Most jobs now involve a computer. Even small ones.
Yet many adults never learned the basics properly. They picked things up by guessing.
That works until it does not. A lost file. A strange email. A form that will not submit.
This checklist shows what you should be able to do. Tick what you can already do. Fix the rest.
How to use this checklist
- Give yourself 1 point for every skill you can do without asking for help.
- Be honest. Nobody sees your score but you.
- Add up your points at the end. Your score shows where to start.
Typing and the keyboard
- 1. I can type with all my fingers and look at the screen most of the time. A good first goal is 30 words per minute.
- 2. I know the shortcuts for copy, paste, undo and save.
- 3. I can find special characters such as @, # and & without hunting.
- 4. I can switch between open apps and windows quickly.
Files and folders
- 5. I can save a file in a place where I can find it again.
- 6. I can create folders and name them clearly, for example “2026 Invoices”.
- 7. I can search my computer for a file by name.
- 8. I keep a backup of important files in the cloud or on an external drive.
Email and messages
- 9. I can write a clear email with a subject line, a greeting and a sign off.
- 10. I know when to use Reply, Reply all and Forward, and I can attach a file.
- 11. I can spot a suspicious email before I click anything.
Warning signs to watch for:
- Urgent threats, such as “Your account will close today”
- A sender address that looks strange
- Spelling mistakes
- A link whose address does not match the company
The internet
- 12. I can search with specific words, and put quotes around an exact phrase.
- 13. I can tell a trustworthy website from a doubtful one. Check who runs it, and whether other sources agree.
- 14. I can download a file safely and I know where it went.
Documents and spreadsheets
- 15. I can write a document with headings, bold text and bullet points.
- 16. I can type numbers into a spreadsheet and add them with SUM.
- 17. I can save a document as a PDF.
Sharing, meetings and safety
- 18. I can join a video call, mute myself and share my screen.
- 19. I can share a file with a link and choose who can view or edit it.
- 20. I use strong, different passwords, and I know what two step sign in does.
Your score
| Score | What it means | Start with |
|---|---|---|
| 17 to 20 | A strong base | Pick a skill to grow. Click here |
| 12 to 16 | Good, with a few gaps | Fix the gaps with the plan below |
| 7 to 11 | Needs focus | Follow the full 4 week plan |
| 0 to 6 | A fresh start, and that is fine | Begin with week 1 and use the manual |
A 4 week fix plan
Spend 15 to 20 minutes a day.
- Week 1: Typing and shortcuts (items 1 to 4)
- Week 2: Files, folders and backup (items 5 to 8)
- Week 3: Email and the internet (items 9 to 14)
- Week 4: Documents, spreadsheets, sharing and safety (items 15 to 20)
At the end of each week, take a free practice quiz and see what stuck.
Your next step
Choose one:
- Take a free practice quiz and test your basics.
- Get the Starter Skills Training Manual and work through the gaps in plain language.
- Join our community to ask questions and learn with others.
- Explore our Basic ICT course. It takes 3 months. Learn live online, with recorded video, or in person.
Quick answers
Do I need all 20 for every job?
Not every job needs all 20. But these are the base most employers expect.
How long does it take to learn the basics?
A month of short daily practice closes many gaps.
Can I practice on a phone?
You can practice email and search on a phone. For files, documents and spreadsheets, a computer is better.
About LAskill
LAskill began in 2020 as a 12 day WhatsApp class that taught 12 digital skills.
Today it is a learning community that helps people everywhere discover a skill, learn it, and use it.