This subject guide will help students who need to learn more about computers and apps like Chrome, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel.  These apps will be required for many courses at Penn Highlands, especially Chrome and Word.  While this course is a helpful tool to get started you should also consider taking our CIT100 Microcomputer Applications class or talking with a tutor for more in-depth help developing your computer skills.

Windows – This section covers the basics of the operating system Windows, which is the most popular operating system in the world and the one you’ll use at most jobs. An operating system controls the way your PC functions and it is where you will access all your applications and the files saved on your PC.

 

 

Google Chrome Web Browser – Web browsers are the apps you use every day to visit different websites. Anytime you go to a website, such as www.amazon.com or www.espn.com you’ll be using a browser. If you have used Google Docs or Microsoft 365 you probably accessed them using a browser. As such, you’ll need to be proficient in using browsers like Google Chrome. Chrome is not a Microsoft App like the others we cover in the course but it’s the most popular browser so we will discuss it here.

Word – Word is one of the most popular apps (also called programs) that you will have to use on your computer. Word lets you write papers like the ones you will turn in for most classes. You will also use Word frequently in most future jobs you will have. Learning to use this program is extremely important.

PowerPoint – PowerPoint is the most popular application for creating visual presentations. PowerPoints are composed of slides that you create to make your presentation.  Each slide conveys a different piece of information for your audience.  You’ll often have to create presentations for online and face-to-face classes.  This will also be an important app to know for future jobs.

Excel – Excel is one of the more difficult apps in Microsoft Office but also one of the most useful.  Excel lets you save information (usually numbers and text) into a large spreadsheet where you can use mathematic formulas to calculate different types of information from those numbers.  For instance, you could add the totals of a set of numbers or calculate the percentage difference of two numbers.  Spreadsheets will be important in business, economics, and some math classes.

Outlook – Outlook is the email app used by Penn Highlands Community College and it is the most popular email app used by most businesses.  This means it is critical for you to learn how to use it for your success in college and the workplace.