Editing Documents...... 25

Section 3.7: Inserting Illustrations and Other Elements...... 26

Section 3.8: Creating and Formatting Tables...... 28

Section 3.9: Using Themes, Styles, and Templates...... 30

Section 3.10: Managing References...... 31

Section 3.11: Managing Headers, Footers, and Sections...... 32

Section 3.12: Using Office Collaboration Features...... 33

Section 3.13: Using Macros...... 34

Microsoft Excel

Section 4.1: Introduction to Excel...... 35

Section 4.2: Creating and Managing Workbooks...... 36

Section 4.3: Organizing and Entering Data...... 37

Section 4.4: Changing Properties and Printing Worksheets...... 39

Section 4.5: Formatting Cells...... 41

Section 4.6: Entering Simple Formulas...... 43

Section 4.7: Using Advanced Functions...... 44

Section 4.8: Displaying Data in Charts...... 45

Section 4.9: Organizing Data in Tables...... 46

Section 4.10: Summarizing Complex Data...... 47

Microsoft PowerPoint

Section 5.1: Introduction to PowerPoint...... 48

Section 5.2: Creating and Managing Presentations...... 49

Section 5.3: Formatting Textual Content...... 50

Section 5.4: Designing Slides...... 52

Section 5.5: Using the Slide Master...... 53

Section 5.6: Formatting SmartArt and Shapes...... 54

Section 5.7: Formatting Tables and Charts...... 55

Section 5.8: Formatting Pictures and Other Media...... 56

Section 5.9: Applying Animations and Transitions...... 58

Section 5.10: Delivering Presentations...... 59

Microsoft Access

Section 6.1: Introduction to Access...... 61

Section 6.2: Managing Databases...... 62

Section 6.3: Designing and Creating Tables...... 63

Section 6.4: Using Simple Queries...... 64

Section 6.5: Creating Forms...... 65

Section 6.6: Creating Reports...... 66

Section 6.7: Surveying Advanced Access Features...... 67

Microsoft Outlook

Section 7.1: Introduction to Outlook...... 69

Section 7.2: Sending and Receiving Messages...... 70

Section 7.3: Managing Messages...... 72

Section 7.4: Working with the Calendar...... 74

Section 7.5: Managing Contacts and Groups...... 76

Desktop Pro Practice Exams

Desktop Pro Certification Practice Exams...... 78

MOS 2016 Practice Exams

Section B.1: Preparing for MOS Certification...... 79

Section B.2: Microsoft Word 2016 Core (77-725)...... 81

Section B.3: Microsoft Excel 2016 Core (77-727)...... 83

Section B.4: Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 (77-729)...... 85

Appendices

Appendix A: Course Objectives...... 87

Appendix B: Course Mapping to MOS Exam Objectives...... 107

Appendix C: Approximate Time for the Course...... 123

0.0: Getting Started Information

Summary

Video/DemoTime

  • 0.1 Video: Introduction to Desktop Pro Plus7:04

Total Video Time7:04

Fact Sheets

  • 0.2 Course Overview
  • 0.3 Course Objectives
  • 0.4 Pop-up Blockers
  • 0.5 Tips for Mac Users
  • 0.6 Using the Simulated Labs
  • 0.7 Keyboard Shortcuts in Labs

Total Time

About 38 minutes

1.1: Computer Systems and the Internet

Summary

As you study this section, answer the following questions:

  • What are the essential components of a desktop computer system?
  • How can you perform Internet searches on different Web browsers?
  • What are some common troubleshooting tips to consider when browsing the Web?

This section introduces you to desktop computer systems and Web browsers. After finishing this section, you should be proficient in the following tasks:

  • Open a Windows application.
  • Use a Web browser to navigate to a particular website.
  • Save and access bookmarks in a Web browser.
  • Perform an Internet search.
  • Copy and paste a URL into the Address bar of a Web browser.
  • Delete your Web browser's cache.
  • Configure your Web browser to allow pop-ups from a particular domain.

Video/DemoTime

  • 1.1.1 Introduction to Desktop Computer Systems4:49
  • 1.1.3 Using a Web Browser4:50
  • 1.1.4 Web Browser Troubleshooting3:56

Total Video Time13:35

Lab/Activity

  • 1.1.9 Skills Lab: Web Browsing with Internet Explorer

Fact Sheets

  • 1.1.2 Desktop Computer System Facts
  • 1.1.5 Microsoft Internet Explorer Facts
  • 1.1.6 Google Chrome Facts
  • 1.1.7 Mozilla Firefox Facts
  • 1.1.8 Microsoft Edge Facts

Total Time

About 59 minutes

1.2: The Windows Operating System

Summary

As you study this section, answer the following questions:

  • What is the difference between computer hardware and software?
  • What is the purpose of an operating system?
  • How can the Windows operating system be configured through the Settings App?

This section introduces you to the Windows 10 operating system and gives you practice running applications and using the Windows user interface. After finishing this section, you should be proficient in the following tasks:

  • Change display settings in Windows.
  • Use the Settings App to view system information.
  • Configure a screen saver through the Settings App.
  • Run Windows applications.
  • Pin applications to the Start Menu and the taskbar.
  • Unpin applications from the Start Menu and the taskbar.
  • Create application shortcuts on the Windows desktop.

Video/DemoTime

  • 1.2.1 Operating System Functions1:56
  • 1.2.3 The Windows 10 Operating System3:53
  • 1.2.5 Desktop Applications3:37
  • 1.2.7 Windows Settings2:49

Total Video Time12:15

Lab/Activity

  • 1.2.9 Skills Lab: Explore Windows 10 Features
  • 1.2.10 Applied Lab: Use the Windows 10 User Interface
  • 1.2.11 Applied Lab: Change Display Settings
  • 1.2.12 Applied Lab: Run Desktop Applications

Fact Sheets

  • 1.2.2 Common Operating Systems
  • 1.2.4 Windows 10 Components
  • 1.2.6 Desktop Application Facts
  • 1.2.8 Windows Settings Facts

Total Time

About 83 minutes

1.3: File Management

Summary

As you study this section, answer the following questions:

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of different file storage options?
  • How is cloud storage different from local file storage?
  • When is it appropriate to share file storage with other users?

This section introduces you to file storage options and gives you practice managing files in Windows. After finishing this section, you should be proficient in the following tasks:

  • Create folders in the Windows file system.
  • Copy, rename, and delete files in Windows.
  • Copy files from the local Windows file system to OneDrive.
  • Connect a USB thumb drive to a desktop computer and copy files from the drive to your local file system.
  • Remove USB devices properly.
  • Share a Windows folder with other users and grant them specific access to files within the folder.
  • Use the Windows Recycle Bin.

Video/DemoTime

  • 1.3.1 Storage Devices4:07
  • 1.3.3 Windows File Management6:05
  • 1.3.5 Shared Storage3:10
  • 1.3.7 Cloud Storage4:41

Total Video Time18:03

Lab/Activity

  • 1.3.9 Skills Lab: Manage and Share Files in Windows
  • 1.3.10 Applied Lab: Manage Files
  • 1.3.11 Applied Lab: Copy Files from a USB Thumb Drive
  • 1.3.12 Applied Lab: Use Shared Storage
  • 1.3.13 Applied Lab: Use OneDrive Storage

Fact Sheets

  • 1.3.2 File Storage Options
  • 1.3.4 Windows File Management Facts
  • 1.3.6 Shared Storage Facts
  • 1.3.8 Windows Cloud Storage Facts

Total Time

About 99 minutes

1.4: Networking and System Updates

Summary

As you study this section, answer the following questions:

  • What are the characteristics of a strong password?
  • What is the purpose of Windows Update?
  • What hardware components are needed for a wired network? A wireless network?

This section introduces you to computer networking and gives you practice creating user accounts, connecting to wireless networks, and configuring Windows Update. After finishing this section, you should be proficient in the following tasks:

  • Create a local account for a user who already has a Microsoft login.
  • Create a non-Microsoft user account.
  • Connect to a secure wireless network.
  • Configure Windows Update to install updates automatically.

Video/DemoTime

  • 1.4.1 Wired and Wireless Networks3:12
  • 1.4.3 The Internet3:18
  • 1.4.5 Windows User Accounts3:07
  • 1.4.7 Windows Update2:49

Total Video Time12:26

Lab/Activity

  • 1.4.9 Skills Lab: Use Networks and Windows Update
  • 1.4.10 Applied Lab: Create a User
  • 1.4.11 Applied Lab: Connect to a Wireless Network
  • 1.4.12 Applied Lab: Configure Windows Update

Fact Sheets

  • 1.4.2 Networking Facts
  • 1.4.4 Internet Facts
  • 1.4.6 Windows User Account Facts
  • 1.4.8 Windows Update Facts

Total Time

About 83 minutes

1.5: Online Safety and Security

Summary

As you study this section, answer the following questions:

  • What are the most common types of computer security risks?
  • What can you do to protect yourself against Internet security risks?
  • What are some ethical principles that encourage responsibility and trust in working with computers?

This section introduces you to online safety and security issues and gives you practice configuring security settings and responding to social engineering tactics. After finishing this section, you should be proficient in the following tasks:

  • Configure Windows Firewall for different networks.
  • Configure privacy settings in Internet Explorer.
  • Clear the browser history within Internet Explorer.
  • Configure the Internet Explorer pop-up blocker.
  • Evaluate email messages to determine if they are safe or if they represent a possible social engineering attack.

Video/DemoTime

  • 1.5.1 Computer Security Risks4:47
  • 1.5.3 Windows Firewall5:18
  • 1.5.4 Malware Protection on Windows4:01
  • 1.5.6 Web Browsers and Email7:30
  • 1.5.8 Internet Safety and Security7:58

Total Video Time29:34

Lab/Activity

  • 1.5.12 Skills Lab: Practice Online Safety and Security
  • 1.5.13 Applied Lab: Configure Windows Firewall
  • 1.5.14 Applied Lab: Configure Privacy Settings in IE
  • 1.5.15 Applied Lab: Clear the Browser Cache
  • 1.5.16 Applied Lab: Respond to Social Engineering
  • 1.5.17 Applied Lab: Configure the IE Popup Blocker

Fact Sheets

  • 1.5.2 Computer Security Risks
  • 1.5.5 Windows 10 Security Measures
  • 1.5.7 Rules of Netiquette
  • 1.5.9 Internet Safety Facts
  • 1.5.10 Social Media Facts
  • 1.5.11 Computer Ethics

Total Time

About 130 minutes

1.6: Computer Hardware

Summary

As you study this section, answer the following questions:

  • Which types of computer devices are most appropriate for different types of users?
  • What hardware components are generally required for a desktop computing system?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of different types of printers?

This section introduces you to computer hardware components and gives you practice setting up computer devices. After finishing this section, you should be proficient in the following tasks:

  • Identify common peripheral devices by sight.
  • Identify common ports and connectors by sight.
  • Connect cables and peripherals to a computer system.
  • Select appropriate hardware devices for particular scenarios.

Video/DemoTime

  • 1.6.1 Desktop and Mobile Devices4:06
  • 1.6.3 PC Hardware Components5:23
  • 1.6.5 PC Ports and Connectors3:29
  • 1.6.7 Peripheral Devices4:47
  • 1.6.9 Printers2:18
  • 1.6.11 Using the Hardware Simulator5:23

Total Video Time25:26

Lab/Activity

  • 1.6.12 Skills Lab: Connect Computer Devices
  • 1.6.13 Applied Lab: Connect a Monitor
  • 1.6.14 Applied Lab: Set Up a Computer
  • 1.6.15 Applied Lab: Install USB Devices
  • 1.6.16 Applied Lab: Connect a Printer

Fact Sheets

  • 1.6.2 Desktop vs. Mobile Devices
  • 1.6.4 PC Hardware Facts
  • 1.6.6 PC Port and Connector Facts
  • 1.6.8 Peripheral Device Facts
  • 1.6.10 Printer Facts

Total Time

About 111 minutes

1.7: Printing from Office Applications

Summary

As you study this section, answer the following questions:

  • What components are required to send a document to a printer?
  • What is the difference between a local and a network printer?
  • When do you need to manage print jobs that are queued up waiting for the printer?

This section introduces you to Microsoft Office application features and gives you practice setting up shared printers and printing from Office applications. After finishing this section, you should be proficient in the following tasks:

  • Connect to a shared printer.
  • Configure the default printer.
  • Share a local printer with other users.
  • Open and print a document from Microsoft Word.
  • Open and print a spreadsheet from Microsoft Excel.

Video/DemoTime

  • 1.7.1 Windows Printing Features4:29

Total Video Time4:29

Lab/Activity

  • 1.7.3 Skills Lab: Set up Printing with Microsoft Office
  • 1.7.4 Applied Lab: Connect to a Printer
  • 1.7.5 Applied Lab: Share a Printer
  • 1.7.6 Applied Lab: Open and Print a Document in Word

Fact Sheets

  • 1.7.2 Windows Printing Facts

Total Time

About 60 minutes

2.1: Getting Started with Office

Summary

As you study this section, answer the following questions:

  • How are Word, Excel, and PowerPoint similar to each other?
  • When is it appropriate to save a file locally? Remotely?
  • What kinds of commands can be accessed through the Ribbon?

This section lets you practice using some of the basic features of Microsoft Office applications. It covers the following learning objectives:

  • Create a new blank file.
  • Save a file to the local computer.
  • Save a file remotely with OneDrive.
  • Save in alternate file formats.
  • Enable a downloaded file for editing.
  • Open an existing file.
  • Edit file properties.
  • Collapse and expand the Ribbon.

Video/DemoTime

  • 2.1.1 Introduction to Office Applications2:23
  • 2.1.2 Learning Office Applications4:24
  • 2.1.3 The Ribbon3:01
  • 2.1.4 Beyond the Ribbon4:18
  • 2.1.5 Backstage View Options3:38
  • 2.1.6 Lab Types4:30

Total Video Time22:14

Lab/Activity

  • 2.1.9 Skills Lab: Get Started with Office
  • 2.1.10 Challenge Lab: Get Started with Office

Fact Sheets

  • 2.1.7 Common Office Application Features
  • 2.1.8 Desktop vs. Web Applications

Total Time

About 72 minutes

2.2: Customizing Views and Options

Summary

As you study this section, answer the following questions:

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of zooming in? Zooming out?
  • When would it be beneficial to split an application window?
  • How can customizing the Quick Access Toolbar make it more useful?

This section lets you practice using different viewing options in Microsoft Office. It covers the following learning objectives:

  • Change document views.
  • Use zoom.
  • Customize the Quick Access Toolbar.
  • Customize the Ribbon.
  • Split the window.

Video/DemoTime

  • 2.2.1 Document Views3:23
  • 2.2.2 Customizing Toolbars and Ribbons3:20

Total Video Time6:43

Lab/Activity

  • 2.2.4 Skills Lab: Customize Views and Options
  • 2.2.5 Challenge Lab: Customize Views and Options

Fact Sheets

  • 2.2.3 Customization Facts

Total Time

About 52 minutes

2.3: Printing Files

Summary

As you study this section, answer the following questions:

  • How can printing handouts improve a PowerPoint presentation?
  • What print settings are appropriate for what contexts?
  • When is it best to print part of a document, as opposed to the whole thing?

This section lets you practice printing in Microsoft Office applications. It covers the following learning objectives:

  • Configure documents to print.
  • Print sections of documents.
  • Set print scaling.
  • Change page setup options.
  • Print individual Excel worksheets.
  • Print handouts in PowerPoint.
  • Configure PowerPoint to print in grayscale.
  • Print speaker notes in PowerPoint.

Video/DemoTime

  • 2.3.1 Printing Options in Office Applications4:37

Total Video Time4:37

Lab/Activity

  • 2.3.3 Skills Lab: Print Files
  • 2.3.4 Challenge Lab: Print Files

Fact Sheets

  • 2.3.2 Office Printing Facts

Total Time

About 50 minutes

2.4: Navigating Files

Summary

As you study this section, answer the following questions:

  • How can Find and Replace be used to save time?
  • When is it better to use Go To? When is it better to use Find?
  • What can hyperlinks do to improve a document?

This section lets you practice navigating and searching in Microsoft Office products. It covers the following learning objectives:

  • Search for text within a document.
  • Insert hyperlinks.
  • Create bookmarks.
  • Use Go To.
  • Find and Replace data.

Video/DemoTime

  • 2.4.1 Navigating Through a Word Document4:24
  • 2.4.2 Navigating Through an Excel Workbook4:09

Total Video Time8:33

Lab/Activity

  • 2.4.4 Skills Lab: Navigate Files
  • 2.4.5 Challenge Lab: Navigate Files

Fact Sheets

  • 2.4.3 Navigation Facts

Total Time

About 54 minutes

2.5: Working with Objects

Summary

As you study this section, answer the following questions:

  • How can learning to work with objects in one application carry over to another one?
  • How are pictures similar to shapes? How are they different?
  • How can objects be used to improve a document, presentation, or workbook?

This section lets you practice inserting and formatting objects such as shapes and images. It covers the following learning objectives:

  • Insert textboxes.
  • Insert images.
  • Add borders, styles, and effects to objects.
  • Change object colors.
  • Modify object properties.
  • Position objects.
  • Modify shape backgrounds.
  • Apply borders to shapes.
  • Insert shapes.
  • Create custom shapes.
  • Apply styles to objects.
  • Resize objects.
  • Display gridlines.

Video/DemoTime

  • 2.5.1 Formatting Images4:49
  • 2.5.2 Formatting Shapes3:58

Total Video Time8:47

Lab/Activity

  • 2.5.4 Skills Lab: Work with Objects
  • 2.5.5 Challenge Lab: Work with Objects

Fact Sheets

  • 2.5.3 Object Formatting Facts

Total Time

About 54 minutes

3.1: Introduction to Word

Summary

As you study this introductory section, answer the following questions:

  • Which features of Microsoft Word do you already feel comfortable using?
  • Which features are you less familiar with?
  • Which types of documents would you like to create in the future?

This section introduces you to Microsoft Word and provides an overview of the features you will be learning to use. In this section, you will be introduced to the following general tasks:

  • Create documents.
  • Use the Clipboard.
  • Print documents.
  • Modify fonts.
  • Format paragraphs.
  • Format pages.
  • Edit documents.
  • Insert illustrations.
  • Create and format tables.
  • Apply themes and styles.
  • Manage citations and references.
  • Work with headers and footers.
  • Use collaboration features.
  • Use macros.

Video/DemoTime

  • 3.1.1 Introduction to Word2:19

Total Video Time2:19

Fact Sheets

  • 3.1.2 Word Tasks Overview

Total Time

About 8 minutes

3.2: Creating Documents and Using the Clipboard

Summary

As you study this section, answer the following questions:

  • What are some situations when you might want to paste text from the Clipboard using the Keep Text Only option?
  • Does the Ctrl + V keyboard shortcut keep or remove formatting of inserted text?
  • How can using Undo and Redo help you to learn how to use unfamiliar Word features?

This section gives you extensive practice creating and working in Word documents. After finishing this section, you should be proficient in the following tasks: