Assess Your Computer Skills

New to computers or need to refresh your skills? Use the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment tool to decide which online courses (listed below) or in-person computer classes to take.​​​​​

LinkedIn Learning Online Courses

Use your library card to access hundreds of great online courses on a wide range of topics including computer-aided design (CAD), photo editing, computer programming, web development and Microsoft Office applications. Most courses offer certificates of completion you can print or post to your social media profiles.

​​​Browse Topics​

Tech Buying Guides

• PC Magazine Desktop Reviews
• PC Magazine Tablet Reviews
• PC Magazine Cell Phone Reviews

Computer Basics​

• Getting Started on a Computer (DigitalLearn.org)
• Computer Basics (learnfree.org)
• Basic Computer Skills (learnfree.org)
• Mouse Tutorial (learnfree.org)
• Typing Tutorial (learnfree.org)

Using​ a Windows PC​

• Windows 7, 8, and 10 Tutorials (learnfree.org)
• Windows 7 Help (Microsoft)
• Using a PC - Windows 7 (DigitalLearn.org)
• Windows 8.1 Help (Microsoft)
• Windows 10 Help (Microsoft)
• Using a PC - Windows 10 (DigitalLearn.org)
• Disability Answer Desk (Microsoft)

Using a Mac Computer​

• MacOS Support (Apple)
• ​Using a Mac - OS X (learnfree.org)

Using a Chromebook​

• Chromebook Help Center (Google)

Using Tablets and Smartphones​

• iPad Support (Apple)
• iPhone Support (Apple)​
• Android OS Help (Google)
• Windows 10 Mobile Help (Microsoft)
• Amazon Device Help (Amazon)

Internet Basics​

• Introduction to the Internet (TechLifeUnity.com)
• Internet Basics (learnfree.org)
• Navigating a Website (DigitalLearn.org)

Using Internet Browsers​

• Chrome (learnfree.org)

​Internet Searching

• Internet Basics: Using Search Engines (learnfree.org)
• Search Better (learnfree.org)
• Basic Search (DigitalLearn.org)

Internet Safety​

• Introduction to Internet Safety (TechLifeUnity.com)
• Internet Privacy Course (TechLifeUnity.com)
• Passwords Course (TechLifeUnity.com)
• Online Safety (learnfree.org)
• Accounts and Passwords (DigitalLearn.org)
• Online Scams (DigitalLearn.org)
• Internet Privacy (DigitalLearn.org)
• Virtual Privacy Lab​ (San Jose Public Library)

Getting Started with Email

• Intro to Email (DigitalLearn.org)
• Intro to Email 2: Beyond the Basics (DigitalLearn.org)
• Gmail Tutorials (TechLifeUnity.com)
• Gmail ((learnfree.org)
• Gmail Support Center (Google)

Microsoft Office

• Free Office Tutorials (learnfree.org)
• Microsoft Office Help (Microsoft)
• Disability Answer Desk​ (Microsoft)​

Facebook​

• Facebook Course (TechLifeUnity.com)
• Intro to Facebook (DigitalLearn.org)
• Facebook Help Center (Facebook)

Snapchat​

• Snapchat Course (TechLifeUnity.com)
• ​Snapchat Support (Snapchat)

Instagram​​

• Introduction to Instagram (TechLifeUnity.com)

Pinterest​

• Introduction to Pinterest (TechLifeUnity.com)
• Pinterest Help Center (Pinterest)

X (Formerly Twitter​)

• Twitter Basics Course (TechLifeUnity.com)
   

LinkedIn

• ​LinkedIn Help (LinkedIn)

Coding

• Code Academy - Learn CSS, JavaScript, APIs, web design, and more. 
• Code.org - free online tutorials in the format of games and puzzles.
• Free Code Camp​ - free tutorials on HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, and more.

​​Computer-aided Design (for 3D printers and more)

• Tinkercad.com
• Onshape.com​

Other Resources​​

• Cisco Network Academy - Courses backed by learning science and Cisco expertise.
• Coursera - Computer Science​ - Courses taught by faculty at universities and organizations from around the world. 
• Edx - Computer Science​ - Courses from U.S. Ivy League schools. 
• Khan Academy - Computing​ - Free instructional videos and exercises on HTML, CSS, JavaScript and more.
• Microsoft Learn - Hands-on training, and certifications to help you get the most from Microsoft products.