The reason? Modern computers run on operating systems, such as Windows for PC and OS for Mac. That's basically what your brain is doing as your hand points and clicks.
Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. Ever seen a four-year-old grab the mouse and start web-surfing like it was nothing? It happens all the time.
Today, I'm something of an unofficial computer geek. That's the basic concept of using the mouse, and it's such a simple method that 3-year-olds take to it with ease. So click the mouse, and take your power. You know those words! And you can learn even more words, easily. If you think about this long enough, it might blow your mind. So let me now point out five more general facts about computer programs:
That goes for all of the other categories of programs as well. How can this be? Do they grow them smarter these days?
Well, I know some parents who'll tell you so, but the truth is, today's computer programs are designed so that the average untrained human being can learn them quickly and apply them in myriad ways.. NEW FILE, SAVE, PRINT.
Today's kids are little tech-heads.
In most Internet Browsers, the pulldown menus are all pretty much the same. We can do some pretty incredible things just by POINTING AND CLICKING.
I mentioned MS-DOS in my intro. and find. This goes for all kinds of programs.
Just open your mind, and you'll see what's before you; the incredible world of computers and the miraculous acts you can perform through them by your own miniscule hand.)
Let's use the FILE menu as an example.
Point and click. Every time you use a program, you're searching for a word or a symbol or a button that will perform a desired action or take you to a desired destination. All rights reserved.
In most utilities programs, the pulldown menus are all pretty much the same. Words like. So for anyone out there who claims that they're "just not a tecchie" and can't learn the programs: DO NOT DOUBT YOURSELF. We all know what's behind door number one. Do all this, and master programs while saving thousands on computer training classes that you don't need. damn, this is too easy isn't it. The operating system covers up all that wacky-looking MS-DOS code with windows and buttons that practically beg us out loud, "CLICK ME!" And click them we do. SAVE.
It's these windows that we can open and shut, buttons we can click, and menus we can pull down using our trusty mouse, that let us accomplish tasks of great magnitude in record time, using these powerful machines. We call them Applications because they're meant to be applied for practical use to enhance our quality of living.. With this concept in mind, computer programmers did a beautiful thing for all of us humble users: they were kind enough to develop a standard method of navigating through most programs. If you click on each of these words in any program, they bring down a menu of more options. Hook up with a computer-savvy friend for a little tutorial.
At this point, I'd like to thank you for sticking through this tirade with me, so that I can make my final point:
The only thing holding you back from learning new computer programs is your own closed-minded attitude. I can pretty much learn any graphics, word processing or utilities program on the fly, and I even surprise myself with html tricks from time to time. DELETE. "No, I can't!" you say.
How can you become skilled in the major categories of computer programs? Search for free, downloadable instructions on the internet, or pay a small amount for training books.. With some exceptions, most of them say things like FILE, VIEW, EDIT, FORMAT, TOOLS, HELP. SEE IT, GRAB IT.. MOVE.
. Because of the fact that most word processing menus contain identical or nearly-identical pulldown menus, if you know one word processing program, you pretty much know all of them. YES, carton gluing machine you CAN. Click the Help menu and read each topic explained. Point and click..
Seek. Seek and find. If you learn Microsoft Outlook, you should have little to no problem with other email management programs.
In most illustration programs, the pulldown menus are all pretty much the same. This is how today's computers work, in a nutshell..
Just like the operating system, most programs use what's called an interface: that shell or skin that hides the code, and allows you to navigate and manipulate using simple clicks and commands. And even if the menus are not identical, you know the language. You'll be able to hunt for the words that perform the desired actions. PASTE. For the most part, today's user doesn't need to know a thing about MS-DOS. COPY.
Why am I taking such pains to point this out? Because I want to shed some light on a fact that's often overlooked by the skittish user. You know a lot more than you think you know. There is nothing easier than this. CHANGE. Now for the good news: so can you.
In most photo-manipulation programs, the pulldown menus are all pretty much the same. By age fifteen, kids are designing websites and manipulating photos like old pros. (I probably don't need to explain this to you, but I'm trying to make a point here. So, what's the big challenge? To think of the word that describes the action that you need performed. This interface is what enables us to just stroll on over and start making things happen on the computer without knowing a darned thing about programming or codes or much of anything. You CAN learn the programs!
If you master Photoshop, you'll be able to use any Photoshop knock-off program with relative ease