user manual

Let me start by saying Good luck! Hopefully the user is at least receptive to pc's. Next I'ld discuss the startup/shut down procedures first. Kind of like driving a car make sure they now how to stop before you have them turn on the ignition.
Screen printing and pasting into documents is another good thing to use so they can visually see what you are talking about. If you don't have software which can handle it , use paint from accessories. Give a good explanation of how the mouse is used, difference between right/left clicks. And lastly, break them into a few applications showing them how to navigate around the help as well as the other menu options. If possible, get them to take an operating systems course at a jr college or techschool if for no other reason than to reinforce how to use a pc.
Then there is the maintainence/backing up of imprtant data issues which they should learn from scandisking/defragging to finding their data in folders(directories). Hope this isn't overwhelming yet. Then there is the quick blurbs on the software they'll most likely be using, where to find it, how to make a desktop item,...
have fun!

Instead of reinventing the wheel, spend $17.95 and "PCs for Dummies" to you reference library.

Hand this out to users new to PCs. Make sure you tell them that the title isn't a reflection on their intellect, but rather, the book provides a simple, easy to understand introduction to computer concepts and common software.

Maybe even expand your library and include "Windows for Dummies" and "Microsoft Office for Dummies" (assuming you are using this software).

The bottom line is that theless time you have to spend recreating the type of "common knowledge" type of information that already exists in numerous books, the more time you have to explain, in detail, the nuances peculiar to your IT environment.

BTW, I usually recommend this series to beginners in any part of the IT field because of:
1. Low cost.
2. Lack of "techno-babble". Technical jargon is kept to the absolute minimum.
3. Easy to follow. The authors usually do a good job of injecting humor into an otherwise dry subject.

Even cheaper, start them with the Windows Tour that comes with the OS and the "Tours" that come with Office (if you are using Office). They are interactive and hold a beginner's focus well. Note what the beginner asks about and supply a training aid accordingly.

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