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Good Beginnings

by Peter A Bell, Pragmatix Communication

I am often asked what I consider to be the most important thing that those new to using a computer should learn. Given the current popularity of the "list" format - and being not at all shy about jumping on a band-wagon - I present here (in reverse order, of course) my own "Top Three" in this particular category.

At number 3 we have, DEVELOPING KEYBOARD SKILLS. For those who have never before used a computer keyboard even the smallest task can be a dauntingly onerous and time-consuming chore. A mere ten minutes a day spent on simple typing exercises will be repaid with interest by the time saved in the future. Not to mention the benefits of reducing stress. Mastery of the mouse will also pay worthwhile dividends.

Coming in at number two is OPERATING SYSTEM(OS) FAMILIARISATION. Which sounds a little "techy", but actually just means getting to know the layout of the computer environment (i.e. Windows®), what common tools the OS makes available and how these are used.

There is a direct analogy here between the virtual world of the computer and the real-world situation of coming to a new work-place. In this situation one first has to learn such things as what the different departments are called and where they are located. Finding out where vital machinery is and how it works is another priority. The whereabouts and functioning of the photo-copier might well wait until your second day, but getting through the first day will surely depend on the ability to rapidly acquire expert knowledge of the coffee-making facilities.

Similarly, getting to know where to find Control Panel, what a Context Menu is and how to Copy and Paste will make the computer environment seem a much friendlier place.

Topping the chart is FILE MANAGEMENT. It is all too common to hear computer beginners bewailing the fact that the accursed machine has "eaten" their work. In fact, it is almost impossible to accidentally delete anything. And it is totally impossible that the computer might, of its own volition, destroy files out of sheer vindictiveness. A much more likely scenario is that the user is simply unable to locate the material in question because they don't recall where they put it and can't remember what it is called.

The key here is to have a system and to apply it consistently. Windows® will generally save everything to the default My Documents folder. This should be the first place to look when a file "disappears". The Desktop is a common alternative place to put stuff. But both of these can rapidly become filled with a confusing clutter. A situation only made worse if files are given names which are meaningful only to the individual creating them, and only at the moment they are created.

Adopting a set of conventions for naming files and a systematic structure of folders in which to store them will save a lot of grief. Not only will files be easier to find, a well-constructed file system will also facilitate effective procedures to backup important data. But that is another topic.

Resources

Keyboard Explorer 1.1.2 (784 kB - Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP) is a training program for novice computer users.

Mouse Trainer 1.2.10 (870 kB - Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP) is a training program for novice computer users.

Organize files and folders (Microsoft Windows XP)

Windows XP file management tutorial

Windows XP tutorial - create/name/rename/delete files and folders

Dialog Box Assistant is a very simple program that adds two extra buttons to your Windows Open and Save dialog box. The left button shows you the list of most recently launched files. The right button shows you the list of most recently accessed folders. (Link is to the last freeware version.)