How to be a computer pro: the basics

If you are passionate about learning computers, and love problem solving, then you can become a computer pro by putting a little bit of effort into learning new computer skills from basics. Today’s blog is dedicated to the topic ‘How to be a computer pro: the basics’. In this blog, we will discuss all the necessary methods to need to become a computer professional. So, without wasting any time, let’s dig into the details!!

Be a computer pro with just 6 simple methods

By following these simple 6 methods, you can strengthen your computer skills by incorporating a solid understanding of computer fundamentals with practical experience, troubleshooting skills, and using important information.

1. Start with learning hardware basics
2. Use different software and operating system
3. Get advance skills
4. Become a troubleshooting expert
5. Upgrade your computer by yourself
6. Learn as much as you can about one specific topic of computers

Let’s discuss the above points in detail

Start with learning hardware basics

Read a book for beginner

If you are not familiar with the computer, you can get a book for beginners to fill your brain with some knowledge. Go to your nearby library and search for beginner books for computer users or surf the internet to get numerous E-book suggestions there. Below is some suggestion for the book you must read:

• PCs for dummies or Macs for dummies
• Upgrading and Repairing PCs by Scott Mueller
• How computers work by Ron White

Learn the name of the computer hardware

If you want to become a computer pro from the basics, you will need to get familiar with different parts of the computer.

• CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the computer. Every component of the computer is connected to the motherboard including the CPU.
• Become familiar with RAM (Random Access Memory), and check how it works and its connection to the motherboard. RAM stores the current data.
• Peripheral cards are used to add functionality to the computer. Learn about networking, video cards, and sound.
• Storage and disk drive are used to store data. Do some research about ROM drives, hard drives, SSDs, CD/DVD, USB flash drives, etc.

Take a tour around a computer store to check out the latest technology

When you visit a computer store check all the labels of the hardware units, and look for different amounts of RAM, CPU brands, speeds, and different screen resolutions.

• Open the same program on a different computer to check the difference in speed.
• Ask a salesperson, which computer is assigned for which task like ‘Which computer is for gaming?’ or ‘Which one is best for students?’ Then, observe the difference between these computers.

Watch YouTube videos of computer installation

Watch YouTube videos for computer pro, and learn how they install RAM or replace dead hard drives from the computer. Listen carefully to what they are doing.

Locate each hardware component of your computer

When you feel confident, open your computer and check how each hardware component is connected.

• If you have doubts, take help from some experts to walk through the process.
• Always open your computer on a properly grounded surface to avoid any kind of damage.

Also check: How To Get Started With Coding: A Beginner’s Guide To Programming

Use different software and operating system

Learn the difference between the operating system

There are advantages and disadvantages to using Windows, LINUX, Mac OS X, Chrome OS, etc. Visit the official website of each operating system to learn about its features and working process. Read blogs that especially cater to those operating system users.

• Windows operating system is already pre-installed on every computer. It is used as both servers and workstations. It is also a popular option among home users and gamers.
• For sleek and aesthetically pleasing vibes, you can use Mac OS X. It is made by popular artists and it is run on Apple hardware and it is gaining popularity day by day.
• LINUX is usually a free OS from UNIX and it is used in most advanced computers. LINUX OS is highly secure and customizable and can be easily used on any type of hardware to perform any kind of function.
• Chrome OS is quite simple and it is found on Google Chromebooks. It is specially designed for those people who are more interested in web browsing than anything else.

Get every opportunity to play with the operating system other than the basic use

If you want to be a well-rounded computer pro, you should have genuine experience in using all operating systems and a variety of software.

• There is plenty of Windows PCs available in public libraries. Most of the students have Mac OS in college. Borrow their computer to check the features of the operating system.
• Do some tasks like web browsing on Windows, LINUX, or Mac OS and notice the difference between them.

Explore the operating system on your PC

Both Windows and Mac come with built-in system panels that provide computer details. Explore the control panel (windows) or system preferences (Mac) every day. Clicking around different options adds necessary information to your brain.

• To open the control panel: press windows+ R and search for the control panel, then browse through these different panels.
• To open system preferences: on the top left corner of your screen, click on the Apple menu, then go to system preferences.

New software installment

For the first time, start with something easy. Try installing a new web browser or try installing LINUX, if you are on an advanced level. LINUX is usually a free OS from UNIX and it is used in most advanced computers. LINUX OS is highly secure and customizable and can be easily used on any type of hardware to perform any kind of function. LINUX is quite popular among computer users’ communities of active chat and forums. You can make new friends, and even get a mentor by learning LINUX.

Get advance skills

Study programming languages

Once you get pro with the computer fundamentals, then go for the advanced level. Start learning coding which makes you separate from casual users. Research programming languages and select one to study.

• Start with a beginner book for coding that will help in building your foundation, then move for advance level books.
• Enroll in the coding classes that provide in-hand experience in coding. Join online courses in coding on Coursera and Khan Academy.

Setting up the network

Getting internet on the computer is a simple process. But you also have to configure the entire computer network. Learn different ways to connect the computer to the internet, set up firewalls, and share files across systems.

Prepare yourself to protect yourself from the computer threats

It is good to get familiarize yourself with the computer network but it is also necessary to protect your computer from possible security threats. Do in-depth research on database hacks, worms viruses, code vulnerabilities, and denial service attacks.

Networking with other computer enthusiasts

Being a part of the computer pro community helps you to learn new technologies that pique your interests.

• Always look up local meet-up groups in your area.
• Follow chatrooms and forums that are accessible 24/7 to computer users.

Commit your time to learn

Becoming a computer pro is not an overnight process. If you want to be a computer pro, you need to work with dedication, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a genuine passion for learning.

• You need to stay updated with current evolving trends. For this read computer-related magazines, blogs, etc.
• Time-to-time upgrades your operating system.
• For getting first hands-on experience, then join beta testing groups for various operating systems and apps.

Also check: 10 Interesting Facts about the History of Computer Science

Become a troubleshooting expert

Explain the problem

Explaining the problem is the best possible way to show everyone that you are a computer pro. Show off your problem-solving skills. In the IT industry, the most demanding skill needed is troubleshooting. When you see any difficulty in the computer system, start figuring out the exact reason behind the problem.

Polish your Google skills

If you want to seriously become a computer pro, you must know how to find the information. It is the most important skill to be a computer pro. To get accurate information about computer problems try using Google.

Not just read the first page, go thoroughly to the search results

Some of the best troubleshooting information will be provided by the user forums. Figure out which search result is good or not. Look for the search result which provides useful information regarding your troubleshooting problem.

Join forums

Join forums to get expert advice on the troubleshooting problems faced by you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Many online forums don’t allow you to search their content if you haven’t registered on their website. Make sure you first registered yourself as a valid user.

Try fixing your friends and family’s computers

To practice your troubleshooting skills, find some opportunities around to get some in-hand experience. Ask your friends and family, if they need any help fixing their computers. Practice the skills you have learned so far and fix the problems by implementing suggestions you learn from the people online.

Practice testing computer

A computer pro learns troubleshooting by breaking everything. Get yourself a testing computer to practice your skills rather than experimenting on your PC every day.

Also check: Ways to Start a Career in Computer Fields after 12th Grade

Upgrade your computer by yourself

Running system updates

Always check for the latest system update and use the latest version of the operating system. This will lead to problems in the existing application, but you resolve those issues by implementing your troubleshooting skills.

Add new things to make your computer even better

Think about the thing that frustrates you the most about your computer. Once you get the solution then, determine which software and hardware world improves your user experience.

Browse forums to get the latest upgrades

Even if you haven’t decided to upgrade your existing system but browsing through the forum provides you the important knowledge of different possible configurations for your computer.

Learn as much as you can about one specific topic of computers

Select a topic about computers that interest you the most

Is web designing cool? Python programming? great looking videos? Becoming an expert in any specific computer-related topic asserts your dominance as a computer pro.

Read Online Articles

Read online blogs and articles dedicated to the particular topic in, which you want to excel. You can also join an online forum to share the topics in which you are interested and get suggestions from other experts.

Watch YouTube tutorial

Are you interested in learning about WordPress? Or fixing a motherboard? You will plenty of interesting and informational tutorials on YouTube to resolve your doubts.

Join Online courses

If you are passionate about learning computers and want to learn systematically then, you can join any online computer course available to get complete computer education from basic to advance.

Conclusion

I hope this blog helps you in resolving all the doubts about ‘How to be a computer pro’. Be patient and work diligently. You will surely get successful as a computer Pro. Till then keep learning and practicing. You can join our DOTNET Institute. We provide multiple computer professional and advanced diplomas and certificate courses at affordable prices. We provide both Online and Offline classes. Do check it out!!

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