HP Online Classes

Tune up your Windows XP PC
class runs Nov. 5 - Dec. 14, 2007

Tune up your Windows® XP PC

Lesson 1: Introduction to PC maintenance
In this lesson, you'll find out how hardware, BIOS (basic input/output system), and the operating system work together, and what can happen if they don't. You'll also learn which tools give you system information and repair your PC.
*
* » Assignment: Examine your PC
* » Quiz: Lesson 1, quiz 1
* » Message board
*
Lesson 2: Hardware, BIOS problems, and device resources
This lesson teaches you how to use HP utilities to troubleshoot hardware failure. You'll also dive deeper into the BIOS, and learn how to understand device resources and troubleshoot problems with display, sound, and speaker settings in Windows.
*
* » Assignment: Examine troubleshooting information online
* » Quiz: Lesson 2, quiz 1
* » Message board
*
Lesson 3: Behind the scenes in Microsoft Windows XP
To use Windows XP efficiently, you need basic conceptual knowledge about how it interacts with applications. This lesson shows you how to install and remove software, control background programs, and manage which programs start when Windows boots.
*

* This lesson will be posted Monday, November 12

*
Lesson 4: Keeping Windows XP clean and updated
This lesson brings you up to speed on how Windows XP works with your hardware. You'll also learn how to keep Windows XP in good health by getting automatic updates, configuring Windows Firewall, and using antivirus software.
*

* This lesson will be posted Thursday, November 15

*
Lesson 5: Troubleshooting common Windows problems
Troubleshooting computer problems can be a chore, but this lesson makes it easy. You'll find out what to do when Windows XP hits a snag, resolve problems with applications, and recover from bad registry edits and system crashes.
*

* This lesson will be posted Monday, November 19

*
Lesson 6: Improving system performance
This lesson teaches you how to boost the performance of Windows XP with some simple fixes and tweaks. You'll learn how to improve disk performance, optimize your display settings, and eliminate desktop clutter.
*

* This lesson will be posted Thursday, November 22

*
* Instructor
*
Faithe Wempen Faithe Wempen Faithe Wempen, M.A., is a nationally known expert on Microsoft Office applications and A+ certification, and the author of more than 90 technical books, including Microsoft PowerPoint Advanced Presentation Techniques, Windows XP Home Edition Simply Visual, Learning Microsoft Publisher 2003, and PC Maintenance: Preparing for A+ Certification. Her articles and reviews of computer hardware and software have appeared on TechProGuild.com, TechRepublic.com, and CertCities.com, and in Microsoft Office Solutions and Microsoft OfficePRO magazines. Faithe is an adjunct faculty member at Indiana University/Purdue University at Indianapolis in the Computer Information Technology department, where she teaches Computer Hardware and Software Architecture and is part of a team designing a new learning approach to Microsoft Office skills based on multiple learning styles. Faithe is also the co-owner and business manager for Sycamore Knoll Bed and Breakfast in Noblesville, Indiana, and is working on a B.S. in Computer Information Technology. In her spare time (which is not much!) she likes playing with her three Shetland sheepdogs and vacationing in Las Vegas.