Should there be a Common Sense Exam required to own a computer?

Question

(bear with me there is a question in here)
After many years as a custom PC builder and repair I decided to try my hand at live tech support... Big mistake!!... Almost all of the calls are entirely nonsense, Lack of common sense and incompetence.

My point I believe there should be a exam administered before buying a PC. A basic computer knowledge permit showing that you are capable of operating a PC. Believe me you say "click the start button" and 6 out of 10 times you have to say "that little button that says start in the lower left hand of your screen" AND THEY STILL DONT KNOW..... These are the same people that think a computer from 1996 running a 233mhz processor with 32 megs of ram and running windows 95 is slow because of the Internet connection.

Basically the exam would consist of....

Using the user interface

Use of virus scan and ad ware removal programs and why they are important

How the computer works

Why updating is important

How the Internet works

basic use of the Internet

What each component is and how they work

Why processor speed effects performance

Why ram effects performance

Where THE GOD DAMNED START BUTTON IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I figure it could be a state run program that the cost of the exam would go DIRECTLY to computer education for the school system and a program to help the less fortunate students that wouldn't normally have access to a computer outside of school. I also have a idea for a school run isp for education purposes for said students that normally wouldn't normally have access.

Is this a plausible idea

Answer 1

You are right about the ignorance factor. It takes a while to figure out that a person will "never" learn some of the basics that you have tried to teach them. It is difficult to provide a "bill for services" when you see that you have not been able to accomplish that task of teaching them.

There is an expectation that a person is going to buy a Dell Computer for $299 and get something that they can immediately use; without having to learn. They expect it to be as simple as a toaster. There is also an expectation that the "toaster" that they have bought, will also wash the dishes, cook and zap and open cans. They will get a computer with no software, so even the basics can't be done.

Good luck with your Live Tech support service.

Answer 2

Alright! You made some good points, but I've got you! I teach Human Resources professionals how to use a web based HR, Payroll, Benefits systems. Many of these folks are well paid and I have been stupefied at what they don't know!!! Like click and point your mouse and I swear to god the urban legend is true...they picked the damn mouse up and pointed it at the monitor!!!! Have you ever had to support telling a user to enter their user id and then their password??! You would think I spoke in Greek and that the two fields labeled user id and password (and by the way...they are the only two fields on the screen!) were written in Japanese! wouldn't we all love to have computer users that had some common sense! I lie in every class when I say "no question is a stupid question!"

Answer 3

I think you may need to "ease" your parents into unschooling - it's not disorganized, not by a long shot, but it often seems that way to those of us who grew up thinking that public school was the only way. Honestly, to many of us, homeschooling even seems really scary - what if I really am neglecting my child? What if I do this and she can't get into college? What if I can't teach her what she needs to know? These are things that went through my head, and my son was only 6 when I pulled him :) I would say to start out with a program that will ease your parents' minds, and work from there. You can still basically unschool if you have a curriculum, just find one that suits your needs and add resources to it that spark your interest. Also, go to the library and find books for parents on homeschooling (not unschooling) and ask your parents to read those. The Ultimate Homeschool Handbook by Debra Bell is excellent, and is written with parents in mind. (You can find them in the 370's.) It took me a little while of actually homeschooling my son to get comfortable with unschooling, it may be a bit too much of a leap for your parents right now. First, show them research and structure that will help them let you homeschool; then, move toward more of an unschooling structure. Hope that helps!

Answer 4

Well Gee, when you say "button" one automatically looks at the keyboard - where the rest of the damn buttons are. Perhaps your vernacular is off, find something else to call it besides button, like maybe icon. Icons are on the screen, buttons are on the keyboard.

That said, I can definately agree with you that a great majority of folks really struggle w/ their PCs. It is a different way of thinking altogether. Do remember that for older folks this presents a huge challenge. Sounds like with a little research and a proper proposal you can most likely build another new career for yourself.

Answer 5

been there - done that. I do computer training... and some of the questions - unbelievable.

An exam? well, maybe if people would believe 'professionals' instead of advertisments... Maybe if people would use a computer for fun and work instead of loading everything because it was a free download (the number of spyware that I've erased...)

I'll vote for an exam.. or a probationary license for a computer user.

good luck!

Answer 6

u certainly make sense. but instead of state run program i think the major pc builders should be the one handling instead as ultimately they are the one who is going to benefit from this loaded cost.

just a simple a4 sheet of paper accompanying like how to get started.

Answer 7

No, I would be out of a job then. The senseless questions that I am asked daily just means my job is secure. God bless the uninformed and incompetent!!

Answer 8

Don't know what state you live in, but in my country people are useing computers at school, but do agree with you some people should be shot at berth or at least when they leave school if they are as thick as ****

Answer 9

You are complaining? Don't they pay you?

Who cares how stupid they are just so long as they pay.

Always remember the ID-10-T Rule.

Have fun but be safe!

Answer 10

And just how would they learn to do that without a computer?