Help the digitally illiterate!

Einhard

Hey all,
I've always considered myself reasonably computer literate, but recently I've come to realise that that's only true relative to my granny! I've always been able to do the bare essentials of whatever task I was working on, whether it be using Word or whatever, but anything beyond that eludes me. I'm starting a teaching course at the moment, and some level of IT knowledge would be very worthwhile, so I've decided to learn a bit more. I'm starting from a basic level, and want to get to a somewhat less basic level. Are there any sources, online or otherwise, that might help me along the way? I don't need to strip computers down and reassemble them- the kind of things I'm interested in is what's a pdf, what are the differences between various files, how do I clear space on my computer, what programmes should be used for tasks etc. Basically Computer for Idiots, but even then that book might be too advanced! So, any suggestions? Either online, or in hard copy, but preferably the former. Also, I'd rather something in the one place, rather than having to track different things across different sites.

Thanks!!

chin_grin

There are a couple of sites which may come in handy. I regularly use:

http://maketecheasier.com/

http://lifehacker.com/

Or even youtube for a few tutorials.

Hal Emmerich

Yup, Youtube, type in whatever your trying to do and there will more than likely be loads of Vids there on whatever you're trying to do.

Only thing is there will be loads of **** Videos.

spider guardian

As always Google is your friend. When I was younger I always found that breaking things and trying to fix them was a good way to learn.

Is there anything specific you want to learn? It can be difficult to define someone as 'computer literate', to me that would involve having the confidence to go in and modify the registry!

Einhard

Thanks for the replies people. One of my problems, and I suspect for a lot of people in my boat, is that I don't actually know what I need/want to know! I appreciate the whole "youtube it/google it" but that pre-supposes that I have a specific problem, when I really need is a more general guide. Something I could browse, and use to slowly build a more comprehensive knowldge. I like the sites that chin grin linked too, and will use them, but ideally, I'd be looking for something in that format (with how to articles and links etc) but for dummies!

bette

Einhard wrote: »

Thanks for the replies people. One of my problems, and I suspect for a lot of people in my boat, is that I don't actually know what I need/want to know! I appreciate the whole "youtube it/google it" but that pre-supposes that I have a specific problem, when I really need is a more general guide. Something I could browse, and use to slowly build a more comprehensive knowldge. I like the sites that chin grin linked too, and will use them, but ideally, I'd be looking for something in that format (with how to articles and links etc) but for dummies!

If you don't know where you're going any road will take you there. (Lewis Carroll)

Do you want to learn or be taught? If it's learning then Google is your man! Ask a question and you will find an answer. That's how learning works. Being taught is what the teacher wants you to know.

Einhard

bette wrote: »

If you don't know where you're going any road will take you there. (Lewis Carroll)

I know where I want to be, I just don't know how to get there!

Do you want to learn or be taught? If it's learning then Google is your man! Ask a question and you will find an answer. That's how learning works. Being taught is what the teacher wants you to know.

The problem is I don't know what questions to ask. I want to learn organically, over time, rather than having to come to online fora everytime I need to figure out how to do something. I'd like some resource that has articles for relative novices on basic computing, which I can explore and learn from at my leisure. Something like the sites chin grin posted, except for beginners. Surely there must be something?

danjo-xx

Try to break it down into sections as to what you would like to know.

1. File Management
2. Word Processing
3. General IT skills,
email/surfing the net/banking on line/social networks like facebook etc.

4. Photography/images

5. PC Security anti virus programmes and other tools.

red sean

Try www.ehow.com/computers/
May be no good but worth a look!
Best of luck anyway!

North West

Hi einhard
Google free microsoft word tutorials for beginners. Take a look and print them out. I used them for my tutorials with seniors very good and easy to understand.
Good luck
North West

Einhard

Thanks for all the replies people. I think it's very odd that there's no readily accessible, widely known, web resource for computing novices. I mean, one can get a beginners guide to assembling a nuclear bomb online, or flying a jumbo, yet not something that explains a computer.

I bet now someone will see this and make millions for himself creating such a resource! I want 20% of the profits at least!:pac:

wex96

try the "for dummies" series of books

cookie1977

I dont think you're going to learn what you want overnight in one specific place. i've picked up stuff over the years from being an obsessive reader of everything. I particularly learn alot from people who have problems of their own, when I try to solve them for myself (and them). I usually google their problem and I find the answer. I know that sounds odd. But I have a good basic knowledge from messing up stuff over the years and fixing it, and with that basic knowledge I build on that by googling peoples problems.

I'm probably not that knowledgeable, i'm just better at search terminology then others. Maybe this figure will explain how I've learnt.

mach1982

cookie1977 wrote: »

if only I could send that diagram to all our users my life you so easier :-)

bette

mach1982 wrote: »

if only I could send that diagram to all our users my life you so easier :-)

Right-click on the diagram
Copy the image
As the author for permission to use it, explaining why
Paste the image to an email and send to all your pals.

:pac: