Computer Basics

New User Tutorial (TLN Technology Committee)
A step-by-step lesson on using the mouse, opening and closing windows, and scrolling on pages. Created by the TLN Technology Committee.

Mouserobics (Central Kansas Library System)
A 30-step interactive tutorial about using the mouse. Topics include clicking icons, scrolling, using various types of menus, and filling in fields. Created by

Typeonline
Descriptions of keyboard typing, and interactive lessons. Five keyboard lessons (ten exercises each), four number pad lessons (ten exercises each), copy practice, and a speed test. Each exercise is scored separately, and progress is not saved.

keyboard shortcuts (Rutgers Writing Program)
Keyboard shortcuts can replace using the mouse to select menu items. This page has descriptions of common shortcuts, as well as shortcuts for specific software programs, including Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint.

advanced mousing (Rutgers Writing Program)
Descriptions of the scroll wheel, side buttons, making multiple selections, and various numbers of clicks.

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Internet Basics

Basic Web Lessons (AARP)
Seven short lessons serve as an introduction to surfing the Web, with related vocabulary and tips.

Internet Tutorials (University at Albany, SUNY)
Detailed descriptions of the Internet, its uses, and its features. Step-by-step guides on researching and searching on the Internet.

Internet Module (Georgetown College)
Descriptions and explanations of the Internet, e-mail, surfing the Web, search engines, research databases, mailing lists, and more.

Internet Tools (University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire)
Explanations and instructions for electronic discussion lists and different Web browsers. There are brief instructions for basic tasks, and many links to advanced features.

internet explorer (Rutgers Writing Program)
Seven illustrated instruction pages for using Internet Explorer 6.0. Focuses on tools of the Internet Explorer browser, not general Web skills.

Intermediate Web Lessons (AARP)
Five short lessons about features such as secure sites, toolbars, favorites, and useful tips and techniques.

a web glossary (Rutgers Writing Program)
Definitions of computing and Internet terms. Some terms are highly technical.

Signing up for Yahoo! Mail (Flint Public Library)
Instructions for creating a free email account on the Yahoo! Mail service.

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Microsoft Word

Word 2003 Courses (Microsoft Corp.)
Links to 30 online tutorials from the makers of Word. Courses are 20 to 55 minutes long; some have audio components.

word 2003: introduction (Rutgers Writing Program)
Five pages of pictures and instructions on creating and saving documents, using toolbars, and formatting. Includes links to instructions on templates, tables, and collaboration.

Microsoft Word 2003 (University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire)
Explanations of the different features of Word, with step-by-step instructions on how to use them.

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Microsoft Excel

Excel 2003 Courses (Microsoft Corp.)
Links to 38 online tutorials from the makers of Excel, ranging from Excel basics to specific features to typical tasks. Courses are 20 to 55 minutes long; some have audio components.

excel (Rutgers Writing Program)
Nine illustrated pages, beginning with the basics and progressing to formatting, formulas, and charts.

Microsoft Excel 2003 (University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire)
Explanations of the basics of Excel, and it's features of Excel. Includes instructions for common tasks.

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Microsoft PowerPoint

PowerPoint 2003 Courses (Microsoft Corp.)
Links to 23 online tutorials from the makers of PowerPoint, including creating presentations, using animations, printing options, and more. Courses are 20 to 55 minutes long.

powerpoint (Rutgers Writing Program)
10 pages of instructions on the basics of PowerPoint. Each page includes detailed text descriptions as well as pictures of the features explained.

Microsoft PowerPoint 2003/2004 (University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire)
Links to explanations of various tasks and features, from the basics of creating a presentation to using objects, clip art, and advanced features.

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Microsoft Publisher

Publisher 2003 Courses (Microsoft Corp.)
Links to 8 online tutorials from the makers of Publisher. Learn to create and print publications with pictures and other features. Courses are 20 to 50 minutes long.

Microsoft Publisher 2003 (University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire)
Explanations of basic and more advanced features. Topics include layouts, graphics, using templates, and printing.

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