What You Need to Know

Basic Computer Skills

Before you enroll in an Internet-based or online course, you should be comfortable demonstrating the following competencies:

Computer Operation Setup

• start up and shut down computer system and peripherals
• identify and use icons, windows, menus
• start an application and create a document
• name, save, retrieve, revise a document
• use printing options
• insert CD-ROM and flash drive
• copy documents from hard drive to flash drive and vice versa
• create and name/rename subdirectories/folders
• save, open, place documents inside subdirectories/folders
• open and work with more than one application at a time

Setup, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting

• protect and care for flash drives
• clean computer components and printer
• make backup copies of key applications and documents
• use self-help resources to diagnose and correct common hardware and printing problems
• install and upgrade an application
• maintain proper operating environment for computer and peripherals
• protect against computer viruses
• obtain technical assistance resources from your Internet Service Provider

Word Processing

• enter and edit text and copy and move text
• copy and move blocks of text
• change text format and style, set margins, line spacing, and tabs
• check spelling, grammar, word usage
• insert page numbers

Internet Skills

• connect to the Internet or an online service
• use Electronic Mail (compose, send, retrieve, read, respond, and forward messages, and attach files)
• access and use resources on World Wide Web
• obtain/maintain an account on the Internet or an online service that provides Internet access
• connect a computer to a modem and telephone line for dial-in access
• install and configure telecommunications software
• create and use group addresses for electronic mail