Enhancing Your Computer Knowledge Opens New Worlds

Some things that are initially intimidating can become valuable tools. The PC, or Personal Computer, is a prime example. However, for some older adults, basic computing remains a challenge, and with good reason: Even though PCs became popular in the 1980s if you didn’t use one at work, you may still be mystified by them.

But it’s never too late to learn or to enhance your computer savvy. Mastering an essential basic set of skills can make life more fun, interesting, and manageable (think budgeting). Chances are good that you or someone you live with owns a computer. According to IBIS, a company that researches a wide variety of industries, the percentage of American families that own a computer is projected to reach more than 94 percent this year.

A definition of basic computer skills is hard to nail down because it completely depends on what you want to do. Some think learning spreadsheet software is essential, but maybe not for you. Here are three of the main reasons to learn (or improve) your ability to work that amazing piece of hardware that is probably sitting on a desk in your home.

Learn new things

Perhaps you’re intrigued by the computer’s ability to teach you something entirely foreign— like becoming whiz or chess so you can play with friends at the local coffee shop. The beauty is that a good number of sites where you can polish these skills are free. Many top universities, like Stanford, are making access to all kinds of knowledge a gift to the public—at no charge to anyone.

Communicate more easily with others

Although some people still miss the old-fashioned practice of letter writing and handwritten thank-you notes, these traditions have, for the most part, disappeared. With its instantaneous nature, email is a boon for people of all ages (although young people largely prefer texting). But texting isn’t conducive to a long, newsy update with an old friend—but email is. You can learn how to easily “attach” photos to emails to personalize your messages. This handy feature is included in most (if not all) email software programs.

Stay informed

One way to remain engaged and relevant—and able to participate knowingly in conversation—is to keep up with the news. The web browser on your computer is like a library of great books: it can take you anywhere. Most often used to access Web pages, browsers are software programs that locate and display information on the Internet. Some common ones are Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari. (Note: Google is not a browser. Rather, it’s the world’s No. 1 search engine, a software program that assists in helping individuals search out the information they seek using keywords and phrases.) Most of the better news sites charge a modest, reasonable monthly fee, but CBS offers a free news feed. Anyone with an internet connection can access it.

The Fundamentals and Beyond

• Basic Computer Skills for Senior Citizens. An excellent source of inexpensive classes is available on Udemy, an online learning and teaching marketplace. They offer tons of choices; this one will meet the needs of many: Basic Computer Skills for Senior Citizens is an online class, self-paced, that teaches the parts of a computer (mouse, USB port, earphone jack, and camera); opening and closing files and applications; basic internet browsing, the fundamentals of email usage i.e. sign in, receive, and reply; creating, saving and printing documents and spreadsheets; and learning how to use YouTube. The class runs about $40, but Udemy offers frequent sales. Users have lifetime access to the course, which includes videos.
• Home and Learn Free Online Computer Classes focus on the nuts-and-bolts skills of programs used in the business world, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. These sessions are quite in-depth.
• Microsoft Fundamentals is offered by AARP at no cost to members.

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