The basics we forget to teach

[TechMonkey]

I'm running a "Simple things you possibly don't know but really should" training session with the idea to just go over the really simple things that no one ever teaches except as and when you use them in front of someone & they ask about it. So I have things like what those strange buttons are on the keyboard (tab, del, prtScr, insert etc), alt+tab, window resizing/minimising/maximising, ctrl selecting, shift selecting, highlighting text, searching etc etc. So can anyone think of anything they would include? Those little things that make our lives easier that aren't in the usual training? The bits and pieces we pick up?

[stevenwba]

logging off powering down a machine?? you'd be surprised how many people just turn off at the plug lol

[OutToLunch]

Keyboard shortcuts/accelerators - just little things like alt + f + s to save instead of having to use the mouse etc.

[UnknownStuntman]

Using the shift key to get a capital letter rather than turning Caps Lock on and off

[TechMonkey]

Caps lock vs Shift is a good one. General Alt shortcuts are an idea.

[K.C.Leblanc]

Using the shift key to get a capital letter rather than turning Caps Lock on and off

 

I've just been told that one teacher actualy asked a member of support staff to operate the shift key for them while they were typing.

 

 

Here's some stuff that come sup here.

 

Difference between copying and moving files.

 

Difference between a file and shortcut.

 

Exporting from other software products in a format that's usable in school.

 

Using scanners (they seem to be a mistery to many people here).

 

Stuff to look for while fault logging.

[TronXP]

copy and paste,drag and drop, unbelievable how many people don't get it

[TechMonkey]

Looks like we all think along the same lines. Got the copy paste, move conundrum, files & shortcuts.

[AngryTechnician]

When to click and when to double-click. Also, that when we say "click" instead of "right-click", that implicitly means "left-click".

[Dom_]

They can google in the google toolbar, without googling google then going to google and googling.

[Domino]

The most useful one would be to show them how to find the name of the server/share they're using (not the drive letter) as well as to note error messages.

 

the bane of my life is 'I got an error'

[stevenwba]

 

Using scanners (they seem to be a mistery to many people here).

 

 

the amount of times ive done lessons in using the scanner for staff, but it doesnt matter how many times you show them how to use it, because they just want someone else to do it for them lol

[Dom_]

What a base unit, monitor, keyboard and mouse are and what each of them does.

[bmdixon]

Keyboard shortcuts/accelerators - just little things like alt + f + s to save instead of having to use the mouse etc.

 

Or just Ctrl + S

[localzuk]

They can google in the google toolbar, without googling google then going to google and googling.

 

An extension to that - you don't have to go to google, and enter a website address into the search box to get to that site. Happens often here.

[bmdixon]

i actually had a teacher complain that the internet wasn't working because she didn't know how to get to google!

[maniac]

The difference between the address bar and a search box. (OK most browsers now automatically search on terms put in the address bar, but it can't help to explain)

 

Difference between logging off and shtting down (come on, how many people shutdown the computer when you ask them to log off instead of just logging off?)

 

Volume control, how to check that the right volumes are turned up (Big problem when people try and play DVDs on their laptop and the laptops only turned up a small bit, so they turn the speakers up loads to compensate so there's then loads of hiss in the background)

 

Using the 'pages from and to' option when printing a PDF or other big document so you only need print the pages you actually need insted of the whole document - most of which then ends up in the bin. You'll be shocked at the number of people who don't know how to do this.

 

Mike.

[superfletch]

Emptying the recycle bin after deleting files (or shift+delete).

How to remap their home drive. (+ how to check they are connected to the network)

Changing proxy settings (if allowed) to use home internet.

Right click on the scroll bar (for instance on the right hand side of IE) and clicking "scroll here" instead of scrolling all the way down the page.

Click in a folder then type the first letter of the file you are looking for to move to files starting with that letter.

Tabs in internet explorer.

Using rules to help sort email (might be a bit advanced).

 

What applications open what files - For instance:

 

Using windows explorer to find files then opening them from there (so the right app opens by default) rather than opening a random application, searching for a file of a different type and wondering why it wont open.

[Ex-MGSTech]

TAB- as in use TAB to move between fields like on the login screen and when completing forms online.

 

Reduce your mouse miles with TAB !

 

Also navigate your PC without a mouse?

[Fuzzz]

Press F1 if you don't know how to do someting in Office (or almost any other Windows program) instead of asking your systems administrator.

 

If you can't find what you need by using the F1-key, try Google instead of asking your systems administrator.

[Mako]

They can google in the google toolbar, without googling google then going to google and googling.

 

Surely googling google breaks the internet?

 

My biggest bugbear is when they don't know how to lock a computer, CTRL+ALT+DEL -> Lock Computer. Too many times in a day I can walk passed a classroom and see an unattended room and computer unlocked, which presents access to Staff directories, files, shared area, SIMS (which is also commonly left logged in) and who knows what else. Get that little piece of knowledge in early, and emphasise it with what they're making available to students by walking out of a room with their computer unlocked.

[Tricky_Dicky]

the amount of times ive done lessons in using the scanner for staff, but it doesnt matter how many times you show them how to use it, because they just want someone else to do it for them lol

 

That and photocopiers!

[UnknownStuntman]

Right click on the scroll bar (for instance on the right hand side of IE) and clicking "scroll here" instead of scrolling all the way down the page.

 

I must admit I never knew that one, very useful

[elsiegee40]

Emptying the recycle bin after deleting files (or shift+delete).

Absolutlely

How to remap their home drive. (+ how to check they are connected to the network)).

Too advanced... I'd rather they didn't get confused with this one

Changing proxy settings (if allowed) to use home internet.).

I'd save this for a how to use your laptop at home session

Right click on the scroll bar (for instance on the right hand side of IE) and clicking "scroll here" instead of scrolling all the way down the page.)

Click in a folder then type the first letter of the file you are looking for to move to files starting with that letter.

Tabs in internet explorer.).

Good ones

Using rules to help sort email (might be a bit advanced).).

Think it's probably for the internediate users session too

 

What applications open what files - For instance:

 

Using windows explorer to find files then opening them from there (so the right app opens by default) rather than opening a random application, searching for a file of a different type and wondering why it wont open.

Another good one

 

My biggest bugbear is when they don't know how to lock a computer, CTRL+ALT+DEL -> Lock Computer. Too many times in a day I can walk passed a classroom and see an unattended room and computer unlocked, which presents access to Staff directories, files, shared area, SIMS (which is also commonly left logged in) and who knows what else. Get that little piece of knowledge in early, and emphasise it with what they're making available to students by walking out of a room with their computer unlocked.

 

Definitely... although it can be a PITA if you are trying to do maintenance/fix a problem and the staff member has gone walkabout

[mac_shinobi]

when leaving sticky notes on the server room door when no member of IT staff are available to give more details then I can't logon or there is a problem with my computer , more details required basically.

 

If you don't restrict the windows key with gpo then maybe some short cuts with the windows key , F3 for searching when you have my computer open and for printing devices have you tried turning it off and on again.

 

how to zoom or un zoom in IE ie ctrl and scroll