In an earlier post (Basic things you have to know to be computer literate); I stated out a few things a person should know before he/she can tag/term himself/herself as "computer literate". In this post; I want to break down a two of the points given in the aforementioned post-- hinting a little bit on how to go about these points.
Follow me please:
1. Using Search Engines:
Search engines are very different from subject directories. While humans organize and catalog subject directories, search engines rely on computer programs called robots to roam the Web and log the words on each page. With a search engine, keywords related to a topic are typed into a search "box." The search engine scans its database and returns a file with links to websites containing the word or words specified in the search. Because these databases are very large, search engines often return thousands of results. Without search strategies or techniques, finding what you need can be like finding a needle in a haystack.
To use search engines effectively, it is essential to apply techniques that narrow results and push the most relevant pages to the top of the results list.
In a nutshell; whenever you want to search for something on the internet- using a search engine e.g: Google; you should- first of all- know keywords. In other words; break down a topic into certain specific words so that the search engine's scope will be narrowed to those words and you get better and more precise results.
2. Using Word Processing Applications Effectively:
Word processing programs are computer programs that allow you to write documents. The technology of computers makes word processing a very different process from writing by hand or with a typewriter. There are many strategies to making word processing more effective and efficient, including understanding how to copy and paste, and using spelling and grammar checking.
Use Formatting
Word processing allows you to select different fonts, font sizes and other formats. To change the font of text, select it and go to the font menu on the toolbar. You can select a different font by scrolling through the fonts, or make the text bold or italic by by clicking on the "B" or "I" underneath the fonts. Generally, Times New Roman is the standard accepted font. Aim for simple formatting rather than fancy fonts or too many special effects; readability is key.
Use Spellcheck and Grammar Check
Spellcheck and grammar check are also very useful word processing elements. Microsoft Word automatically spell checks and grammar checks documents; spelling errors are underlined with red squiggles, while grammar errors are underlined with green ones. You can right-click each incidence for suggested corrections, or you can go to the Review menu and click on "Spelling & Grammar" to review all of your errors at once.
Learn Time-Saving Shortcuts
Copying or cutting and pasting allows you to copy or remove a selection of text and reproduce it somewhere else in the same document, in another document, or from a web page onto a document.
To copy, select the text and then hold down the Control (Ctrl) key and press "C".
To paste, move the cursor where you want the text and hold down the Control (Ctrl) key and press "V".
To cut, select text and hold down the Control (Ctrl) key and press "X" .
Save your work instantly by holding down the Control (Ctrl) key and pressing "S."
To print your document; hold down the Control key and press "P".
I really do not intend to bore you with the whole lot-- I've given two very important items that you should work on and/or improve skills on... In my next post; I'll give a list of keyboard shortcuts to help in getting you around the computer quickly.
Excerpts from: http://www.ehow.com
Best Regards.
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