Basic computer software knowledge

You might be called upon to simply copy numbers off receipts and invoices and enter them into an accounting program like Q uickBooks or Xero. Having a basic understanding of coding can further develop your understanding of computers overall. Moreover, becoming an expert at computer coding can open up high-demand, lucrative careers in computer programming and website development.

Here is a rundown of the most popular computer programming languages and a link to some free training in each:. Thankfully, there are a great deal of free, quality tutorials to take advantage of in order to improve your employability prospects.

Here are just a few of the easy ways you can improve your computer skills. Just stick with it, and before you know it, you will feel at ease working with many of these programs and will be fully equipped to take on any job that requires you to exercise such skills.

Please leave this field blank:. Send Now. Types of Basic Software Skills Some of these software programs are powerful, but you will typically only need to know how to perform a few key functions on each. Productivity Software Productivity software helps you manage three things: handling digital documents, presenting information, and managing digital calendars.

Here is a list of the most popular social media platforms with links to set up a profile: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube Twitter Data Entry One of the best uses of computers is to organize, sort, and calculate data.

Get In Touch. Computer communication skills you can list on your resume include:. As you write your resume, refer to the job posting for any communication tools the company you're applying to uses. Based on this, list your relevant skills on your resume and how you've used them in your past experience.

A database is an electronic collection of data that is accessed on a computer. Databases store a variety of information, such as payroll accounts. To successfully manage data, you'll need a variety of skills, such as:. As you write your resume and cover letter, highlight your database management skill level by detailing how you use it and how you structure specific data. While many professionals may know basic database skills, it's important to set your application apart by letting hiring managers know your particular expertise in this area.

If you're in an accounting role, it's important to have strong computer skills related to this industry. This includes understanding how various accounting software works. Rather than simply listing your accounting software skills, detail which you specifically used and how you used it to help you excel at your job.

Employers want to know your level of comfort for each skill you list on your resume. For example, if you list your knowledge of presentation software, employers won't know whether you're a beginner or an expert in this area. As you write your resume and cover letter, detail your expertise with each of your computer skills.

Rather than simply stating your skills, give a detailed explanation of how you used the skill and how it helped you complete a task or improve your productivity. This shows employers how comfortable you are using these skills and how well you understand how to use them. Here are a few ways to improve your basic computer skills:.

Take classes. One great way to improve your basic computer skills is to take classes in the area you wish to improve.

For example, if you want to understand digital marketing better, consider taking an online class on the subject.

Understand how computers work. Before you improve your skills, it's important to understand how computers work in general. Learning the fundamentals of computers can give you foundational knowledge to build upon. You can also consider taking a class in this area. Get practical experience. To improve your computer skills, it's important to apply what you know. Presentation skills are both valuable soft and computer skills. Presentation software is important to have a basic knowledge of in many careers both for organizing and presenting ideas in a company, internally and externally.

There are several programs you can use to create presentations, including PowerPoint, which is the most widely used software across industries. Spreadsheets are applications used to organize data and other information into tables and quickly calculate numbers. Spreadsheets can also be used for advanced data analysis. Some employers may expect you to possess a basic working knowledge of spreadsheet software.

Refer to the job posting to understand whether the employer is looking for these skills, and if so, to what level they require you to manipulate data in spreadsheets.

If it seems your skills are not advanced enough, spend some time practicing. There are many online and in-person classes you can consider taking. Many businesses use communication and collaboration tools to help with productivity. Carefully review the job description to understand whether you should include this information.

Tools such as Slack and Skype are popular among businesses where workers often telecommute. Accounting software skills are important if you are applying for positions in the finance or business sectors. That may include helping manage accounts, payments or other financial data.

Social media skills are now highly desired as companies look to increase and manage their online presence. These skills are more commonly desired for positions in public relations, marketing and advertising. Knowledge of specific social media software like Hootsuite is often required for many of these positions. Alongside basic knowledge of spreadsheets, having data visualization skills might also be helpful in a data-heavy role.

An operating system typically has software programs already installed onto it. In addition, numerous software programs can be found online totally free of charge. A personal computer PC can eliminate the clutter sitting around the house. A computer has an electronic phone book, calendar, notepad, address book, daily planner, files, and folders.

The latter two replaces manila folders and filing cabinets, huge space wasters in any environment. People can use their computers to watch television and DVDs. Computers can play recorded music and streaming live audio. Computer technology has rapidly advanced to the point where people can upload entire photo albums, send electronic mail, and make long distance calls at the same time.

More importantly, computer technology has increased its user-friendliness, making it easily accessible for those limited by mental and physical constraints. Anybody can learn how to use a computer; however, it takes a little knowledge to understand its basic processes. The CPU processes this information consistently and accurately, making it unique to the human brain. The human brain processes information faster than we realize; however, it also discerns information as it passes through its receptors.

A computer does not think for itself, which means it cannot comprehend the tasks it executes. Both of these manufacturers produce integrated circuits, or chips, and perform optimally. A large percent of computers today come equipped with dual core CPUs. A dual core CUP includes two processors in a single circuit. Dual core processors also come with two execution cores, making them ideal for multitasking environments. Casual computers typically do not need a dual core CPU, unless they perform intensive video work or play high-resolution video games.

Many computer users refer to RAM as the main working area executing tasks with stored data. In other words, RAM functions like an office desk, whereby workers can open files, retrieve reports, and place them in working order.

RAM comes in the form of sticks that look like the size of a few sticks of gum. Most computers have open slots that a technician can use to add or replace RAM. RAM can have information written to it.

In addition, the computer reads RAM to find the information written to it. RAM erases itself when a computer user shuts down their computer effectively. A computer relies on its RAM for optimal performance. The recommended RAM for Microsoft 7 will vary according to the tasks carried out on the operating system. ROM never changes, even if the computer loses its power. The CMOS stores information about the computer system, including its current date and time. The CMOS needs electricity to continue working; however, it only needs a very small amount of it.

To put it in perspective, a small battery will keep it working for 4 to 5 years. If the CMOS battery dies, then the computer malfunctions and will not start-up correctly. Therefore, the computer user will need to have it replaced. In addition, the computer user will probably have to re-enter all of their set-up information about the computer system.