Basic computer skills are essential for using a computer and vary from employer to employer. These skills include understanding operating systems, using email and search functions, and working with software programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Acquiring these skills increases job opportunities and potential for advancement.
“Basic computer skills” is a term that is used to identify the essential skills needed to use a computer. The scope of skills considered basic varies from situation to situation. For example, one employer may list the ability to use a specific type of word processing software as a required core skill, while another employer will place more emphasis on the ability to work with spreadsheets. Vocational schools and some colleges offer courses that introduce students to the basic computer skills most commonly required by employers, making it easier for them to acquire the knowledge needed to identify and hone these skills.
As a foundation for using a computer, basic computer skills often begin with an understanding of how a particular operating system works in terms of creating and placing taskbars on the computer desktop, how to use the computer mouse to use programs hosted on your hard drive, and even how to use an e-mail program to create, send, and receive e-mail messages. Even tasks such as searching for files on a hard drive are often considered basic skills that any user should know and be able to perform with relative ease. In some cases, training in how to conduct searches using an Internet browser will also fall within the core operational skillset, especially if the job position requires frequent searches.
Sometimes, the basic computer skills needed to secure a job 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 slide presentations may be considered essential by a prospective employer. Others may also require users to be able to work with some type of database of information, either in terms of adding or updating data in the system or retrieving that data to generate reports.
Basic computer skills form the basis for being able to efficiently use a computer and all the programs loaded on the system. Becoming proficient in different office suites, including how to handle simple tasks like 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 required skills for many employers. By taking the time to acquire these basic skills, an individual increases their chances of securing a job in an office environment and possibly being able to move up the company as time goes on.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
