Become Tech Savvy by Taking Charge of Your Digital Skills

Looking for ways to improve your computer skills? Becoming tech-savvy is not an impossible task, but it requires time and energy to master the basics. In this article, we go over how you can become more tech savvy in a variety of areas. Read on to learn more.

Ways to Become More Tech Savvy

Learn how to use a wide variety of useful software, like word processors.
Understand how hardware works in a computer.
Learn how to Google a topic efficiently.
Teach yourself some basic programming, like HTML or CSS.
Study various tech topics, then delve deep into subjects that interest you.

Section 1 of 6:

For Complete Beginners

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1
Take a computer class. You can do this in person or online. Many places offer in-person computer classes, including community centers, libraries, senior centers, and community colleges. These classes are usually free, especially for senior citizens.
- If you don't want to (or can't) take a class in person, try out these free online resources:
2
Get a computer book. You can buy a book or check one out from the library (which also may offer free computer and technology literacy classes). A great option is the "For Dummies" series, such as PCs for Dummies and Computers for Seniors For Dummies .
- Using one of these books doesn't mean you're a "dummy!" Despite the name, the "For Dummies" series is a great resource for learning new skills in an easy-to-read and understandable way.

Section 2 of 6:

Software & Hardware

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These programs include Microsoft Word , Microsoft Excel , and Microsoft PowerPoint . If you don't want to use the Microsoft suite of programs, you can try free versions of this software by LibreOffice .
2
Learn what parts make up a computer. A computer is nothing more than a (very expensive!) puzzle, with most parts getting plugged into the motherboard. Watch YouTube videos of PC builds or teardowns to learn more about where the CPU, GPU, power supply, and all the other computer parts go.
- You can also learn how these parts work (both individually and in tandem) if computer architecture interests you.
The Unix family of operating systems is very common with some of the most tech-savvy people in the world. This family of operating systems is free and you are free to view the source code used in them. In this family of operating systems, there are also better programming and technical tools than you can find on Windows.
Learning how to deal with viruses , malware , and other threats is an important aspect of tech savviness. Some great antivirus programs are Avast, Malwarebytes, Spybot, AVG, and Spyhunter.

Section 3 of 6:

The Internet

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Google is your friend. If you have a question about something or need to research a certain topic, search using Google. While Google is pretty straightforward and easy to use, once you get comfortable using it, you can start using more advanced search methods (like dorking ) to find what you're looking for even easier.
Knowing how to send an email is vital in today's technological world. Learn how to set up an email account and send an email . Then, if you're interested, you can dig further into how email actually works.
You don't have to spend all day on TikTok, but understanding how the latest social media sites work is a major part of tech savviness. Social media develops quickly, though, so don't fret too much about being a complete guru from day one.
4
Learn how to spot scams. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people online who spread false information and may try to scam you. To keep yourself safe, it's important to learn how to spot online scams and misinformation . Only click on links you trust, never share personal information, and if it's too good to be true—it usually is.
- Try out our course on how to spot and counter misinformation online and learn some new skills!

Section 4 of 6:

Inputs & Interfaces

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Touch typing is when you can type on a keyboard without looking at the keys—you're relying solely on your touch to type. Touch typing takes some time to master, but learning how to do it will increase your productivity and efficiency by quite a bit.
Each operating system has slightly different versions of these keyboard shortcuts , but they all have them—and shortcuts are a great way to be more efficient when using a keyboard.

Section 5 of 6:

Programming

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Two easy languages to start with are HTML and CSS , which are front-end web development languages. If you want to expand your knowledge to languages that can be used to program software, try Python , C , or C++ .

Section 6 of 6:

Tips & Tricks

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Info can be in e-books, on websites, or even in books. Your local library likely has a whole section of tech books you can borrow, so you don't even have to buy any (though be warned that they may be older books and, therefore, outdated).
For example, you may never need to pick up a digital camera , but it is worth your while to get an understanding of what a digital camera is because it increases your know-how . Everything you learn will come in handy at some point in your life.
What is something technology-related that interests you and that you enjoy? Say it's blogging using WordPress. Research the topic deeply and get to know how to use things firsthand. Don't be afraid to fall down a rabbit hole; you can learn some interesting skills down there!
Online communities and forums can be a wealth of information; you might even meet some new friends!
Pick a topic, such as a recent TED Talk topic. These conversations will allow you to learn new things and see different perspectives.

Bill Gates, Businessman & Philanthropist

Use technology to make your life easier. "Technology is unlocking the innate compassion we have for our fellow human beings. The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don't really even notice it, so it's part of everyday life."
6

Be patient and keep practicing.

How Can Someone Become More Tech-Savvy?

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How do I teach myself to be tech savvy?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

There are so many great videos and resources on YouTube nowadays! It's an easy place to get to—everyone knows what YouTube is and how it works—, so that would be my recommendation. It's free and there are hundreds of thousands of videos on computers and the way they function.

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How do I sync contacts on my phone?

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It depends on the type of phone you have and where you're trying to sync your contacts from. For example, if you have an old iPhone and you want to transfer your contacts to a new iPhone, you could do so through either an iCloud backup or by having an Apple store employee transfer the data. Without more specifics, it's impossible to give a detailed answer.

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Can I become a technician if I'm tech savvy?

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Most companies require certification in specific areas, but being savvy will definitely help you.

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Become Tech Savvy by Taking Charge of Your Digital Skills

Ways to Become More Tech Savvy

Steps

For Complete Beginners

Software & Hardware

The Internet

Inputs & Interfaces

Programming

Tips & Tricks

How Can Someone Become More Tech-Savvy?

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

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