Similar to many product-centric firms, Dell Computer has dedicated a great deal of energy in recent years to building up its services business. In addition to a major initiative to become the premier provider of products, services, and integrated solutions in the enterprise space, the PC giant has started to offer online training courses to computer users in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Designed for those looking to enhance or learn new IT skills, the courses can also be taken by non-Dell customers.

Dell says the new service has come from response to demand from customers to help them get the most out of their technology. Similar to all of Dell's products, the instructor-led courses are offered at an affordable price. The packages available now range from learning more about PC applications and operating systems to finance management and personal development, to learning how to edit digital photography. Courses start from £9.99 (inc. VAT) and are available across EMEA immediately.

The greatest attraction of distance learning on your computer is that you can study in the comfort of your own home or even while travelling, such as at an airport. The various training packages can also be taken over a different period of time to suit your schedule. For example, if someone is working full-time and also has a family, they might like to spread out their course over a period of a year. A person who is retired might be able to complete their chosen course within a month. As the training modules can be taken at home, no travel expenses will be incurred.

'Keeping up-to-date with IT software packages like Microsoft's Word and Excel is important to get ahead in work, however other things like learning how to surf the Internet or upload images from digital cameras to PCs are just as important but on a more social level,' commented Tony Reilly, Head of Communications, Dell Services, Dell EMEA. 'Learning how to e-mail, for example, can really help grandparents keep in touch with grandchildren and learning about security on the Internet helps parents ensure their kids are kept safe whilst surfing.'

The courses can be 'purchased' at www.learndell.com/euro/. Once a course is bought, you have up to 12 months to access it and complete. Each training module has post-assessment tests to verify learning success. Course content, development and customer support services are provided in association with Thomson NETg.

BIOS, Jun 08, 05 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Educational