Introduction to Computer for Entry Level Beginners

If You are an Absolute Newbie at Technical Stuff ...

Do you know anyone who doesn't own a laptop or desktop computer? Today, most of the new users for computers and programs are children, but there are still many adults that have yet to use one and many need some help getting started. The great thing about many programs today is that they are so much easier to use than they were just five or ten years ago, and most people can learn on their own from home after they have had a short introduction to computer programs they are interested in. Whether learning for a job or for school, computers are essential today and are thankfully more user friendly than ever.

You Don't Have to be a Geek, Nerd or Techie

Gone are the days of running a computer by putting commands into the computer. They are run with simple mouse clicks that almost anyone can do.

In fact, when running introduction programs for new users, you want to teach them all about how the mouse works and how it is used to do almost anything on a computer. You can start with simple exercises, or perhaps you could start them playing a game like solitaire that uses mouse clicks for the entire game. They will love playing the game while learning to use the mouse well at the same time.

Using Computer Programs

Once someone knows how to use a mouse rather well (don't forget to teach about right vs. left clicking and other mouse functions) you can then show them how to open up a program and do the basics. If someone is learning Word, for example, you can show them how to start a new file, save it, and perhaps how to make sure it prints correctly when they are done.

This type of function can help them with other types of programs that have the same basic commands. Most word processing programs have the same basics so these are good lessons for anyone starting out on a computer.

Another item they should learn about is how to save, store, and then find anything they want to save in My Documents. They should learn how to make sure they organize everything into different folders and file names so that they can find what they need without sifting through a lot of different areas searching for one thing.

Many computers today have picture, video and data file folders already in place, but it does not hurt to teach someone how to make new sub folders to make finding whatever they need easy and fast. Nothing is more frustrating then knowing you saved something important but you just can not find where you put it.

There are many other useful and easy lessons you can give someone when doing an introduction to computer programs and basic usage. Think about what you do the most on a computer, such as start and surf the Internet, and then go from there.

What you do the most may be the very same things that someone else wants to accomplish or will be required to do for their new employer. Thankfully, these lessons are not as difficult as they once were and with so many people becoming almost expert with computers these days, there will always be someone to answer follow up questions for your student when you are not there.

About Buying Used Desktop Computers

The fact is, 95% of us don't tax our computers at all. The technology is so good and the software is so lightweight that a 10 year old computer can perform all of our tasks at a level far above "satisfactory." So a used desktop computer actually makes a good amount of sense for most of us.

What then, should you look for in a used desktop computer? That depends largely upon what you plan on using the computer for. If you're into design, then you'll need something with great resolution and graphics, something along the lines of an Apple product is generally the best bet.

Apple tm computers generally shunned by high-tech nerds; my more computer savvy friends consider apple products to be nothing more than trinkets or toys, to be used only in specific instances for specific jobs. Obviously graphics and video-related processes are where Apple products excel, so that's what they tend to be used for.

If you're into gaming, for example, then an Apple is the last kind of used desktop computer you'd ever want or need. A gaming computer should have a top notch motherboard that's able to be modified and upgraded with new equipment.

You'll want room to install a high-end graphic card, and of course you'll want to put on the operating system of your choice. Windows Vista is a good one if you're looking for the best resolution, but unfortunately Vista has a reputation of being filled with holes and exploits that hackers can dig into, and as an OS it doesn't work or play well with outside programs.

So with that in mind, it might make more sense to go with an older vintage Microsoft tm operating system for your used desktop computer, something like Windows XP or even Windows ME. Your games may not look as good, but you'll be able to keep your computer more secure.

Now, off to the electronics store to pick out the color and style of your new computer. Hope this introduction helps to get you or your child started.