1.  Avoid computer frustration.

Computers do not “think” in the same way that human beings do.  As a matter of fact, the intensely logical behavior of a computer can seem erratic and unpredictable to a human.

Unfortunately, given the current state of development of the computer industry, the error messages that the computer produces are not necessarily useful for the end user.  The software or hardware developer, who without a doubt is much more technically oriented than the average user, programmed the error codes.  So when your computer tells you that “You have performed an illegal operation”, don’t expect to see the police at your doorstep.  Also, don’t expect to necessarily understand what went wrong; just make sure that you regularly backup your files so that you won’t lose any work.  Reset or restart the computer and go on with your life.  You only need to concern yourself with such errors if they happen constantly.  If that is the case, let the hardware or software manufacturer help you troubleshoot the problem to get it resolved.

2.  Relax and enjoy your computer.

Remember that it is difficult to be frustrated when you are relaxed.  When you use your computer, be as relaxed as possible.  Tension will only make the job more difficult.  Expect the unexpected.  Accept and try to work through the problems without getting upset.  Remember that everyone who uses a computer faces similar difficulties.

3.  Learn the basics.

  I admit that this may be a boring and somewhat uninteresting prospect.  However, learning about how the computer works will help you in many ways.  Get a good computer book that will explain the basics.  My book How to Have a Meaningful Relationship with Your Computer is a great guide to understanding computers. Supplement your computer learning with a class from your local community college.  Use the Internet to help you find your way through the computer maze.  See the How-To Section of this web site to get additional instructions on learning the basics. And don’t forget to learn the terminology!  When you don’t understand a computer term, look it up in a good glossary.  Often the most difficult part of computing is knowing the proper terminology.  After all, it is difficult to even use the help section in a computer program if you don’t know what word to look up.

4.   Organize your computer paraphernalia. 

When you purchase a new computer, along with the equipment itself, you usually get a large array of disks, CD-ROMs, pamphlets and miscellaneous papers.  The abundance of “stuff” can be overwhelming to the average computer user.  Here’s what I suggest.  After you unpack your computer, go through all the papers and disks, discard any advertising and trial offers that you are not interested in, and then group all the disks and CD-ROMs together in one place labeled with the name of the computer manufacturer and the date of purchase.  Do the same with any pamphlets or manuals that came with your computer.  If you have the room, keep the box that the computer came in for at least one month.  Most computer components that fail do so within the first month. 

When you purchase new hardware or software, register your equipment or programs. Many people think that this is a waste of time; actually, it is good insurance. If a fire, flood, etc. destroys your home or office, your insurance company will probably cover the cost of your computer, but you usually do not get full value for the software that you own. If you have registered the software, you can call or write each company and they will send you another copy of the software. I have also been able to replace software that was lost or stolen in this way. Many programs give you the opportunity to register by modem the first time you use the program. This is a great feature, and it is the easiest way to register. If you don’t register by modem, you can mail in the registration card. Many people object to registration cards that ask you to include your life history, income level and leisure activities. To register the product, you are only required to give your name and address—you do not have to fill out any other information. Also, if you hate junk mail, attach a request that your name not be used for any mailing lists.

5.  Organize the files and folders on your computer.

Use of a little known part of Windows called Windows Explorer (not to be confused with Internet Explorer) to help keep your files organized. This will allow you to locate and manage your files with very little effort. Using Windows Explorer you can move, copy, delete and rename files and folders. Files and folders can be organized by creating new folders, moving existing ones, renaming any that need it, and deleting ones you’ll never use again.

6.  Learn more about the programs you are currently using.

You don’t have to be an advanced computer user for this one. Whatever level you are, just make the commitment to use one new tool to improve your computing skills. Purchase a new computing tool or program, or simply learn to use one you already have. For example, learn how to use that wheel in the middle of the mouse. (Did you know you can hold down the CTRL button and move the wheel to make the text larger/smaller?) Spend the time needed to take advantage of all the features of that digital camera, scanner, or printer. Or simply take the time to investigate the many features in your e-mail or word processing program.

7.  Learn & use some computer shortcuts

When you watch a computer professional at work it is hard to imaging speeding along as they do. There is one thing you can do to speed up your work like the professionals. Learn some of the computer shortcuts. Press the CTRL key and the S key at the same time and the document you are working on will be saved. Press the CTRL key and move the wheel in the middle of your mouse and the text on the page will become larger and/or smaller. Check out the Windows or Mac help files for more keyboard shortcuts. Check out my article entitled Sandy’s Favorite Tips to get some great tips and tricks to get you started. Or get a copy of my Cyber Saver book, which gives a wide array of Tips and Tricks for Drowning Computer Users.

8.  Learn to use special Windows and Internet Explorer Features.

A few of my favorite features in Windows are the Quick Launch Bar, the Windows Key on your keyboard, and in Internet Explorer, the Links Bar. The Quick Launch Bar is the set of icons to the right of the Start button on the Windows taskbar. These icons can be used to instantly launch the applications they represent. This toolbar is handy since it is constantly accessible. You don't have to go back to the Windows desktop to start a new program. Go to the article to learn more.

If you love surfing the Internet, then you will want to learn about the Links Bar in Internet Explorer. It provides a quick way to access the Web sites you visit often. Read my article on using the links toolbar.

Use the Windows key on your Windows keyboard as a shortcut key. How do you know if you have a Windows keyboard? It's easy. Look at the keyboard; a Windows keyboard labels one or two keys on the bottom row with the Microsoft Windows logo. While most people ignore these keys, they shouldn't. These simple keys provide shortcuts to many of the tasks we perform on a daily basis. To learn more, see my article using the Windows key.

9.  Use your computer for a fulfilling project. 

If you have always wanted to document your family history, your computer is an extraordinary tool. Need to do a household or office inventory?  Want to organize and catalog your CDs, photos or other collectibles? Want to keep a daily journal or write your memoirs? How about creating a cookbook of your family recipes? Your computer can make all of these tasks easier, and just think of the sense of accomplishment that you will feel after you complete a project like this. Be sure to learn something new about your computer every day. The Internet is full of great resources including my Compu-KISS Web site. The more you know about computers, the more confident you will become making your computing experiences more enjoyable.

10.  Have fun with your computer.

Whether it’s a new screensaver, animated icons, or decorative wallpaper, have something on your computer screen that makes you smile. When you smile you are bound to work better than when you frown.