It is fair to say the internet is a massive universal system coviring everything anybody needs for everything. Here is a very simple overview of how the internet works which is also useful for those who would like a basic refresher!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_LPdttKXPc
- Browsers
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- Google: Google Chrome is by far the most popular browser and Google Suite – or G Suite – provides a large selection of free instruction on all G Suite tools. This includes advanced email and calendar management, as well as Google Docs and Cloud products/services. G Suite is the ultimate package for businesses that hire remote workers and freelancers. Becoming knowledgeable with all the different features in G Suite can significantly boost your resume.
- PC users tend to use Chrome, Firefox and Opera most of the time with Edge when necessary, while Mac users tend to use a blend of Safari, Chrome and Firefox.
Here is a useful intro to a browser.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxirRVJWUTs
This is a YouTube video which is about Google Chrome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tvGp_X-2Ek&t=101s
- Help Menus: While working you may have questions about a feature of your Operating system or come across problems and it is useful to know about the HELP MENU that every browser (and other applications) offer. In Chrome it is on the far right where there are three vertical little dots (known as ‘more options’)
- Email: These are some email providers: Gmail South Africa, Telkomsa, Ananzi Mail, MailPlus, Webmail South Africa. You may not even know who the provider is if you use your company’s email address.
- This is an introduction to Gmail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D7H4p_luvs
- Most email browsers use the same set of functions and you can use the HELP MENU to find answers to questions.
Most of us don’t use our email facility as well as we could. There are all sorts of ways that you can make a tool for your and your employer’s productivity.
MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES TO HELP YOU MASTER TECH LEARNING ONLINE
W3Schools.com
W3Schools.com focuses on written instruction and coding exercises on their site. They include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, jQuery, SQL, PHP, Bootstrap, XML
It is free for anyone to use. If you prefer video instruction, you may not enjoy this site as much. However, the coding exercises are easy and fun to use. Any experienced computer programmer will tell you that the best way to learn coding is to “tinker” with the language until you feel comfortable with it.
If you want a certificate it will cost you for example: HTML $95 (roughly R1700)
Udemy (Computer Skills Courses)
Udemy is not free, but they are low-cost (most courses cost less than R150). Their course catalog is vast. If you are looking to learn about specific computer skills or programs, you can use the search bar at the top to find what you are looking for.
Udemy: Master Computers – From Beginner to Expert in One Week
This is one Udemy class that many students with bare minimum computer knowledge say they enjoyed. The instructor is a former college professor. Check out the preview on the right-hand side, and read through the course overview to see if this is a course you’d be interested in.
MIT Opencourseware: Introductory Programming Courses
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is perhaps one of the world’s leading tech universities. Naturally, tuition costs are extremely high. But the MIT Opencourseware is a registry of free online classes.
App Academy
App Academy is a Silicon Valley computer programming school. It was the first coding school to base students’ tuition on their first year’s salaries after the course. They say ‘No matter what changes, we will continue to tie our success to yours.’ , Switchup, a comprehensive resource where prospective students can compare top-rated tech bootcamps and programs, gave it a 5 star rating.
edX Computer Science
edX is a platform for education and learning. Founded by Harvard and MIT, it is home to a majority of top-ranked universities in the world. Fulfilling the demand for people to learn on their own terms, edX is provides stackable learning experiences including the MicroMasters® programs. Courses ranging from data and computer science to leadership and communications.
Example: Python for Data Science. Beginner friendly. This course is part of a Professional:
1 Weeks Effort: 2–5 hours per week Price: FREE Add a Verified Certificate for $39 (about R700)
LinkedIn Learning (Beginner Computer Skills Courses)
LinkedIn is not just a professional social media platform, it also is a place for people to build basic computer skills.
Also, if you haven’t already built a LinkedIn Profile, doing so will help you become acquainted with some critical computer skills to boost your professional career (as well as help you connect with peers and potential employers).
Coursera
Coursera offers a wide range of courses from leading universities, free to start, and a fee once you want a certificate.
