How to Accelerate Computer Training

If you want to get computer training for either career development or personal interests, you don't have to spend four years in college to achieve this goal. There are less expensive and easier ways to learn to use the computer, and depending on where you go for training in your city, you may not have to pay a fee. When researching various computer training programs, you should look at what type of lessons are being offered and whether they suit your needs.

• 1

  Visit local community centers. If a center in your neighborhood is offering free computer classes for the next few weeks, then take advantage of that opportunity. Or if a local nonprofit organization has computer classes at an affordable price, enroll in the program.

• 2

  Get books on computer usage. If you're taking some courses in PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel, visit your local bookstore, Amazon.com or Ebay.com and buy books that give you pointers on how to operate these programs. Also check out books from your public library.

• 3

  Meet with a tutor. If your friend knows a person who teaches students how to use the computer at home, then ask your friend to give you the name, address and phone number of the tutor. Then call the tutor and discuss what your needs are and ask about what types of lessons he teaches as well as the prices per hour.

• 4

  Visit computer tutorial websites. Look at the websites of various university computer science departments and click on sections such as "Microsoft Word 101," "How to Operate PowerPoint" or "Microsoft Access Tutorials." Also visit other sites such as TechTutorials and Comptechdoc.org.