[RICO300k]

What is the first thing that one needs to improve one's computer knowledge ignorance???

[Anne Troy]

The money to buy a computer.

[hewee]

RICO300k,

Welcome to TSG

You just did what is needed and that is being a member here.
Start out by reading the forums and seeing what troubles people have and how they are fixed. There are lots of forums so start out in one or two of them so you don't get over loaded with all the new info.

Bookmark threads and websites on things you like to learn and read up.

[flavallee]

1. Read as many books and magazines about computers and your operating system as you can.

2. Browse the technical forums(including this one) and learn from the problems/solutions that are posted.

3. Keep an up-to-date notebook on your computer. You'll find yourself referring to it a lot.

I got my very first computer in August 1997 and have self-taught myself everything that I know. Most people choose to remain computer-illiterate and rely on others to solve their problems. You've chosen to take a step in the right direction.

[Anne Troy]

#3 is a very good idea, flavallee! Excellent suggestion!

[Bold_Fortune]

This question makes me think of the time when I first got my computer. I had never even sat at a computer's keyboard before. I was so lost. I'd lock it up constantly. I'd be on the phone to tech support every other night, and I'd go to work exhausted the next day.

I do stuff like change the font or the Desktop display, and couldn't remember how I did it so I could change it back.

I always new I wasn't the brightest bulb, but my first experience with a computer made me know exactly just how dumb I was.

You know that joke about finding the anykey? Well, they made that one up about me.

[Anne Troy]

This really is an interesting question, Rico! Other things to keep in your notebook:

--How to back up your data
--License and serial numbers and CD keys for all hardware/software

[Schnitzu]

Hi Rico300K.

Your question is a much larger one than you might expect. But, you have made a good start by joining TSG. Welcome to the site. I have learned an incredible amount of stuff just by reading through some of the treads on this site.

Keeping a notes file is a very good suggestion, as Flavallee suggests, and you will likely want to keep an up-to-date copy of it in print or on a removable medium, such as diskette or CD.

On thing that you will want to record in it is your settings for your web and e-mail connection. If you ever have to recover from a major crash, having access to these settings will be really useful in the recovery.

Here is a web-site that is intended to help families become Internet-savvy. It is less technical and more oriented toward developing safe Internet usage habits.

http://www.bewebaware.ca/english/default.aspx

[flavallee]

I keep pages on most of the hardware in my computer, along with the driver versions and what dates they were installed.

I keep pages with all the pertinent information and settings for my ISP connection.

I keep pages on the default BIOS settings and what changes that I've made to it.

I keep pages on the contents of the SYSTEM.INI, WIN.INI, and MSDOS.SYS files and what changes that I've made to them.

I keep pages on all the Windows updates and hotfixes.

I keep pages on all the installed software and what their current versions are.

I keep pages on a lot of the registry tweaks.

(I can go on and on, but this gives you an idea of what to keep in your computer notebook)

[RICO300k]

I work in a language lab and have unlimited access to computers. I'm head of a project to improve my department's web based attendance system-- the latter being the impetus or fire that is making learn stuff i did not learn before. Anyhow, buying a computer is not an option today-- no money. I have my work cut out for me and will probably start out with html or one project-- the work one at a time. I guess I have me another question. Let's make it two?? How neccessary is it to be computer saavy?? Does computer knowledge detract from creatvity?? These are silly questions, but I'm asking them anyway. Thanks you guys.

[Bold_Fortune]

RICO300k, studying everything about computing isn't something that interests me. I just can't seem to study some things that just don't interest me. HTML for example. Or making images. I'm just not interested enough to put the effort into learning about these. (LOL...don't you just hate it when you're like me, and you ask what seems to be a simple question, and someone posts a link to a five-page tutorial on the subject?)

I suppose there are some people who are seemingly insatiable when it comes to acquiring computing knowledge in many different areas. It shows on this and other sites when you bump into these knowledable members who seem to know just about everything there is to know.

With me, my interests were in understanding files and what each is for and what each one does. So I began there.

I guess I would advice someone to look for their interests, and start there. Usually one thing leads to another anyway. So if something else comes up along the way that interests you, look into that, too.

[nightstalker]

well im kinda new to this forum but before i joined i myselfe was in serch of help on the web but when i started to read the forums i relised i have so mutch more to lern on computers because with coputers there always evolving to say you cant pick it up in a day you have to really learn it every day and even then you still wont no it all so what i sugest is stick to one or a few areas you are intrested in and will enjoy because if you dont enjoy it dont do it all i have to say

[funkenbooty]

Originally Posted by RICO300k

What is the first thing that one needs to improve one's computer knowledge ignorance???

What is the first thing? access to google

Learning how to (google) ask questions.

[RICO300k]

I reread this advice and Thanks again. Because of my limited knowledge my new position at work is more stressful. And I've found that I kinda wish i had learned everything years ago. That said: I need to just focus one thing at a time like this here thread for starters.

[RICO300k]

Why are computers set up in networks in offices??
What is a server and why are they important??/