Issue and goal

Issue: Most systems are made assuming a specific digital literacy level for the people they are looking to help. They assume what users are supposed to know and use terms that are too difficult to understand for those who do not know these terms, literacy gap (reading comprehension levels) or haven’t used technology before.

Even for a lot of people that have access to technology — the depth to which they use their devices is often limited to social media apps and casual browsing, therefore — this guide aims to introduce people into learning about things that they can do with their devices.

Depth levels aimed to target: Beginners level

Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability:

The collection of resources presented here has been meticulously compiled strictly for educational and informational purposes only. The intent is to serve as a starting point or supplementary material for those interested in the technologies discussed.
It is crucial to understand that these resources DO NOT, and are not intended to, provide a comprehensive, complete, or exhaustive understanding of any specific technology, product, or subject matter mentioned herein Technology and associated fields are complex and constantly evolving; therefore, users are strongly encouraged to pursue deeper, independent research from multiple authoritative sources.

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We wish to state unequivocally that none of the applications, products, projects, companies, or individuals referenced or linked within this compilation are associated with, affiliated with, or sponsor this website or its owner. The inclusion of any resource does not constitute an endorsement, approval, or recommendation of that resource's content, security, utility, or underlying technology by the website owner. Any trademarks, service marks, or company names mentioned belong to their respective owners. Users must conduct their own due diligence before engaging with any third-party product or project listed. The website owner assumes no liability for any actions taken or consequences incurred based on the information provided here.

Summary

This guide is designed for beginners to bridge the digital literacy gap by providing an introduction to practical uses for devices beyond casual browsing. It presents three distinct digital tool "ecosystems" to help users organize their lives and pursue goals: the "Easy Start" (Google), the "Professional Standard" (Microsoft), and the "Private & Free" (LibreOffice). The content compares the platforms across five essential digital functions—file storage, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and note-taking—highlighting the strategic use of each tool, such as using Docs for a Problem Statement or Sheets for a "Degree Inflation Audit".

Whether you use a computer at the library, a smartphone, or a laptop at home, these tools help you organize your life. You don’t need to use all of them—just pick the "ecosystem" that feels easiest for you.

While reading about this, remember this list:

The "Easy Start" (Google): Best if you have a Gmail account and a smartphone. Everything is connected and works in a web browser.
The "Professional Standard" (Microsoft): Best if you are preparing for an office job, as most businesses use these specific versions.
The "Private & Free" (LibreOffice): Best if you want to own your data completely, don't want to pay for a subscription, and often work without the internet.

The Digital Filing Cabinet (File Storage)

This is where you keep your folders, documents, and research so they don’t get lost.

Platform and name: Google - Google Drive

Best for: Beginners who want to access their files from any phone or computer without thinking about "saving."

Link to the platform https://workspace.google.com/products/drive/ >>

Platform and name: Microsoft - OneDrive

Best for: People who are already comfortable with Windows computers and want their files to look like regular computer folders.

Link to the platform https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onedrive/online-cloud-storage >>

Platform and name: LibreOffice - Local Folders

Best for: People who don’t have regular internet or who want to keep their files private on their own physical computer.

Link to how to create a new folder https://ask.libreoffice.org/t/how-do-i-create-new-folder/15256 >>

The Writing & Planning Tool (Word Processing)

Use this for your career goals, writing resumes, and drafting your personal mission statements.

Platform and name: Google - Google Docs

Typing your Problem Statement. It saves every letter you type automatically.

Link to the platform https://workspace.google.com/products/docs/ >>

Platform and name: Microsoft - Word

Creating a professional Resume. It has the most powerful tools for making documents look "perfect."

Link to the platform https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/word >>

Platform and name: LibreOffice - Writer

Writing long guides or notes without needing to be "logged in" to an account.

Link to the platform https://www.libreoffice.org/discover/writer/ >>

The Goal Tracker & Calculator (Spreadsheets)

This is the most powerful part of the system. It does the math to show you if a career choice is a good investment.

Platform and name: Google - Google Sheets

Performing your "Degree Inflation Audit." You can share the link with a mentor to get feedback instantly.

Link to the platform https://workspace.google.com/products/sheets/ >>

Platform and name: Microsoft - Excel

Calculating complex Interest Rates and long-term debt. It is the industry standard for financial data.

Link to the platform https://excel.cloud.microsoft/en-us/?wdOrigin=MARKETING.FREE.GO-TO-EXCEL&culture=en-us&country=us >>

Platform and name: LibreOffice - Calc

Managing your Monthly Budget privately. It works just like Excel but is completely free.

Link to the platform https://www.libreoffice.org/discover/calc/ >>

The Visual Roadmap (Presentations)

Use this to map out your journey or present your findings to your family or a counselor.

Platform and name: Google - Google Slides

Creating a Journey Map. You can drag and drop pictures and arrows to show your 4-year plan.

Link to the platform https://workspace.google.com/products/slides/ >>

Platform and name: Microsoft - PowerPoint

Making a high-quality presentation if you need to "pitch" your career plan for a scholarship.

Link to the platform https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/powerpoint >>

Platform and name: LibreOffice - Impress

Building a simple visual deck of your goals without any monthly subscription fees.

Link to the platform https://www.libreoffice.org/discover/impress/ >>

The Quick-Note & List Maker (Note-Taking)

For capturing ideas on the go before you forget them.

Platform and name: Google - Google Keep

Best for quick voice notes or checklists on a phone.

Link to the platform https://workspace.google.com/products/slides/ >>

Platform and name: Microsoft - OneNote

Best for "Digital Scrapbooking"—it feels like a physical binder with tabs.

Link to the platform https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/powerpoint >>

Platform and name: LibreOffice = N/A

(No direct mobile note app—users typically use the computer "Notepad" or a paper notebook).

Link to the platform: No link

Tutorials

1. Google

In case the video does not play, use the "Open YouTube Tutorial" direct link. When you click this link a new tab on your browser will open (or you YouTube app - depeding on what device you are using to access this website)