Remember when you first learnt to drive a car? Did you get handed the keys, slapped on the back and told “Off you go”? No? Neither did I. My dad took the time to give me some basic training on how to drive, I read books and I practiced.
Yet with basic computer training we often just start the computer up and struggle away, often swearing at that “damn” computer when it does not do what we expect. Like a car, we are often an accident waiting to happen.
If you have invested your hard-earned money into a computer, it’s wise to know how to work it and to find the things you create or to maximise its capabilities.
Many organisations offer basic computer training courses in classroom settings that can be quite useful if you don’t know where to start. The local community college or TAFE is often great for something cheap, effective and available after hours.
Alternatively, you could locate a computer training consultant in your area to come to your home or office and work with you one on one to meet your specific needs.
Each style of training has its pros & cons and really only you can decide what you are most comfortable with.
The most important thing to remember is from any training session you generally pick up at least one thing you didn’t know…..maybe that one thing will save you a couple of minutes a day, or potentially a couple of hours a month. Either way, knowing how your computer works allows you to be in control of it and not the computer to be in control of you.
Remember you have to start somewhere and the beginning is usually the best place!
“ Like a car, we are often an accident waiting to happen. ”
Donna Hanson specialises in computer and technology related education for business and corporate users. Her company provides customised training and resources to help users understand and increase their knowledge of computer related technology.
