Today, many people all over the world use some form of computer every day. Having a general understanding of computers helps you function in today’s world, preventing you from getting left behind. Below we’ve created a list of reasons why you should learn more about computers with additional resources to learn more about computers.
Tip
Many people believe smartphones, tablets, and other computing devices are not computers. However, this confusion is another reason why you should learn more about computers, so you can realize all of these devices are a form of computer.
Computers help you work faster
As computers, software, and hardware improve, so do their capabilities. For example, someone with a very basic understanding of a word processor can work faster and enjoy writing more than someone typing on a typewriter. With a word processor, you can easily edit anywhere in a document, erase text, move text, copy text, change fonts, etc. All these things were impossible or tough to do with a typewriter.
After learning the basics of a task or program, you can continue to learn and evolve until you become an expert and even faster at working. For example, someone familiar with a program and knows its keyboard shortcuts can be two to three times faster than someone with a basic understanding of a program.
Computers can answer almost any question
Today, a person with a computer connected to the Internet can find answers to virtually any question. Understanding the computer, connecting to the Internet, opening a browser, and using a search engine, gives a person more capabilities than someone without this knowledge.
A computer can teach you almost anything
Computers may be utilized to answer virtually any question and teach you how to do almost anything. Lots of people have visited YouTube and other websites to become proficient at a skill to get a better job.
Understanding computer terminology helps with other technology
Having a good understanding of the terminology and jargon used with computers helps you be more efficient with other technology. For example, anyone connected to the Internet has a better understanding of using the Internet and connecting other devices.
- See our computer dictionary for a list of over 15,000 computer-related terms or enter any term you are unfamiliar with in our search to find an immediate definition.
Reduces the chance of being tricked or scammed
Someone more familiar with how computers work is less likely to be tricked, scammed, or infected by viruses. For example, a person familiar with e-mail attachments and their potential dangers is less likely to open a malicious e-mail attachment.
Resolve problems and questions faster
A person with a basic understanding of computers and software has an easier time solving problems they may have encountered. For example, someone with experience of getting an error while logging in may realize it’s because the caps lock key is enabled, and passwords are case sensitive.
Computers and robots are replacing jobs
More and more computers and robots are assisting or replacing jobs that were done in the past by humans. If you have a better understanding of using computers, you can program these machines, know how to fix them, and work more efficiently with them. If you lack the technological skills, it’s more likely you would be one of the first people in your company to be replaced.
Learning about computers help you find a job
Almost every job today and jobs of the future require some technical knowledge. Learning more about computers and computer software required for the job is a competitive edge against others who may be applying for the same job.
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Having computer-related skills also allow you to get remote jobs with more flexibility, and that could allow you to work from home.
Computers can save and make you money
A computer can also save you money, and there are several places online that allow you to compare prices and shop. Someone with the right skills can quickly find the best price and even get the item shipped to them without even having to leave their house.
A computer can also make you money by giving you the freedom of working for yourself by doing different things online.
Why should I learn to use the keyboard and mouse?
To interact with a computer, you’ll need to learn to use the keyboard and mouse as they’re the primary input devices. There are other methods of interacting with a computer, such as with a touch screen and with voice recognition. However, both of these options are not available everywhere on a computer and with all types of computers. Also, learning to use the keyboard more proficiently allows you to type faster and have a more enjoyable time as you write on a computer.
