Are you not much of a computer whiz, even in today’s technological age? If so, you’re certainly not alone. While computers and tech are widespread, they’re still in their infancy. Still, some computer skills are necessary for navigating the world today—especially if you want to stay competitive in the job market.
The good news is that basic tech skills are easy to acquire, and often, once you learn them, you’ll have them for life. Use this list of basic tech skills every adult should learn as a jumping-off point in your digital literacy journey!
Using Operating Systems
There are three major operating systems in use for most computers today:
- Windows
- Linux
- Mac OS
It’s essential to learn the basic ins and outs of each. That way, you’ll know what you’re doing if you must use a different operating system than what you usually do, whether to help a family member or tackle a new job. Linux is rarer than the others, but it’s still a smart idea to look at the fundamentals and learn how to navigate the user interface.
Defragmenting Your Hard Drive
If you’ve had a computer for a long time, you’ve probably noticed that it’s slowed down. That’s perfectly normal, as hard drives tend to become congested. Everything that you download and view gets stored on your computer, and that usage and storage stacks up.
Defragmenting your hard drive allows your computer to organize everything. As a result, your computer speeds up, and using software, web browsers, and programs gets easier. Luckily, modern operating systems have made this process even more accessible.
Enabling and Disabling Applications
Do you have to close a ton of programs every time you start up your computer? If you do, you’re causing yourself unnecessary work. By learning how to enable and disable desired startup applications, you can save yourself a lot of time and frustration.
It’s also just a good skill to have in general, as this process familiarizes you with your system settings and digital navigation. Knowing how to bring up the control panel and stop specific applications also comes in handy when programs freeze or slow down your device.
Troubleshooting and Quick Repairs
It’s a good idea to develop some troubleshooting and repair skills for any device, from your smartphone and laptop to your home appliances. Troubleshooting skills can range from understanding how to manually restart each device to knowing when parts need replacement.
For example, everyone with a smartphone should know how to eject their SIM card and have the necessary tools on hand to do so. As your troubleshooting skills develop, you can tackle more challenging repairs, such as repairing or replacing your TV’s mainboard.
If you want to land a new job or understand your device, you’ll need to master these basic tech skills every adult should learn. After that, you’ll be able to navigate the digital landscape no matter where you are. Along with improved technological confidence comes increased agency and an improved relationship with the ever-changing world of tech.
