I'm a Computer Guru ... NOT!

If maneuvering around a computer and working with different programs and software is a concern, there are some really great and free resources available to teach you whatever it is you need to know.

While many of us, including me, have puttered around on the world-wide-web golf course, maneuvering the sand traps of odd software and water holes of programs we’ve never heard of, it’s great to know that there are websites dedicated to helping seniors – or any age group, for that matter – learn whatever it is they don’t know where computer literacy is concerned.

Here is a list of the TOP FIVE I’ve found that are extremely helpful, FREE TO USE, and meets just about any “know-how” need you might have, from bare bones, just-getting-started basics to using Word programs and various software.

Help for Seniors and other Computer Beginners

SKILLFUL SENIOR is perfect for anyone getting behind a computer for the first time. It’s a quick, easy, and fun program that has easy-to-understand tutorials on the basics of using a keyboard and mouse and even helps you practice and improve your typing speed! What’s not to love about this website?

THE SENIOR'S GUIDE TO COMPUTERS is very comprehensive so you’ll need to have Javascript installed on your computer - which most computers already have - so not to worry. This Guide uses examples, pictures, and videos to explain how computers work, offering step-by-step instructions that go beyond the basics. It includes information on web browsers, hardware, software, computer security, how to back up data and even shows steps involved for setting up your computer if you have vision, hearing, and other disabilities of challenge.

GOODWILL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION'S website offers over 2,000 lessons in over 180 topics … so if just the bare bones basics is water under the bridge and you need a highly comprehensive online classroom to learn how to use Microsoft Office programs like Word and Excel, how to use email, get to know social media and if using social media is for you, image editing programs and even additional information on how to begin a new career – this is the site for you. It’s step-by-step instructions made in an easy-to-understand program for Senior learning. Plus, if you want to sharpen your reading and math skills, you can do it, here.

MEGANGA is a video-based learning tool that offers basic computer training for seniors who are beginners. There are videos on tech-related topics such as understanding the parts of a computer, navigating the desktop, and learning how to troubleshoot common issues plus other video courses you might find useful – such as how to edit photos, use social media, surf the web, set up an email account, and use cloud storage.

TECHBOOMERS is a comprehensive website full of easy-to-follow tutorials that cover how to use hundreds of popular websites such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Skype, Ebay, Amazon, Airbnb, TripAdvisor, and more. So if you’re wanting to learn about all these online goodies, this is the learning website for you.

For those of you who aren’t comfortable enough yet to go online for your learning pleasures, don’t panic. Look local. My friend, Faith, signed out from our library an awesome book filled with tutorials she felt would be useful so she could begin a work-from-home customer service position serving Fortune 500 companies.

There are many resources available for beginner computer learners and seniors alike – even classes offered through local schools, colleges. Community centers and libraries. So don’t despair that your seven-year-old grandchild is more computer savvy than you – find your learning groove and get a’groovin’!

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