If you browse around the pages of this website you'll discover dedicated pages featuring all these areas - plus the accreditation tracks that are involved - to help you check things out a bit more. However, our Free Lollypedia E-Book provides you with in depth advice, as well as access to our training experts.

Those at the absolute beginning of their computer literacy learning curve should go for the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). Almost all home PCs carry a system referred to as Microsoft Windows, and the 'ECDL' talks about the way to run it's basic elements. You will also learn about web browsers (so that you can log onto the net,) plus email software (so you can keep in touch with friends.) You will also be taught the basic principles of word processing plus a little about what databases & spreadsheets are used for.

Moving things on a stage further, you may be looking for more professional coaching to improve your employment prospects. A specialist working knowledge of Microsoft Office is the next obvious move. The main accreditations are the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) or the 'Microsoft Certified Application Specialist' (MCAS.) Whilst the first emphasises the MS 'Office' 2003 environment in Windows 'XP', the latter is based around Windows Vista & Office 2007. XP continues to be most commonly used within industry, but 'Vista' may be more future-proof. Both certification paths contain their own exams across the major Microsoft Office applications: "Word", Excel, PowerPoint and "Access" - for word processing, spread-sheets, presentations & 'databases'. The benefit of having these certifications is that they prove your in depth competency level at working with these packages.

A competent and specialised consultant (in contrast with a salesperson) will want to thoroughly discuss your current level of ability and experience. This is paramount to understanding your starting level of study. With a little real-world experience or some accreditation, you may find that your starting point is different from a beginner. Working through a basic PC skills module first may be the ideal way to start into your IT training, but really depends on your level of familiarity with computers.

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