Free Online Resources To Enhance Your Computer Skills
August 16th, 2016 / By Eastern College
There are very few professions these days that don’t require some degree of computer skills. By the dawn of the 20th century, it was obvious that more than just computer programmers needed to know their way around a PC or Mac. Now even people in service professions regularly use computerized terminals for some aspects of their job.
Many of us acquired knowledge from using computers at home, school, or work. You can also sign up for courses on how to do specific things on the computer type of your choice. However, if you do not have the time or money for that option, there are some free online sources you can use to upgrade your computer knowledge.
Here are a few to consider:
BBC Webwise
If you are new to the web and find it rather intimidating, this site is a great way to learn how to navigate this sometimes confusing world.
BBC Webwise features plenty of informative tutorials covering the basics of the World Wide Web and teaches you all of the essentials about viruses, how to create an effective password, how to know if the site you are on is secure, the basics of social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, and what is safe or unsafe to upload.
GFC Learnfree.org
Another good site for newbies, GFC Learnfree.org, goes a step further. In addition to Internet basics, you can also read articles on computer fundamentals, internet browsers, the various types of Windows and Mac operating systems, and online safety for both adults and children. Browse their list of topics and find areas where you wish to brush up.
Computer Hope
Are you one of those people who have no idea how your car runs, but are grateful for it nonetheless? The aptly named Computer Hope site performs the same functions as the ones already discussed, but also breaks down how computers work in simple, easy-to-understand ways. You can also access a dictionary of over 12,000 computer terms that you will find invaluable the next time you are stuck in a quagmire of computer jargon.
YouTube
The world’s most popular video site contains tutorials for everything you can imagine and there are many videos devoted to computer topics. As anyone can upload to YouTube, some of these are better than others, so you may need to do some searching. You can also check the comments section under each video for feedback from viewers on how effective the video is.
Some are not very helpful, but many provide valuable knowledge, from the basics to specialized tutorials. There is also the advantage of having videos of this sort available in a number of different languages. If you are the type of person who learns best visually, rather than from reading, YouTube is a great choice.
Computers are here to stay and have improved our lives to an almost unimaginable degree. They can seem intimidating at first, and do require you to stay current in your knowledge in order to use them to best advantage. However, the time you invest in your computer education enhances your home, school, and working life and will continue to pay dividends for years to come.