How to Become Computer Literate
Are you the kind of parent who has absolutely no idea how to use a computer? Some one who has never touched a computer before and just got here by luck? This article will help you become computer literate.
Steps
- Get a real person to help you; not just someone online. Some good people to ask are your own kids. They know a lot about the computer, but they may be annoyed if you ask too much. Also, check out some books at the library about computers. There are a couple of good books out there.
- Learn the basic steps to get on the computer. Learn how to turn the computer on, off, on standby if applicable, how to log off if using Windows XP, and how to put disks in the disk drive.
- Learn about the assorted programs and applications that you will be using. Install them on the computer by placing the CD into the disk drive, and following the installation wizard that pops up on the screen. After installing, play around with the application. this will help you understand the program better.
- Learn a little about some of the chat jargon or chatspeak. Some examples are lol-laugh out loud, and btw-by the way. Also try to learn 1337 speak. 1337 means leet or elite. Check out the external links for more information. Also remember that this will help you figure out what you children are saying online when you look at their IM's, or instant messages.
- On the same note, remember that there are some programs which can send where your child is going online right to your email inbox.
- To set up an email account, which you will probably need to sign up for many websites, find a email providers like yahoo, google mail, aol, and bellsouth, and pick the one best for you. Sign up using the instructions.
- Learn a little about bad people online. First there are pedophiles which are a danger to your kids. There are also scams, viruses, cookie grabbers, and trojan horses. See external links for more info. Also, always keep your computer up to date with security patches and whatnot.
- Explore a little on the web. Go to google.com and google some of your interests. It might come up with great websites to go to that are about your interests.
Tips
- Some applications can help simplify things.
- Before making choices, learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the program.
- Remember, don't download anything if you are not sure about it.
- Make sure your computer is good for your use.If you want to just use it for taxes and email, performance is less useful but if you want to do 3D art you need a a more beefed up computer.
- Get enough hard drive space! This is basically how much room your computer has for files. 50 GB should be sufficient.
- Make sure the books you look at are up to date.
- On many programs such as Wordpad, there will be a button in the upper part of your screen that says "Help". This is a useful and quick access way to get answers.
Warnings
- Do not be fooled by unrealistic claims. A good rule of thumb is "if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is!". And DO NOT put your mobile number anywhere unless you have read and understood ALL the terms and conditions. You could be getting a free ringtone for $20 a week!
- Do not over estimate how good your computer is or how much room because your computer could overload.
- Do not pay for help unless you need it very, very badly.
- If you download something, make sure to run a virus check on it before hand because it might give you viruses. If you install McAfee Siteadvisor it will inform you whether the site and the downloads are safe.
- Be careful about opening attachments in emails, especially from people you don't know, since the attachment may give you a virus.
Things You'll Need
- Common sense
- A computer
- A helpful person
- A helpful resource
Related wikiHows
- How to Get a Job in Computers
- How to Connect Two Computers
- How to Buy Inexpensive Quality Computers and Electronics
- How to Learn Internet Terms
Article provided by wikiHowHow to Become Computer Literate. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
