Learning to Use a Computer 19 - Use Built-in Help Tools

This guide covers learning to use a computer 19 - use built-in help tools with practical context and easy-to-follow details. Use it to understand the subject and apply the information confidently.

Different programs will also integrate help features in a variety of ways. Some are like interactive tutorials that come with the program that you can open with the menu, while others are just links to the developer support site, but they are all in common. Created with the same purpose, it is to help you learn about the features of the program and solve problems that arise during use.

How to Access the Built-in Help Tools.

Most programs support one of the following two ways so you can access the built-in help tools. For example, Adobe Photoshop Elements has a Help menu with many different options. Many of these options are links that will lead to Adobe's online support site and can be opened with your web browser, while other options access features that are opened immediately in the program itself.

Some other programs have their own help button, usually near the upper right corner of the window and have a question mark icon. For example, Microsoft Office 2013 has a small question mark icon in the upper right corner, which helps open help files.

Features of Help File

Help files can be arranged in a variety of ways, including table of contents, frequently asked questions or searchable databases.

The search box is a useful tool that you will see when opening a help window in Office 2013. Like other regular search engines, you enter keywords into the search bar and it displays the topics that are available. Related to the keyword you entered.

The index for Mozilla's support page is a large list of categories in the form of hyperlinks. Clicking on any of these hyperlinks will lead to a narrower list of topics and specific help articles for each issue. There will also be a search bar at the top right for you to find information related to the problem you have.

Although the built-in help tools may be useful, it does not always contain all the information you need. If you are unable to find information for the problem you are experiencing or do not really understand the information provided, you can ask the experts, search on Google (especially shows). Sharing experience using a computer) or contacting the publisher directly. It can take a bit more time and effort, but learning how to find solutions to problems is a very skill valuable not only in your work but also in your life.