Computer Basics

I really thought that I understood the computer basics until recently. After all, I grew up with a computer. I was programming in BASIC and logo when I was a kid, I learned how to use DOS, then I learned how to navigate Windows. I have some experience on the Mac, I can use Office and Excel – in general, I am pretty well-rounded. What I didn't realize was how far the basics of computers go nowadays. The fact is that most highly qualified people of my generation know a huge amount about computers. If you don't know a little about how to program in HTML, how to debug Windows, how to incorporate Java applets into your Web pages, and many other computer programming basics, you really are falling behind.

Fortunately, there are many excellent courses in computer basics available nowadays. One of the easiest ways to go about updating your computer basics knowledge is to take a free online course. There are plenty of online computer courses, and many of them cost nothing. There are websites all over the place that basically make course material available for free. Although you don't actually have a professor and classmates, you do have all the needed materials including a book and videos or podcast lectures.

I tried using this method to learn computer basics with moderate success. I picked some of it up, but I wasn't really that satisfied. I suddenly realized that I do a lot better with the book in front of me. I guess I'm old-fashioned that way. I don't mind reading and editing texts on the computer, but if I'm going to be really absorbing a huge amount of information, I'd rather have a printed copy. That is why I ordered some computer basics books from Amazon. I knew that I would learn computer programming better and with less problems if I actually had a professionally printed book.

I'm glad that I took this approach towards learning the basics of computers. I had to invest a good 60 dollars into books, but it was worth it. Many of them double as great references, so I can use them even after I've learned what's in them, I can always look back when I don't understand something. The other ones I can resell or give to friends. One of my best buddies has been inspired by my effort, and he's now working on the basics of computing. He can use the books I have already bought to learn what he needs to.