General
An Illustrated History of Computers
- The story of computers from their early days
Back to College: Buyers Guide (August 2021)
- Buying a laptop for the new college year? This guide, divided by budget, has some recommendations. The laptops themselves may be out-of-date, but there's some useful advice given.
The essential buying guide for college students in Ireland in 2023
- From DID Electrical, who happen to sell the IT equipment they recommend, but again, some advice provided that may be informative
Click to Go - Using Computers in Adult Basic Education
- An instructional guide for using computers from GRETB which also serves to support basic and improve basic skills
GCF Computer Buying Guide
- Aiming to guide you through the process of buying a new computer with as little stress as possible (American, so priced in dollars)
Consumer Reports Compute Buying Guide
- A little more detailed guide from 2022 from an American consumer information magazine
Currys.ie Laptop Buying Guide
- Guide covering the most important things to consider before buying a new laptop
Computers for beginners
- A free online book that is intended to introduce computer basics to people with little or no prior computer knowledge
Donegal ETB: EtBytes
A nicely done series of short instructional videos on computers, software and IT in general
Europass:Test Your Digital Skills
- Take this test to learn more about your digital skills, discover what your level is and take the next step to improve them.
TechLlifeUnity (formerly Techboomers)
- Techboomers was a free educational website that teaches computer skills to older adults and inexperienced Internet users
Age Action: Beginners Computer and Smartphone Training
- A series of clear and easy-to-understand guides aimed at older people and learners who need plenty of support and encouragement. There are guides covering:
- Getting started with computers
- Using a search engine
- How to use an iPad
- How to use an iPhone
- How to use an Android smartphone
- How to use an Android tablet
- How to use the Births, Marriage and Death Notices website
- A guide to Windows 10
Age Action - Getting Started Workbook
- A workbook that provides a basic introduction to using a computer
BBC: Getting online, one click at a time
- A beginner’s guide to using computers and the internet
Click to Go
- From 2008, so getting a little old, but still a nice introduction to using computers from Galway Roscommon ETB
Getting to Grips With Technology
Tech Terms
- Look up definitions of computer and Internet terms
Tutorials and Courses
New Computer User Tutorial
- A very basic tutorial designed to help people who have never used a computer before. It concentrates on using the mouse and a few other basic skills.
Universal Class - Computers and Technology
- Universal Class is an online learning platform offering over 400 courses and free to Irish public library members
Typing Club
- Learn touch typing for free. Great for starters
GCF LearnFree Computer Basics Tutorial
- GCFLearnFree.org is a free online educational website focusing on technology, job training, reading, and maths skills. This tutorial introduces how computers work and how to use them
GCF Computer Skills Tutorial
- A more advanced tutorial covering topics such as installing and uninstalling software
Learn My Way
- A website of free online learning for beginners, helping you develop digital skills to make the most of the online world
Mousercise!
- Practice and develop your use of the mouse (try the Mice, Cursors and Scrolling Tutorial first)
Mice, Cursors, and Scrolling Tutorial
- Designed to help people who have never used a mouse before, this interactive tutorial covers the mouse, the cursor, scrolling, and more
Digital Learn: Using a computer
- Short courses aimed at those new to computers, haven't used them for a while or are a little unsure and uncomfortable
Basic Computer Skills Course
- Self-paced course for computer beginners. Topics include computer devices, operating systems, word processing software, and file management. Registration (name, email address) recommended
Internet & Computer Networks
What is the World Wide Web?
- The world wide web is used every day by millions of people for everything from checking the weather to sharing cat videos. But what is it exactly?
How computer networks connect and work
- Short video - from a computer networking company - that explains how computer networks work
How the Internet Works in 5 Minutes
- An animated video describing how and what is happening when you go online
A Packet's Tale. How Does the Internet Work?
- Short video breaking down what happens you go to visit one website
Email
Email basics: Introduction to email
An introduction to the basics of email, starting with what is
How to create a Gmail account
- Step-by-step instructions to create a Gmail account
How to create a Yahoo mail account
How to write a formal email
- A few simple guidelines to follow
Office Software
Apache OpenOffice
- A free and open-source office suite of programs for word processing, creating and editing of spreadsheets, slideshows, diagrams and drawings. Apache OpenOffice is fully compatible with Microsoft Office; files created in one can be and read in the other
Google Drive
- Google Drive is an online file sharing and storage service that includes Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides, which are a part of an office suite that includes apps for collaborative editing of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, forms, and more.
LibreOffice
- Another free and open-source office suite of programs for word processing, creating and editing of spreadsheets, slideshows, diagrams and drawings. Like Apache OpenOffice, LibreOffice is fully compatible with Microsoft Office; files created in one can be and read in the other
Microsoft Office
Mike Tholfsen YouTube Channel
- Quick tips video channel on Microsoft products. Short and sweet videos to help you get up and running quickly. Includes Microsoft Teams, OneNote, PowerPoint, Word, Forms and much more
Getting Started with Microsoft Word
- A short video introducing the basic functions of Microsoft Word 2019, Word 2016 and Office 365
Getting Started with Microsoft Excel
- A short video introducing the basic functions of Microsoft Excel 2019, Excel 2016 and Office 365
Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint
- A short video introducing the basic functions of Microsoft PowerPoint 2019 PowerPoint 2016 and Office 365
Microsoft Word Tutorial
- Learn how to format text, save and share documents, modify line and paragraph spacing, use tables and columns, and do more with your documents
Word Processing Fundamentals
- This is an introduction to the basics of word processing with a focus on both Microsoft Word and Google Drive Documents. The focus is on formatting text and pages; copying, cutting, and pasting; sorting; spell check and grammar check
Excel Easy
Excel tutorial site, well-illustrated and covers the basic very well
Excel Step by Step Basic Tutorial
- Get started with these tips for beginners
Excel tutorial
- Learn how to create formulas and charts, use functions, format cells, and do more with your spreadsheets.
PowerPoint Tutorial
- Learn how to use themes and background styles, add pictures and clip art, modify charts and lists, and do more to create standout presentations
The ultimate beginner's guide to PowerPoint
- Detailed introduction to PowerPoint for ultimate beginners
Google Drive
The Beginner’s Guide to Google Docs
- Some tips to help you get started on Google Docs
Google Docs tutorial
- Learn how to use this free cloud-based program for creating professional documents
The Beginner’s Guide to Google Sheets
- Some tips to get you started on Google Sheets
Google Sheets tutorial
- Learn how to use the powerful tools in Google Sheets for organizing, visualising, and calculating data in a spreadsheet.
How to use Google Slides
- A comprehensive collection of Google Slides tutorials aimed at beginners
Others
Apache OpenOffice user guide
- A Wikipedia-like user guide to Apache OpenOffice
libreofficehelp.com
- Easy to understand tutorials on LibreOffice components
Web Browsers and Extensions
Google Chrome
- Google Chrome is currently the world's most widely used browser. It is good for security but not so good on privacy. As the name suggests its developed by Google
Chrome Web Store
- This is a bit like an App Store or Google Play for Chrome: download and install apps that will allow you to extend and customise the functionality of Chrome
Firefox
- Firefox is an open-source browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation. It's the third most popular browser at the moment, after Chrome and Safari (the default browser for Apple devices). Firefox might not be as secure as Google Chrome (but can be made more secure) but it scores better on user privacy.
Add-ons for Firefox
- The Firefox equivalent of the Chrome Web Store. Download Firefox add-ons and themes. There are add-ons that block annoying ads, protect passwords, change browser appearance and much much more
Tom's Guide: Best Chrome Extensions
- Tom's Guide is a good and trustworthy technology blog. This is their list of the best Chrome extensions. This is not a recommendation to install these extensions, but to give you an idea of the type of things that extensions can do.
Lifewire: The Best Firefox Extensions
- Lifewire is a technology information and advice website. This is their list of the best Firefox extensions. This is not a recommendation to install these extensions, but to give you an idea of the type of things that extensions can do
Opera
- Opera is a freeware browser which has a distinctive user interface and enhanced security and privacy features
50 Keyboard Shortcuts That Work Across All Web Browsers
- Nearly every web browser out there shares a common set of keyboard shortcuts, and as a result, it’s easy for users to switch over and between browsers
Ergonomics
NHS: How to sit at your desk correctly
- If you sit a lot in front of a computer, here are some tips to help your posture.
How to properly hold a mouse
- To use your mouse correctly, be aware of these key points
HSE: Ergonomic Tips for a Healthier Workspace
- Some simple ergonomic tips to improve your workspace
Ergonomic guidelines for computer workstations - 10 steps for users
- Use these guidelines to improve your computer working environment
Mobile phone ergonomics
- Occupational health and safety ergonomic tips for smartphone users.
How to use your smartphone without ruining your health
- How to reduce blue exposure and manage screen time
Mobile phone and tablet use tips
- Good habits of phone and tablet use
