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Learning to use a computer to its fullest potential can take time and cause frustration. Owner’s manuals, reference books, classes, and partnering with an expert are ways to learn.
Many consumers buy computers to perform just a handful of tasks. Some may need a word processor, while others want an internet connection or an advanced gaming system. The fact that a gaming computer can also handle home budget software or that a word processing computer can also burn CDs often comes as a surprise to new owners. Learning to use a computer to its fullest advantage can take a few months of trial and error. Unfortunately, this period of experimentation is sometimes followed by another period of frustration and handshakes.
Fortunately, there are several ways to learn how to get the most out of your computer. The first step would be to take out the owner’s manual and other documentation that was included in the original box. These guides provide a quick overview of most of the easy-to-use features of your computer. There may also be sections on troubleshooting, in case the trial and error method ends in catastrophe. Owner’s manuals rarely go into detail about the individual programs included with your particular system, but you may discover some new features along the way.
After becoming familiar with the basic workings of a computer, an owner may want to invest in reference books such as the Computers for Dummies series or other accessible guides. Computer books are very similar to cookbooks in that both use step-by-step guides. Not only will these books introduce a new feature to your computer, but they will also walk you through the process of starting up and shutting down the program. There are also computer magazines that offer reviews of software and peripherals, as well as a number of online message boards and computer websites that offer specific advice.
For those who learn best through hands-on instruction, many colleges and continuing education programs offer computer-specific classes. These classes range from single-topic one-day seminars to six-monthly training sessions for professional programmers and users. If taking an actual course isn’t an option, many of these courses can be found on interactive CD-ROMs. Instructors offer advice in video format while students use their real computers in real time.
Another way to learn how to get the most out of your computer is to partner with a local computer expert. This expert may be a 50-year-old computer repairman or a 16-year-old cousin, but both may have some valuable insights to offer. It’s not unusual for beginners to fear making permanent mistakes, so having an experienced computer user nearby can be a calming influence. Learning to use a new program or feature can be helpful, but knowing how to fix errors along the way can also be helpful.
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