Progress with IT courses

All the following courses assume a learner has familiarity and some confidence in using a keyboard and a mouse - as well as having the appropriate software on their own machine.

Optional Extras: Where listed, these can either replace other components of a course or be added on for an extra (reduced hourly rate) charge.

Discount offer: Book two or more courses to get a 10% discount per person off the listed course price.  For more information see Progress with IT terms.

Travel Charge: Please note there is a travel charge, on all courses, beyond 5 miles radius of Evesham - for more information see Progress with IT terms.

IT training for business/personal needs

Word-processing letters, mailshots and simple marketing.

The aim of this course is to provide you with the skills needed to make better use of MS Word for letter writing, marketing, and for mailshots.  The course includes:

• Overview of program features
• Page (and global) settings
• Formatting features
• Illustrations in documents
• Tables and templates
• Mail-merge

Optional extras:

• Forms
• Interactive Word documents
• Document security

Training is carried out using MS Word.  Length: six hours - in either three x 2hr sessions, or two x 3hr sessions.  Cost per person: £150.00.

Spreadsheets for accounting

The main focus here is on developing your own accounting system, organising and archiving accounts, and drawing results from your own data. The course includes:

• Overview of program features
• Cell management
• Data entry and formatting features
• Formulas and cell referencing
• Linking worksheets/workbooks
• Charting
• Viewing/printing options

Optional extras:

• Pivot Tables
• Using macros

Training is carried out using MS Excel.  Length: six hours - in either three x 2hr sessions, or two x 3hr sessions.  Cost per person: £150.00.

Creating Presentations

The aim of this course is to make best use of MS PowerPoint as a marketing device or for giving talks.  If you are planning to use for talks and need some help/support regarding delivery, this additional option is available.  The course includes:

• Overview of program features
• Creating and sorting slides
• Master/slide types
• Backgrounds, images and templates
• Chart
• Transitions and Effects
• Audio/visual
• Printing options

Optional extras:

• Combining presentations
• Presenting

Training is carried out using MS PowerPoint.  Length: three hours - in either one x 3hr session, or split, one 2hr and one 1hr sessions.  Cost per person: £75.00.

Using databases

A database is only as good as its design allows one to retrieve data.  The main focus of this course is to learn to build dedicated relational databases for running your business - particularly if you carry and sell stock.  This course covers:

• Overview of program features
• Designing
• Creating/handling fields
• Security and properties
• Handling records
• Interrogation
• Reports
• Saving/printing options

Optional extras:

• Forms
• Transferring data from another MS Office program

Training is carried out using MS Access.  Length: six hours - in either three x 2hr sessions, or two x 3hr sessions.  Cost per person: £150.00.

Attendance Certificate
An attendance certificate is provided, on request, to anyone attending a one to one, or group workshop.

Example workshop outlines
Should you require further information on any of the above courses, please get in touch.  Meanwhile the following examples of course outlines will give you an idea of what is covered in more depth.

• Managing Files and Folders example
• Project Management example
• Creating Presentations example

Bespoke training

Although the training offered here is geared to short courses, most of the training I deliver is actually 'bespoke', with people telling me what they want to learn - training is then organised around personal needs.  So if none of what is on offer here fits your needs, still get in touch as I will help or advise.  Please note however, it is IT training on offer - not technical support.  If you need the latter then I'm happy to advise so give me a call.

Build your own Website

This is aimed at developing a small business website.  If you are keen to have a presence on the Web and to do it yourself, I offer software and resources that will help you to do this.

These materials will support building an offline Website - with as many pages as required - ready to be uploaded to a hosting server of your choice.  The package is intended to allow you to do the whole thing by yourself.  It is best suited to a small business web presence rather than a full-blown e-commerce website (offering shopping cart and database interactivity); however if combined with PayPal buttons or similar secure means for financial transactions, this could be all you need to get your show on the road.  It consists of:

• The software (this is open-source and therefore free of charge)
• A userguide for building a practice website, plus files required.
• A more comprehensive software guide to the open-source program

Cost per person: £29.95 for the practice website userguide and resources.  I am happy to chip in some advice but additional support or training will be charged at the hourly rate as listed in the Progress with IT terms.

Getting familiar with your Computer

Introduction to MS Windows

Getting up close and familiar with Windows platform (and versions).  If you are at a loss on how to use your computer this course will certainly give you the helping hand, the kick start, to build your confidence in taking control of your machine.  The course covers:

• The Desktop, programs, taskbar and icons
• Managing windows
• My Computer/Windows Explorer
• Settings and shortcuts
• Help
• Accessibility
• Booting and closing

The course also makes use of programs that come with Windows.  Training is carried out using MS Windows XP or 7.  Length: three hours - in either one x 3hr session, or split, one 2hr and one 1hr sessions.  Low cost (pay for two hours and get three) per person: £50.00.

Managing files and folders

So often people will say to me that they have saved a file but don't know where.  Do this course and you will know where you have put all your files - and further it will help you to organise them better too!  The course covers:

• Using My Computer (or Windows Explorer)
• Handling files
• Recycle Bin
• Shortcuts
• Searches
• Housekeeping files
• Handling folders
• Files and folders
• Security concerns and settings

Training is carried out using MS Windows XP or 7.  Length: three hours - in either one x 3hr session, or split, one 2hr and one 1hr sessions.  Low cost (pay for two hours and get three) per person: £50.00.

Using the Web

If you are new to using the World Wide Web, or have used it but don't really know what you are doing, then this course will put you in the picture as to what it is all about and the tricks and tips for getting around it.  Course covers:

• Overview of program features
• Accessibility
• Addresses and search engines
• Saving/printing webpages
• Bookmarking
• History
• Internet preferences
• Networking sites
• Security concerns

Training is carried out using MS Internet Explorer, Firefox or browser of your choice.  Length: three hours - in either one x 3hr session, or split, one 2hr and one 1hr sessions.  Low cost (pay for two hours and get three) per person: £50.00.

Using email

Email is so important these days, having almost replaced letter writing for many of us.  It is important then that you know your way around, and feel confident using your emailer. This course will show you the ropes.  The course covers:

• Overview of program features
• Handling messages
• Messages and folders
• Attachments
• Signature
• Contacts or address book
• Distribution lists

Training is carried out using whatever emailer is available on your machine.  Length: three hours - in either one x 3hr session, or split, one 2hr and one 1hr sessions.  Low cost (pay for two hours and get three) per person: £50.00.