I have to admit, it sure wasn't 'love at first sight' when I sat in front of a computer for the first time. It was a treat for myself from a Boxing Day sale and it seemed real cheap so somehow I convinced myself to take the plunge and 'computerize my life.'
A SCARY BEGINNING:
It was really difficult at first trying to figure out how to make the computer do things for me. I guess I was just plain intimidated by the computer screen and all the options that continually appeared on it. I suppose that comes with bursting on the computer scene late in life.(in my fifties).
HOW BOOKS SAVED ME:
Thank God I love to read. Also, I am very grateful for the entire series of books "computers for dummies." These computer books at least gave me a start in the world of computers and I truly believe I would still be lost had it not been for them. I would recommend to any computer 'newbie' that a lot of reading be done instead of wandering aimlessley in and out of the dark corners of the world wide web with no real starting point.
YOU NEVER HAVE TO BE LONELY:
One of the greatest gifts of computers is that you are instantly connected with the rest of the world. You never have to be truly alone if you are in the mood for conversation. There are 'forums' for everything one could imagine. Forums where you can chat with people from all over the world who share your interests. I tried once to see if I could find something that did not have a forum up and running. Its pretty hard. You can take any make or model of car and there will be a car club or forum somewhere that discusses that car. Even my old beat up '91' Firefly. I could not believe it. You want to talk about chess, stamps, hunting, women, sex, cooking, bird watching or anything else you can think of, its out there. Amazing!
SEARCHING MADE EASY:
The biggest single gift of the computer as far as I am concerned is the information highway. Using a search engine is truly a remarkable experience. Sure, many of us take it for granted, but I believe there are still those out there who are not clear on the concept. They ask me things like, "do you know when the date of this is?" Or, "do you know where I can buy a widget?" Or, countless other questions that are just at their own fingertips. They are just not clear on the concept of using the key words in their search. Most likely their search engine will come up with hundreds or even thousands of hits on just what they want to know. Several times I have even come up with prescription medications that I could try for certain ailments and my doctor had to read up on them. We would try them and they would work!
MONEY MATTERS:
Once you figure out that money transactions are really quite safe on the computer, dealing with money matters is sure made a lot simpler these days. Buying stocks, paying bills, and setting up that next vacation or flight can all be done in the comfort of your own home. It sure saves a lot of 'fighting the traffic' to get to and from the bank and travel agency.
SHOPPING MADE EASY:
Speaking of fighting the traffic, Christmas shopping is seeing a major revolution. Sure, the malls are still busy in the run-up to the big holiday, but no longer is it necessary to 'go' to a store to do your shopping. Now people sit at their computers in September and October and get most of their shopping done without even getting dressed. You can buy pretty well anything online. You can even buy a car. Just punch in the make, model, color and options you want and there you are! And hey, don't forget about e-bay. You can buy and sell anything you can possibly imagine at amazing prices.
BUY YOURSELF A HOUSE:
Home buyers and sellers are coming out the big winners in the house market. It seems that a lot of money can be saved by buying and selling your house with an online company as opposed to a traditional real estate sales person. Not only that, you can look at hundreds of homes without ever walking out your front door. Just narrow it down to a few you like in your price range and then go out and have a look in person.
YOU HAVE YOUR OWN SECRETARY:
One of the features I have had the most trouble figuring out is word perfect. However it is truly amazing what this system is capable of once you begin to understand how it works. Now I can hammer out a letter and PRESTO!, word perfect corrects all the spelling, sets the margins and prints out a perfect, professional looking letter for me. Thanks once again to "word perfect for dummies."
As far as I am concerned, the biggest secrets of mastering computers is patience and experimentation. I have learned so much in the past 3 or so years. It has not always been easy. As a matter of fact, it has been down-right frustrating at times. But very seldom does a week go by that I do not learn something new. Our computers are capable of so much. They can make out lives so much easier if we learn to make full use of their endless capabilities. I for one would never have believed when I hooked up my first computer, that I would one day create a website and write and self-publish a book online. WOW!
Yes indeed, I sure do love my computer.
