It’s almost impossible to communicate the depths of any subject regarding computers and the Internet in short, weekly newspaper columns. I can usually only touch on the highlights of a given subject, provide a few tips and tricks, and leave it at that. Consequently, people often ask me, “How can I learn more about my computer?” If you’ve got the time and the inclination, here are a few good resources that should be of help to you in your computer education.
Our local library has some good computer classes available, covering subjects about which every computer user should be knowledgeable. This month, classes include computer basics, basic Internet, Windows XP, and computer safety, as well as classes on how to use various programs by Microsoft. There is also a good selection of computer books that can be checked out. Despite the somewhat offensive titles, the “Computers for Dummies” and “Internet for Dummies” type books are actually pretty well written. Take a look at the library’s website at www.pioneer.lib.ok.us for more information.
For those that need the learn-at-home route, there are some good Internet resources available. Check out the highly recommended online courses and videos available at www.lynda.com, in particular, the $30 “Learning Microsoft Windows XP” course at
movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modPage.asp?ID=45. A good source of free computer education is SeniorNet, at www.seniornet.org. You really should learn what the other buttons on your computer mouse are for!
Instead of just clicking your mouse dangerously willy-nilly around the screen when you’re on the Internet, take the time to learn how to use what’s there. Learn about all you’ll ever need to know at websites such as www.learnthenet.com and www.internet101.org.
One thing that can confuse the newbie is the blizzard of terms and acronyms that go along with the computing experience. However, in order to have your best computing experience, it is necessary to get a grasp on the basics. You should learn what a “network” is, along with the definitions of terms such as ISP (if you’re on the Internet, then you have one), WWW, download, upload, URL, browser, hard drive, logon, and many others. Good sites for this are www.webopedia.com and www.techweb.com/encyclopedia.
If you’ve read any of my past columns, then you know that I’m big on computer security. One of the best explanations of the subject geared towards the beginning/intermediate user is at one of the highly respected CERT websites at www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity. A much more technical and geekier resource is the AntiOnline website at www.antionline.com.
No computer-users’ education would be complete without knowing something about the history of computing. One of my hobbies is learning about and collecting old computers (yes, anything with an age of ten years is considered “old” in the world of computers), and one of my favorite websites dealing with the history of computing is the Hitmill website at www.hitmill.com/computers/computerhx1.html. It’s great fun, loaded with neat stories and pictures. It’s also fairly thorough, as it begins with the abacus!