Computer technology training is provided in several forms. Computer technology training is part of several school programs. In schools however, advanced computer technology training is seldom provided. What is provided, rather, is a basic training to be able to use some features of a computer like word-processing, being able to surf the internet, sending an email, etc. For more advanced computer technology training like programming in languages like Java and C or web page designing, one usually enrolls for a higher course in colleges and universities or other institutions like computer training centers. In addition, if one has a basic knowledge of computers, one can acquire specialized skills from researching through the internet. Special software, available for download online (either paid or free), and software available on CDs and DVDs also provide computer training. But that is not a conventional method of advanced computer technology training. Such advanced training is provided through full time courses at colleges and is usually termed computer science or computer engineering.

            The two branches of training being talked about are widely different. Whereas, computer science or computer engineering is a highly specialized form of study, computer training so as to be able to use a computer is relatively simple and is by far the more popular form of computer training. This popular form of computer technology training is becoming increasingly more important as computers become more popular and are used in almost all forms of activities from banking to shopping to accounting to publishing and so on and so forth. In a world where increasingly everything is being computerized, knowledge of handling computers is deemed essential for most job applications.

            Computer technology is advancing rapidly and hence computer users need to keep updating their knowledge of computer technology. Being able to use the latest operating system (usually the latest version of Windows) is one of the first conditions that one needs to satisfy. Unless one keeps working on computers which are updated fairly regularly with the latest software, one falls back into the abyss of unfamiliarity with computer technology.

            Computer technology training is also provided by some companies to their fresh recruits as part of their employee training program. Also, some colleges provide computer training to their fresh students as they require assignments and other academic work to be done using a computer and hence provide such training to fresh students who are unfamiliar with such computer technology.

            Training about hardware is usually part of only computer science and computer engineering. A basic introduction to the various hardware components of a computer system is obviously part of even the simpler computer training programs but that is where such training about hardware ends in such programs. More details about the intricacies of chips and processors are not considered relevant to using a computer and are hence excluded from such training. The basic nature of such courses is so that first time learners are not inundated with the intricacies of a computer and left flummoxed. For people below 50 in 2008, computer training is usually considered necessary for a large variety of jobs.