If you’re like me, you grew up in world where most people had no idea what a computer really was.  We heard about computers.  We saw them on TV.  But, we didn’t have computers in our classrooms.  We didn’t have them in our homes.  Very few of us used them at our jobs. Today’s world is completely different when it comes to computers and technology.  Computers are everywhere now:  In our offices, our homes, our cars, and even in our pockets!

Our kids have been using computers most of their lives and they are quite comfortable with them. But for us older folks, computers,  and  other high-tech devices  might seem difficult to use, or intimidating. Many of us will turn to our kids for help in understanding how to use our high-tech gadgets. Although  they  may  be  quite   comfortable  with  using computers   themselves,  younger people  often   don’t  have  the  perspective, or the patience, to explain things in terms that make sense to an older person who did not grow up in a world filled with computers and electronic gadgets.

Even though I was born in the late 1950’s, I was fortunate enough to have stumbled into the world of computers during my senior year in high school.  I had no idea what I was getting into when I signed up for the only computer class offered in my high school in 1976, but once I got started, I knew I had found my passion. I frequently get calls from clients who need someone to guide them and help them  understand  the basics.  When I come to help them, they find that I am able to explain things in ways that make sense to a person who did not grow up with a home computer, or a smart phone, or GPS.  Clients will tell me that they’ve tried to have their kids explain things to them,  but the kids  could never explain things in terms that are understandable. I know how to work around the jargon and explain things in terms you can understand.

In future editions of this column, I hope to be able to provide some useful information that will help you better understand how to use your computer effectively and efficiently. If you have any questions for me, feel free to email me at Rick@Hogans-Systems.com.