Links: Volcanoes

Computing Skills Bolster your computer programming skills by seeking support from technical sites and taking tutorials on the Internet. Online tutorials, many of them free, now allow you to improve your computer prowess, whether you need help in using Photoshop, Java Script, or Quark Xpress, among others. Those seeking assistance in setting up a homepage or launching a secure online store can easily find courses that grant them certificates upon completion. Be aware, however, that many courses build on what you already know; for instance, Introduction to Linux won’t be a walk in the park unless you’re thoroughly familiar with Microsoft Windows. Indeed, Microsoft runs a laudable website for anyone wanting to keep up with the latest developments in the company’s programs. Once you have chosen which program to investigate (Excel, Access, Word, etc.), simply click Assistance to find a plethora of articles and tips for getting the most out of the application’s features. The Microsoft website also links to newsgroups that provide further advice, should you wish to delve even deeper into the complex world of computing secrets. Subscribing to e-mail newsletters guarantees another way for you to get the scoop on current updates to your programs of choice. Some sites post new computing tips daily, while others serve as portals to computer and software manufacturers’ technical support departments. More mundane yet vital hints for cleaning your computer as well as keeping it in good condition are available, too. And when you’ve mastered the basics of a few programs, plus learned how to maintain your hardware, you can move on to the wealth of advanced computing information that awaits you in cyberspace, the computer aficionado’s ideal universe.