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Basic Skills

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What We Believe You Already Know

Updated May 1, 2002

Try using the Task Manager to abort. Press Control-ALT-Delete and click on the Task Manager button for a list of open applications noted as "Running" or "Not Responding." Select the item not responding and click on "End Task." Please note you will lose unsaved work, but if your computer is frozen this is unavoidable. (See the Related Topic: Recovering AutoSaved Work linked below.)
Have you tried Rebooting your computer? Surprisingly, this solves many problems and may be the first thing the Helpdesk will ask you to do.
Check all cables and cords.
Make sure your computer is plugged in.
Make sure all components are turned on.
Have you tried using the programs on-line help?

Guidelines: Check our Service Level Agreement

Computer Literacy Basics

It is important staff and faculty have a basic common knowledge and starting point for everything from documentation to the assumptions which determine service priorities.

For 2002-3, in our documentation, instructions and Helpdesk assistance we expect faculty and staff have a basic computer literacy comprised of the following:

Knowledge of Windows Operating System including:

Basic Terminology � System Tray, Menu Bar, Task Bar, Start Menu, and correct names of components.
Using Explorer and My Computer to navigate your hard drive and network
Ability to Create, Save, Name Files in desired location
Copy, Move and Delete files
Copy files into folders
Create a new folder
Rename files and folders
Turning your computer and components off and on
Ability to login
Ability to select a printer and control printing parameters (number, pages desired, etc.)
Understanding of rebooting
Managing your screen saver
Understanding of power management settings (especially for laptops)
Using Control-ALT-Delete keys to abort and/or access the Windows 2000 Task Manager, to logoff or change your UMBS password.

If you do not have these skills we strongly recommend you take a basic Windows class through the campus ITCS classes, self-study or some other venue.

Related Topics:

See Changing your Passwords in the Working in the Business School Environment module.
See Speak Our Language: IT Vocabulary Glossary section linked from the blue tool box.

Internet Basics

We assume you are proficient in the following basic skills:

Open a browser
Enter a web address and go to a web site
Use the Back Button
Use and understand the purpose of the Refresh/Reload button
Stop the loading of a Page
Download Software
Set your Browser Preferences

If you do not have these skills we strongly recommend you take a basic Internet class through the campus ITCS or some other venue.

How to Use Microsoft Word

We assume you are proficient in Microsoft Word.

Basic skills include:

General keyboarding skills (typing, function keys, extension keys, and keypad entry)
Enter and edit text
Format text
Use the Spell Checker
Use the Bullets and Numbering tools
Manipulate tabs and indents
Add headers and footers
Create and format tables
Insert graphics into a Word document
Place, size, and text wrap graphics.
Insert and edit footnotes and endnotes.
Create and use mail merge data sources for form letters, labels, etc.
Use the Envelopes and Labels tool
Use Track Changes and Versions tools for collaborative editing
Create and use forms and Business School letterhead templates

Microsoft defines core knowledge skills for Word, as well as Expert skills, at the following site: http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/redirect/mous.htm.

If you do not have these skills we strongly recommend you take a basic Word class through the campus ITCS classes, self-study or some other venue.

How to Use Microsoft PowerPoint

We assume you are proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint.

Basic skills include:

Create a new presentation
Modify an existing presentation
Work within the outline, slide sorter, notes page, and slide design views
Add new slides
Reorganize slides
Delete slides
Add and change design backgrounds
Add, modify, and delete text
Reposition text
Modify bullets
Add graphics and ClipArt
Size and reposition graphics
Run slide shows

Microsoft defines core knowledge skills for PowerPoint at the following site: http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/redirect/mous.htm.

If you do not have these skills we strongly recommend you take a basic PowerPoint class through the campus ITCS classes, self-study or some other venue.

How to Use Microsoft Excel

We assume you are proficient in Microsoft Excel.

Basic skills include:

Enter and edit data
Use formulas and functions
Define page setup options
Define printing options
Insert and delete columns and rows
Format text and numbers
Add borders, shading and colors
Sort data
Hide data
Modify headers and footers
Create and edit charts

Microsoft defines core knowledge skills, as well as Expert skills, at the following site: http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/redirect/mous.htm.

If you do not have these skills we strongly recommend you take a basic Excel class through the campus ITCS classes, self-study or some other venue.

How to Use Microsoft Outlook

We assume you are proficient in Microsoft Outlook.

Basic skills include:

Create and send new messages
Read Incoming Mail
Create folders and move mail
Archive Old messages
Use the Global Address List
Create Personal Contacts
Address messages using Personal Contacts
Invite others to a Meeting using Outlook's Calendar tools
Respond to a Meeting Invitation
Use the Out of Office Assistant
Create Distribution Lists
Use Web Access

Microsoft defines core knowledge skills at the following site: http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/redirect/mous.htm.

If you do not have these skills we strongly recommend you take a basic Windows class through the campus ITCS classes, self-study or some other venue.

What We Believe You Already Know

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