Computer Competencies

All students are required to have certain computer competencies before entering the program. IS coursework will not provide remedial training. Instructors will assume that you have the following skills on the first day of class.

Basic Computer Operation, Maintenance and Troubleshooting

  • Familiarity with a computer operating system (Windows or MacOS)
  • Ability to turn on and turn off computers properly
  • Ability to install, launch, close and uninstall programs on computers
  • Ability to create, copy, rename, move and delete folders/directories
  • Ability to save, copy, rename, move and delete files
  • Ability to find files and folders/directories
  • Ability to perform basic computer troubleshooting and maintenance, including virus scanning, disk cleanup and defragmentation, and system restore

Office Productivity

  • Familiarity with a word processing program, such as Microsoft Office Word
  • Familiarity with a spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft Office Excel
  • Familiarity with a presentation program, such as Microsoft Office PowerPoint
  • Ability to open and read PDF files using a tool like Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Ability to create PDF files from office productivity tools
  • Ability to create and use multimedia, including digital images, audios and videos

Networking and Communication

  • Ability to connect and disconnect computers and cell phones to/from wired or wireless/Wi-Fi networks
  • Ability to navigate the web using a standard browser
  • Ability to send and receive email
  • Ability to use an Internet conferencing tool such as Zoom
  • Ability to use a cloud computing tool such as Google Docs for collaborative work
  • Ability to use a cloud storage tool like Box or Google Drive

UB-Specific Computing Tools

  • Familiarity with UBmail and UB Learns
  • Ability to search UB Library resources through its Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC)
  • Familiarity with the HUB system and its functions, including course registration, drop off, withdrawal and resignation
  • Ability to locate UB IT and GSE IT Policies

Information Literacy

  • Ability to access UB Libraries databases related to information and library science
  • Ability to search databases efficiently and effectively
  • Ability to browse, navigate, and search resources on the web
  • Ability to evaluate the quality and authenticity of print and online resources

Suggested Resources