The only way to learn how to “USE” a computer is experience. The normal mind cannot remember all of the various combinations of KEY STROKES and/or MOUSE SELECTIONS. We are fortunate in that a good memory is not required. As users we must learn to BROWSE among the various choices we have and to become familiar with the ones we choose to use. 

    In order to have the courage needed to accomplish this we must understand the basic underlying principles involved in the usage of the Personal Computer as a tool. The most important are:

1. Think of your Personal Computer as a Recorder / Player.

All items stored on your Hard Drive are only collections of information, i.e. instructions which direct the RAM ( Random Access Memory ) and the Processor to activate or turn on specific Pixels of light on your monitor screen. These instructions can also direct your printer to create Printed Images.

2. Files are collections of information.

In order to manage and use all of this stored information we must have a method for cataloging it. The method used is simple, it is similar to the method used to locate people.

All of this stored information is grouped or collected in sets called Files. The definition of a file for use on the computer is as follows: “ A File is a collection of information which has been given a UNIQUE Combination of Name, Address, and sometimes Type.” The name can be any thing you wish to call it. The address is the path of file folders you must go through to reach the file you are looking for. (Similar to following directions of street names to find a house in a city.) The first part of the address is the designation of the hardware device which the file is recorded on. (Similar to the city name of the house you are trying to locate.)

3. There are 3 Types of Files Recorded on your Hard Drive.

The stored instructions on your Hard Drive fall logically into 3 types. These are:

        (1) The operating system. These are the basic instructions which allows your system to begin the processing procedures when you apply power to your machine. 

       (2) Application Software. These instructions are the “go-between” between the user and the processor. They are instructions which have been recorded by another person to make your life easier. 

        (3) User Created Instructions. These are files you create as you use applications to perform tasks. They can be stored keystrokes as in the case of writing a letter using word processing software. eets, pictures, etc.

4. Original Files are never loaded into RAM (Random Access Memory).

This is the concept you must understand to overcome your fears. You are always working with a copy of the file or files which you open. 

 5. Exploration is the KEY to learning the functionality of new Applications.

To teach yourself the value of new or unfamiliar Software Applications you must explore it’s many menus and choices. You can always do this with a copy of the file or picture you wish to modify. You can also start a new file and just try the various tools available to you. You may find some that you will find useful. Remember the old saying; “You don’t know if you like it until you try it.” The learning process is less frustrating if you explore before you have a deadline to meet. Take a simple task to start with and mature into the more complex. I usually set aside some time each day to explore some aspect or part of some application with which I am unfamiliar. Using this learning approach the utility of the personal computer soon unfolds into a vast array of capability. I hope that you will enjoy this course, I enjoy sharing with you. You are a significant part of my learning experiences. Thank you.