Technology increasingly dominates our ways of connecting, communicating, and doing business. This guide will assist you in finding resources for learning to use computers, from navigating your email to the basics of hardware, operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, using the Internet, and online safety.
Research Databases
The following are part of the Upper Arlington Public Library’s premium resources. Unless you are in one of our library locations, you will need your library card number and PIN in order to access them. These resources provide technology learning modules and instruction on popular software applications.
LinkedIn Learning – LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) provides online tutorials and courses that teach business, software, technology, creative skills and more. A LinkedIn Learning App is also available.
Niche Academy – Provides video tutorials that explain how to use popular social media services and the UA Library’s subscription databases.
Northstar-Digital Literacy – Northstar was developed in response to the needs of job seekers who may lack the digital literacy skills needed to seek, obtain, and retain employment, as well as to perform other tasks in daily life. It provides self-guided modules for essential computer skills, essential software skills, and using technology in daily life.
Websites
These recommended websites chosen by Research staff are reliable sources of information on the topic of technology.
- Basic Tasks in Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Word Basics (requires free registration with AARP)
- Basic tasks in Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Excel Basics (requires free registration with AARP)
- Learn Prompting: ChatGPT for Everyone – One-hour introduction to ChatGPT. The course is free. You will need to upgrade to LearnPrompting Plus if you want to receive a certificate of completion.
- Google Docs Basic Training and Help – Beginner’s guide to Google Docs
- Google Docs: The Basics – Free Google Docs training through Indiana University’s IT department. You will need access to Google Docs to complete the exercises.
Presentations
YouTube can be a great source of instructional videos for nearly every aspect of using a computer. Here are a couple of basic videos, one on computers in general and basics of Microsoft Windows, and the other specifically for Macintosh computers.
Computer & Technology Basics Course for Absolute Beginners
Starting from the very beginning? This 1-hour video presentation starts there and explains types and parts of computers, peripheral devices and types of connectors, internal components, Internet connection, keyboard and navigation basics, basic computer safety, browsing, and Microsoft Windows basics.
New to Mac? Mac Tutorial for Beginners 2025
Just got a new Mac? This video covers the basics of working with the Mac operating system, Finder, and other features unique to the world of Macintosh. Warning: there will be ads. Just click the “Skip” button.
In-Library Help
One-on-one appointments are available with library staff in the Adult Services Department for assistance with our free digital resources and basic Apple and Android orientations. Please note that we can’t advise on hardware issues or repair devices.
