Computer Literacy
It's hard to believe that there are people in today's workforce who don't know how to use a computer. In today's society, being computer illiterate is equivalent to being functionally illiterate. Obviously no one reading this article is computer illiterate, but maybe you know someone who thinks they can avoid computers and still be successful at work. Let me tell you a story about a good friend of mine back when I worked at Motorola. The company moved the manufacturing of automobile alternators offshore, resulting in his transfer to my department. Although he had about 20 years with the company, this was to be his last stop before being booted out the door. He was assigned to me as an Electronics Technician, and the first assignment that I gave him was to lay out a small printed circuit (pc) board. It was a tiny circuit for a tester, so computer drafting was not required. He could just sketch it out on paper. After several days, he came back to me explaining that he didn't have the technical ability to lay out a pc board. An Electronics Technician that couldn't lay out a simple pc board? Don't all Electronics Technicians make little hobby circuits at home? At least all the technicians I knew did. I explained that he needed to draw outlines of the components and then use the schematic to draw lines between the components connections. Then, maybe rearrange the components if that would result in fewer crossing paths. I also explained something much more profound, how to deal with the complexity of technology. Many people, when they come into contact with technology, consider themselves too stupid to deal with it. Technology is only for geniuses and geeks. Sometimes technology is too complex, but it's not because people are stupid, it's because the technology is poorly designed. For example, take software, like a graphics program, spreadsheet or database. Is the intended user of the software a computer programmer, or an average person? These applications are intended for use by an average person. If an application is too complex for the average person, the application is at fault - not the user. Why are most computers and software applications too complex for the average person? Because they are designed by programmers who are under pressure to get the product out the door. Does the application have simple, easy-to-use help files? Software developers consider help files even less important than application usability. - The bottom line is, people are not stupid - computers and software applications ARE too complex. In today's world, where workers are required to use computers and technology, how can they deal with the complexity? Back to the story about my friend at Motorola. After receiving my instructions, he successfully completed the pc board layout. I then introduced him to Computer Automated Engineering (CAE). I showed him how to drag electronic components from a library, use the mouse to draw circuit paths, make the computer simulate the function of the circuit, and then make the computer layout a pc board for the circuit. He was able to easily master complex technology because he now understood that he wasn't stupid. Computers ARE complex. When he needed help, he studied the help files or asked someone for help. Eventually, his CAE skills became known and I lost him to another manager. "His last stop before being booted out the door?" I don't think so. There's no way Motorola is going to let this valuable employee get away. Even though it's the programmers fault that computers and software are too complex, that doesn't relieve you of all responsibility. You must make an effort. Like my friend at Motorola, you must study the help files or ask someone for help when you need it. Not only must you study the help files, but you must also be willing to "try things". Many people fear that if they click on the wrong thing, the computer will blow up and they will be blamed for it. A properly designed software application prevents the user from making a fatal mistake, either by making it impossible, or by providing a warning message. A properly designed application lets the user "back out of" or reverse any action. One of the best ways to learn is to "try things". If the computer blow ups because you made a mistake, you're using improperly designed software. When you're learning how to perform a function with a computer, if you expect you may need to perform that same function again, take notes. No one will think you're stupid if you take notes. But if you keep asking over and over again how to perform the same function, they will think you're too stupid to take notes. When I worked at Motorola, I used a technique called "strokes" to make symbols appear and move around the computer screen like magic. Some people called me the "Electronic God". How did I get so good? I tried things. I failed. I studied. I tried again. I understood that technology IS complex. So what?
In today's society, being computer illiterate is equivalent to being functionally illiterate. Make the effort to study the help files and to "try things". Don't get discouraged or blame yourself if you don't succeed on the first try. The computer won't blow up if you make a mistake. You can't be successful at work if you fail to embrace computers and technology.
NAVIGATION
ABCs of Computer Memory
About Computer Beeps
About Computer Viruses
Adware and Spyware Protection
Adware in Business Computers
Affiliate Business - Peripherals, Software, Computers
Are Public Internet Computers Dangerous?
Aurora Computer Virus
Avoiding Internet Threats - Securing a Computer
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Backup a Computer Advice
Backup Data on My Computer
Backups: Don't Play Russian Roulette
Barebones Computer Buying
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The Benefit Of Computer Certifications
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Build Your Own Computer
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Business Data - How Safe is It?
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Buying a Computer? Ask These Questions
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Computer Buying Advice For Novices
Computer Can't Keep Time
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Computer Components for Idiots
Computer Consultant Hiring Tips
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Computer Desks
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A Computer For Entertainment Needs
Computer Forensics Basics
A Computer Friendly Resume
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Computer Literacy
Computer Loans - An Opportunity to Have a Computer
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Computer Running Slow?
Computer Security from a Keen Non Techie
A Computer Security Policy
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Computer Traumas
Cost of Spyware on a Computer
Criminals Phishing Identities From Computers
Dead Computer - How to Revive It
Dell Recall of Laptop AC Adapters
Detecting and Eliminating Viruses
Disk Management Software - Secure Your Data
Do Computers Have to be Clinical and Boring?
Does the Media Spread Viruses?
Do You Need Computer Training?
Dusting Your Computer - Keeping it Cool
DVD Backup is an Attractive Alternative
Earning a Computer Degree Online
eBay Automobile and Computer Scams
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Finding Great Deals On Computer Accessories and Supplies
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The Future Of Computer Certification Exams
Game Creation - How to Get Started
Get a Computer Without Spending a Fortune
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Hacker Inside My Computer?
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A Healthy Computer and a Happier You
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History of Computers - The Evolution of Technology
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Home Computer Desks: A Variety of Options
Home Office Health Hazards
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How to Become a Computer Consultant
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How Viruses and Spyware Get in a Computer
Hurricanes Force Businesses to Rethink Computer
Image Conversion In Computers
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Information Technology Consulting - Getting Started
Introduction To Computers
Introverts and the Information Age
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Jobs Online: Make a Computer Work For You
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Laptop Choices - Finding the Right One For You
LCD Touch Screen Computer Monitors
Learning a New Computer Skill
Least Expensive Computer Upgrade
Make a Fortune in Computer Services
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Master Any Software Program
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MCSE? CCNA? How To Choose a Computer Certification
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Memory for Computers
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Monitor Buying Guide
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Organizing a Computer Desktop
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Performance Computer Chips For Cars and Trucks
Physical Topology of a Network
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Printer Life Extension
Problems with a Computer Virus
Programmer Career Track
Pros and Cons of Owning a Laptop
Protect Your Computer
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Protecting a Computer on the Internet
Protocols - Communications Between Computers on a
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Quick Guide to Computer Training
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Security Necessities to Prevent Spyware
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Software Layers of a Computer
Solve Computer Memory Problems
Speed up a Computer - Six Simple Steps
Speed Up a Computer Without Upgrading
Speeding Up a Computer
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Spyware Protection: A Must for any Computer
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Starting a Home Computer Business is Smart
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Transfer Digital Camera Images to a Computer
Trials and Tribulations of a Confused Computer
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Types of Computer Infections
Underutilized Computers
Uninstall Software Instructions
Unleash the Dragon Inside Your Computer
Do You Feel Used by Computers?
Heliodisplay - Computer Video With No Screen
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Viruses: Top 10 Things to Know
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Web Cam Advice
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What's in a Computer Name?
When to Rent a Laptop
Who's Peering Into My Computer?
Why Build a Gaming Computer?
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Wireless Computer and Projector Rentals
Women Should Consider a Career in Computer Programming
Work at Home Computer Jobs Are Plentiful
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Work At Home Using a Computer, Even If You Can't Type
Work From Home Using Computer
World Of Podcasting
Worms and Virus Infection Repair
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