Tag Archives | typing

Image by Farzad Nazifi, unsplash.com

Image by Farzad Nazifi, unsplash.com

As most people would readily concur, computers have become critical components of our everyday living. As such, they are widely acclaimed for providing an unparalleled level of convenience and efficiency in terms of undertaking a wide variety of tasks – both in our professional and personal lives. However, many individuals have yet to fully grasp even the most basic computing skills. This includes sending and receiving emails, internet browsing, basic computer security best practices, and the list goes on. Should you fall into this category, below are the top 5 computer skills everyone should master.

1. Keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts have been specifically put in place to enhance the overall computer usage experience. They allow computer users to accomplish numerous, essential computing tasks in a stress-free and time-efficient manner. You’re not required to memorize all the keyboard shortcuts, rather, only those which can be indispensable to various frequent tasks. This includes “Ctrl + C”, which initiates the copy function, “Ctrl + V” which triggers the paste function, and “Ctrl + X” for the cut function. The lesser-known “Ctrl + backspace” allows you to delete the whole previous word as opposed to just single characters.

2. Internet basics

Search engines are synonymous with the internet due to the many advantages they present. Hence, you will have to master the basics of advanced search, like identifying the various Boolean operators. This includes the connectors ‘+’, ‘AND’, ‘OR’ and even ‘NOT’. You will also need to learn how to identify mediocre resources at just a single glance.

At the same time, you will have to master how to utilize web browsers more efficiently in order to fully tap into the powerful potential of the internet. Some of the basic web browser skills you can master include opening links in new browser windows, using bookmarks, and clearing browser caches.

3. Computer security best practices

You don’t need to be a fully fledged IT expert to be able to comprehend the basics of protecting your PC and software from external attacks. This naturally includes knowing how to enable your PC’s firewall and also how to effectively use antivirus applications. Both of which can be able to offer some invaluable protection from viruses and malware that may try to take advantage of vulnerabilities in your system. You will also need to master how to formulate strong and secure passwords to prevent malicious individuals from gaining access to critical files or applications in your system.

4. Sending and receiving emails

Email has effectually replaced the conventional mailing system as the communication medium of choice for many individuals and even business organizations. As such, it is always an excellent idea to learn how to send and receive emails the right way, while taking advantage of the wide range of functionalities these applications come with. This includes mass mailing, URL insertion, and adding attachments.

5. Touch typing

Touch typing is a critical computer skill you should make an effort to master, even if you are not a professional typist. This particular skill lets you rely on your motor reflexes rather than your sight. It lets you place your concentration on your PC’s screen rather than the keyboard as with most other typing techniques.

As you proceed to master touch typing, you will eventually find that your typing speed and accuracy have greatly improved. This in turn will improve your overall efficiency and productivity in the various computing tasks you undertake, whether in your professional or personal pursuits.

Finally, learning touch typing will also impart you with typing best practices such as ideal posture and finger placement. This will assist you in avoiding injury, particularly when you are engaged in protracted typing sessions.

This article was contributed by guest author Adam Fort.

Image by Foundry, pixabay.com

Image by Foundry, pixabay.com

Computers have recently infiltrated virtually all aspects of our everyday living. Now more than ever, most of the mundane tasks that necessitated the use of pen and paper can be accomplished with the aid of desktop PCs, laptops and smartphones. Whether drafting reports, writing emails, or scheduling your day to day duties, learning to master touch typing can drastically enhance your computing experience.

There was a time when this skill was the sole reserve of law court stenographers and transcriptionists. However, in this digital era, every one of us can benefit from perfecting the art of touch typing. Here are some reasons why you should learn to type properly:

It enhances your typing speed and typing accuracy

Unlike the hunt and peck method, touch typing will enable you to make use of ideal finger placement on your computer’s keyboard. This ensures that you can conveniently utilize all your fingers while you are engaged in typing. As a result, you will find yourself typing at an optimal speed, and the same time, greatly reducing the errors you make. Should you be curious to discover what your current typing speed stands at in words per minute (wpm), start with a typing test.

It can enhance your concentration and mental focus

Mastering the skill of touch typing does away with the constant need to look down at the keyboard while typing in order to identify the key you should press. It will allow you to rely totally on motor reflexes, allowing you to concentrate on the screen as opposed to constantly shifting it from the screen back to the keyboard (which can greatly impair your mental focus).

It improves your productivity and wellbeing

By enhancing your typing speed and accuracy, you will discover that you can get more work done in an efficient and stress-free manner. This can make you infinitely more marketable to your current employer as well as potential employers should you decide to seek greener pastures. It is no secret that most employers are on the lookout for workers who can execute their duties in a time efficient and productive way. By perfecting your touch typing skills you will effectively place yourself on the highroad to take your career to the next level.

As you most definitely are aware, sitting at your desk for extended periods of time can begin to take a toll on your health. You will start to experience annoying issues such as back pains, neck pains, shoulder aches and even sore wrists, all of which usually arise from poor computing habits and inappropriate posture while typing.

Touch typing emphasizes excellent computing habits, one of the most critical being good posture. This can ultimately minimize the risk of sustaining work related injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, while at the same time improving your comfort while carrying out your day to day duties.

There are many advantages to be had when it comes to learning to type properly – get started today!

This article was contributed by guest author Adam Fort.