quickest way to become computer literate

[fleursmummy]

i have been offered a fab job starting next jan but need to become computer literate asap - are there any online courses (that wont break the bank!) or books that could help me achieve this . thanks!!

[OBonio]

ECDL (European Computer Driving License) is a well known simple IT qualification.

[ursula62]

If you want something quick, try getting the teach yourself CDs - they sell them in most PC stores including DIxons, and sometimes in Woolies too. There's one on Windows and computer basics, and you can buy others for Word, Excel, Powerpoint etc as you get more confident.

[Hermia]

http://www.learndirect.co.uk/ is good.

[joko]

most software has a help section and a lot have tutorials and they will take you through the basics step by step - try these first

[paddy_36]

Agree with OBonio - ECDL is a good all-round course covering all aspects of computing, and is a recognised (and desirable) qualification. There are seven modules: Introduction to Computing, Files and Folders, Word Processing, Databases, Spreadsheets, Presentations, and Internet/Email. If you already know a bit about computing you should find it pretty straightforward. You may have to sign up at your local college to sit the tests if you want to obtain the qualification rather than just doing the course work. Might be worth seeing if your local library is running any courses or can recommend anything.

Hermia's link to learndirect is a good one - it's also worth checking with them if you're eligible for any funding.

Good luck!

[vicars]

Find someone who is computer literate and ply them with drinks so they teach you everything they know. You will have a very good start to computing then and find it easier to learn this way initially than to read about it. Once you get the basics you should get stuck into alternative methods. Being computer literate though means learning how to deal with problems like program crashes which they tend not to cover in books. I presume you are not wanting a specific qualification at this stage but just the ability to use the computer well on your own?

[SAM80]

I'd have thought that being able to use a site like this is more than enough for most jobs that ask for computer literacy. Most such jobs will expect you to be able to use Word and Excel - and I'm sure they will teach you how to use any unfamiliar programs.

I'd recommend you save your money, and if you're still worried, perhaps the best thing to do would be to phone them back and ask what they expect of you.

[joko]

try the books - 'computers for dummies' or 'computers for idiots' - these speak to to you in a very simple way and don't assume you understand things you don't.

i used one for computer maintenance and found it invaluable

try amazon or ebay