Issue 1.14
Many people received tech oriented gifts for Christmas this year but a lot of our readers will take them out of the box and then wonder how to use them. You are not alone. The strange truth is that a lot of the new tech toys and tech tools don’t come with printed manuals. Usually there will be a “quick-start guide” that has a few pages outlining the names and positions of the buttons and any power or connection ports, but very little else.
The fact is that most of the manufacturers are not thinking of those of us who grew up with detailed manuals sharing pictures and instructions that we could read through and begin to understand the products we purchased. They aim their products at the high-school and college age young people and figure that they will teach each other how to use them. We who have been around a few years don’t often have that luxury and we have to read up to get the most out of the products we buy or receive.
The good news is that you don’t have to take a college course or hire a high school student to live with you for a few weeks while they show you the tricks behind the new gadgets. There are resources available that you can read and learn from in almost all cases. They are just not printed and included in the box.
In the case of computers, most people can use a Windows XP, Vista or 7 Operating System (OS) computer if they have had any experience on computers in the past. If they need instruction and guidance, they can usually hire someone to show them around and get things working which should take about an hour – two if they are also hooking up printers, wireless internet and other software or peripheral products like scanners, cameras, etc.
If you are getting acquainted with a Mac or Windows 8 computer for the first time, you will want to schedule some time with someone to train you and help you learn some of the tricks. For the Mac, SimplyMac computer store offers individual training for reasonable prices, but you have to bring your computer into the store unless you want to pay significantly more. Windows 8 is a vast departure from previous Windows systems and it is well worth it to have someone work with you to learn the tricks and make it more user friendly. There are some good books on both systems including the “For Dummies” and “The Total Idiot’s Guide” books available at most bookstores. Windows 8 is frustrating to many, but it is possible to learn and enjoy it if you take the time.
This approach is also valid for new Apple and Android (OS) phones and tablets. The new versions have a lot of capabilities, but to find out about them, you need instructions. There are also magazine format guides at major bookstores that can take you in depth through a lot of the information. Most of the tablets also have more in depth readable manuals either on the tablet itself or on the website of the company that manufactures it. Inside the tablets (and many other devices such as e-readers, etc.) you can usually find these documents by finding the “Help” icon or menu item. Going to the website (such as http://www.samsung.com/us/, http://www.dell.com/, http://www.hannspree.com/us, etc.) can help you find the information you need. If you get stuck, call a professional to help or maybe ask your grandchildren. They might have the answers you need. In the meantime, remember to always back up anything on your computer that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 32 years, 23 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 his website www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.