Dave's Guide to Buying a Home Computer
Developed by: Dave Kraus, Michigan State University
Type of resource: Web guide
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Extensive guide covering basic questions to ask yourself before buying a computer; operating systems and software; hardware; Internet connectivity; and configuration requirements. Assumes good general understanding of computers.
Dhttp://www.css.msu.edu/PC-Guide/PC-Guide1.cfm
Dave's Guide to Buying a Used Computer
Developed by: Dave Kraus, Michigan State University
Type of resource: Web article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Overview of things to take into account when buying a used computer.
Dhttp://www.css.msu.edu/PC-Guide/PC-Guide2.cfm
7 Tips to Managing your Files Better
Developed by: Microsoft Support
Type of resource: website
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Simple tips for file management in Microsoft Windows, such as keeping document files separate from programme files, using thumbnail images for easy file identification, and storing similar file types in the same places to facilitate easy access.
Dhttp://www.microsoft.com/atwork/manageinfo/files.m
spx
A Guide to Troubleshooting PCs
Developed by: Dirk Slater
Type of resource: Web guide
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"Since computers have so many different functions and so many different elements working together on the same system (software, peripherals, etc.) the potential for problems is quite high. Programs can stop running properly, or even worse, the computer itself can fail to even start. If you are the person with the job of looking after the organisation's PCs and IT infrastructure, then this article should help."
Dhttp://www.icthubknowledgebase.org.uk/troubleshoot
ingpcs
A Simple Guide to Buying a Computer
Developed by: Techsoup
Type of resource: Article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
If you have been entrusted with making the hardware purchases at your organization, there can be a lot of pressure to avoid mistakes. While the pressure may be great, you can keep from being buried by following some simple guidelines as you make the purchases.
Dhttp://www.techsoup.org/articlepage.cfm?articleid=
27&topicid=1
An Introduction to Personal Computing
Developed by: University of Durham
Type of resource: PDF file
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Guide aimed at people with little or no experience of computing which "describes the parts of a computer, explains how information is stored on a computer and what steps you should take to safeguard your computer-based information." Although written for users at the University of Durham it is useful for new computer users more generally.
Dhttp://www.dur.ac.uk/its/info/guides/24intro.pdf
Backing up your data
Developed by: One NorthWest
Type of resource: Web guide
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
This document outlines the hardware, software and procedures necessary to effectively and efficiently back up the key data from your computers. It includes hardware recommendations, software recommendations, and suggested tips on what specific items on your hard drive you most need to back up.
Dhttp://www.onenw.org/bin/page.cfm/pageid/8
Buying a Printer
Developed by: Lasa Information Systems
Type of resource: Web article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"Every organisation needs at least one printer. However, with massive choice spanning a wide range of options, how do you find your way to the right printer for the job?" This article by the Lasa Information Systems team will hekp you make an informed choice.
Dhttp://www.icthubknowledgebase.org.uk/buyingaprint
er2
Computer starting or running slowly?
Developed by: Lasa Information Systems Team
Type of resource: Web guide
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"When you first acquired your shiny new PC or laptop you couldn’t believe how quick it was compared to your old one. The desktop appeared as if by magic and files opened at lightning speed. Then, over time, you realised that it was starting to take rather longer than it used to..." This article from the Lasa Information Systems Team looks at why this happens and links to resources to help you deal with it.
Dhttp://www.icthubknowledgebase.org.uk/slowcomputer
Copernic Desktop Search
Developed by: Copernic
Type of resource: downloadable program
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
As we have increased amounts and varietes of data on our computers, finding files becomes more difficult. Now there are many different "desktop search" utilities that can be downloaded for free. Copernic Desktop Search can be incorporated into a Window's desktop and can search all types of files, including music, picture and video formats, as well as common office suite files, all email, recently visited web pages, favorites listings, etc. Available in English, French, German, and Dutch.
Dhttp://www.copernic.com/en/products/desktop-search
/download.html
Digital Directions: Organise Your PC Files
Developed by: New Jersey City University
Type of resource: PDF
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
This simple document, though prepared in 2000, still gives good advice for basic document management in a PC setting.
http://www.njcu.edu/dept/its/support/pdfs/Organize_Your_PC_Files.pdf
Dhttp://www.njcu.edu/dept/its/support/pdfs/Organize
_Your_PC_Files.pdf
Eleven Tips for Troubleshooting Software: Things to do before you call a tech-support hotline
Developed by: TechSoup
Type of resource: Web articles
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"Your computer software — be it a Web browser or a donor database application — likely plays a crucial role in your nonprofit's day-to-day operations. So when software problems such as unexplained crashes and strange error messages begin to occur, your workday can unceremoniously come to a silent (or not-so-silent) standstill." TechSoup looks at some solutions.
Dhttp://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/software/pa
ge6149.cfm
Freezes and crashes
Developed by: Rutgers University
Type of resource: Web guide
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Simple explanation of computer "freezes" and "crashes" and what you can do about them.
Dhttp://getit.rutgers.edu/tutorials/freezes_crashes
/index.html
Glossary of Computer Term Definitions
Developed by: Sharpened.net
Type of resource: web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Sharpened.net - Your Free Computer and Internet Resource offers
an excellent, comprehensive listing of computer terms, with easy-to-grasp explanations.
Dhttp://www.sharpened.net/glossary/
Helping others to help you — effectively communicating your ICT problems
Developed by: Lasa Information Systems Team
Type of resource: Web guide
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Getting the most out of your technical support requires explaining the problem in clear terms. The Lasa Information Systems Team shows you what to look for and how to communicate your problems effectively.
Dhttp://www.icthubknowledgebase.org.uk/communicatin
gproblems
How do I use a scanner?
Developed by: BBC Webwise
Type of resource: Web article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
The absolute basics of scanner use.
Dhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/askbruce/articles/sca
ncam/usescan_1.shtml
How to Back up Data
Developed by: CompuMentor
Type of resource: Article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
How effective would you be if your email, word processing documents and contact database were wiped out? How many hours would it take to rebuild that information from scratch?
Backing up your data regularly is vital insurance against a "data catastrophe." This article by CompuMentor explains how to protect your data and improve the performance of your computer.
Dhttp://www.compumentor.org/events/spday/prepare.ht
ml#backup
How to Migrate to a New PC
Developed by: John Clyman, PC Magazine
Type of resource: website
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
This article explores three programmes for migrating vital computer information (ie address books, documents, e-mail, photos, links to preferred sites, specialised applications, etc.) to a new computer. It suggests thoughtful steps for planning a migration before launching into the how-tos of migration for two for-purchase specialty applications (Alohabob and Desktop DNA) as well as the Windows XP migration tool.
Dhttp://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1819031,00.as
p
ICT Troubleshooting for Librarians and Information Personnel
Developed by: INASP
Type of resource: Zipped MS Word/PowerPoint files.
Target audience: General, Trainers
Cost: Free access
Materials for running a workshop on topics including basic troubleshooting, common hardware and software problems, peripheral-related problems and management and maintenance. The materials are free to use, but registration is required.
Dhttp://www.inasp.info/training/ict-troubleshooting
/
Instant Reference Guide to Creating DVDs and CDs
Developed by: Melissa J. Perenson, PC World
Type of resource: website
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
A guide to the burning process for DVDs and CDs. It covers the basics of burning, including write speeds, drag and drop data, multi-sessions, and data verification. It also highlights "CD quirks" and how to copy VHS to DVD.
Dhttp://www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,117720,
00.asp
Jamani's Guide to Computers Part I: Basic Knowledge and Skills
Developed by: Jamani
Type of resource: PDF file
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Simple and easy to use manuals on basic computer use for persons without computer experience: Part I: Basic Knowledge and Skills.
Dhttp://www.jamani.nl/static/Part1.pdf
Listing Folder Contents in an MS Word File
Developed by: PC Magazine
Type of resource: website
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
These easy instructions are useful for creating an editable index or listing of the files on your computer.
Dhttp://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1814463,00.as
p
MMTK Using Older and Refurbished Computers Unit
Developed by: APC & Bridges.org
Type of resource: MS Word files
Target audience: General, Trainers
Cost: Free access
This workshop kit offers materials which trainers can use as the basis of face-to-face workshop. The handout will be of value to anyone wanting to learn about using older and refurbished computers.
Dhttp://www.itrainonline.org/itrainonline/mmtk/refu
rbished.shtml
OpenICDL
Developed by: Go-Open Campaign / ICDL Foundation Africa
Type of resource: Web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"OpenICDL is an open source project that aims to develop and maintain a Free/Open Source version of the training materials used to ready students for the International Computer Driving License certification.\" Materials cover Basic Concepts of IT, Using a Computer and Managing Files (K Desktop Environment), Word Processing (OpenOffice.org Writer), Spreadsheets (OpenOffice.org Calc), Databases (OpenOffice DB), Presentations (OpenOffice.org Impress) and Information and Communications (Mozilla 1.4 and Ximian Evolution 1.4). Materials are available in HTML and PDF versions.
Dhttp://icdl.tsf.org.za/courseware.html
Peter's Online Typing Course
Developed by: Peter Hudson
Type of resource: Web course (uses Macromedia Flash)
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"By the time you finish this course, you will be able to confidently type all the letters, numbers and the most common symbols, with proper ten-finger touch typing technique."
Dhttp://www.typing-lessons.org/
Windows Vista: An FAQ for Nonprofits
Developed by: TechSoup
Type of resource: Web article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"Windows Vista, Microsoft's first new major operating system (OS) since the launch of the Windows XP line in 2001, is due to hit stores on January 30. Vista's launch has already generated some questions about upgrading, new features, tech support, and whether now is a good time to migrate your computers to this new OS." To help you make informed decisions about Vista, TechSoup has answered some questions which they think nonprofits will be most concerned with.
Dhttp://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/software/pa
ge6113.cfm
Writing CDs with Nero Burning ROM
Developed by: MMTK
Type of resource: MS Word files
Target audience: General, Trainers
Cost: Free access
This workshop kit for trainers covers basic CD writing skills using Nero Burning ROM software. Part of the Multimedia Training Kit.
Dhttp://www.itrainonline.org/itrainonline/mmtk/nero
.shtml
Editor's choice: Information as an Organisational Asset
Developed by: Summit Collaborative
Type of resource: web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
This article outlines the impact of disorganised information in any initiative, the benefits of seeing information as an asset, and gives pointers to becoming an "information leader" to ensure procedures and staff information management training.
Dhttp://www.techsoup.com/howto/articlepage.cfm?Arti
cleId=349&topicid=11
How to sit at a computer
Developed by: Ergonomics in Australia
Type of resource: Online tip sheet
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Four steps to setting up your computer workstation for comfortable computing.
Dhttp://www.ergonomics.com.au/howtosit.htm
HP Safety and Comfort Guide
Developed by: Hewlitt Packard
Type of resource: PDF file
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
This 58-page booklet describes proper workstation setup, posture, and health and work habits for computer users. Available in many languages.
Dhttp://www.hp.com/ergo/intro.html
It hurts right here . . .
Developed by: Mark Dohrmann
Type of resource: Online tip sheet.
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Tips for making your workspace more comfortable and relieving aches and pains.
Dhttp://www.ergonomics.com.au/officetips.htm
Mouse Ergonomics
Developed by: Charles H. Booras
Type of resource: http://jaxmed.com/articles/wellness/mouseErgo.html
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Whether you spend five minutes or five hours using your mouse or trackball, these suggestions can help you stay comfortable and productive.
Dhttp://jaxmed.com/articles/wellness/mouseErgo.html
A 10-Step Tune-Up For Improving the Performance Of Your Windows PC
Developed by: Kris Driessen/Wise-Women
Type of resource: Web article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Ten basic steps for maintaining your Windows 3.x - Windows 98 PC.
Dhttp://www.wise-women.org/tutorials/tuneup/
Course for Technical Service Centre Managers
Developed by: SchoolNet Africa
Type of resource: Online tutorial
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Aimed in the first instance at the education sector, this self-paced online course from SchoolNet Africa covers all the steps involved in setting up, running, and maintaining a technical support, training and service centre.
Dhttp://www.schoolnetafrica.net/fileadmin/1MillionP
CsTraining/Index.htm
Five Steps to Extend Your Computer’s Life
Developed by: TechSoup
Type of resource: Web guide
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
John Avellanet sets out a five step routine to help keep your computer healthy.
Dhttp://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/hardware/pa
ge6006.cfm
What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Developed by: Mathew P. Graven, PC Magazine
Type of resource: website
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
PC Magazine runs through a list of 10 practical tips to help yourself when a computer problem arises. Focussed on Windows and PC solutions, the tips vary from checking cables to using basic Windows features to update or roll back versions of drivers or operating systems. It also provides simple diagnostic tips. Finally, depending on the problem area, there is a list of helpful support sites listed by software types (Word, Excel, Word Perfect, Adobe, Windows, etc).
Dhttp://www.pcmag.com/print_article2/0,1217,a=12084
5,00.asp
Windows Support Centre
Developed by: James Eshelman
Type of resource: Web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Trouble starting up or shutting down Windows? James Eshelman provides advanced Windows tips and troubleshooting advice.
Dhttp://www.aumha.org/
File Type Extensions
Developed by: Computer User High-Tech Dictionary
Type of resource: Web page
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
These extensions at the end of a filename refer to the type of file it is. This information is used by your operating system to launch an appropriate program when you click on the filename. Example: file.txt is a text file and can be opened by a text editor program.
Dhttp://www.computeruser.com/resources/dictionary/n
oframes/nf.filetypes.html
Optimizing PDF Files
Developed by: PCMag
Type of resource: Web article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Tips for optimizing PDF creation using Adobe Acrobat and other PDF writers.
Dhttp://www.pcmag.com/print_article2/0,2533,a=15424
8,00.asp
7-zip
Developed by: 7-zip
Type of resource: Software
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Open source zip software, very useful for more efficient compression, for example when backing up your computer.
Dhttp://www.7-zip.org/download.html
Introduction to WinZip
Developed by: Delaware County Community College
Type of resource: Web tutorial
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
What WinZip is and how to use it.
Dhttp://learn.dccc.edu/~lori/tutorials/winzip/
GetOpenOffice.org
Developed by: Solveig Haugland
Type of resource: Web site
Target audience: General, Trainers
Cost: Free access
Users' guides, training materials, templates, and information about OpenOffice.org. Some resources are free, and some can be purchased from GetOpenOffice.org.
Dhttp://www.getopenoffice.org/
OpenICDL
Developed by: Go-Open Campaign / ICDL Foundation Africa
Type of resource: Web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
\"OpenICDL is an open source project that aims to develop and maintain a Free/Open Source version of the training materials used to ready students for the International Computer Driving License certification.\" Materials cover Basic Concepts of IT, Using a Computer and Managing Files (K Desktop Environment), Word Processing (OpenOffice.org Writer), Spreadsheets (OpenOffice.org Calc), Databases (OpenOffice DB), Presentations (OpenOffice.org Impress) and Information and Communications (Mozilla 1.4 and Ximian Evolution 1.4). Materials are available in HTML and PDF versions.
Dhttp://icdl.tsf.org.za/courseware.html
Tutorials for Open Office
Developed by: Tutorials for Open Office
Type of resource: Web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Web site with free learning tutorials on installing OpenOffice and using OpenOffice applications. Concise and brief instructions for self-learners and teachers.
Dhttp://www.tutorialsforopenoffice.org/
OpenOffice.org Forum
Developed by: OpenOffice.org Forum
Type of resource: Web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Discussion boards including Oo Setup and Troubleshooting
; OOo Writer; OpenOffice.org Calc; OOo Impress;
OOo Draw and OOo Math. A great place to get your questions answered.
Dhttp://www.oooforum.org/
Free Software for Busy People
Developed by: Mohammad Al-Ubaydli
Type of resource: website
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
This site not only features an easy-to-read online book entitled "Free Software for Busy People", it provides free software use scenarios from a primary school teacher, a city mayor, an arab teacher, and a family physician. With these busy people as examples the site highlights a broad range of practical skills and gives readers insight to the vast possibility provided by free software tools. Learn how the city mayor uses "Civic Space" for her campaigns, how the family doctor uses "OpenEMR" to keep track of her patient registry, or how the Arab teacher uses Openoffice.org in Arabic, and plays games.
Dhttp://freedomsoftware.info/
Microsoft PowerPoint versus OpenOffice.org Impress
Developed by: Bruce Byfield
Type of resource: Web article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
This article looks at the similarities and differences you can expect when moving over from Microsoft PowerPoint to OpenOffice.org Impress.
Dhttp://www.newsforge.com/article.pl?sid=04/12/02/1
544200
Microsoft Word Modules
Developed by: Internet4Classrooms
Type of resource: Web tutorials
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Internet4Classrooms offers a long list of modules on using MS Word, from basic to advanced levels.
Dhttp://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line_word.ht
m
MMTK OpenOffice.org training materials
Developed by: APC
Type of resource: PDF files and OpenOffice.org files
Target audience: General, Trainers
Cost: Free access
This workshop kit offers materials which trainers can use as the basis of face-to-face workshops. Topics covered include OpenOffice.org Writer and OpenOffice.org Impress.
Dhttp://www.itrainonline.org/itrainonline/mmtk/open
source.shtml
MS Office pdf booklets
Developed by: KnowWareGlobal.com
Type of resource: PDF files
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
PDFs on a variety of basic MS topics.
Dhttp://www.knowwareglobal.com
MS Word 2000 and OpenOffice.org 1.03
Developed by: Bruce Byfield
Type of resource: PDF file
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Table comparing MS Word and OpenOffice.org Writer features and commands; also useful as a quick reference for users who have just moved over to Writer.
Dhttp://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/pdfs/ooo-msword-
table.pdf
NGO-in-a-box: Open Publishing Edition
Developed by: Tactical Tech
Type of resource: Software and web guides
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"The Open Publishing Edition of NGO-in-a-box is a toolkit of Free and Open Source software, tutorials and guides for producing, publishing and distributing content."
Dhttp://openpublishing.ngoinabox.org/
Opening Up to OpenOffice.org: Finding an Alternative to Microsoft Word
Developed by: TECHWR-L
Type of resource: Web article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
This article by Bruce Byfield will be particularly useful for advanced MS Word users who are considering moving over to OpenOffice.org Writer.
Dhttp://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/magazine/technic
al/openofficewriter.html
Taming OpenOffice.org Writer
Developed by: Jean Weber
Type of resource: PDF file
Target audience: General
Cost: Fee
A comprehensive guide to using the OpenOffice word processing software, including tips for moving from MSWord to OpenOffice. The guide is "shareware", which means that you can download it free of charge, but you should pay a small fee to the developer if you decide to keep it.
Dhttp://www.taming-openoffice-org.com/writer/wpayme
.htm
The wide world of Linux word processors
Developed by: Jem Matzan
Type of resource: Web article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
This article compares the main word processors - both open source and proprietary - available for GNU/Linux, and looks at what you need to take into account when choosing a word processor.
Dhttp://www.newsforge.com/article.pl?sid=04/12/02/1
544200
LearnOpenOffice.org
Developed by: learnopenoffice.org
Type of resource: Web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
These courses in html and flash offered by LearnOpenOffice.org provide easy step-by-step instruction in the use of Openoffice Impress for multia media presentations and OpenOffice Calc for basic and advanced use of spread sheets. The tutorials are available for online navigation and in the case of Impress, a flash-movie presentation takes you through the tutorial with narrated audio and visuals, allowing a quick and extensive overview of the office productivity tool. Rather than describing features one by one, each tutorial is based on a \"real world example\" to demonstrate how OpenOffice is used to problem-solve. Trainers will find this tutorial method of interest, as well as the sample files which accompany the tutorial. In order to see the full set of materials, however, you must register at no cost.
Dhttp://www.learnopenoffice.org/tutorials.htm
Editor's choice: Word: Collaboration
Developed by: Rutgers University
Type of resource: Web guide
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Brief guide to MS Word's collaborative tools (such as change tracking, versioning and commenting).
Dhttp://getit.rutgers.edu/tutorials/word_collaborat
ion/index.html
Jamani's Guide to Computers Part III: MS Word Basics
Developed by: Jamani
Type of resource: PDF file
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Simple and easy to use manuals on basic computer use for persons without computer experience: Part III: MS Word Basics
Dhttp://www.jamani.nl/static/Part3.pdf
Jamani's Guide to Computers Part IV: MS Excel Basics
Developed by: Jamani
Type of resource: PDF file
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Simple and easy to use manuals on basic computer use for persons without computer experience: Part IV: MS Excel Basics
Dhttp://www.jamani.nl/static/Part4.pdf
Tips for Understanding Styles in Word 2002
Developed by: Microsoft
Type of resource: Web guide
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
What "styles" are, how they work, and how to use them in your Word documents. Although written for Word 2002, these tips are relevant to all MS Word users.
Dhttp://www.microsoft.com/office/previous/xp/column
s/column14.asp
Using Styles and Templates in MS Word 2000
Developed by: University of Durham
Type of resource: PDF file
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Excellent introduction to using styles and templates in MS Word. A number of other guides on using MS Office products are available in this series of guides from the University of Durham's Information Technology Services.
Dhttp://www.dur.ac.uk/its/info/guides/119Styles2000
.pdf
Adobe Acrobat & PDF Basics
Developed by: PDFZone.com
Type of resource: Web article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
A brief introduction to Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF).
Dhttp://www.pdfzone.com/resources/PDF_FAQ/aboutacro
bat.asp
Pdf995
Developed by: Software995
Type of resource: Software
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
The pdf995 suite includes three programs to help you create, manage and publish Portable Document Format (PDF) documents. The free versions display a sponsor page in your web browser each time you run the software. If you would prefer not to see sponsor pages, you may upgrade by obtaining individual license keys for each product at any time for $9.95 each. A suite license for all three products is also available for $19.95. Licensing also entitles you to technical support (response within 24-hours) via e-mail.
Dhttp://www.pdf995.com/
Visagesoft PDF tools
Developed by: visagesoft
Type of resource: Software
Target audience: General
Cost: Fee
Two products from visagesoft offer a cost-effective way of producing PDF files. Easy PDF (which is free for individual and non-profit users) is a WYSIWYG tool for creating PDF documents; eXPert PDF is a printer driver for generating PDF documents from any application.
Dhttp://www.visagesoft.com/easypdf/
Training Materials: Learn About Computer Basics
