The Chronicles
April 2007
Salutations dear readers and fellow Laurentian neighbors,
Welcome to you all. I will be submitting short monthly articles which I hope you will find of interest. So let's get started right away. The very first question I want to ask you is: are you afraid of your computer? Think about this for a moment... You are of course intrigued by this new technology, it arouses your curiosity and most probably you find the very idea of using your computer for the first time enticing; but how many of you nonetheless find yourselves daunted by the very prospect of hitting the ON button. What could happen if you pressed the wrong key and the whole thing blew up, or worst, that you short-circuited the neighborhood? Here's the good news: it won't happen. But I understand your dilemma. And furthermore, what to do once your computer is ON? There are so many keys and functions, hundreds in fact, and so how does one begin?
Here are my suggestions. Understand that there are two concepts to consider.
Firstly, you should be aware that it is not necessary to be all-knowing about computers to accomplish a specific task in a particular field. What matters is to define your own interests. Be it that you are a great traveler and want to share your photos through the internet with the folks at home or, that you would like to put your memoirs in writing with a Word Processor or, that you want to manage your finances or, that you want to play bridge-on-line! The possibilities are endless; what matters is that it should be easy and relevant to your needs.
Secondly, to feel at ease to learn how to execute basic tasks understand that computers are not smart, without you they are nothing; you are at the helm, the captain, the Boss. So aren't you feeling much better already?!
Therefore, to begin the process of you “mastering the beast”, here is my first tip: take your computer out of the cupboard (!), plug it in and ... learn about the keyboard. Get familiar with all the keys, letters, numbers and other signs that give life to your new friend. Those who have access to the Internet could upload a little game to learn how to type: 10 Finger BreakOut @ http://www.touch-typing-tutor.com/10FingerBreakOut-FreeTypingGame.htm
Use this programme 10 minutes every day and you will be amazed with your progress. For those who have no internet access, or who do not understand how to Download and Install a programme, I am available to help you at your home…
Finally I would like to invite you all to write to me at questions.monamilordi@gmail.com with any questions or comments you may have, each month I will model my article around those questions most asked. This month, if you do communicate with me, I would like to point out that it will be during the first anniversary of “Mon Ami l'Ordi” whose objective is to offer you the best personalized computer learning service at your home. A BIG THANK YOU to all my clients and partners who encourage me every day!
Take good care of you and “happy computering” …
This article originally appeared in Main Street – The Laurentians' English Language Community Newspaper.
