HighTechMomsClub.com

When I need to learn how to use software I just dive in. Install the program. Toss the manual aside. Fire up the computer and start using it. This method has worked for me since I taught myself Word Perfect for DOS in the 80s. Now I’ve moved up to Adobe CS2 programs and my learning style is not getting me as far as I need to as quickly as I need to.

My CS2 software package included a sample training CD from Total Training. Surprisingly, I discovered that I love learning by video. It is a totally different experience than reading the manual. I learned InDesign in an afternoon.

This week I needed to upgrade my GoLive CS2 skills quickly and the sample CD only had a short session on the web building software. Thankfully, I found Lynda.com. An online training center that made me feel like I found a buried treasure. Lynda is a membership site. Members get instant access to hundreds of video training courses. Thousands of hours of training at my fingertips - right now.

I signed up. Took a couple quick lessons in GoLive and I was on my way. This weekend I plan to take the whole 10-something hours of the course. During the rest of the month I will probably make the best use of my membership and take some Illustrator classes too.

Lynda.com was a lifesaver and great value. If you need to learn software, give it a try. Total Training’s CDs are great too, but they cost a lot more and they are not here instantly. Lynda is also a brilliant business model.