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Subject:Re: They don't need our stinkin' manuals?? From:Marilynne Smith <marilyns -at- qualcomm -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 02 Jan 2001 12:25:48 -0800
I've been working with computers since the early 70s. I've been my own
computer repairman since I my first PC-AT. Do I know everything about
computers? Of course not. There are too many variations, too many ways to
use a computer. If we are both computer gurus, I can talk over your head
and you can talk over mine. You need to find your niche and learn how to
operate in that niche.
The idea that grownups are afraid of their computers is largely a myth. I
know a lot of seniors who are quite capable with a computer. I know some
seniors who designed computers in their working days. I know some people
who can't wind a clock unless you tell them how, but who still manage to do
what they want to on a computer. I do know some who are afraid to touch
the keyboard for fear they'll do something wrong. You should see their
faces when I put their hands on the keyboard and just hit lots of keys. It
gets them by the initial fear. I've been known to say "You've got the
power" and point to the power switch.
Today's PCs are friendly, usable pieces of equipment. The reason for that
is we have good programmers, system admins, etc. Most of those people are
well over the age of 25 and very knowledgeable. Perhaps someday these kids
will do wonderful things with computers, but not yet. They're still
kids: confident of their abilities and led by their own interests.
Who do they think invented the computer anyway, little Johnnie in the 8th
grade?
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