The only things I know are how to do e-mail, and virus scans, and clean the cookies, other than that I don't know much.
I have heard of those 'whatever' for dummies books, do they teach you alot?
Don't have extra money or anything to 'hire' someone to teach me stuff.
I am starting to think that buying a computer was a mistake.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
2007-01-11 01:50:57 · 13 answers · asked by lil' angel 6 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Honestly, you need to figure out what YOU want to do. How far into dept do you want to go and are willing to go with what kind of time investment. Not money, time.
From your statement of -
"I am starting to think that buying a computer was a mistake."
It seems to me that you are frustrated with the "not knowing" how it works. I learned what I know by reading and researching, and "playing." Playing is time consuming due to if you mess something up, you have to figure out how to fix it back to the way you had it. Playing though is the most satisfactory (for me) way of actually learning. As long as you have the reinstall CD nearby and a set of instructions on how to reinstall your OS, you can pretty much "play" with anything you want software wise.
I have a need to "want" to know why my computer is doing what is doing and why. I can spend hours doing nothing but doing research on a problem. You have to be willing to read and learn. It doesn't require money, just time if you are willing to give it.
2007-01-15 16:54:30 · answer #1 · answered by Heather C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do a Search for, say, Windows XP + tutorials. That will bring up a bewildering array of options, but don't despair; just click through them until you find one of the very basic ones. There are plenty of free tutorials that will take you by the hand in a simple manner. This often includes screen shots and videos that will really jumpstart you.
If you know how to e-mail and do a virus scan, you already have some idea of how to log on and the like, which is helpful. Just keep in mind that everything works the same way: the toolbar along the top of the screen opens drop-down boxes containing other options. Its called a heirachical tree, which is a fancy way of saying "Things flow from the top down." From there, you can set up Folders for various things like correspondence with friends or recipes and then add new Files TO those Folders. For 95% of computer use, the top-to-bottom thing applies. You'll learn a lot by doing and even simple things like setting up your Preferences for fonts and screen savers will turn many lights on as you go. Until you get into more complex programs (if you ever do), the same repetition will apply.
Simply keep in mind that the more you use it, the sooner it will become second-nature. Its like a new job: at first, your knees are knocking, but after a couple of weeks, things become much easier. Good luck.
2007-01-11 02:13:02 · answer #2 · answered by gamerathon 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start asking more specific questions about what you want to know. Don't be afraid to experiment a little. Books are great. The "...For Dummies" books are often good starting out books to learn stuff. Find a particular topic about computers you are interested in and start there.
There are lots of people on this and many other message boards that are more than willing to help out.
2007-01-11 02:01:33 · answer #3 · answered by rbarc 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The easiest and cheapest way would just to look on the internet honestly. I would go to http://www.howstuffworks.com, even though it is very in depth, or just look up generic computer help and find a dictionary of terms. Then just look up specifics in google. e.g. you want to learn what something is just type in something like "computers, what is a hard drive" or "how does RAM work" or finally, "how to send an attachment with hotmail" might suffice as well. Yahoo! Answers has a pretty generic computer q & a as well if you get stuck. You also need to just use the computer... the more you use it the easier it will be.
2007-01-11 02:00:16 · answer #4 · answered by ktb 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For most applications (such as microsoft word) there are good help topics. For instance, click on the help button on the top, and a little window asks what do you need to do? It will guide you through most things.
The best way to learn is to just do it. What is it you want to learn to do? I know it can be frustrating you will figure it out.
p.s. stop crying.
2007-01-11 01:59:50 · answer #5 · answered by fucose_man 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check out sites like "World Start" They offer some interesting things you can do with your computer plus they also have lots of computer tips. Your computer itself can teach you many things.
2007-01-11 01:58:01 · answer #6 · answered by steve 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try www.VideoProfessor.com . They have training software that only cost about 7 bucks. Choose whatever topic you are interested in. You get your money back if you don't like it.
2007-01-18 14:45:56 · answer #7 · answered by Rich 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ya just keep doing wht r u doing i am also do this i also dont know computer but in growing age i knwn everything about computer so just keep trying ok best of luck
2007-01-19 01:24:48 · answer #8 · answered by harjas s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sound just like me. I don't know much about computer .
But the more I use .The more I learned.I hope you feel better?
2007-01-18 20:36:33 · answer #9 · answered by Tommy L 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
start with cnet online courses for various applications and pc tips and tricks....
http://www.cnethelpu.com/
also check out the video professor discs
http://www.videoprofessor.com/
2007-01-11 01:57:48 · answer #10 · answered by cstevensbaumann@sbcglobal.net 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋