Computer Tutorials for Beginners
Computer beginners often feel overwhelmed when they start using a computer. Many computer tutorials are designed strictly for the beginning user. Tutorials are available in a variety of types, depending on what the user wants to learn. Before starting a computer tutorial, consider your skill level to ensure you find the right one for you.
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Facts
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Computer tutorials for beginners focus on the bare basics of computer tasks. For instance, some beginner tutorials focus on how to turn on a computer and navigate using a mouse and keyboard. Most online basic computer tutorials are available for free. Similar novice tutorials are available at most bookstores and provide you with a series of lessons in computer use.
Misconceptions
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The biggest misconception of beginning computer tutorials is that you'll become an expert overnight. Some users quit after the first lesson because they feel they're not learning fast enough or learning the skills their friends or coworkers already have. Learning how to use the computer takes practice and repetition. Advanced computer users were once beginners and had to work through tutorials or trial and error. Have patience and remember you must complete tutorials before fully learning the skill.
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Benefits
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Many new users try learning to use a computer through trial and error, which sometimes results in downloading viruses, deleting files and wasting valuable time. Start with tutorials to learn techniques faster and save time. Tutorials geared toward beginners take you through the technical jargon that most trial-and-error users face.
Types
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Beginner tutorials typically come in two formats: basics and usage. Basic tutorials teach the bare bones of computer use, such as turning on a monitor and opening applications. Usage tutorials focus on changing settings, exploring applications and performing common and uncommon tasks.
Tutorials Available
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For the absolute beginner, book-based tutorials work well. The Dummies and Complete Idiot's Guide series offer straightforward, easy to understand tutorials on basic computer use, teaching various applications and some computer programming concepts. These two series publish books specifically for seniors too. Purchase "Computer Basics for Dummies" and "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Computer Basics" via most online bookstores and local bookstores.
If you have some Internet experience or have a friend or family member to help you, consider Internet tutorials. For picture-based tutorials, Inpics offers pictorial computer tutorials. Home and Learn provides tutorials on a variety of beginner and intermediate computer topics. Basics 4 Beginners has an easy to use, hands-on tutorial for beginners. See the Resources section below for links.
Time Required
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Most tutorials require several hours to master basic skills. Depending on the tutorial you choose, you work on multiple exercises. Computer tutorials for beginners often have a suggested time frame to complete each task or lesson. Complete computer tutorials at any time that's convenient for you, but remember they require a regular time commitment to be effective.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Blake Patterson
