Basic Computer skills Every Freelancer Needs
When it comes to starting a freelancing career, knowing the basics of using a computer is crucial. Many people often say that to learn freelancing, you need to be familiar with basic computer skills. Starting a freelancing career can be exciting, but it’s important to have some basic computer skills to be successful.
When I began freelancing, I didn’t know much about computers either. In this article, I’ll share the essential computer literacy skills you need to learn to get started in freelancing. These skills include typing, using a mouse, installing software, and more. By learning these basics, you’ll be well-prepared to start your freelancing journey with confidence. However, what exactly are these basic computer skills ? After reading this article, I hope you will have no more confusion!
First of all, when I started freelancing, I didn’t know much about computers either! So, I believe my answer will be very helpful for you.
16 Basic Computer skills
Typing Skills: One of the fundamental skills in computer usage is typing. You might think, “Typing is not a big deal! The keyboard on a mobile phone and a computer is the same.” Yes, that’s true. But there’s a significant difference between using a 2.5-inch touch keyboard and a 15-inch long computer keyboard!
Using a Mouse: There aren’t many people in the world who could correctly use a mouse or click properly the first time they used a computer. Ask any proficient computer user, and they will tell you that they couldn’t handle the mouse properly the first time either!
Installing and Uninstalling Software: We can easily install or uninstall any kind of software on a mobile phone. But it’s quite different on a computer. You need to know how to install and uninstall any kind of software on a computer.
Using Basic Computer Tools: Microsoft Office is considered a basic tool for computers. At least, you need to have an idea about Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and PowerPoint. You can say it’s an unwritten rule!
Internet Browsing: You also need a good understanding of internet browsing on a computer. You should be able to use a web browser to find and download software, check emails, and search for information.
Basic Troubleshooting: For using any device, you need to know how to maintain it and how to solve common problems. So, having a basic understanding of troubleshooting will be very beneficial for you.
File Management: Understanding how to create, organize, and manage files and folders is essential. You should know how to save, move, copy, rename, and delete files, as well as how to use cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox for backup and sharing.
Basic Networking: Knowing how to connect to Wi-Fi, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and understand basic network settings can save you a lot of frustration. This is particularly important if you work remotely and rely on a stable internet connection.
Email Management: Beyond just checking your email, you should know how to organize your inbox, use folders or labels, manage contacts, and understand email etiquette. Learning to use email clients like Microsoft Outlook or web-based services like Gmail efficiently can improve your productivity.
Using Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with tools like Slack, Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Teams is important for project management and communication, especially if you are working with clients or team members remotely.
Understanding Operating Systems: Having a basic understanding of the operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) you are using, including how to navigate the file system, manage settings, and use system utilities, is crucial for efficient computer use.
Basic Graphic Design: For many freelancing tasks, having basic graphic design skills can be beneficial. Knowing how to use tools like Canva, Adobe Photoshop, or GIMP to create simple graphics can add value to your services.
Learning Keyboard Shortcuts: Keyboard shortcuts can significantly increase your efficiency. Learning shortcuts for common tasks in your operating system and frequently used software can save you a lot of time.
Using Video Conferencing Tools: Familiarity with video conferencing software like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet is important for virtual meetings with clients and collaborators. Knowing how to schedule meetings, share your screen, and use other features of these tools is beneficial.
Basic Coding Skills: Depending on the field you are entering, basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, or other programming languages might be useful. Even if you’re not a developer, understanding the basics can help you communicate better with technical clients and team members.
Time Management and Productivity Tools: Knowing how to use tools like Google Calendar, Todoist, or other task management apps can help you stay organized and manage your time effectively.
By mastering these additional skills, you will enhance your capability to handle various aspects of freelancing, making you more efficient and versatile in your work. To start freelancing, it’s essential to have some basic computer skills. These include typing, using a mouse, installing and uninstalling software, and using basic tools like Microsoft Office. Additionally, you should know how to browse the internet, manage files, troubleshoot common issues, and use collaboration and video conferencing tools. Learning these skills will help you work efficiently and confidently as a freelancer.
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