Computer Tips for the Hesitant and Fearful

For those who are unfamiliar with computers and want to learn how to use one, don't be afraid. Many of us middle aged folk, the technologically challenged, who never grew up with computers are quite intimidated by them. Anything new and unknown can be uncomfortable at first, but with a little practice and time, the computer really isn't bad at all.

Sometimes annoying and uncooperative, maybe; but like many things, its benefits outweigh any liabilities. Just picture your car. It can break down or give you trouble at times, but it's so useful that you do your best to take care of it so it will be helpful and useful for years to come. Computers are similar. It just takes a little determination to learn, and persistence to improve usage skills.

In 1998, my first computer arrived in the mail from Dell. It was exciting, but I was nervous about setting it up. I'd used computers for data entry at my job but hadn't known much about them otherwise, previous to buying one of my own. Piece by piece, all the components of my desktop were hooked up and installed, thanks to the well-written and color-coded directions that were in the box. It was such a feeling of accomplishment to have the computer up and running in only an hour or so.

During this time, it was very cold and snowy in my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, so I holed up with my new computer and forced myself to learn how to use it. Alone and nervous, I submerged myself in all things pc. Would I blow it up by mistake by doing something dumb? Would it be defective? It was time to swallow my pride, lock the doors and turn off the phone. It was computer learning time.

There are a few ways to make learning the computer more comfortable, if you're a coward like I was. First of all, get acquainted with the toll free help number that is in the literature that comes with the computer. Technical support is only a phone call away, and even if they may leave a lot to be desired at times, they can be a source of valuable reference information.

By asking them detailed questions and taking notes, I learned tricks and procedures that would've cost a lot of money to learn, if taken the conventional way: in school. Another way to learn is to call your local library and see if they offer free computer courses for beginners. Many of them do, nowadays. My mother was terrified of the whole technology thing previously but has swallowed her fear and is now eagerly taking a class on how to do the basic functions and programs of her pc. Her fear is melting away, the more she learns.

Once you begin to feel familiar learning about downloading files, internet usage, and other functions; branch out and try new things. If you have a friend or relative who knows computers pretty well, let them be a resource if you get confused and need help. Make sure to pay attention when someone shows you how to do something. Be careful; not to rely too heavily on computer expert friends, or they may run for the hills if you keep bugging them.

Learning programs, and navigating files or folders takes practice and endless trial and error. Let yourself make mistakes, get frustrated, cuss, and eventually triumph over each phase of your learning. It feels really good to conquer a problem, then another. In time, all that knowledge snowballs and becomes your troubleshooting arsenal. You'll begin to rely less on help from others and gain confidence.

In time, what seemed hard becomes amazingly easy. Then, you learn something more difficult, and progress from there. It's one big additive process. In no time, you'll be surfing the web, doing your taxes or renewing your lisence plates online.

If you don't know how to type, buy a program for the computer to teach yourself in a self-guided course. My computer came with Mavis Beacon's "Teach Yourself to Type," and though I've been typing since the age of 15, it's still useful for me now. It lets you time your typing speed, test yourself for accuracy and other skill enhancing lessons.

Whatever you're learning, remember, you can take it at your own pace. It's comforting to know that help is around when you need it, and that your computer will be a wonderful tool for research, keeping in contact with friends and family and much more. After emerging from my winter-long computer learning coma, I was pasty white and a little bug-eyed, but knowledgeable about multiple programs like Photoshop, Word, Excel and others.

Years later, my skills are at an advanced level and even have my own website. It's not impossible, and no, your computer won't blow up. Let yourself dive into the great computer unknown. In time, you'll really be glad that you did.