New Acer Need schooling online

[kram]

As it says Iv purchased a new Acer Aspire laptop 3003 and a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ1 camera,I have a printer a Lexmark $49 cheepie and its junk.If I had knowen better Id have gone a diffrent route.My biggest problem is Iv only been useing a PC a couple of months and have come in to the 21st century so Im told.But trying to listen to a 14 and 16 year old just doesnt compute with me.Iv looked on the web for some sort of in home help but I just get emails , that sure for $12.00 per page Ill help.I didnt just fall off a turnip truck but am haveing a problem finding info. Free info that is and it has to be there somewhere.Im also hopeing to start a web page but I think Yvette is the route ILL take in the future a few months or so.So if anyone can help out an (old fart) so Im told let me know.My email is visiona@tnt21.com,Thank You,Kram.

[IanS]

So what is your particular issue that you wish to have help on?

[kram]

I would like to take a computer upgrade course as I said Im just new to the PC world and the terms used by most people that have been around for years I dont understand yet.I farm for a living and could make some time to bring myself up to speed RE a pc,office skills as Im an old pen and paper guy.Getting a few basics would help.Treat me with kid gloves as I have a hard time listening to younger people of 14 and 16.I think they have all the hacker skills as Iv watched how they get into some sites and just generally make me look bad.A course online such as computers 101 would help.Thanks Kram.

[Builder]

First off, you can't learn it all at once. You're not going to jump from the 1970s to the 21st century in one week. Take it one step at a time. Second off, you can't break it, so don't be afraid of doing something -- Edit>Undo is your friend:). I learned by doing, but that's kind of how I am. Play Solitaire to learn how the mouse works. Write letters to friends (even if they're fake) in Word/WordPerfect/Works -- whatever word processor you have -- to learn the keyboard, menu commands, fonts, etc. Write e-mails to learn how e-mail works. Once you get the basic skills down, start learning spreadsheets, databases, HTML, digital imaging, or whatever else interests you. Visit this forum to learn how to become a webmaster :).

Remember that some of the people on these forums have been doing this stuff since birth. While I'm not one of them, I did take my first programming course 25+ years ago (didn't learn a thing :D) and have been playing with web pages for almost 10 years. Yes, it can feel very daunting at first, but most of it is not that difficult. To borrow an aviation phrase, it's just a matter of stick-time.

Good luck,
Kevin

[kram]

Not a pilot just a marine.Stick time maybe but just time.Im learning very quick. Thanks Kram.

[Doc C]

Do a Google search for free computer lessons. You should be able to find something.

[YvetteKuhns]

But trying to listen to a 14 and 16 year old just doesnt compute with me.

It is difficult to listen to your daughter and her friend talk quickly and speed by you with instructions. ;)

My son Mark had his first computer when he was three years old. He had NO FEAR and simply put the cd in the drive and would click Next, Next, Finish until his software was installed. He would point and click the mouse to see what would happen. If something would go wrong, mommy would fix it. Not much happened unless/until he went online and downloaded games from Cartoon Network along with adware.

Do not be afraid to experiment with your computer. Browse through the menus, but don't delete anything unless you are sure you know you do not need it. You should have a backup of your drive image or a system restore cd. If you mess up your computer, you can always wipe out the drive and reinstall the software.

Read through manuals for anything you buy. More information can be found on the manufacturer websites. Take small steps at your own pace. Every new thing you learn makes you better than you were. Kudos for attempting technical stuff when you are a dairy farmer! :) My husband can put together computers, but he cannot program them. He only knows how to check email and palottery.com to see if he has to go to work the next day! :D