Advice for Newbies
 
Here are some points of what may pass for wisdom with regard to those of you who are just starting out in computer learning.
 
1) Strike the word "dummy" from your self-descriptive vocabulary. Don't even use it in jest. We think, therefore we are.  There is no such thing as a dummy: just a person who hasn't been properly introduced to a computer.
 
2) There are other books besides the "for Dummies" series.  Not that these are bad books. But why not get into a title that doesn't reinforce the notion that you're a dummy?  For example, have a look at the recommendations at Amazon under the Listmania selection at http:⁄⁄digbig.com⁄4bedg  Then check the Lane to see which of them we have. We take your suggestions seriously!
 
3) Set reasonable goals for yourself.  Define the areas that are most troublesome, such as jargon, mouse operation, keyboard, or email, and set them in order of biggest to least hassle.  Rather than assuming that one class at the Lane or an evening with a friend who has a computer will turn you into a pundit, why not face the facts: computers take considerable time to master!  Where you think it will take a week, give it two. Where you think it will take two, give it four.  Think big!
 
4) Figure out your learning style.  Personally, anything I want to learn, I tend to look up on the web. I find books difficult to read, because they're not interactive, and my progressive bifocals result in eyestrain.  The screen, on the other hand, allows me to use magnifying lenses, which eliminates the craning the neck that is typical of bifocal wearers.
 
But for many people, a book, full of pictures for some, and totally textual for others, is the preferred method.
 
5) Don't blame yourself. The fault may be with your computer.  If you can't connect to the Internet, for example, it's possible that your ISP has changed telephone numbers, and the one you stored when you made the initial connection no longer works.  Is that your fault?  I don't think so.  But do learn what to do about it.
 
6) When in doubt, ask.  According to the web, Albert Einstein is credited with this definition: Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.  So how much time can you afford to waste trying to get the computer to do something different?
 
7) Never despair.  There is always an answer, (some better than others).  And there are many places on the internet where people are willing to provide the answers.  Generally, you have to search their sites to see if the question has already been answered.  If not, you can then ask.
 
Here are three sites of that type that you may find helpful and interesting:
 
 
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