How to find a computing course

Click on Start, then move to All Programs, then Accessories and select Tour Windows XP. You may already be familiar with most of the material covered, but we’ll be willing to bet that there will be something in there you didn’t already know.

Similarly, other applications will have their own help files or tutorials. It does no harm to look through them – at worst, it will form a solid foundation for any course you wish to take.

The BBC’s Learning website contains a wide array of features and is a great starting point for anyone not certain of what to study. Not only does the site contain a large volume of advice, information and tutorials, but it also serves as a good resource to find courses, and has helpful advice for people returning to learning as adults.

A good foundation computing course is the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). As the name suggests, this course teaches basic competence in computer skills and is widely recognised around the world (although in the US it is known as the ICDL, with the first letter standing for International). For our purposes we will be referring to the basic ECDL course, although other more advanced variations are available.

No prior knowledge of PCs is necessary to enrol, and you can expect to pick up a wide range of computing skills that will stand you in good stead for use at work or as a foundation for further study.

The material covered includes a broad introduction to computing terminology and hardware, then specific modules on widely-used applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Windows itself, as well as sections dealing with file management, email and internet use.

The course can only be taught by ECDL-accredited individuals or learning centres, but these are many and varied. For this reason availability and price, varies drastically.

Some local council or public service-affiliated courses may be free or cheap depending on circumstances, but study the ECDL through a well-known college and you may be asked to pay upwards of £300 for the seven modules that make up the course.

Learndirect provides a variety of computer courses for everyone from beginners to those looking for advanced, specialised learning.

Enrolling with Learndirect sees you joining a ‘virtual’ learning centre, with lessons, tutoring and interactive course material all electronically provided. You’ll find courses on things as elementary as mouse control, to using email and the internet through to more advanced topics such as web design and networking.