Human interaction with computer software has changed dramatically over the last few years. Users deal with huge software application suites such as Microsoft Office and the Adobe graphics programs. These may be on a local computer or hosted on a company server or even through the internet.
Much daily interaction software is through the internet such as the social media applications FaceBook and Twitter. Businesses purchase new software and expect all staff to use it, but often they don't offer training. Software companies consider themselves under commercial pressures to issue new versions of operating systems and applications every few months and each new software suite seems to contain one or two new applications.
How does the user keep up with all the changes? Many people when faced with a new or upgraded application struggle with the changes in the user interface until they can perform the tasks that they need. But what are they missing? Even if they become content that they can do what is necessary, is it the most efficient way?
Lynda.com Video Software Training
Lynda.com is an online training company that supplies video training on various software products. It is subscription-based at surprisingly reasonable rates. A basic subscription costs $25 per month which gives access to every training video on the service. A premium subscription for $37.50 per month supports these training videos with downloadable exercise files. For people who are likely to be longer term users of the service, annual subscriptions of $250 and $375 respectively offer savings over the monthly subscription. Corporate and academic licensing is also available.
A Wide Range of Online Skills Training
So what does a user get for the money? Lynda.com currently has around 200 applications separated into more than 42,000 online training videos on its web site.
Using Microsoft Excel as an example, it is segmented into 13 different top-level topics that cover Excel 2003, Excel 2007, and Excel for Mac 2008, for a total of around 37 hours of training. Opening the Excel 2007 Essential Training segment exposes 87 separate topic videos of around four to six minutes each. These are arranged in a logical flow from the basic layout and interaction with the interface to working with pivot tables and macros. The topics are stand-alone where possible although the more complex topics must rely on knowledge gained from previously viewed topics.
Hardware and Communication Requirements
There are minimum hardware and communication requirements to use the service of course. A minimum screen resolution of 1024 X 768 and modern versions of operating systems and internet browsers.
A fast Internet connection is needed for the best results although for slower connections there is always the capability of downloading the video stream before playing it so that playback will be continuous.
Videos and Presenters
In use, the videos are clear and the presenters are professional. They explain basic operations without ever talking down to more experienced users. The four to six minute length of each is perfect for the user that wants to quickly learn or review a particular topic. As each topic is visited, it is checked off to indicate what the user has already covered. It can remember where the user is when leaving the site, and return to that point when logging in later. The videos are categorized by subject, by application name, by vendor, and even by presenter.
Training Products Offered
Here is a brief review of the product offerings on Lynda.com.
- Operating Systems - Interaction with Windows and Apple operating systems is described, including videos detailing how to update to a newer OS or switch between different platforms.
- General Application Training - There is a wide range of both popular and not so well-known computer applications. The Microsoft Office suite and the Adobe range of products is well supported across many different versions. For example, Adobe Flash has videos covering versions 5, 8, MX, MX 2004, CS3, and CS4. Apple products are also well-served with the iWork and the iLife applications.
- Web-Based Software Training - Google products such as Sketchup and Docs and blogging applications such as Blogger and Wordpress.
- Business Software Training - Microsoft Office has already been mentioned. Complex business process applications such as SharePoint, Groove and InfoPath are covered in detail.
- Social Media Application Training - Using Facebook and Twitter for general social purposes, including how to use them for business promotion.
Summary
Lynda.com offers exceptional software training. The product range is extensive, the videos are professionally produced, and the $25 per month fee is reasonable for the small business or even the individual wishing to improve their skills and their marketability to employers.
Roger Tunsley - Roger has been a professional writer for over 25 years and is now enjoying the life of a freelance writer. Until August of 2009, Roger was ...
