Computer Skills
On this page are many many places where you can find step-by-step tutorials to help you improve your computer skills, even if you think you don’t have any!
We also have regularly scheduled classes at the library, just ask at the desk for the flyer and get signed up for a class.
Our regularly scheduled classes are generally two Wednesday mornings a month, and two Thursday evenings a month.
Links marked with an asterisk (*) may require you to click on a linked file and open it in order to see the information you want.
First, the basics:
Using the computer, physical skills:
Here’s a great tutorial on how to use a mouse, if you are very new to computers: http://tech.tln.lib.mi.us/tutor/
Learn to type: http://www.goodtyping.com/introduccion.htm?n=Guest&e=Invitado&t=1&
How to Copy, Cut and Paste: http://lifehacker.com/5801525/help-new-pc-users-learn-how-to-copy-cut-and-paste
Using Windows and Tabs: http://thebeehive.org/digitalbasics/2010/12/22/intermediate-how-to-use-windows-and-tabs/
Printing a web page: http://thebeehive.org/digitalbasics/2010/12/22/beginner-printing-a-web-page/
Using the computer, things to understand:
What is “the web” anyway? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIfMAOgMwiM&feature=youtu.be
How to search the web using Google: http://thebeehive.org/digitalbasics/2010/12/23/beginner-how-to-search-the-web/
Introduction to the Internet: http://fastforwardnm.org/sites/default/files/Level%201%20Introduction%20to%20the%20Internet.pdf
What web addresses mean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg6-EPcNAoI&feature=youtu.be
5 ways to avoid phishing scams online: http://thebeehive.org/digitalbasics/2010/12/22/intermediate-5-ways-to-avoid-phishing-scams/
How to make a strong password: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzIWURjhrRo&feature=youtu.be
How the computer works:
Windows basics: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/nybbexpress/curriculum/lockport/lpl_windows.pdf
How to Select and Install a new computer: http://fastforwardnm.org/sites/default/files/Level%20I%20Selecting%20Installing%20and%20Maintaining%20a%20Computer.pdf
Making a document:
Microsoft Word Basics: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/nybbexpress/curriculum/lockport/lpl_word.pdf
More Word basics, with many version to choose from: http://www.gcflearnfree.org/word
Some common shortcuts to use with Word: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/nybbexpress/curriculum/lockport/lpl_wordshort.pdf
*Introduction to OpenOffice (now also known as LibreOffice): http://www.connectcommunity.org/2010/09/26/module-open-office/
You can also use Google Docs, see the tutorial below!
Internet things you need to know:
*How to use an internet browser: http://www.connectcommunity.org/2010/09/24/module-how-to-use-a-browser/
Internet browser settings and options: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmygmyed7f0&feature=youtu.be
How to check your computer’s history: http://www.scag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/wwkcheckhistory2.pdf so you can see where your kids have been!
*Tips for evaluating the information you see online: http://www.connectcommunity.org/2010/09/26/module-evaluation-online-sources/
Email:
*Basic Email Introduction: http://www.connectcommunity.org/2010/09/24/module-web-based-email/
*Other Email Skills: http://www.connectcommunity.org/2010/09/27/module-advanced-email/
Introduction to using Gmail, a free email service: http://www.techgoeshome.org/index/876869
How to sign up for Yahoo mail, a free email service: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/nybbexpress/curriculum/lockport/lpl_yahoo.pdf
Social Media: Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+, etc
Setting up a facebook account: http://thebeehive.org/digitalbasics/2010/12/22/intermediate-setting-up-a-facebook-account/
Free Online Services:
Tutorial on using Google Docs: http://www.techgoeshome.org/index/876844
Job Searching Skills:
For a very thorough introductory tutorial on resume writing and general job-search preparation, check out this course from ALMA:
http://www.tv411.org/lessons/cfm/writing.cfm?str=writing&num=12&act=1
Also see our page “Need a Job?” for more links and tutorials.
Additional tutorials and lessons available at these places:
The Beehive.org, http://thebeehive.org/digitalbasics/ this is a great place to pick up some basic skills, polish some intermediate skills or learn something entirely new.
Courses in Spanish:
*Intro to Microsoft Office, In Spanish: http://www.connectcommunity.org/2010/10/27/spanish-module-microsoft-office/
*Keyboarding basics: http://www.connectcommunity.org/2010/10/27/spanish-module-keyboard-basics/
*Mouse basics: http://www.connectcommunity.org/2010/10/27/spanish-module-mouse-basics/
*Email basics: http://www.connectcommunity.org/2010/10/27/spanish-module-web-based-email/
*How to use an internet browser: http://www.connectcommunity.org/2010/10/27/spanish-module-how-to-use-a-browser/
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