To many, the term “computer” conjures up images of large, gray boxes with lots of wires and buttons. While this is true, today’s computers are much more capable than your average desktop computer from 20 years ago.
This is especially evident in the increasing prevalence of the “PC (desktop computer) less” trend. According to Gartner, 22.9 million desktop computers were sold in 2022, representing a decline of 4% compared to 2021. This is largely because fewer people are buying computers that fit on a single desk. Instead, they are opting for “mobile first, then PC (desktops)” strategies.
While this is undoubtedly good news for the environment, it can be frustrating if you’re looking to learn how to write in the computer.
On the one hand, you have a rapidly evolving world of computing, which makes it easier for students to stay ahead of the curve. On the other, you have an increasingly complex system, which can be difficult to get your head around without any sort of guide.
Fortunately, there are still a number of ways to learn how to write in the computer. While you might not have an option in the form of a “traditional” textbook, you can find a number of free online guides that will help you get started. As you’ll see, there are a variety of ways to get the help you need, whether you’re looking to become a software developer, a business journalist, or even just a “word processor ninja” (if you will).
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
When it comes to writing in the computer, there are three essential things you need to keep in mind. The first is the “good, the bad, and the ugly.” These are three distinct aspects of any product or service, and they refer to the advantages, disadvantages, and deficiencies of a particular writing software program or platform.
The second important thing to keep in mind is “security vs. convenience.” When you’re writing for a business or a corporate environment, you need to weigh the relative merits of ensuring security versus making it easy to write and edit documents. For example, if you’re writing for “Microsoft Word (WORD) 2017,” which is one of the most popular word processors used in business today, you might want to consider its “security features,” which can be helpful in preventing unauthorized use or tampering. However, if you need to quickly and freely move around within your document, look for a different option.
The third thing to keep in mind is “cost versus functionality.” As you’ll discover when you peruse the resources listed below, there are a variety of budget-friendly options available for those who desire to write in the computer. When you factor in the cost of buying a “pen (input device) & paper (output device) set,” along with the software itself, you’ll have a clearer picture of what you’re paying for and what you’re getting.
The Cost Of Learning
With many free resources available online, it is possible to gain significant experience and knowledge without having to invest in costly textbooks or take out expensive student loans. While the option of learning without financial support is attractive, it can still be challenging to gain the skills needed to land a job in the field you’re interested in.
If you are looking to learn how to write in the computer, consider taking a look at the below-listed free websites and blogs that can help you get started.
Best Free Blogs And Websites To Learn How To Write In The Computer
As you’ll see below, there are a variety of options for those who want to learn how to write in the computer. From basic screenwriting tutorials to intermediate and advanced-level courses, you’ll discover a wealth of information, including “how-to’s,” course tutorials, and sample papers.
Learn How To Write In The Computer From Scratch
If you’re brand new to the world of writing, it can be hard to know where to begin. Instead of heading to a traditional classroom, consider taking a “self-paced” approach to learning how to write in the computer. This can be a good option for those who want to get straight to the point and don’t have the time to waste in a boring classroom. Begin by taking a look at the “beginner’s “ series on Blogger, which can help you get your feet wet and build a foundation for learning how to write in the computer.
Free Blogger Tutorials For Beginners
Blogs offer a great introduction to the world of blogging because all they require is a “basic understanding of HTML (HyperText Markup Language),” or web coding language. This is a simplified explanation, but essentially what it means is that you can use HTML to format your content and make it look the same across platforms, like desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones.
Many blogs will even provide you with “starter “ templates that you can use to get started, saving you the time and effort of reinventing the wheel. Even better, some of these templates are already set up for posting, so all you need to do is “import” (copy and paste) your content into the relevant spots.
Learn From Expert Bloggers
If you’re looking for more advanced training than what you can get from simply reading beginner’s guides and blogging tutorials, consider “learning from ” or “following ” expert bloggers who can teach you the ins and outs of writing in the computer.
There are many benefits to this approach, not least of which is that you can tailor your training to suit your existing skillset, or “learn ” as you go. For example, if you’re looking to break into the world of business or corporate writing, consider following the “authoritative “bloggers who can guide you in the right direction. As you’re gaining experience, don’t forget to read the “contributors “who have helped make the platform what it is today.
Wordprocessor Suits All Budgets
One of the best things about writing in the computer is that no matter what your budget is, there is a word processor out there that can help you get your work done.
If you’re looking to save money, consider opting for “Microsoft Word (WORD) 2016 “or “LibreOffice (formerly “OpenOffice & LibreOffice) 5.3 “, which are both available for free. As a result, you don’t have to purchase expensive hardware or pay for costly upgrades. Plus, you can use these word processors on multiple platforms, not just “Windows & Mac OS X.”
Keyboard Shortcuts To Help You Write Productively
One of the major issues facing anyone who wants to get serious about writing is the steep learning curve. Simply put, learning how to write in the computer takes a lot of practice, and the only way to get better is by “doing.” When it comes to keyboard shortcuts, there are a variety of useful shortcuts that can help you write more efficiently and get your work done quicker. For example, CTRL+S (“Control” + “S” on a Mac) saves your work, while “Ctrl+Shift+S” will save a copy of your work as well as create a new one. In addition, CTRL+D (“Control” + “D”) will duplicate your current document, while “Ctrl+Shift+D” will duplicate and create a new document. Finally, hitting “Enter” after you type a quick comment will send it to the blog or website you’re writing for, so you don’t have to leave unfinished sentences or paragraphs hanging in the air. (Note: Some of these shortcuts may require you to enable them in “Preferences ” under the “Tools ” tab. If you use a different keyboard layout, you may need to “map” (define) shortcuts for the ones listed below. Good luck!