There are many different types of computer software, where does a non-computer user start?
The Non-Computer, Computer User
Someone who is unfamiliar with computers and software may find it a daunting task to figure out what software to use for what purpose. There are many different types to choose from. Many have dual functions. For example, some spreadsheet programs can also do basic word processing, word processing programs can also do basic calculations. Should I use the word processing program or the publishing program to make my flier. The options go on and on. So how do you decide what program to buy or use?
Here's a guide:
Word Processing -
Letters, Memos, Reports
Spreadsheets -
Budgets, Financial Statements
Publishing -
Fliers, Newsletters, Greeting Cards
The next question you will be asking is "Where do I start?" The easiest way to learn is to start with the word processor. Microsoft Word is and easy program to start with. Open the program and look at the icons and words on the toolbars, start in the upper left corner:
The Title Bar -
Shows the title of your document after you have saved the file to disk
The Menu Bar -
Shows a drop down menu with options when clicked
The Standard Toolbar -
Shows the most used Icons (or pictures), to shortcuts for basic computing
The Formatting Toolbar -
Shows the most used Icons (or pictures), to shortcuts for formatting documents
Now, take a deep breath and relax. Many of the icons are the same from program to program. Once you learn the purpose the different icons, you will be able to perform basic tasks in many other software programs, regardless of the manufacturer.
Slide the mouse over the icon, and a screen shot will appear and tell you the purpose of the icon. Click on the picture to perform the task, for example, to print, click on the printer icon.
Look at the Standard Toolbar, notice it starts with the icon for a NEW blank document. The second icon is an open folder which represents OPEN an existing document or file. The third, is a picture of a diskette. This is the SAVE icon. You will not need all of the icons when you start, but when you become more familiar with word processing, you will use the other shortcuts.
Once you are comfortable with these icons and toolbars, open a spreadsheet program. Look at the toolbars and the icons. See anything familiar? Look at what you already know! The others you can easily learn.
