Computer Skills Checklist

Computer Skills Checklist : Our local computer club is back in session this fall and we have an eager group of new participants. Sometimes when you are learning to use the computer, you aren’t sure what there is to know. In fact, you may not want or need to learn everything. I like to hand out a computer skills checklist that I’ve created. Then people can pick and choose which of the things on the list they are interested in pursuing. I thought you might like to use the checklist as well, so I’ve included it below.

General Computer Info:
* Know the parts of a computer
* Know what to look for in a new computer
* Check your system’s specs, see how much room is left on your hard drive
* Turn the computer off and on
* Change views
* Changing power options, such as standby and hibernate
* Know how to install and remove software
* Know how to add a hardware device, such as a printer or camera
* Know what peripherals are
* Safely remove an external device, such as a flash drive
* Copy data or pictures to a flash drive
* Create a shortcut icon on the desktop
* Arrange desktop icons
* Create a folder
* Change the name of a folder or file
* Empty or retrieve from the recycle bin
* Burn a cd or dvd
* Use virus protection
* Change the background
* Change the screensaver, even use your own photo
* Manipulate windows: minimize, maximize, close, drag, resize
* Find a file
* Do a backup to a cd or external hard drive
* Perform a defrag
* Update windows

The Mouse:
* Mouse controls: left click, right click, scroll, drag
* Change mouse options
* Play solitaire to practice mouse movements

Accessories:
* Use the calculator
* Set the clock
* Use the help files
* Use Wordpad and Notepad
* Type capital letters
* Type numbers
* When to use notepad instead of Word
* Use the paint program
* Chat on Messenger, send a file, even play a game
* Use Moviemaker

Word:
* Know what Word Wrap is and when to hit enter instead
* Select text by dragging or clicking
* Copy text
* Delete text
* Use undo and redo
* Use shortcuts such as control C and control V
* Align left, right, or center
* Change font type and size
* Change font colour
* Type special characters such as copyright symbol
* Use bold, italics, and underline
* Use numbering and bullets
* Insert date
* Indent
* Change line spacing
* Create a letterhead
* Use Wordart function
* Add columns
* Insert a table
* Use the paint brush tool
* Use spelling and grammar check
* Insert pictures and move them over
* Wrap text around graphics
* Use print preview
* Change margins
* Using Save and Save As
* Create a database and sort files alphabetically
* Create a newsletter
* Create address labels
* Perform a mail merge
* Create a flyer or greeting card
* Print your work: all of it or just specific pages
* Email from Word
* Add a signature to the Word email

Email:
* Create and send an email
* Use the Drafts folder
* Use CC and BCC
* Don’t shout
* Add a signature
* Receive an email and read it
* Reply and reply all, when to use each
* Forward an email
* Request a read receipt
* Save email on your computer as a text file, save photo attachments
* Virus scan an attachment and then open it
* Add an email address to your accounts in Outlook Express
* Create folders to organize received emails
* Send an email with an attachment
* Send an email to a group (first create the group)
* Set your email options, such as empty deleted items
* Block senders
* Add new contacts
* Add senders to your address book
* Create a webmail account, such as hotmail or gmail

Internet:
* Get onto the Internet
* Know what a URL is and the different extensions, such as.com
* Use hyperlinks
* Go back to a website
* Save or print an image from a webpage using Google Images
* Switch between Internet windows
* Bookmark favourite sites
* Shop online
* Play games online
* Do research online
* Bank online
* Read a PDF file, save it
* Find driving directions to a specific location
* Listen to a podcast
* Watch a YouTube video
* Upload your own YouTube video
* Shop or browse on eBay (even sell)
* Know what a blog is
* Create a free blog
* Create a simple free website
* Have a Skype conversation
* Upload songs from your computer to an mp3 player

Photos and Graphics:
* Connect a digital camera and download photos to computer
* Manipulate pictures and photos
* Select more than one photo at a time, using either the Shift or Control key (when to use which)
* Rename images