A sure fire way to learn your computer this year!

When I am doing private tutoring on a computer I typically write step-by-step notes while the learner sits in the driver's seat. I think that people learn more by doing than by hearing.

However, my method is really only about 60 percent as effective as it could be. The best way to learn is by learning. In other words, having someone sit next to you and walk you through the steps will stick in your memory as well as if you teach yourself.

So, if learning your computer is one of your New Year's resolutions, here are a few tips that will help you teach yourself.

1. Teaching yourself doesn't mean doing it all on your own. You may want a tutor, relative or neighbor to show you how to do it a couple times before you start experimenting.

2. Stop being afraid of your computer. You can cause a few mix-ups from time to time, but consider ever little mistake to be a learning experience. As long as your aren't trying to use your laptop in the bathtub you probably won't cause any permanent damage.

3. Keep a journal. Buy a large, thick notebook and keep it next to your computer.

4. Whenever you learn something, write it down in the journal.

5. Whenever you write something down in your journal be specific and follow the points below:

Write a specific heading such as, "How to attach photos to email" or "How to look at my pictures in a slide show.  Avoid headings that are too vague such as, "Email stuff" or "Printing."

Don't leave out anything. If you click on your mouse button, write, "Left click on File..." or "Move mouse so that arrow is over My Computer icon on the desktop (main screen you see when the computer starts up)."

Never think to yourself, "I will remember that." You won't.

Read through your journal whenever you have a problem, even if you think that the answer isn't in there. Eventually you will discover that many types of problems have similar solutions. You will see troubleshooting patterns that will guide you through all sorts of problems.

6. Whenever you get frustrated walk away. Stop picking at it or it will get infected. Just give your frustration time to heal. You will be surprised how much enlightenment can come in a few hours after giving it a break to watch The Simpsons or Wrestlemania.

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