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 account 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

Technology Buying Guide (GCFlearnfree.org)
PC Magazine Desktop Reviews
PC Magazine Tablet Reviews
PC Magazine Cell Phone Reviews

Computer Basics​

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

Using​ a Windows PC​

Windows 7, 8, and 10 Tutorials (GCFlearnfree.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​

Mac - OS X Versions (GCFlearnfree.org)
MacOS Support (Apple)
​Using a Mac - OS X (DigitalLearn.org)

Using a Chromebook​

Chromebook Basics (GCFlearnfree.org)
Chromebook Help Center (Google)

Using Tablets and Smartphones​

iPad Basics (GCFlearnfree.org)
iPad Support (Apple)
iPhone Basics (GCFlearnfree.org)
iPhone Support (Apple)​
Android Basics (GCFlearnfree.org)
Android OS Help (Google)
Windows 10 on a Tablet (GCFlearnfree.org)
Windows 10 Mobile Help (Microsoft)
Amazon Device Help (Amazon)

Internet Basics​

Introduction to the Internet (Techboomers.com)
Internet Basics (GCFLearnfree.org)
Navigating a Website (DigitalLearn.org)

Using Internet Browsers​

Internet Explorer (GCFLearnfree.org)
Chrome (GCFLearnfree.org)
Edge for Windows 10 (GCFLearnfree.org)
Firefox (GCFLearnfree.org)
Safari for Apple computers (GCFlearnfree.org)

​Internet Searching

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

Internet Safety​

Introduction to Internet Safety (Techboomers.com)
Internet Privacy Course (Techboomers.com)
Passwords Course (Techboomers.com)
Online Safety (GCFlearnfree.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 (Techboomers.com)
Gmail (GCFlearnfree.org)
Gmail Support Center (Google)

Microsoft Office

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

Facebook​

Facebook Course (Techboomers.com)
Facebook 101 (GCFlearnfree.org)
Intro to Facebook (DigitalLearn.org)
Facebook Help Center (Facebook)

Snapchat​

Snapchat Basics (GCFlearnfree.org)
Snapchat Course (Techboomers.com)
​Snapchat Support (Snapchat)

Instagram​​

Introduction to Instagram (Techboomers.com)
Instagram (GCFlearnfree.org)

Pinterest​

Pinterest (GCFlearnfree.org)
Introduction to Pinterest (Techboomers.com)
Pinterest Help Center (Pinterest)

Twitter​

Twitter Basics Course (Techboomer.com)
​Twitter (GCFlearnfree.org)

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Basics (GCFLearnfree.org)
​​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.