Computer training on the computer
I first started using a PC in 1976, while stationed in Panama, the one with the Panama Canal, not Florida. The Air Force had just introduced a new position which I was interested in pursuing. Once accepted I was shown to an office which held a desk with a computer and monitor. Sitting next to the computer was a book. I was told that the book contained the instructions for operating the computer and that was all the help I was going to get.
As you can imagine we didn't have "Windows" at the time. Everything was written in DOS and you had to type in every command to get the computer to do what you wanted. Fortunately, I had a friend, Jeff Cassil, stationed with me who was a computer "geek". He was one of those guys who could create programs without looking at the keyboard and while holding a conversation. He was so fast that he would type a string of information and then have to wait while the computer caught up. So Jeff helped me learn the basics and would come over when I was having problems and help me through. Eventually, the Air Force created programs and forms to help me get my work done.
That is how I initially became interested in computers. I learned mostly from trial and error (mostly error) and eventually learned to do all of the basic operations and even went on to develop some spreadsheets and databases, that were used throughout the Air Force. Later I took a couple of basic, very basic, courses offered by the Air Force. They had real fancy names like "Introduction to Micro Computing" and "Basic Word Processing". By the time they offered the courses I was already familiar with the programs, but it was good for some points in my career progression.
I didn't take another computer course until 2001, when I was working as a civilian in the Middle East. It was mostly out of boredom, but I thought the certifications for A+ (diagnostics and repair) and CCNA (CISCO Certified Network Associate) may come in handy later on. Actually they never did help me find work but they proved useful because of the knowledge I managed to retain.
I've always been interested in gadgets and that eventually led to becoming a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) guy. I've always been willing to take things apart and attempt to fix them. I still remember the first time I was thrown against the wall while trying to fix a light switch with the power still on. I digress. Computers were great to tinker with and I learned how to take them apart and put them together. In the beginning it was difficult trying to trace all the circuits. Later all you had to do was take out a card or component and replace it.
Then I would turn to guys like Jeff for help. Now I always go online and search for an article or forum where someone had the problem before me and would outline what I had to do. I diagnose the problem using online information and then figure out what to do the same way.
Fortunately, computers and their hardware components are lasting much longer now, so most of the problems come from software of one kind or another. That's a little harder for me since I've never gotten into the programming side of things. But there is a great group of people at www.VirtualDR.com who have never failed to give me the help I needed. It's a very useful site, so write it down and use it. They can help with hardware problems as well, plus they send you greeting on your birthday. So if you've been paying attention, most of what I know about computers and how they work (and break) I've learned by jumping in. Usually the computer itself was my training tool as I went online to locate the needed information.
Today there are many computer courses offered on CD, DVD and online or by that guy on TV. However, by going to the right site you can learn the basics of word processing or go all the way to loading and editing photos. If you are interested you can learn to set up a network, develop a web page or operate your own server. They even have programs for teaching you typing and playing the guitar. Eventually, you will turn to the computer for recipes and advice on child care and almost anything else you want information on.
A word of warning: The Internet has both good and bad advice. Be sure to research the pros and cons and never depend on just one persons or articles advice.
I've always felt that you learn by doing. I've never been afraid of jumping in and getting my hands dirty. However, sometimes you need to know where to start. In that case you can find a lot of useful information on my website for Computer Training at www.Computer-train.TellMeAboutThat.com. If you like what you see, go to www.TellMeAboutThat.com peruse the "Hot Links" tab to locate other sites with information on a wide variety of subjects.
Tom Stabler is a retired Air Force logistics specialist. He has traveled extensively, mostly in the Middle East and Central America. During his travels he gained experience and insight into a variety of subjects. He uses his articles to talk about his life experiences as well as promote his blog and 94 websites at www.TellMeAboutThat.com. He currently lives in South Carolina with His wife of 32 years.