Issue 1.12
I spend about a quarter of my time learning new things about computers, how to fix them and how to make the programs and features on them work. I understand how frustrating it can be when you don’t know how to do what you are pretty sure the computer is capable of.
Luckily, there are many ways to gain experience and knowledge. A great example is the wonderful network of computer users that are interested in genealogy. If this is an area of interest for you, there are many people who would love to take the time to sit with you and show you how to do things, tricks of the trade and shortcuts to help you have fun, be successful and effective at researching your family tree.
In other areas, it is a little harder. If you want to learn how to program spreadsheets, create great documents (brochures, advertisements, etc.), edit pictures or create printed books of family photos to give to all your relatives, it can be quite a process. Likewise if you are trying to run a business, set up a website or create a database of information for yourself or others.
Trial and error can teach you a lot, but it does come with a cost of time, frustration and sometimes lost files or money. There are at least four ways I have found to learn what you need to know before starting a new project or solving a new problem.
The first is to search for information on-line. You can “google” or type basic words about your question into a search engine such as Google, Ask, Bing or any number of others. This will present you with a list of websites that may (or may not) address the information you are looking for. Realize going in that much of what you find will not help you and some of it may be wrong or even intentionally misleading. That makes it important to check a number of sources before you decide which ones are reliable.
The second is to take a class. The local colleges offer excellent courses on computers and on individual programs. There is a cost in time and money, but if you need a good overview of a subject, this is a good way to get it. The drawback is that, often you will have to sit through a lot of information that you don’t care about to pick up the little bit that you do want to know. The same is true of classes offered by computer stores. They have to teach a broad range to get enough students to make the class viable, but specifics are a little hard to come by.
The third approach is to buy a book and learn what you can. There are many good books and even series of books such as the “(insert topic here) for dummies” books. They try to keep the information simple and straightforward, and depending on the author, they often do it pretty well. I have seen some of them that were not very helpful for people with specific questions, however as their organization and reference sections are sometimes not organized very well.
Finally (as with the genealogy example) is the one-on-one or personal approach. For most people this is the most effective and efficient way to learn what you need to know and is often less expensive than taking a class because you are addressing your needs specifically, hopefully with someone that not only knows the subject but is good at teaching it. You can do it on your own computer and have them guide you so you actually learn by doing. This is the approach that I use with my clients and it seems to be the way they learn best.
In any case, ask for advice if you need it, and always remember to back up anything important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 30 years, 20 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or through his website at www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.