Why Should YOU Attend a Computer Class?
“My computer is broken. I can’t get email anymore. I’m so upset that I haven’t turned the computer on for three days. If you will come pick the *&%(@ up, you can have it! I just can’t take the frustration any more!”
The quote is from this morning’s call but it certainly isn’t the first call I’ve received like this. And I’ve made my own share of calls like this to my favorite computer aficionados. Let’s have a reality check.
No one is a computer expert. In general, we use less than 10% of a program’s capabilities. So give yourself a break! Computer skills will not magically appear in your brain. You didn’t learn to solve math problems or drive a car or work in a corporation that way. What makes you think computer skills will just pop into your brain?!?!? I’m not even going to mention that we learned to drive at 16 and are learning computer skills at … … … over 39.
- Computer technology is very, very new. Compared to automobiles, planes, even telephones, computers are in their terrible two’s stage.
- The technology is growing so quickly that NO ONE is a computer expert. Jeff can build a computers from scratch but he can’t type a letter. Susan can almost make Excel do the windows but Word completely stumps her.
- While Windows has improved the situation greatly, software programs are still inconsistent. Maybe that button works on Program A but causes problems in Program B. But no one tells you that.
- The growth also causes a lot of pain because Windows X may do everything you want it to but it won’t talk to the new printer you just bought. Software and hardware versions change rapidly and stretch our budgets as well as our patience.
- Many, many features of a program are undocumented. I have been certified by Microsoft as an Office expert. Two months ago a client showed me a trick that I had never heard of.
What Can You Do?
- Go to YouTube and search: your phone brand and model, the software you want to learn to use, the task you want to do (make videos), etc. There is a lot of info out there!
- Take classes every time you can on the programs you use frequently. Take a look at LinkedIn Learning. This is excellent for the broad scope of a software. What does Microsoft Access do?
- Have training sessions with Your Computer Lady for specific tasks. We hone in on just what you want to do with your data.
- Attend a Friday Free-For-All. It’s one hour of free training!
- The manuals that come with your software are usually the worst manuals possible.
- For critical software or tools, find some experts to follow. I like:
Social Media – Social Media Examiner
Facebook – Mari Smith
Google Analytics – Chris Mercer with MeasurementMarketing
Someday computers and their software will be as easy as turning the key in the ignition. Until that day there’s a class I can take. Or a video that I can watch. Or a website with a Knowledge Center I can search through.
Before the laptop sails out the window.