For those who are in the course of sending email after email looking for some IT training in programming or data management or design processes, or maybe even simpler presentation design in Microsoft PowerPoint, there is always a need for the right equipment for a beginner and those with more advanced computer training alike.
There is quite a science to knowing how to be intuitive with a computer, so read on with our guide to getting started.
Teachers might also want to consider how they want to incorporate their technology and software into their course or learning community too.
Preparing to Receive Computer Tuition
A few basic software and hardware recommendations are offered for students to select before starting their program:
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A computer. This goes without saying because you obviously can't learn without a computer. Mac or Personal Computer (PC) are the two main operating systems, and you shouldn't need to spend a fortune getting your first device. A good one that will last you a while and have a good warranty will only set you back about $1000, and if you’re planning to use your computer to watch films or edit or design images (with famous software like Adobe Photoshop), a Mac might be the way to go. They're a bit more expensive than a PC, but really have a fantastic interface and many people find this to be a more reliable product, which is the preferred computer of many design and creative industry professional workers. Mac operating systems are also different to PC, so a specialised tutor might be required.
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The programmes in your library and hard drive: the Microsoft Office suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) is available on both operating systems and thankfully has a renewable licence, meaning that you pay a yearly fee with online and offline access. Free programs such as Apache’s OpenOffice includes a word processor and spreadsheet capabilities too, so consider this when just starting out and unsure whether your luck will run out as a beginner with an expensive package. The science of the operating system isn't that complicated for the user, as you won't necessarily have to do any programming.
There are some programming language software and program options out there that you need to select to work with and share ideas with the online community in order to really get to grips with your learning and computer development.
These include Microsoft Visual Basic or Java some of which are free and others paying. Do a Google search first to find out what kind of technology and office basics you need before spending heaps of money.
We do also have some news for those who have a career as a design professional or whose job involves design and visual data management- you will probably have to invest in Photoshop or Indesign training.
This is simply because these are specialised programs that have a wide library and back catalogue which are the preferred software choice of many design courses and can be used in any location around the world. There are monthly subscriptions available here too, so looking at getting the Adobe suite membership would be a good idea.
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Your internet connection: You will need some level of competency in this to do anything and everything with your computer! Students don't need to follow an intensive program to get to grips with this, just be curious! Try and send your first email, make some events, do some data or file management, or try to look for information about your jobs or even schools to help you learn. A keyword search can go a long way and is a good use of the hours of a beginner who may also end up stumbling upon a community of others who are learning to navigate the world wide web as well.
There are many broadband deals out there that are worth considering:
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Superloop: $69.95 for the first 6 months then $89.95 per month after that ongoing. 96mbps download speed.
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Spintel: $69 per month, plus a $16 reduction for new signups. 100 mbps download speed.
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Optus: $89 per month with 100 mbps download speed.
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Telstra: $110 per month, with $1 first month and 3 months BINGE cable standard. 100 mbps download speed.
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Tangerine: $74.90 per month and 92 mbps download speed.
If you're considering IT tutorials online, you will want to invest in a webcam yourself so you can see one another clearly. Thankfully, there are many computers that now have this inbuilt.
What's the cost of IT tutorials and are there free ones? And can I get a certificate from any?
Moving from Beginner Computer Classes to Advanced Programming Courses: Not Rocket Science!
A desktop computer typically has the tower and monitor, but many, especially portable, options now exist. A beginner might do well to buy a good quality laptop.
An external hard drive would be a good investment too for backing up all your files. This is like a giant USB that can fit all your library and file memory on it several times over.
Now, once you've got this, you will be equipped to begin your classes as a beginner computer user.
Some of the content covered in initial beginner lessons includes:
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Learning about the basic elements of computer hardware, like RAM and CPUI processing and what is going on inside the computer
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Basic skills such as typing in Office, sending an email, connecting to Wifi, or setting events in the calendar
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An introduction to computer essentials and using Google and the internet to search for information and websites you like
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Setting up email accounts and organising a library of file data or music
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IT-related projects that you might want a certificate in (powerpoint presentations, excel spreadsheets, making events with a planner or creating a flyer in word)
You can also go from the very basics like turning the computer on and off, all the way to the actual programming stage of writing code and giving your computer commands.
Superprof has many computer skills course, whose price will vary depending on your location and the proximity to you and experience in computer skills of the tutor.
You don't have to be an older user to start computer skills either! If you really want your kids to use the computer efficiently, consider getting a tutor to help them as well.
Discover our IT courses on Superprof.
If you are a more advanced IT professional and are keen on teaching digital literacy to others via a programming language, or want to enhance your own skills in algorithms, cybersecurity, or machine learning, heading over to Superprof is the way to go.
Programming experts from within C++, Python, Autocad, Java, Visual Basic, Fortran and many more can help enhance your CSS and HTML skills, app development capabilities, perhaps even boosting you to IT network administrator status.
Check out other online IT courses here.
Is Online IT Training or Face to Face for you?
Absolute beginners would do well to have someone in-home to show them as if they can't navigate to the app to use their webcam in the first place, someone really needs to show the ropes.
If you're more advanced, you can consider using Skype or Zoom to meet your tutor. Think about:
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Possibly choosing professionals who work in the IT field or for large tech companies
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Or getting cheaper tutorials from IT students and those who are training to work in the industry
Home maintenance tutorials could work too, especially for bug fixes with your computer or hardware, wherein you mirror the technician so you can learn better for next time.
Classes with a specialised Apple tutor will get you to expert status with your Mac in no time thanks to Superprof tutors!
A great thing to remember is that many such individuals have actually worked for Apple in stores or have owned extensive amounts of Apple products, so really have the inside scoop on this operating system.
IT Training for Business
A key feature of any successful business is a great website.
To get this as a business, you will need to obtain:
- a developer to build your website
- a host for your site
- a domain name
- quality content to fill your site with
Providers and outsourcers who centralise these kinds of professionals are available, as are tutorials for website building, some of which are even free thanks to Youtube.
You will also need to get familiar with Content Management Systems (like WordPress or WIX), know how to undertake correct data management, edit images and organise a webpage, and make sure you use Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to ensure your website comes up when people keyword search for that theme.
Having an online presence will put your business in the class of reliable providers of the service, that many of those without good websites miss out on.
Make sure you and your employees know how to browse the internet securely, web search well, network professionally with a platform like LinkedIn, and source crowdfunding where possible.
There are IT classes for everyone, so don't forget to work out just what your own goals are for learning!
Consider musing on the ways to efficiently use your time in between tutorials or classes.
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