Part-Time Courses
SECTION II: BUSINESS APPLICATIONS

Applications are simply the uses to which you can put your computer once you have learned the basics of how it works. The application you choose will depend upon the work you want to do. Some of the main business applications are:

Direct IT offers courses in all these areas. In the rest of this section you will find details of the business applications currently on offer, but remember that technology changes very quickly in computer studies, and we are constantly updating the software that we have available. If you cannot find the software you want to learn in this brochure, call us! We train on all available versions.

Some combinations of these courses might lead to external qualifications.

Please note - if you are not familiar with computers, we strongly recommend that you take one or more of the courses in Section One before attempting to study a particular application.
Course Title Word Processing - Microsoft Word for Windows DI204A
Course Length: 12 hours Level 1 / 12 hours Level 2 / 12 hours Level 3
Course Description: You will gain proficiency in the most widely used application of microcomputers. Learning Word Processing means that you will never have to re-type your text again. You will learn how to edit your document, insert graphics into text, change margins, use special editing features such as columns and tables, etc. Essential for anyone who works with written text.
Course Prerequisites: (DI200 and DI201) or DI202 or, a verified previous experience.
Course Title Spreadsheets - Microsoft Excel for Windows DI205A
Course Length: 12 hours Level 1 / 12 hours Level 2 / 12 hours Level 3
Course Description: You will learn to produce and maintain spreadsheets of the kind used in accounting, statistics, financial modelling and inventory control, etc. Anything which you would normally do with a piece of paper, pencil and hand calculator could be done more quickly and efficiently with a spreadsheet program. You can perform calculations, manipulate figures using formulae and display results in rows and columns, graphs, pie and bar charts.
Course Prerequisites: (DI200, DI201, and DI204) or, a verified previous experience.
Course Title Databases - Microsoft Access for Windows DI206A
Course Length: 12 hours Level 1 / 12 hours Level 2 / 12 hours Level 3
Course Description: A database is a program that helps you to organise and use your information. You will learn to create and maintain databases of the kind you will need to keep track of lists of customers with their details, inventories of stock items, collections of books with their prices and subjects, and other information that you need to manipulate and use. Other useful techniques include adding, amending and deleting information, as well as locating data by searching under specific criteria, and designing both entry forms and output reports.
Course Prerequisites: (DI200, DI201, DI204, and DI205) or, a verified previous experience.
Course Title Internet & Email - Microsoft Internet Explorer DI207
Course Length: 12 hours Level 1 / 12 hours Level 2
Course Description: You will learn to access the World Wide Web and use the electronic mail. With the Internet you can get access to other computer systems all over the world. You can obtain all sorts of information - News, Stock prices, Weather, Books, Music, Travel, Movies, Television, Sports, Arts, etc. Also, you can go shopping, play games, learn new skills, and search for almost any topic of interest. Additionally, you can send and receive electronic mail; with that you will save on buying stamps, visiting the post office, and waiting for the postman. With the Internet, setting up meetings with customers and friends thousands of miles away has become very easy and practical.
Course Prerequisites: (DI200 and DI201) or DI202 or, a verified previous experience.
Course Title DeskTop Publishing - Microsoft Publisher / Adobe PageMaker DI208
Course Length: 36 hours
Course Description: This course introduces you to the technique of producing highly professional documents on your own computer. DTP is an increasingly important computer application, combining pictures with words to enhance all business documentation, from price lists to textbooks or manuals. It lessens the need for rulers, pens, blue line board, wax, tape, screens and knives in the production of camera-ready pages for offset printing or photocopier reproduction, reducing printing costs and time.
Course Prerequisites: (DI200, DI201, DI204, DI205, and DI206) or, a verified previous experience.
Course Title Graphics & Presentations - Microsoft PowerPoint DI208
Course Length: 12 hours Level 1 / 12 hours Level 2
Course Description: You will learn how to produce professional looking presentations, illustrations and slide shows using text handling, outlining, drawing, graphing, and so on. By the time you have worked your way through this course, you will not only know how to use the software but how to develop and deliver an effective presentation that accomplishes your goals.
Course Prerequisites: (DI200, DI201, DI204, DI205, and DI206) or, a verified previous experience.
Course Title Book-Keeping - Sage Line 50 DI210
Course Length: 36 hours
Course Description: This course aims to teach computerised accounts. Areas covered include the customer ledger, the supplier ledger, the nominal ledger, the bank, products, invoices, processing sales orders, purchase orders, fixed assets, opening balances, data management, etc. It assumes knowledge of bookkeeping.
Course Prerequisites: (DI200 and DI201) or DI202 or, a verified previous experience.
Previous accounting knowledge is essential.