“Basic computer skills” is a term used to identify the essential skills needed to make use of a computer. The extent of skills considered basic varies from situation to situation. For example, one employer might consider the ability to use a specific type of word processing software among the basic skills required, while another employer will place more emphasis on the ability to work with spreadsheets. Trade schools and some universities offer courses that introduce students to the basic computer skills most commonly required by employers, making it easier to acquire the knowledge needed to identify and improve those skills.
There are college and trade courses that teach basic computer skills.
As a foundation for using a computer, basic computer skills often begin with understanding how a particular operating system works in terms of creating and placing taskbars on the computer desktop, much like using a mouse. your hard drive, and even how to use an email program to create, send, and receive email. Tasks such as searching for files on a hard drive are also often considered basic skills that any user should know and be able to perform with relative ease. In some cases, training on how to conduct research using a web browser will also be included under the basic operational skills heading, especially if the position requires frequent research.
Finding files on a hard drive is generally considered a basic computer skill.
Sometimes the basic computer skills needed to secure a job will mean being familiar with the different types of software programs used in the office environment. Having a working knowledge of word processing programs, spreadsheet software, and presentation software used to create simple slideshows may be considered essential by a potential employer. Others may also require users to be able to work with some kind of database of information, both in terms of adding or updating data in the system and retrieving that data for reporting purposes.
Some information technology (IT) specialists offer individual training sessions.
Basic computer skills form the foundation for being able to make efficient use of a computer and any programs loaded on the system. Being proficient in the different office suites, including how to manage simple tasks such as creating graphs and charts, copying and pasting data from one source to another, and even printing documents and envelopes, is likely to be among the skills that many employers will require. . By taking the time to acquire these basic skills, a person increases the chances of landing a job in an office environment and possibly being able to progress in the company over time.
An administrative assistant must have advanced training in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
Most people today need to know how to create computer spreadsheets.
Training a person to search using an Internet browser is a basic operational skill.
