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Computer newbies: Need to learn.....
Need to learn.....
by sweetfirechick - 4/7/08 7:17 PMI want to learn about computers and any help would be apreciated. i am currently a computer dummy and am tired of looking and feeling like an idiot. i dont care what it is i learn i want to learn it all. i cannot even burn music to a cd. please any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sweet//>
Go to your nearest public library ...
by Kees Bakker
- 4/8/08 12:31 AM
In reply to: Need to learn..... by sweetfirechick
and find a book for novices about the subjects you're interested in.
Kees
Or Online Tutorials...Or..
by Grif Thomas - 4/8/08 2:40 PM
In reply to: Need to learn..... by sweetfirechick
...the "A Few Tips for Computer Newbies" thread at the top of this forum:
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6121_102-0.html?forumID=45&threadID=22053&messageID=238454
As to CD recording, try the link below:
CD Recording FAQ & Buffer Underruns
http://www.cdrfaq.org/
And most importantly, if you have a question you can't solve, ask here...or...try typing the question into the "Google" website below:
http://www.google.com/
Hope this helps.
Grif
A little above and beyond...
by strickjh2005 - 4/10/08 11:52 PM In reply to: Need to learn..... by sweetfirechickBut a COMP TIA A+ study guide can really give you a great overall view of every component in the computer and a good look at the operating system. Many of them are aimed at getting someone who only works with computers at their job into being certified to repair them professionally.
Too far above
by grits_eggs - 4/12/08 2:37 PM In reply to: A little above and beyond... by strickjh2005I too am a "puter dummy" and have no idea what you mean by "a COMP TIAA+ study guide"? I keep searching all sorts of forums for help & all too often find answers that are geared to someone with experience...what's a newbie to do?
I have XP Home Edition with SP2 & IE7. I tried Firefox after using IE for awhile but found it too technical also.
Thanx.
grits_eggs, you just have to hang in with Firefox
by glenn30 - 4/12/08 3:37 PM In reply to: Too far above by grits_eggsYou learn by doing... its a nice browser and has many good features including many excellent add-ons. Keep learning... you will get there.
Glenn
Yep, Learn By Doing And...
by Grif Thomas - 4/12/08 5:42 PM
In reply to: Too far above by grits_eggs
...as I suggested above:
And most importantly, if you have a question you can't solve, ask here...or...try typing the question into the "Google" website below:
http://www.google.com/
_________
If you don't know what "COMP TIA A+ study guide" is, type it into the Google search line. You'd be surprised with the education you'll get.
Hope this helps.
Grif
CompTIA A+
by P1h3r1e3d13 - 4/19/08 1:01 AM In reply to: Too far above by grits_eggsCompTIA (www.comptia.org) is an organization that offers computer skills testing and certification. A+ certification is their basic, entry-level certification; it's a de facto industry standard for a first step to being a computer tech.
Many companies publish study guides (books and software) for the A+ tests. I have one I like from All-In-One, but I'd recommend going to the computer section of a bookstore and flipping through some. Buy one (or five) that you think you can understand.
I was going to recommend this even before I read these responses.
Disclaimer: they've updated the test since I took it, so my info might be old. Get a recent study guide. The A+ curriculum used to have some bits that were very technical and not too relevant, so don't feel like you need to learn everything. Study (and TRY) whatever you find interesting and/or understandable.
A couple more ideas
by P1h3r1e3d13 - 4/19/08 1:17 AM In reply to: Need to learn..... by sweetfirechickThe A+ study guide is a good idea for gaining technical competence; here are a couple ideas to learn skills you may find more useful:
1. Check with local schools (community college, university, and even high schools) to see if they offer computer literacy courses.
2. Read help files and FAQ lists. For example, if you have a CD burning program by Roxio or Nero, e.g., open the help file (probably from the Help menu) and poke around. You'll probably find something like "How to burn a music CD."
3. The internet. Google of course, and also forums. Many forums like this exist as well as forums specific to certain areas of interest or specific products. For example try www.cdfreaks.com (especially the forums) for CD info. Like many, it has a newbie forum where there are no stupid questions.
You will be surprised how fast you learn
by 4Denise - 4/19/08 1:36 AM In reply to: Need to learn..... by sweetfirechickYou are heading in the right direction already.
Check out any books that interest you at your local library. Ask those not so stupid questions every chance you get. Read your help files, and then read them again. Find a local geek or two who can explain a few things to you. And try this site:
http://h30240.www3.hp.com/index.jsp
This is but one of many sites that offer free classes on a variety of subjects. You do not have to be a customer of HP to take their classes. Some of them are very basic, and some are more advanced. All of them contain students that range from complete newbies to computer professionals. The wonderful thing about these classes is that you can use the forums to ask questions, and the other students and teachers will be very patient in explaining things to you. I often take these classes, and I find them very enjoyable.
4denise
Need to Learn...
by winstonh5 - 4/19/08 7:07 AM In reply to: Need to learn..... by sweetfirechickThere is a lot to learn, but you don't have to learn it all in a single lesson or single day. I don't recommend going to a public library where there is TOO MUCH INFORMATION. I recommend you going onto a website for "newbies" (new computer users). You could start with http://www.newbiesandnitwits.com/page1005.html
This and similar websites will break down learning into individual instructions for each learning task.
It would help if you could "make a list" of what you want to learn and then prioritize your list.
You will learn more by doing a task one time than by reading about it ten times.
Learn by doing. Make notes. Avoid people who try to teach you too quickly or talk over your head repeatedly in order to prove how much they know.
It would be helpful (but not essential) if you could find a buddy or a mentor who is patient and willing to answer any questions you have. Before asking questions, see if you can find the answer on the Newbie website or doing a "GOOGLE SEARCH". If you don't know how to do a GOOGLE SEARCH, put this on the top of your list of things too learn. Don't be intimidated by your computer. Good luck!
Winston
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