How much space should you dedicate to your computer skills? Resume real estate is valuable. However, no matter how tight the space, skills are important. You can list computer skills at the end of your resume and/or interweave them in accomplishments, but you should not omit them.
You should always include all of the skills you have used in the last 10 years that you will use in the future. Outdated computer skills (for example, familiarity with Wordstar) are not likely to be helpful. But there is no way for the employer to know if you are familiar with Microsoft Office unless you mention that in your resume. You get credit for the skills you list on the resume; and it could cost you a job if you fail to mention a computer skill that the job listing or advertisement specifically mentioned. By contrast, it will never cost you a job to include a skill you were not asked for.
For many job applicants, especially IT professionals, merely listing a computer skill is not sufficient. You should also provide examples of how you used the skill on the job. You want to show that you not only have computer skills, but know how to use them to the benefit of your employer. From successfully meeting a deadline to selecting and implementing the right software tools, you want to show how your computer skills and knowledge increased efficiency, reliability, productivity, cooperation, or return on investment for your previous employers.
If you find that job postings and advertisements consistently request skills you do not have, consider taking a course in computer skills you lack or changing your job search. When the request for a skill (for example, familiarity with Salesforce) appears across multiple company job postings, you cannot ignore its importance in your chosen career.
With my own background developing software applications, I am very aware of the role of computer skills and knowledge in a resume. Please contact me for help in writing a resume that correctly highlights your skills.