PC hardware: Poll How computer savvy are you?
- 5/2/08 1:45 PM
Poll How computer savvy are you?
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 5/2/08 1:45 PM
How computer savvy are you?
-- I write my own programs.
-- I built and configured my desktop.
-- I'm comfortable editing my Registry.
-- I upgrade my hardware and install software.
-- I upgrade programs and maintain my hard drive.
-- In my world, the words "computer" and "savvy" don't mix.
-- Computer? Is that what I'm using?
Here are a few questions to start the discussion off:
If you're pretty computer savvy, how did you get to your level of expertise (books, Web sites, school, etc.)?
What kind of sound advice would you give computer newbies who are just getting their feet wet in the computer world?
If you're a newbie, what is your greatest fear about the computer?
Have fun with this discussion everyone!
-Lee
CNET Community
Anyone that needs help
by screaming - 5/2/08 6:40 PM In reply to: Poll How computer savvy are you? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
you can call Screaming PCs (R)the computer experts.
866-434-8787 Our info is on our site screamingpcs.com
clyde
Quite knowledgeable
by Ed-duh-win - 5/2/08 7:07 PM In reply to: Poll How computer savvy are you? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Out of the options, I would say that I'm "I upgrade programs and maintain my hard drive" although I am quite above that. I can handle 99% of the problems my computer throws at me with ease. Knowing how Windows works and operates is quite an asset, something I will never give up for anything else in the world.
I got to my level by myself. My first computer was not Windows. It was when Windows was still DOS, and lots of minor OSs were available. My first computer had a now-defunct Japanese OS. I then moved to Windows 95 when I was around 6, and continued on to Windows 98, eventually ending up with 2000 and Me. I used Windows XP for 5 years until I got my current laptop with Vista. In the process, I had to figure a lot of things on my own. My dad was more knowledgeable than the rest but I now know way more than he ever did.
For the newcomers to the computing world, I would advise them to poke around at Windows with a spare machine so that they don't ruin their main machine. Playing and hands-on work is the key to learning how to manipulate the computer to the maximum ability. Use Google and search anything you may not understand. Ask your friends, if they happen to know about computers. The key to learning, again, is to spend time with the machine. Don't be afraid.
I can fit into over half of these answers
by Darrell Wright - 5/2/08 8:14 PM In reply to: Poll How computer savvy are you? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I think most people with some computer training can. I will admit that when I first got my PC, I was skiddish to do most things. However, I have been working on computers before Bill Gates ever dreamed of releasing windows. I know basically how to tear almost every thing out of the computer and place it back, this includes hardware and software. I also know a little about programming; however, I was not certified in this area.
I'm ok with it
by lo-tek - 5/2/08 8:28 PM In reply to: Poll How computer savvy are you? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
In 1982 or so I got divorced and traded an electric train for a ti99/4a and started to fool around with that. It's now 2008 and I beta operating systems and file bugs for the betas. In between those years I've attended classes, installed a new OS every month or so, and generally geek out with computers.
Switched to Ubuntu
by freeasinfreedom - 5/2/08 8:36 PM In reply to: Poll How computer savvy are you? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I recommend using Ubuntu Linux for the Desktop if you want a PC for the regular stuff media, internet, e-mail, picture, text, presentations, spread sheet etc.
I switched long ago and have no problems so far with viruses, spyware, adware, registry, plus Ubuntu is absolutely free of charge give it a try! you have nothing to lose beside a blank CD and some spare time.
I hate to brag, but I can do it all.
by rreeves5 - 5/2/08 9:24 PM In reply to: Poll How computer savvy are you? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Ok, I dont like to blow my own horn, but I started back in the 80's. I learned on a Commodore 64, and went to PC's from there. I have use Unix, Linux, Dos, Windows, Macs,Mainframes, and Servers.
I was one of the first Novell CNE's and still am. I'm a Microsoft MCP, and hold sever programming degrees.
I build, repair, and about anything else that needs doing with computers.
However; I'm in a wheelchair (T$) Paraplegic and I can't hold out to sit up as I use to. I do still do things but I can't be up for long periods of time.
So if anyone needs help and I can get to remotely, I'll help.
Hopes that answers the question.
I know what you mean
by coolingwater911 - 5/3/08 4:53 AM In reply to: I hate to brag, but I can do it all. by rreeves5I would like to brag,,but no one would listen other than me! No thats not true, all of my friends and familey call me thier tech geek. And they are so glad for it. I love building computers, or REBUILDING computers and solving problems. Of course no company will pay you a decent living to do so,,, but I have the feeling in 12 years when I retire I will be hanging a shingle out that says "Tom's computer repair".
I can say I´m savvy (most hardware-oriented)
by Ana Christina - 5/2/08 9:31 PM In reply to: Poll How computer savvy are you? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Had PC tech class (include building, upgrade, configuration and maintenance), so I´m quite capable of building up a configuration from zero, be it a cheap one or a top-edged pc for gamers. I also install and configure OS (Windows and Linux)
Btw, my 1st computer was an Apple ][e compatible, many years ago - only in 1996 I got my 1st PC.
I write my own programs
by andy419 - 5/2/08 11:02 PM In reply to: Poll How computer savvy are you? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I can fix just about anything that goes wrong withough rebuilding my computer. I also write my own programs using C++ but I mostly use macromedia flash to make games and flash-based programs.
tough question
by tedtks - 5/3/08 12:46 AM In reply to: Poll How computer savvy are you? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
since I do all the above - cept the last two -
so I just picked one, eenee meene minee moooo LOL
cant answer, not my choice available
by wraithe - 5/3/08 2:05 AM In reply to: Poll How computer savvy are you? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
hmmm, pretty hard to pick the correct one...
Ok here goes, only pc in my life, that i own and havent built is my laptop...
I build, configure, modify, repair, diagnose and improve all my computers including my sons/duaghters and friends...
I even modified my laptop within 2 days of purchase, oh ok firstly i wacked another 1gb ram and formatted windows from it(oh vista bit the dust) and installed linux...
I repair my friends pc's and occassionally I fix pc's that the local pc shops couldnt(yeh i am a smart alec)...
I am not a office application worker and other than the net or the odd game, have no use for a computer, too old and had enough of them...
Anyway, add another choice and i will be able to answer...
(are you very computer savvy?) yes
computer and savvy don't mix
by Rosalind Kellett - 5/3/08 10:39 AM In reply to: Poll How computer savvy are you? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Well, I don't like computers 50 % of the time. And I'm not interested in learning how they are made or programmed; I just want it to work as quickly and easily as possible when I need to use it. My attitude is related to the uses of the computer -
First, I find the computer SLOW at some of the fundamental jobs I want from it. I use it to communicate to work colleagues, friends, committee members and relatives across the world. I love the fact I can do this in the middle of the night and chose when to respond BUT I hate the fact that a misspelled letter in the email address takes a while to recognize and then fix up - in some cases, a simple direct phone call would have been a superior way to communicate. i dislike doing finger communicating all the time - yes, it has its blessings but it doesn't beat a proper face-to-face conversation for real in-depth discussions.
SECOND, I use the computer to prepare marks summaries for my students. This takes quite a bit of time to input and really, I should have a second computer at home so, while the marks program is doing its work and I'm double-checking marks before entering them then a second computer can be working on some of the committee minutes I need to get out, also taking time to check on certain details before that Email is ready to be sent.
THIRD, many programs are over-rated as to their usefulness. I am working with a Filemaker Pro program. This allows me - and a team of trusted students - to enter service points for our School's Award system. It takes hours to figure this program out - we have all the paper copies of the lists of award points from most of the teachers but even a simple request of the program, "Tell me the names of all the teachers who have submitted their award points" is not possible - it provides a list of all the teachers for every student they submitted a mark for. I need just a summary with their name appearing ONCE. Yes, I know, I need to learn the different "Layouts of the program" - all nicely explained in one page weblinks that all look like they're saying the same thing and seem totally irrelevant to what I actually want.
maybe in 100 years time there will be better scanners and more intelligent programs that are easier to understand.
From early morning grumpy here in VAncouver, Canada
Computer and Saavy don't mix
by Kdogtrainer1 - 5/4/08 10:30 AM In reply to: computer and savvy don't mix by Rosalind KellettWell, I am at least not in the last group. I do know this is a computer I am using but it is pretty much a mystery to me. So many things can go wrong and not having a clue as to how they work or fix them or what to delete or not delete is where I am at. I am just so thankful I found this group as have been helped many times by the great people on here willing to help somebody like me.
Thanks to all of you.
All of the items listed
by Dango517 - 5/3/08 11:14 AM In reply to: Poll How computer savvy are you? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I don't write programs but I do tweak scripts and HTMLs there is a big difference in this and writing them from scratch. A computer is a machine.
Newbies:
Disconnect your PC from the Internet and learn about your OS for three months before you go on line.
Fix your problems yourself with some good guidance.
Look at problems as challenges.
You will need these skills:
common scene
analytical skills
research skills
patience and determinations
a need for knowledge
The basic understands that people are barbarians. 
Me included. 
Create some goals that you wish to achieve on the net.
examples:
I want to improve my knowledge of computers.
I want to build a system to play advanced computer games.
I want to stay connected to my friends so I need to learn about computer connectivity.
Whatever, just make the list and go after it, never surrender.
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