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Computeractive often looks at ways of solving computer problems, but your PC doesn't have to break down to leave you scratching your head in bewilderment. Even when they're working properly, computers can still be complex and confusing devices. Even something as theoretically simple as connecting to the internet for the first time can often seem like a daunting process.
Fortunately, there are plenty of places you can go for help. The traditional approach is to go out and buy some sort of 'how to' book. These books are very popular, but they're by no means the only way to learn more about your computer.
There are training centres and courses run by central and local government all over the country, and many of these are completely free. And, of course, the internet itself can be a big help. There are hundreds of websites that contain introductory guides to general computer use, as well as more specialised information on subjects such as desktop publishing or digital photography. Whatever your level of expertise, we'll show you where you can learn more about the mysteries of your PC.
UK Online
If you're new to computers, or don't yet have one at all, you can get plenty of help from your local UK Online centre. The first centres were set up by the Department for Education in 2001 to provide access to computers and the internet for people who either didn't have a computer or who needed help with the technology.
There are now 6,000 centres around the country, and they've even been plugged on Coronation Street where one of the characters has been taking a computing course at her local centre. You can find out where your own local centre is by visiting the UK Online website.
The staff at these centres will be able to guide you through the basics of using a computer and getting onto the internet, covering topics such as browsing the web, shopping online and using email. Access to many UK Online centres is free, although some centres are based in locations such as internet cafes, where there may be a small charge.
Sadly, we found that the standard of help available at these centres varies enormously. Some centres have very helpful staff who clearly know what they're doing, but we found that in some areas you could ring several of the numbers listed on the UK Online website and the staff had often never even heard of UK Online.
Another government training initiative is LearnDirect. This is a general programme that provides courses in all sorts of subjects, including a number of computer-related courses ranging from 'Computer and Email' for beginners, right through to advanced courses in databases and project management for business users. Most courses cost between £30 and £80, with discounts available for those on low incomes.
Computers in the community
The LearnDirect and UK Online programmes are national schemes, but many local councils and education authorities run projects of their own. Liverpool council is involved in a National Lottery-funded project called The People's Network, which has put computers into every library in Liverpool to provide local people with access to the internet and information about a number of software programs.
In Greenwich, there is a roving Computer Bus that contains 10 PCs and has a satellite dish on the roof to provide internet access. It travels around the London borough offering computer training to young people. Greenwich also has a scheme called Let Me @IT, which provides computers and training to community groups free of charge, although only for a fixed period of time.
Also in London, Tower Hamlets is rejuvenating its entire library service, turning all its libraries into hi-tech 'idea stores' that will include computer equipment and training, as well as staff who can help you out with your computer problems.
Like many local educational authorities, Tower Hamlets also runs a wide range of evening courses in its schools and colleges, such as an introduction to the internet for pensioners and a course on customising your PC. Prices are generally about £40 per term, although there are concessions for students and other people on low incomes.
If you live in London you can pick up the magazine Floodlight, which contains details of all the courses run by local education authorities. Floodlight's website lets you search through its entire list of 40,000 courses, which includes topics such as computer maintenance, graphics and the internet.
Unfortunately there's no equivalent of Floodlight for the 50 million of us that don't live in London but you should be able to find information about local evening classes on your town or borough's own website.
To find local government websites you can generally just type in the name of your town or borough, followed by '.gov.uk'. So, typing in www.edinburgh.gov.uk takes you straight to the website of Edinburgh council, which has a section labelled 'education'.
Finally, there are many private training companies providing courses of their own. One such company is Hairnet, which can provide trainers who visit you at home. Having someone on hand to answer your questions can be very useful, but it does come at a price. Hairnet training typically costs £10-£20 per hour, although this is actually quite cheap compared to many private training organisations.
Online options
Attending a structured computer course is a very good way of improving your computer knowledge, but it does require you to make a commitment. Even if the course is free you still have to attend regular classes over a period of several weeks and many such courses offer content that is suitable for business users rather than home PC enthusiasts.
Sometimes you may just want to pick up a bit of basic knowledge at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home. If that's the case then the internet is a very useful source of information. There are hundreds of websites that provide beginners' guides and information on topics such as digital photography or building your own website.
The BBC has a couple of good courses for people new to computers and the internet. There's an Absolute Beginners course that takes you through the basics of using the keyboard and mouse, and a Web Wise course that introduces you to the internet and covers topics such as getting connected, email, chat and online shopping.
Another good general site is How Stuff Works. It covers all sorts of topics and has a good section on 'computer stuff' that is divided into specific categories, such as home networking, using a webcam or learning how to use internet search engines.
One of the biggest advice and training websites is Help.com, which has tutorials and introductory guides covering a wide range of subjects. It even offers a number of structured online courses that you can sign up to at no cost, with topics such as 'Digital Music Made Easy' and 'Web Site Basics'.
It's also worth remembering that most software companies include advice on how to use their products. For instance, McAfee, which makes antivirus and security software, provides information about dealing with viruses as well as a guide for parents who want to keep their kids safe on the internet. And most big-name companies such as Microsoft and Adobe have extensive tutorials and 'how to' guides for using their products.
Book worms
Finally, of course, you could just go out and buy yourself a good old-fashioned book. There's still a place for books in the internet age, and it's always reassuring to have a nice fat, authoritative tome sitting on your desk when you need it.
Most bookshops have a section devoted to computer books, and you can find hundreds of general books that cover the basics of using a PC and Windows, as well as more specialised titles that concentrate on areas such as digital photography, programming or how to build your own PC from scratch.
The most well known range of computer books is probably the 'Dummies' series, with Windows XP for Dummies being a particularly popular title (£11 on Amazon). There are also some very popular books on topics such as genealogy (researching your family tree online), with Peter Christian's The Genealogist's Internet (£7.69) selling very well on Amazon at the moment. Another perennially popular title is the Rough Guide to the Internet (£3.50), which has just been updated for 2005.
The range of computer books is growing all the time but one way to narrow down your search is to browse the titles in an online bookstore such as Amazon, which has a section called 'New To Computing' that conveniently lists all the books that are suitable for beginners, and lists all the top sellers.
Take the next step
We've concentrated on looking at learning resources aimed at beginners who are just getting to grips with computers and the internet. However, there is plenty of information available for more advanced users.
The UK Online centres tend to focus on computing basics, but many local authority evening courses, and courses run by LearnDirect go much further, with advanced courses on word processing, spreadsheets and other computing topics, as well as courses that work towards vocational qualifications.
For every Dummies book there's a more advanced title that aims to turn you into a computing power user and, of course, there's no shortage of in-depth information available on the internet itself.
The PC Tech Guide is a good site for the more adventurous user, with lots of tutorials showing you how to upgrade your PC and tinker with the motherboard and other components. We also like Webopaedia as it's a good place to dip in and quickly locate specific bits of information.
Live and learn
Whether you're a complete beginner or you want to learn more about a particular computing topic, there is no shortage of free or affordable information that you can turn to. We're always fans of all things free but spending a little money on a good course can be worthwhile, and a well-written 'how to' book can be the ideal introduction to computing.
Either way, you're spoilt for choice, so just browse through some of the resources listed here and you'll soon be able to impress your friends with your new-found computer savvy.
Remember that you can get free problem solving advice at our own Readers To The Rescue forums and we also recommend the BBC's Web Wise and Absolute Beginners courses.
See also:
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