You are at the start of your computer journey, but need to know how to get started fast with the basics! This article is for you! In this article I am going to share 10 tips that can get you started quick and will help you learn computer skills fast. Read on!
1) Invest in self-development courses
Learning how to code and use other types of coding languages is an important skill in today's digital world. Code is the language computers use to speak with one another, so it's necessary for a person who works with computers on a daily basis.
There are many different ways you can start learning, but I would recommend jumping in as soon as possible! A good first step would be signing up for an online course like Udacity or Coursera that teaches you the basics of Python and C++.
Once you know your basics, you can look into different books on these languages. A particularly good book for C++ is C++ Primer Plus, and for Python, I recommend Python Crash Course. Some other great ways of learning how to code are practice and putting it into action. In your day-to-day life, try using websites such as WordPress or Weebly - both excellent platforms with beginner friendly templates that allow you to do things like adjust page layouts and create text and image columns.
2) Build your tech toolkit
You don't need a degree in IT to succeed in the tech world, but you do need basic knowledge about technology. With a few small purchases and some time spent teaching yourself, you can be well on your way. Remember: there's no time like the present!
1. Buy a Chromebook - If you're on a budget or want the freedom of an Internet connection anywhere you go, there's no better option than this laptop/tablet hybrid that only costs $200-$400 (depending on if it has more storage or not). Plus, it'll allow you to use Google Docs instead of Microsoft Word for writing documents on the go, with offline access when necessary.
2. Buy a Microsoft Office 365 subscription - You may already be paying for some of your tech needs through work, but if you aren't, or you need help with extra software, consider an Office 365 subscription. It'll allow you to install Word, Excel and PowerPoint on five devices of your choice—including Macs, tablets and even iPhones—so that all of your documents are accessible wherever you go. Even if you don't need it professionally, it can still come in handy when studying at home or writing papers.
3) Use computers, mobile devices and the internet frequently
Learning the basics of how to use a computer and the internet are essential for everyone. There are so many things you can do on a computer, from playing games, making music and videos, or simply writing out your thoughts. The internet provides unlimited resources for learning more about any topic that you're interested in. Try experimenting with different things on your device - there are plenty of free apps that can be used to make art, design clothes, create music, and more. There is no telling what you might discover!
Another thing that can be learned on a computer is programming. The possibilities of learning how to program are endless, and there are many free tutorials out there for beginners. You can even make your own video games, apps and websites if you have enough knowledge! Online tutorials such as Udacity and Codeacademy can get you started in learning how to code. And YouTube has plenty of videos that cover these topics as well. You might not feel like you'll ever be good at programming when you first start learning, but don't give up!
4) Reach out to others
One of the easiest ways to get started is by reaching out to people in your community. There are many different programs, tutorials, and organizations that can help you learn how computers work.
One of these programs is a free six week course called Computers for Seniors. This class offers easy-to-understand explanations about how computers work, with hands-on exercises during the course. It's a great way for seniors who are unfamiliar with technology or those who just want a refresher on basic computer functions.
Another organization that offers classes for learning about computers is the United Way of Greater Rochester. They offer several courses throughout the year on topics like basic keyboarding and internet safety.
5) Talk with people face-to-face
It's important to know how the keyboard and mouse work together, how they differ from one another, and how they should be used. There are different ways you can interact with a computer, but usually you'll use a mouse and keyboard. The keyboard is where all of the letters are found, along with special characters like numbers and symbols. The mouse is where your hand rests as it points to what you want the cursor (the little arrow on screen) to do. You use your fingers on the left button of the mouse for moving around and selecting things on screen, while using your thumb on the right button of the mouse for clicking or double-clicking things. Your wrist should stay relaxed at all times, so don't bend it!
) Study the technology you want to master.
There are many different types of programming languages, and each one has its own set of features and strengths. However, there are two popular programming languages that most programmers use: Python and Java. Python is a general-purpose language, meaning it can be used for any type of software project. Java is more specific to the creation of mobile apps or websites.
Each of these languages has a lot of documentation available online. If you know what type of software project you want to create, check out specific language resources for learning more about each one. You can also search online forums and communities, such as Stack Overflow, that host questions and answers from programmers who have encountered similar issues when using a certain programming language.
If you are not sure what kind of software project you want to create, start by downloading free programming tutorials from your favorite website or community.
7) See how developers use new tech
Developers do not need to know everything about all technologies. They need to know about a few good tools that can help them build anything they need. For example, if you want to create an iOS app, you will only need to know Objective-C or Swift, and Xcode. If you are building a website with WordPress, then PHP and MySQL would be enough.
To get started, you'll need a few straightforward tools. Windows users should download GIT, MacOS X users can install Homebrew and Linux user should just use apt-get. There are tons of courses where you can find information on how to use these programs. But if you want a quick start, I highly recommend watching The Complete Software Developer Course by Rob Percival. It has three different paths: Java, PHP or Python. You can also buy separate packages for each of them.
8) Create a study schedule/schedule time to practice
Stay focused on what you want to learn. Chances are, if you're reading this, there is a certain task or skill that you need help with. Figure out what it is and focus on it exclusively. You can always go back and pick up other skills down the road.
Find a way to practice that involves little risk or effort for yourself (e.g., watching YouTube tutorials). This will make practicing easier and more enjoyable in the long run. Choose a way of learning that works for your personality type (e.g., visual learner, hands-on learner, etc.). If you know this already, great!
9) Stay focused on what you want to learn
The best way to get started is by tackling a project. Pick something you want to do, and commit the time necessary to complete it. Once you finish, take a break then start a new one. If you're not sure what project you want, try these:
1) Organize your email inbox 2) Design your website in HTML or WordPress 3) Build a Facebook page and website 4) Build an app using Python or Swift 5) Create a Google Site 6) Learn how to code in Java 7) Make an online course 8) Create a resume 9) Contribute content on Quora 10) Become active on GitHub
10) Have fun!
1. Find a free course or tutorial that interests you, and set aside time each day or week to work through it. 2. Make a list of things you need to do with your computer, such as using the internet, sending an email, or downloading apps. 3. Spend some time on the internet looking for instructions on how to do these tasks. 4. Try out what you have learned by following step-by-step instructions and doing exercises in the tutorials and courses you chose. 5. If something doesn't seem clear, don't be afraid to ask questions! The worst someone can say is no! 6. Join a forum where people are discussing topics related to what you are learning about so that you can get feedback from other learners and share your own experience too!
Last Consolation
1. Start with the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Even if you are already well-versed in these areas, it will serve as a foundation for the rest of your studies.
2. Seek out internships or apprenticeships that will allow you to get some hands-on experience with different technologies (e.g., software engineering) so that you can gain firsthand knowledge about what is involved in those careers before making a decision about which one might be best for you.
3. Finally, consider all of your options before deciding on a career path. Even if you think you have found your perfect match, there is no harm in waiting for a year or two to see if something even better comes along. After all, it takes years of hard work and training before you are able to truly tell if what you are doing is something that will make you happy. Try different careers and take some time off so that when it comes time for graduation, you know with certainty what career path is going to bring you happiness and success!