Expanding Your Computer Skills
Monday Morsel - Expanding Your Computer Skills
07 January 2013
Good morning, friends! We’ve made it through the first week of 2013, and I feel inclined to ask how you’re doing with your resolutions. This week a good friend of ours is turning 40 and he’s struggling with that milestone. It seems like years ago he resolved to have accomplished certain things by the time he turned 40 – but his life has taken a different course.
All the talk about resolutions and milestones made me think about some of the things I try to focus on every year without making official resolutions. One of the recurring themes is to learn as much as I can. That may mean reading, taking a course, trying a new piece of software, or just having an informative discussion that opens my eyes to new things. In today’s Monday Morsel, let’s focus on five ways you can increase your technical knowledge this year.
Read
Technical manuals are not exactly page-turners, but the Mac magazines often include great tips. If you don’t already subscribe to Mac Life or Macworld, consider a subscription. They are worth it for the monthly learning opportunities.
Watch
For every cute puppy or kitten video on YouTube, there’s at least one technical instruction video. Lots of YouTube users are working on creating virtual classrooms filled with great information. As fair warning, there are some really bad videos out there, so be prepared to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Study
If you like more structured learning, consider a class at CPCC or through Lynda.com.
At CPCC, the class may be taught on a PC running Windows, but the knowledge you’ll gain about the specific piece of software is transferrable.
If you’ve never tried Lynda.com, you’re in for a treat. The site is a leading technology training resource that offers on-demand classes taught by experts. The library of topics is expansive – and impressive.
Try
Some of you may be natural learners. You’re smiling because you know who you are. If you have a natural aptitude for things, just go for it. Forgive yourself mistakes you may make as you learn, but consider allotting some time every week to what it is you’d like to learn.
Ask
What’s more flattering than asking a friend or family member how to do something? You’re complimenting that person’s knowledge and also placing your trust. If you want to learn about Photoshop or Excel and know somebody who is a wiz, ask him to share his knowledge.
Benjamin Franklin once said that, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Dive in and make that investment! Have a great week – and remember that Tech Me Back is here to help. Just give me a call if I can be of assistance (or if I can help you learn something this year).
All the talk about resolutions and milestones made me think about some of the things I try to focus on every year without making official resolutions. One of the recurring themes is to learn as much as I can. That may mean reading, taking a course, trying a new piece of software, or just having an informative discussion that opens my eyes to new things. In today’s Monday Morsel, let’s focus on five ways you can increase your technical knowledge this year.
Read
Technical manuals are not exactly page-turners, but the Mac magazines often include great tips. If you don’t already subscribe to Mac Life or Macworld, consider a subscription. They are worth it for the monthly learning opportunities.
Watch
For every cute puppy or kitten video on YouTube, there’s at least one technical instruction video. Lots of YouTube users are working on creating virtual classrooms filled with great information. As fair warning, there are some really bad videos out there, so be prepared to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Study
If you like more structured learning, consider a class at CPCC or through Lynda.com.
At CPCC, the class may be taught on a PC running Windows, but the knowledge you’ll gain about the specific piece of software is transferrable.
If you’ve never tried Lynda.com, you’re in for a treat. The site is a leading technology training resource that offers on-demand classes taught by experts. The library of topics is expansive – and impressive.
Try
Some of you may be natural learners. You’re smiling because you know who you are. If you have a natural aptitude for things, just go for it. Forgive yourself mistakes you may make as you learn, but consider allotting some time every week to what it is you’d like to learn.
Ask
What’s more flattering than asking a friend or family member how to do something? You’re complimenting that person’s knowledge and also placing your trust. If you want to learn about Photoshop or Excel and know somebody who is a wiz, ask him to share his knowledge.
Benjamin Franklin once said that, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Dive in and make that investment! Have a great week – and remember that Tech Me Back is here to help. Just give me a call if I can be of assistance (or if I can help you learn something this year).