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How to learn computers "real good"

To whom it may concern; may it be known that I am not a people person - in fact, I'm not even really a "person" person. There are, however, those who enjoy working with others to achieve goals, and those are really the sort of people you should be looking for when you want someone to train you - rather than my beady eyes examining your every mouse movement and silently judging it. (Note: this is not really true - I'm not really interested in mouse movements, I'm interested in whether or not you remembered to backup your data, and record your passwords. I am really good at being judgemental about those things!)

Anyway, thought I'd rattle off some organisations, people and websites that're good for those wanting to up their ante in terms of computer skillage. Local to Matangi there's our in-home trainer, Heather Wickham (catchuptraining.co.nz), who will quite happily invade your premises to teach you things, if you like. If you'd prefer off-site, there's a few more options:

• Ace Computer Training (ace.co.nz) have courses on a variety of common software packages and operating systems, with skill ranges from beginner to advanced.
• If you're an oldie, a good option is Hamilton Seniornet (hamseniornet.org.nz), who largely teach the basics of use and programs for Windows 7 and Windows 10.
• For - very specifically - Microsoft Excel training, there's Able Owl (ableowl.com), who train beginners to experts in the ways of Microsoft-centric spreadsheets.
• And lastly, for those who'd rather save their money, there's free computer training available through the Wintec Basic Computing program: https://wintec.ac.nz/study-at-wintec/courses/information-technology/basic-computing-(space)

Yes, that's actually a real web address which has parentheses in it and the word 'space' in between them. I'm as surprised as you are. And bewildered that they thought that was, in any way shape or form, a good idea.

Finally, here's a few online resources for those who just want to look stuff up for themselves:

• wikihow.com - Specific guides for a variety of activities.
• stackoverflow.com - A largely computer-centric technical resource in a specific question-and-answer format.
• snopes.com - A myth-busting site, largely for figuring out whether or not that dubious meme your aunty posted is true.
• google.co.nz - For everything else.

- Matt Bentley, computer expert at Bentley Home PC Support.
Email info@homepcsupport.co.nz or phone 0211348576.

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