# Suggestions for computer learning

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-computer-learning/454872>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [July 1, 2008, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-computer-learning/454872 "2008-07-01T07:56:53Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![thirdwarning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecccb3/32.png) [@thirdwarning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdwarning)\
**Post date:** [July 1, 2008, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-computer-learning/454872/1 "2008-07-01T07:56:53Z")

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Mods, feel free to move this if it should be in GQ or somewhere like that.

Now, here’s the thing. I feel somewhat comfortable with the PC for normal everyday use. I can do a very basic spreadsheet, and I can put various things like letters and fliers (used to be a room mom) together on Word, but I need more. The more I try to do, the more I hate fumbling around looking for what I need. I also hate feeling stupid.

Sooo, I need some recommendations for books I can learn from, if such exist. A good step-by-step would be helpful. Is there one that really works for Word and for Excel? I’m willing to work through lessons if necessary, and if I have to do it like learning a musical instrument I’ll take the time. I’m just tired of feeling less than competent with it.

Thanks for any help.

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**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\
**Post date:** [July 1, 2008, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-computer-learning/454872/2 "2008-07-01T13:43:22Z")

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The Dummies series has books on Word and Excel. Have you looked at those?

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**Author:** ![Trunk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/87869e/32.png) [@Trunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trunk)\
**Post date:** [July 1, 2008, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-computer-learning/454872/3 "2008-07-01T14:02:23Z")

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Whatever you’re looking to do, I bet that googling “\<blank\> tutorial” would turn up some hits.

_excel tutorial_ turns up many that look promising.

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**Author:** ![thirdwarning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecccb3/32.png) [@thirdwarning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdwarning)\
**Post date:** [July 1, 2008, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-computer-learning/454872/4 "2008-07-01T17:50:37Z")

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I thought about the Dummies series, but I thought I’d run the question by you guys here first. I figured people here might have some actual experience with some of what I was looking for.