How essential are computer skills in non-technical academia today?

I completed a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering as well as a BA and MA in History in the 1970s. I completed my PhD in Mechanical Engineering in the 1990s. All of this was done before basic computer skills were considered “essential”.

My knowledge of computers is perhaps at the level of an 8 year old, and not a very bright one at that. I seem to have a “mental block” about learning more computer skills other than e-mail, web-surfing and AutoCAD. I can’t even “cut and paste” or “import” pictures.

How much computer knowledge and skill would be expected of me to pursue a PhD in History? I already have a partially completed thesis (hand written) from the early 1980s and already meet the language requirement.

At this point, I’m not intending to teach, but only want the credentials to lend “weight” to any articles I may write.