Just received an OPEQ device, or simply looking to improve your digital skills? This centre is for you. Whether you are an individual, a community organization, or someone looking for work, you will find reliable, practical, and accessible resources here, selected by the OPEQ team.
GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR NEW COMPUTER
For beginners and people reconnecting with technology
Getting started with Windows. Microsoft offers free official guides to help you learn to use your computer step by step, from turning it on to customizing your desktop. Windows getting started guides → support.microsoft.com/en-ca/training
Learn to type. Free exercises to improve your speed and accuracy, at your own pace, with QWERTY keyboard available. TypingClub – free typing course → typingclub.com
Understanding the basics of the internet. Guides for browsing, searching effectively, and identifying reliable websites, published by the Government of Canada. Cybersecurity for the general public → cyber.gc.ca
PROTECTING YOUR COMPUTER AND YOUR DATA
Essential for all levels
Creating a strong password. A good password is long, unique, and different for each account. Use a free password manager like Bitwarden to remember them for you. Bitwarden – free password manager → bitwarden.com
Activating Windows Hello. Windows 10 and 11 allow you to unlock your computer using facial recognition or a fingerprint, with no password required. How to activate Windows Hello → support.microsoft.com
Protecting yourself from online scams. How to recognize a fraudulent email, avoid fake websites, and protect your personal information. Don’t take the bait → cyber.gc.ca
Practical online security tips. The national Get Cyber Safe campaign offers simple guides to protect your devices, your Wi-Fi, and your personal information. Get Cyber Safe → getcybersafe.gc.ca
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR COMPUTER
Practical tips to make the most of your equipment
Extending your laptop battery life. Reducing screen brightness, turning off Bluetooth, and closing unused applications are the first steps. Microsoft’s complete guide. Save battery in Windows → support.microsoft.com
Speeding up your computer. Disabling programs that start automatically and freeing up disk space are the first steps to take. Improve Windows performance → support.microsoft.com
Essential keyboard shortcuts. Ctrl+C to copy, Ctrl+V to paste, Ctrl+Z to undo, Alt+Tab to switch between windows, Windows+L to lock your session. The complete list of useful shortcuts. Windows keyboard shortcuts → support.microsoft.com
BUILDING SKILLS FOR EMPLOYMENT
For people looking for work or going through a career transition
Mastering Microsoft 365. Word, Excel, Outlook — these tools are required in the majority of jobs. Microsoft offers free training in French and English, at your own pace. Microsoft Learn – free training → learn.microsoft.com
Creating a professional LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is the essential network for job searching in Quebec. The help centre guides you through building an effective profile. LinkedIn Help Centre → linkedin.com/help
Searching for jobs online. The main job platforms in Quebec for browsing and applying effectively. Jobs – Emploi-Québec → emploiquebec.gouv.qc.ca
Free online training. Dozens of free courses in various fields, from beginner to advanced level. Coursera – free courses → coursera.org
MANAGING YOUR ORGANIZATION DIGITALLY
For community organization managers
Free collaborative tools for non-profits. Microsoft 365 is available free of charge or at very low cost to eligible non-profit organizations through the Microsoft for Nonprofits program. Microsoft for Nonprofits → microsoft.com/en-ca/nonprofits
Securing your organization’s data. A practical cybersecurity guide for small organizations, published by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. Cybersecurity for organizations → cyber.gc.ca
DISCOVERING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Understanding, exploring, and using AI in everyday life
What is artificial intelligence? A clear and accessible introduction created by the University of Helsinki, with no prerequisites in mathematics or programming, available in English and French. Elements of AI – free course → elementsofai.com
Using AI to help in daily life. Tools like Microsoft Copilot or Claude can help you write an email, summarize a document, translate text, or prepare for a job interview. Free and accessible from your browser. Microsoft Copilot → copilot.microsoft.com Claude → claude.ai
Understanding the limits and risks of AI. AI can make mistakes and generate inaccurate information. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security offers resources to help you understand AI-related risks. AI and cybersecurity → cyber.gc.ca
Free AI training. Short, free courses to understand and use AI in a professional or personal context. Elements of AI → elementsofai.com Microsoft Learn – AI and Copilot → learn.microsoft.com Coursera – AI for Everyone → coursera.org
Have a resource to suggest?
Do you know of a tool, guide, or free training that belongs here? Write to us.
Send us a suggestion → info@opeq.qc.ca
