So you decided you want to learn about computers. Maybe you want to jump in because it’s trendy . . . or you think you have to . . . or maybe your kids or grandkids are doing it. Before you know it, you’re up to your ears in computerese, and those highway signs Wrong Way, Go Back, are haunting your dreams every night. It’s true, computers can be a little daunting at first. But, with a little patience, a little time investment, some reading, a class here and there, before you know it, you’ll feel pretty comfortable with the language. Remember, computerese is a dialect unto itself, so it’s a good idea to get a hold of a computer terms dictionary or glossary (this way, you can look up all those words you don’t understand but are too embarrassed to ask your kids about). Most of us grown-ups are playing catch-up in the technology area - the kids are way ahead. Of course, they’ve had computers around since they were in nursery school. But, this catch-up game really isn’t so bad . . .in fact, once you get the hang of it, computers really are a whole lot of fun. And before you know it, you’ll find yourself discussing RAM and motherboards and clock speed and the pros and cons of zip drives versus jazz drives. It is possible to use computers without becoming a computer guru. One can learn a few of the basic things just to get started. Then install some additional software, and slowly start to play with it. As time goes on, you’ll be branching out into other things. If this is one of your first times using a computer, there are some things to remember. Most importantly, remember that a computer does not think. A computer does only what you tell it to do. The trick to using a computer is to learn how to tell it what to do. Different kinds of computers listen to different kinds of commands, and as you become more experienced with using computers you will learn how to tell the computer what you want it to hear. Believe it or not, with practice you will be able to sit down at a computer and use a program that you have never seen before, simply because you will know what commands will make the computer do what you want. This class is designed to introduce you to personal computers. It is for people having little or no experience with personal computers, and for those interested in learning more about their PC. In one single generation, the computer has gone from a science fiction concept to a household commodity as ordinary as a toaster. They’ve become indispensable in the workplace and as ordinary at home as a TV or stereo. The thrill is gone. People used to be amazed by what this gray box could do. Now we just want to get our work done, as quickly and as easily as possibly. Fortunately, in the last few years, computers have gone from user hostile to user friendly. Standards have been developed, for both hardware and software, that make using a computer very easy. When PCs came out years ago, you’d turn the computer on and see nothing but a blank screen with something in the top corner that looked something like this: |
