One of the handy features of The Family History Guide is the Computer Basics section. It’s primarily designed for those who are new to computers, or those who want to improve their basic computing skills for family history. Yes, there are even steps to show you how to turn a computer on or off (although beginners would likely need a printout of the instructions or a helper, since they wouldn’t be reading them online yet). There are plenty of step-by-step tutorials for PC and Mac basics, browsing the Internet, etc.

OK, that’s great stuff for the beginners, but what about the rest of us who are past that point? That’s where the “other side” of Computer Basics comes in … with Google Apps, social media tools, and more.

Google Apps

Most likely you are already skilled at using email, but what about Google Apps? Project 2 (Email, Gmail, and Google Apps) in Computer Basics helps you learn the following useful (and free) apps:

• Google Calendar is a handy and powerful way to stay digitally organized and synchronize to-do lists and events online.
• Google Docs lets you create and share word processing documents online. It has many of the features of Microsoft Word, and you can even see changes that others are typing in shared docs.
• Google Drive offers you online storage with capabilities for organizing and sharing files.
• Google Sheets is a handy spreadsheet alternative to Microsoft Excel, with many of its basic features included.
• Google Slides helps you design and create presentation slide decks, similar to Microsoft PowerPoint.

These Google apps can help you with daily tasks in your family history, as well as collaborating with others. Also, don’t forget Gmail, a free email package that is becoming increasingly popular around the world.

Social Media

Social media is proving to be a great boon for doing and sharing family history. If you’re late to the game in social media or simply want to improve your skills, the Computer Basics offers links to useful tutorials for the following tools:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

More Learning Tools

In Computer Basics, you can also learn about a variety of PC and Mac applications, as well as getting up to speed on mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones.

Check out the “other side” of Computer Basics and see what else there is to learn!