How long did it take you to learn "What You Know " about Computers?

Question

trial/error etc? If you are Self Taught ,What Helped YOU Learn the most? "Hopefully in Laymens terms" Due to my age/disabilities .
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Answer 1

I started using computers in High School in 1982. We were learning BASIC programming and I was good at it, but it bored me to tears. My good friend in the class stayed with computers, and eventually did work for Microsoft for a while. I often wonder what my life would be like had I stayed with computers as a career.

When Macs came out in 1984, my oldest brother bought one and I really preferred it to the BASIC PCs. I have Macs at home and PCs at work. So I guess I'm self-taught, but I have learned while the technology has changed. I don't know a lot about programming or anything, I really am just a user. But anytime someone has a question, I am the one thy come to (I guess that's why I like Yahoo Answers so much!)

My advice is not to be so intimidated! Hands-on trial and error have been my teachers. There is a Help menu in EVERY program, so when in doubt, double-check. And the Internet, especially with resources like this, gives you so many opportunities to learn what you want to know.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The vast majority of what I know about computers was self taught. I have had a couple of basic computer classes which introduced me to word processors, spreadsheets, and data base applications. However, most everything I know about the internet and computer hardware was learned by either reading books/web sites or "getting my hands dirty".

If you're interested in learning HTML, a great method is to right click on a web page and "View Source". This lets you see the code used to build the page.

With hardware it started with installing a simple upgrade like a modem. This helped me get over the fear of breaking the computer just by taking the cover off. And I've learned volumes about restoring computers by trying to fix them once they crashed.

For what it's worth, I got my first computer a little over 10 years ago. In that time I've learned about building web sites - including a scripting language called PHP. I've become proficient in programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint, as well as Adobe PhotoShop, and other programs. I have built my own computer many times over if you include all the various upgrades. And I have become very proficient with Windows mainly by having to restore systems and by 'looking under the hood' (meaning just exploring settings and options to see what they do).

One major advantage with most Windows programs is they share a very standard interface and menus. If you learn how to use some of the basic Microsoft Programs like Word, you will take a big step toward using any Windows based program.

If you really are starting from scratch, I would recommend taking an introductory computer class at a local community college or computer store. These classes can help you learn the basics of Windows and some common problems as well as teach you the basics of how a computer works and what the various parts do.

Answer 3

for me, when i learn how to do something with the computer i rarely forget how to do it. I am mostly self taught.. i taught myself how to use adobe photoshop, dreamweaver (website design tool) and 3D modeling softwares all from self teaching, and sometimes following a tutorial. I would say that its taken be about 5 or 8 years to learn how to use these programs, and ive been using a computer since i was like.. 6 (but i was mostly playing games) At about 7 or 8th grade i made my first website with geocities, and ever since I have just learned how to do these things by experience. I have made roughly 10 websites in my life, only i think 5 of them were made with professional software.

I can just experiment and figure out how to use it. My other basic knowledge helps me along too.

Answer 4

Self teaching is hard.
What I did was ask a local computer shop if i can just watch them work then over time I can help out and volunteer. I asked lots of questions. Most of the stuff to learn, you can find online.
Depends a lot on this, though: More Hardware or Software oriented??????

Answer 5

45 yrs to become a tech-idiot!!! At 45, I'm learning though. Kinda like the movie, "What about Bob?"...BABY STEPS! It's not so overwhelming that way, one task at a time. When personal computers were first evolving, I was considered computer literate, however, times & technology have changed.

Answer 6

Its not the computer you need to learn its the software you choose to run on your computer. Decide what you want it to do for you. The computer is just a tool, just like the screw drivers in your tool box you have to decide how you want to use the tool. But to answer your question - school then grad school then more grad school and now again in grad school - yep 3 of them. Plus 25 years of OJT. Still trying to figure it all out.

Answer 7

I taught myself. From a young age I've always had electronic products so it was a natural progression for me.

I have accelerated my knowledge since I met my husband since he's a professional computer engineer and sometimes help him reprogram computers, configure routers, install softwares etc so I'm better now!

Answer 8

initiate by taking an consumer-friendly computing gadget direction. Your interior reach community college might furnish one for loose. in case you nonetheless have an interest while executed, you could be a possibly candidate to pursue computing gadget technological understanding.

Answer 9

research, trial and error, attention and an interest thats fueled by something deep - i learned most by taking apart my first computer, uninstalling everything, messing it all up and fixing it all - it comes down to experience and passion

cheers

Answer 10

45 years

Starting fooling around in college; programmer for 20 years; personal computers over 20 years.