Computer Training

George R. Wilken

We live in the era of computers and other electronics and it is beneficial for us if we learn something about computers. Much can be done with computers, but if there is limited knowledge, there is limited usefulness.

In NARFE, we are finding how useful computers can be with the application of databases to store information, e-mail to communicate with each other and webpages at the national and federation level to help us manage and view the information that is important to us.

The question is often asked as to where a person might receive training to help them understand computers better. One of the answers is that you can receive computer training through the Internet, on your computer.

Software Tutorials: Much of the software that comes with computers or is purchased for computers has a tutorial that comes with it at no extra charge. Larger software manufacturers, such as Microsoft, provide these tutorials for their customers. Very often, however, people who get computers get impatient and wish to be up and running in a short period of time, without much preparation for the computer and software they are about to use. Rather than rush into computing, it is best to view any "software tour" or take the computer tutorial that comes with the software, to obtain a more complete knowledge of what the software will do.

On-Line Tutorials: The Internet contains an abundant amount of resources where a person can view a tutorial for certain software which will help them out in their understanding. If you enter the phrase "online computer tutorials" or something similar on a search engine such as Yahoo!, Google, HotBot or others, you will see a long and multi-page list appear. Most of the offerings, however, are not free and will cost varying amounts of money depending on what type of training you desire. There are a few locations that do offer FREE computer training and they are listed next.

    FREE computer training may be obtained by accessing the following addresses (URLs):

    Basic computer training courses may be obtained through http://www.gcflearnfree.org. This is a free service provided through Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina. They require that you become a member, which is also free. Be sure to read their privacy statement which can be accessed at the bottom of the page. They claim that your information will be kept confidential and private, accessible only by them.

    More advanced courses may be viewed at either the Microsoft or Hewlett-Packard websites. For Microsoft, go to https://www.microsoftelearning.com/catalog/default.aspx. Enter either the "end-user" or "MS Office" locations to see what is offered. I have taken a course at this location and found the material easy to follow and useful.

You might also look at another location for Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/default.asp.

    For Hewlett-Packard, go to http://www.hponlinecourses.com. Their courses are offered at regular intervals and cover a variety of topics. I have taken several courses from this site and they are easy to follow and useful as well.

More advanced students may also take advantage of trial or beta-test software that is offered from time to time by some of the major software companies. Some of it is free and some has a charge that goes with it for shipping and handling.

CAUTION - Some Things to Keep in Mind: There are companies on the Internet that offer free training or software, but often it is a lure to get you to commit to paying for something later. If you are asked for a credit card number or it appears that you will be charged for the course or service, exit the site. At the very least, some companies will offer free services to get your e-mail address so that you will be sent advertising or as most people know it, SPAM! Check the privacy statement to provide some confidence to you that you will not receive unrequested or unauthorized e-mail. If there is no privacy statement, I would advise exiting the site. REMEMBER, if you did not initiate the e-mail, it is best to send it to the recycle bin WITHOUT OPENING IT. See the section on "Internet Scams" on this website by clicking here.

Local College or University Courses: If you are fortunate to have a junior college, college or university close by, you may be able to take advantage of their computer course offerings. Sometimes senior citizen centers sponsored by your city or county may also have some offerings. Seniors often receive a discount or more for any courses taken at a public institution. The shortcoming for these courses may be the time you will have to spend in class, depending on the depth of the information. These types of courses are something to consider, so if you are interested, check into it.

Computer Courses for Seniors: An organization called "SeniorNet" provides courses for seniors at several locations throughout Arkansas. If you are interested, call one that is located close to you for information on cost (there is a yearly membership fee) and location of classes and any information about Internet-based instruction. To see the list of locations, click here.

Computer Textbooks: There are many excellent textbooks on virtually every facet of computer and software operations from the very simple to the very complex. If you believe that you might benefit from a computer textbook on a particular topic, I have a few suggestions. Before you go to the bookstore, get an idea of what topics you would like to read about or perhaps you would like to have an instructional text on how to perform certain computer operations. When you get to the bookstore, examine the different texts that are available for the area you wanted. Computer books at the bookstores are divided into many categories such as productivity, operating systems (such as Windows XP), programming, etc. If you need help finding your topic, talk to a bookstore associate to help you locate that topic. In a particular category or section of computer books, the books are usually alphabetized to help you find what you are looking for by topic. Neither the least expensive or most expensive book is the best for your needs. Look through the offerings BEFORE you look at the price on the back. Oftentimes, the book with more exhibits showing how the screen should look when an operation is performed, may be the best one to get. In any event, be selective before you buy a book.

If you have any questions about computers, software, computer training or computer books, feel free to contact me at arkwxman@sbcglobal.net. Here's hoping your computer experiences are all pleasant ones.

To return click home