While the introduction of computers into today’s society has undoubtedly changed the way that most parts of the world now work, there are still many people who simply haven’t embraced this movement when it comes to their own personal computer usage. For many people, their biggest concern is that using a computer will require them to become a full fledged computer geek in order to actually use one the way it is intended.
The good news is that no one needs to dedicate his life to knowing every intricacy of computer usage or learning high tech skills like programming and hacking. In fact, many of the most competent computer users who use technology each and every day know only the absolute basics of using a computer. Learning just a few essential computer skills will prepare most people for using a computer for basic tasks, which will make their lives much easier and more efficient.
Many people fear computers because they assume that to use one proficiently they must first be a computer geek. They often avoid learning to use the computer — purely out of fear. This fear is actually quite common, especially with older adults.
However, people who truly believe they need to become full-on computer aficionados in order to even think about using a computer can learn computer basics through local classes, books, CD’s, and other opportunities. A lot of people find that learning to use a computer is much like learning to drive a car. It can seem very confusing and overwhelming at first and feels as if things are moving too fast, but over time using a computer will become second nature.
Like learning to drive a car, you don’t need to know all of the complicated
inner workings of a car, nor do you need to know all of the complex electronics of a computer the way computer geeks do. You may not know how to fix a carburetor or even how to change a tire, but you can still drive your car to work and back. The same holds true with using a computer: you don’t have to know everything about computers to get what you need from using one.
Learning the basics of computer usage, such as the following, is often enough knowledge for most computer users to be able to operate a computer efficiently. Computer basics include:
- navigating your desktop
- using a word processing program to type documents
- sending and receiving e-mail
- accessing the internet
However, if technology is new to you or someone you are helping, learning how a computer operates can be tricky. This is why it is important to keep calm; everyone learns at his own pace. To satisfactorily learn the basics of using a computer it takes the process of exploring and trial and error. With patience and some slow and pressure-free learning you will find that integrating computer usage into your everyday life can be easy. Plus you will learn that you don’t need to be a geek!
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