Windows, typing, computer settings, this all seems basic. And it is. But sometimes it is the most basic “stuff” that we overlook, thinking it’s too easy to need to bother spending time really learning it. When we do that, though, we are missing out on important and beneficial features that these simple concepts might be offering us. You may take a class in a complex program like Adobe Flash or Microsoft Project, so you should probably be a master at Windows, right? Well, not everyone is. It’s important, however, to take a few steps back and make sure we have a firm grip on the basic foundation of our computing skills and programs. Not only will we discover new options and features, but it will prime us for learning more technical programs. Just as any beginner class would for a more advanced class, we would be learning commands and concepts that are applicable to other programs, and these will also provide us with a better understanding of computers and their programs. Steven Patterson, owner of The ACTS Learning Center in Florence, Kentucky, explains why we should not just ignore the basics in computing.
When it comes to learning more complex programs, you may find yourself going back and learning simple commands to get these programs in motion. These are commands you may have already been familiar with if you had learned basic keyboarding and Windows to their fullest extent. Learning these concepts gives you skills that are also used in other programs, so now you have a leg up on learning these more difficult programs. Knowing the basics also helps you see how things work, how things fit together, and what makes this or that do what. This simple computing logic will help you grasp the more advanced programs’ concepts more quickly and comprehensively.
When you think of taking a course in basic keyboarding, your first instant is probably to laugh. “I know how to type!” you’re thinking. Back up. Of course you know where the letters and numbers are, and all that good stuff, but do you actually know how to type? Like, really type? One of the most common sights is an experienced, distinguished business professional sitting at his or her computer, hammering slowly through an e-mail using the good old “hunt and peck” method. Ouch. Wouldn’t it be a lot faster to understand typing the way it’s supposed to be done? To actually know where to place your fingers and memorize where each key is so you can type quickly and easily? Your seventh grade teacher would be so proud! You will boost your professionalism and your productivity by knowing how to type properly. Especially now, in this more competitive job market, a lot of jobs that did not in the past are now asking what candidates’ typing speed is.
Then, there’s Windows. Windows is Windows, right? There’s a bunch of programs, and you click on one, and then it’s there, opened. There’s so much more to Windows! Especially because there is a new version to learn, with new features, options, and commands. That’s Windows XP, and most businesses are using that version now. So, if you’re looking for a job, you want to learn XP. And if you already have a job, you want to learn XP because your company will start using it very soon if they haven’t already. And, if you own a business, time to switch over to XP, to get things moving faster and in a more organized, personalized manner! Learning about Windows XP in a classroom will teach you every option available to you, how to install and remove programs, how to create shortcuts for the programs you use most often, how to personalize the home screen of your computer with your important programs, files, and folders, how to adjust important computer settings, and how to protect your computer from viruses and other problems.
Keyboarding and Windows XP are two examples of classes that are such strong foundations for your computer skills. Mastering these programs will really give you the background to understand more complex programs quickly and easily, plus you will have a complete mastery of your computer.
