10. Technology Is Changing So Rapidly
Very true. Computers and the internet are constantly evolving every hour. So how do we find the courage to jump on board now after we’ve missed so much? Well, the trick is taking baby steps. Start within your comfort zone, and slowly learn new things. Regardless of your starting skill level, you can always build upon your knowledge.

9. I’ve Gotten This Far Without Them, Why Learn Now?
Also true. Computers are not a necessity of life, as proven by the numerous generations before our time. Rather, they are an enhancement to our arsenal of tools and resources. Don’t neglect yourself the opportunity to experience the wonderful world of computers just because you made it this far without one. Computers are nothing to be intimidated by! With the advent of the world wide web, you have an enormous stockpile of information at your fingertips 24 hours per day. Simply mind blowing.

8. I’m Not Technically Blessed
That’s no excuse! It’s like riding a bike, or driving a car - Once you master it, piece of cake thereafter!

7. Computers Are Nothing But Headaches
Have you had previous bad experiences with computers? Does it seem like every time you’re around a computer it experiences some sort of “technical difficulty.” Well, these things definitely do happen. A Computer is a very complex system utilizing the interaction between hardware and software. It’s no wonder why they break down. But considering the amount of information that a computer can quickly handle, they are really quite reliable. Besides, thats what companies like PC Authority Inc. are for - fixing computers, so you don’t have to worry!

6. Computers Are Expensive
This is actually a myth. Computers are more affordable now than ever. The weekly flyers consistently advertise computer deals starting at around $400 dollars Canadian, and this includes a nice flat screen LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers; sometimes even a printer! How can you go wrong? Oh and by the way, LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display.

5. I Don’t Want My Kids Using A Computer
Whether we accept it or not, computers are the way of the future. By holding our children back from learning about computers, we may be hindering the growth of their skill set. I think this ideology was much more prominent 10 years ago, but I’m sure there are parents out there who are still weary - and for good reason. We have all read about horror stories, heard things on the news etc. But alike everything in life, you get your bad with the good. Isolated cases of evil doings exist in all realms of life. Just don’t let the “what if” scenarios stop you from providing your household a gateway to the internet - it is an invaluable resource. That being said, I certainly recommend computer supervision, communicating with your child about how they spend their time on the computer, and restricting the amount of hours per day. These are all great strategies to stay in control of the situation, while not neglecting your child the opportunity to utilize the internet. TIP: Place the computer in a public, open room such as the family room. This will allow you to keep an eye on things.

4. There Is Nothing For Me On The Computer
This couldn’t be farther from the truth, and I will tell you why: The internet has information about every possible niche on the planet. If you can dream it, chances are it exists on the internet. Cooking, Poker, Automobiles, Health, Knitting, Gardening, Sports, Photography… The list goes on forever, literally forever. Even the most specific of niche markets has a home on the internet. Don’t be shy, give it a shot. Hop on over to www.google.com and search for something (ANYTHING!) - you’ll be glad you did!

3. Computers Are Not Secure and Unsafe
Here is another myth. The internet has come a long way from the days of online “snake oil” merchants. Do not fear that your entire life will be exposed to the world and “lost” in cyber space forever! It is completely safe to send email, do online banking, and purchase items online from reputable companies! The trick here is choose wisely who you are dealing with. If you trust your bank enough to hold your money, have no fear they will “expose” your credit card numbers and private information to the rest of the world. Services such as online banking are a convenience. Just because your best friends cousins neighbour said that the internet is “doom and gloom,” it doesn’t mean you have to agree. If you trust the company, then it is completely safe and secure to use their online services. Myth dismissed!

2. My Computer Is So Darn Slow!
Slow computers even scare me! Nothing is more frustrating than a system operating at turtle speed. Chances are however, that it’s not your computers “fault.” The poor hardware is just doing what the software instructs it to do. For one reason or another, it has just been filled with too much junk, unnecessary programs, and malicious software such as viruses and spyware. Consider having a computer Tune-Up performed to rid your system of slowdowns, and have it running in tip top shape. (Don’t just run to the local computer store and buy more RAM - Upgrading is not always the answer. The problem needs to be fixed at the source, which is at the software level).

1. The Fear Of Somehow “Breaking” The Computer
People are constantly fearing they will do harm to the computer if they push the wrong button, click here, go there, etc. This fear is simply unfounded. You CANNOT damage computer hardware from using a computer, in a normal fashion. So don’t worry! That being said, here are a few no-no’s: Don’t throw the computer out of a window (I know we’ve all been tempted). Don’t spill any food or beverage on any part of the computer (Goes without saying). Don’t purposely delete files you would like to keep and then purposely empty your “recycle bin” or “trash can”. This would cause you to lose DATA from your machine, and would not be a good thing. However, putting these suggestions aside, there really is nothing you can indirectly do that will “break” a computer.

So tinker, explore, and go out on a limb every once and a while. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again. This is the BEST way to learn!

This entry was posted on Sunday, June 8th, 2008 at 12:57 pm and is filed under Top 10 Lists. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.