Essential basic computer skills for beginners to learn

Basic computer skills are core or primary computer skills. Which is from learning to turn on the computer to the use of a computer to achieve personal and professional goals. In the shortest and simplest way, we can define it like this “From computer basics to Tech savvy or Tech Pro”.

You can also think of basic computer skills as life skills. These days it is almost essential to learn basic computer skills. The benefit of learning the basics is that you understand the vocabulary and terms used in technology.
This includes devices and software like mobiles, computers, smart TVs, banking apps, accounting software, and more.

My point is that once you understand the WORDS and meaning behind their use, then you can learn to operate any tech device or app confidently and more effectively.

List of essential basic computer skills that you need to learn

1. Turn on and Turn Off the Computer

If you don’t know how to turn a computer on or off, don’t worry — you can start from here. Once you learn some basic computer skills, you will easily use a computer for both personal and business-related tasks. To get started on your learning journey, watch one of my helpful Hindi videos titled “How to Turn On and Turn Off Computer“.

2. Basics of Operating System

Start by learning how to perform basic tasks in Windows or macOS on your own. Once you become familiar with basic operating system operations, you will then be able to manage your personal and business data more effectively. For example, you’ll be able to create, organize, and manage files and folders with ease.

3. Computer Typing Practice

Learn to type. English and Hindi typing skills. After this, you will be able to type without watching the computer keyboard. More importantly, you will be able to get the job done faster. Please watch here top 3 basic typing lessons.

4. Keyboard Short Keys

Learn to use common keyboard shortcuts used in the Windows 10, and 11 operating systems or in macOS. Computer keyboard short keys help us to work faster and more effectively on a computer.

5. Word Processing

Learn to use word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs to create and format personal, academic, and business documents such as resumes, letters, applications, forms, reports, and newsletters.

6. Spreadsheets

Learn to use spreadsheet software such as Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel for data entry, simple calculations, and charts. These days with the use of Python programming language, Microsoft Excel is a very powerful tool for data analysis and visualization.

7. Internet Browsing

Learning to use web, search engines like Google, and Bing, and understand URLs, various messages on websites, and sharing, privacy, and security settings are essential these days for beginners. Learn More: 14 Online Privacy Protection Tips – Best for Beginners

8. Email Management

Mastering email communication is crucial for effective interaction, from personal matters to official dealings, especially for adults, seniors, housewives, and students.  Writing, Sending, receiving, and organizing emails using email clients, Gmail, and Outlook are very basic things that are now part of our daily life. In this module also learn about email scams or phishing attempts. Learn more: What is an Email Account? Know the Basics of Email Account

9. Basics of Cyber Security

Most people start accessing websites and using apps, and software on their computers without understanding and recognizing the privacy and security concerns. For example, a kid can install any harmful app or game on his mom’s or dad’s phone unintentionally. While both parents are not familiar much with technology.

But they also use mobile banking and do various online transactions daily. Everyone has personal data on his/her mobile phone. Using or giving access to a phone or computer to an unauthorized or unknown publisher or app is not considered the best practice.

This is just an example, here you can learn more: 14 most effective methods to get rid of the top 10 types of Internet Scams

So, learning about phishing, awareness about online scams, using strong passwords, and recognizing online threats is more than essential.

10. Software Installation

Learn to Install, use, and update software applications. Learning software installation is essential as it enables individuals to seamlessly set up and maintain applications, ensuring access to the latest features and security enhancements. Proficiency in this skill streamlines workflows and optimizes productivity by efficiently managing software tools that facilitate various tasks. Learn More: How to install any Software in Computer: Basics of Installation

11. Antivirus and Firewall

Learn to understand the importance of antivirus and firewall software. Learn to install and configure antivirus or firewall effectively on the computer to secure your personal and business data and workplace. Learn More: Why is it important to install antivirus software on a computer?

12. Basic Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Identifying and resolving common computer and software issues—such as overheating, unexpected restarts, or slow performance—is an essential skill. When you can troubleshoot and fix problems on your own, you not only save time but also avoid the expense of professional help or visits to repair shops. Whether you learn by watching free video tutorials or by searching for solutions online, the key is to become self-reliant. Therefore, it’s important to develop the ability to handle basic tech problems independently.

Related: How to learn computer hardware repair: Tips and Skills

13. Copying and Pasting

Utilizing copy and paste functions helps you transfer data and information from one source to another easily.
For example, you can move files from one folder to another, or from WhatsApp to your computer and vice versa.
You can also transfer content between social media, email, Google Drive, and your computer efficiently.

14. Basic Image Editing

For beginners, learning to crop, resize, and edit images using online tools like Canva or Photoshop is important.
These skills help create visually appealing content for personal projects, social media, or professional purposes. This skill enables quick customization of images to fit specific formats, improving visual communication and saving resources by reducing the need for external design assistance.

15. Online Communication

Learning or becoming familiar with video conferencing and messaging apps like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet is very useful.
It helps you communicate remotely, attend virtual meetings, work, teach or learn online, and collaborate effectively. It’s almost essential for those running home-based businesses or learning computer skills online.
It also applies to people working remotely as freelancers or teachers, or attending school parent meetings from home.

16. Cloud Storage

Learn to use cloud storage services to save and access your personal and business files remotely using any device such as a mobile or computer or tablet. Learn More: What is Cloud Storage? Explore the Advantages of Cloud Storage

17. Printing and Scanning

Learn the basics of connecting and using printers and scanners. This knowledge is crucial for producing physical copies of documents and digitizing paper-based content. This is one of the essential basic computer skills that is required in almost all types of data entry, secretarial, and office assistant work.

18. Multiple Device Connectivity 

Connecting and transferring data between devices like USB drives, external hard drives, and smartphones. This helps in data backup, data transfer, and accessibility, safeguarding valuable information from loss or damage.

19. Online Shopping

Online shopping is now part of the modern lifestyle. Most teenagers, schools, and college students can do it effectively. Especially those who have familiarity with computers and the internet. However, housewives and seniors also want to do it but often hesitate or lack confidence for many reasons.
One common reason is their unfamiliarity with using online shopping sites.

So, to be a smart and digital consumer online shopping skills allow you to access a wide range of products and services from home. Learning to use eCommerce websites, comparing prices, paying securely, and tracking orders are some basic things that are important to learn.

20. Learn to use social media safely and securely

Learning about social media websites or apps’ privacy settings is very important.
It helps you control what information is shared publicly and what stays private.
It also helps you recognize scams and phishing attempts to protect your data, money, and avoid being scammed.

21. Learn about online business

Learning about online business is very important. Why I added this in basic computer course. It’s because all online businesses are running only because of computers, the internet, websites, apps, and various other technical tools. You can also say online business as a computer or tech business.

If you want a more realistic answer from me, then listen carefully.
When someone turns on their computer – business starts.
Everything done on a computer is part of someone’s business in some way.
Windows 10 or 11 is a product of Microsoft, a global tech giant.
Google Chrome is owned and developed by Google, a billion-dollar company.
Facebook.com is part of Meta, one of the world’s most powerful tech corporations.
If they can earn billions using technology, why can’t you earn $100, $1,000, or even $10,000 monthly?

You can think about the opportunities you will have, once you learn the basics. Currently, you know what you know, but you don’t know what I know or what a teacher knows about online business or eCommerce.

So why not learn? if it can help us to improve our lives. At least even you know, you still need a mentor for group discussion and making good decisions.

So if you’re an individual such as a housewife, retired, small business owner, and a home-based entrepreneur then it is very important for you to learn about basic intro or overview about freelance opportunities, affiliate marketing, blogs, software, app development, and digital services.

Even if you don’t know all the skills like website design, logo design, banner design, and marketing.
You can still start a business without mastering SEO, advertising, or other technical skills. Having computer skills is one thing. But monetizing these skills is another skill.

The simplest answer is that these days even if you’re not a software developer you can still start a software development company. Before skills we need will.

So, I think the above are the best basic computer skills that are essential for beginners to learn.

It’s possible I have missed many of these because each person’s requirements can be different. For example, a housewife’s tech requirement can be different than the person who wants to start an online business from home. In that case, I invite you to send your requirements or hesitations to me. I will cover them in upcoming posts or in my live sessions.

You can learn all the above basic computer skills at home or by purchasing an online course. Alternatively, you may hire a freelance instructor or join a local computer institute to gain hands-on experience. However, the most effective way to learn basic computer skills online at home is through one-to-one live classes. In this case, you can pay an experienced computer instructor to guide you personally, which means you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions directly and receive immediate answers. As a result, you’ll be trained more efficiently and develop a stronger foundation in computer skills.