Re: They don't need our stinkin' manuals??

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?

Marilynne

~!~ ~!~ ~!~ ~!~ ~!~ ~!~ ~!~
Marilynne Smith
Sr. Technical Writer
QUALCOMM
marilyns -at- qualcomm -dot- com
(858) 651-6664
T-130J
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


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