All
too often, I hear detailed descriptions of what we should really do with our computers.
It's usually at those times that we are desperate for help. Remember your first
line of attack is your circle of friends. There are others available too and that's
what we'll talk about today.
The
Help Menu The Help menus and screens that now come with most major software
is greatly improved. The startup tutorials are easy to access and contain a tremendous
amount of useful information. Many of the Microsoft dialog boxes have a question
mark button next to the Close button in the upper left hand corner. If you click
on the question mark button once, your mouse pointer becomes a question mark.
Move it to field and click, if help is available it appears.
Vendor
Support Microsoft offers Free fast tips and answers to the most frequently
asked questions through their toll free number and on-line. The information is
update regularly. Call 1-800-936-4200 or go www.support.microsoft.com/support/.
Go visit CompuMaster at try out their free classes. CompuMaster is one of the
leading authorities for computer information and offer a host of services. For
a nominal monthly charge you can enroll in multiple classes to increase your computer
knowledge.
Local
Clubs The Black Lake Computer Club meets at 2:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday
of each month at the Black Lake Community Center. Stop in and join them or visit
www.thegrid.net/jhbowen/blcc.htm
for more information.
As with everything, you need to shop around and determine the help system that
will work for you. We have a number of local options for classes through The Arroyo
Grande Adult Education Program, Cuesta College and Allan Hancock College. Many
local businesses, such as my own, offer one-on-one services. You're welcome to
drop an e-mail to me at lauri@wiseowlops.com. However,
there are many times when I have too many messages to answer each individually.
I will cover the most frequently asked questions through The Computer Cache.
Tutorials The variety of tutorials and on-line material available can be
mind boggling. Keep in mind, that there is no instant cure. Many of the radio
and television programs also provide help sites. One of my favorites is the Kim
Komando Show. Go visit her at www.komando.com/help.
Learning the language of the computer is just like learning any language. It takes
times, dedication and persistence. We have a popular saying in the world of computers,
'if you don't use it - you will lose it'. The main key to working with computers
is to work with computers. Nothing replaces experience.
