Computing software support resources  

Computing skills are the ability to use technology to achieve your desired outcome. Basic computing skills required at university level include accessing your Griffith accounts, printing lecture notes, saving files to a variety of places and writing and submitting assignments online.

Having computing skills helps allows you to focus on your discipline content and not on doing battle with the computer!

Enrolling, managing timetables, exploring course content, submitting assignments, accessing library resources, collaborating on the internet and reading email all require the use of a web browser. Most assignments require use of a word processor and possibly spreadsheet, database and presentation software as well. Collected research articles and assignments need to be stored, retrieved, often transferred between computers and backed up.

Online IT Training (LearningFast)  provides Griffith staff and students access to training 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may obtain an ICT Benchmark Certificate from LearningFast.  The ICT Skills Benchmark will enable you to certify your computer skills by testing your knowledge in eight core competencies including Information Technology Concepts, The functions of a Personal Computer, The Internet and Networks, Searching the Internet Effectively, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentations and Drawings; and Databases/Filing Systems.

Microsoft eLearning is also available for staff training.

Alison Digital Literacy is another option providing free online computer training lessons and IT courses. Whether you are new to computing or have some experience, this curriculum will help you develop a fundamental understanding of computers.

The student computing webpage includes information about available software, using your own device, storing your files, discounts and training and support.

For those using Windows 7 help is available by clicking on the start menu then Getting Started to discover and learn about this operating system.

Click on the link below to review a list of computing skills and find out which skills you need assistance with.  At the end of the list you have some guidance on which resources are available to help you develop these skills.

Beginner's Guides can be found in any campus Library with call numbers beginning with QA76. There are a lot of other titles in this range, ask a librarian for help if you are having trouble finding the one you want.

Absolute beginner's guide to computer basics - Miller, Michael

Experience learning made easy-and quickly teach yourself how to create dynamic presentations with PowerPoint 2010. With STEP BY STEP, you set the pace-building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Topics include creating great-looking slides using templates or your own designs; creating sophisticated charts and diagrams; using animation, sound, and other special effects; creating presentations simultaneously with others over the Web; delivering presentations; and other core topics.

Computers Simplified - Paul McFedries

Here's the easiest guide ever to computers - a book that skips the long-winded explanations and shows you how things work. Full-color screen shots walk you through each step, and self-contained, two-page lessons make learning a snap. You'll learn to use different types of computers and software, create documents and use different programs, get online, start using e-mail, and manage your music and digital photos. A friendly character called Chip introduces each task, and sidebars offer real-world advice.

More computing skills titles

Griffith provides computers and server storage for student use.

Griffith University aims to prepare its graduates to be leaders in their fields. Learning basic computing skills offers a valuable connection to the Griffith Graduate attributes outlined below:

• Skilled in their discipline
• Collaborative
• Innovative and creative
• Community engaged
• Inter-culturally effective

Free computing skills workshops:

Consult with an ICT Literacy Specialist.

There are many free videos and tutorials available on the web. Simply type "basic computing online tutorial" or "basic computing video" followed by your topic keywords in a search engine.