Computers You Can Master Any Program

Writen by Dina Giolitto

There was a time when I didn't think I'd ever be a "computer" person. I was in the seventh grade, taking a class in MS-DOS and learning some program called Turtle. (I know why they called it Turtle. It was pretty darned slow.) I had to key in about 50 commands just to draw a half-inch line. I wasn't all that skilled at doing this. One little typo, and my line was going in the total wrong direction. I got a C+ in the class.

Today, I'm something of an unofficial computer geek. I can pretty much learn any graphics, word processing or utilities program on the fly, and I even surprise myself with html tricks from time to time. Now for the good news: so can you. "No, I can't!" you say. YES, you CAN.

Today's kids are little tech-heads. Ever seen a four-year-old grab the mouse and start web-surfing like it was nothing? It happens all the time. By age fifteen, kids are designing websites and manipulating photos like old pros. How can this be? Do they grow them smarter these days?

Well, I know some parents who'll tell you so, but the truth is, today's computer programs are designed so that the average untrained human being can learn them quickly and apply them in myriad ways. We call them Applications because they're meant to be applied for practical use to enhance our quality of living.

I mentioned MS-DOS in my intro. For the most part, today's user doesn't need to know a thing about MS-DOS. The reason? Modern computers run on operating systems, such as Windows for PC and OS for Mac. The operating system covers up all that wacky-looking MS-DOS code with windows and buttons that practically beg us out loud, "CLICK ME!" And click them we do.

Just like the operating system, most programs use what's called an interface: that shell or skin that hides the code, and allows you to navigate and manipulate using simple clicks and commands. This interface is what enables us to just stroll on over and start making things happen on the computer without knowing a darned thing about programming or codes or much of anything.

It's these windows that we can open and shut, buttons we can click, and menus we can pull down using our trusty mouse, that let us accomplish tasks of great magnitude in record time, using these powerful machines. We can do some pretty incredible things just by POINTING AND CLICKING. If you think about this long enough, it might blow your mind.

Point and click. That's the basic concept of using the mouse, and it's such a simple method that 3-year-olds take to it with ease. SEE IT, GRAB IT. This is how today's computers work, in a nutshell. With this concept in mind, computer programmers did a beautiful thing for all of us humble users: they were kind enough to develop a standard method of navigating through most programs.

Seek... and find. That's basically what your brain is doing as your hand points and clicks. Every time you use a program, you're searching for a word or a symbol or a button that will perform a desired action or take you to a desired destination. So, what's the big challenge? To think of the word that describes the action that you need performed. Words like... SAVE. MOVE. DELETE. CHANGE. COPY. PASTE. You know those words! And you can learn even more words, easily.

Now I ask you, what could be easier than learning the very BASIC language of computer use?

If you want to perform any action in any program, go to the top of the screen and read the words there. With some exceptions, most of them say things like FILE, VIEW, EDIT, FORMAT, TOOLS, HELP. If you click on each of these words in any program, they bring down a menu of more options. (I probably don't need to explain this to you, but I'm trying to make a point here.)

Let's use the FILE menu as an example. We all know what's behind door number one. NEW FILE, SAVE, PRINT... damn, this is too easy isn't it. So let me now point out five more general facts about computer programs:

In most word processing programs, the pulldown menus are all pretty much the same.

In most illustration programs, the pulldown menus are all pretty much the same.

In most utilities programs, the pulldown menus are all pretty much the same.

In most photo-manipulation programs, the pulldown menus are all pretty much the same.

In most Internet Browsers, the pulldown menus are all pretty much the same.

Why am I taking such pains to point this out? Because I want to shed some light on a fact that's often overlooked by the skittish user. Because of the fact that most word processing menus contain identical or nearly-identical pulldown menus, if you know one word processing program, you pretty much know all of them. That goes for all of the other categories of programs as well. And even if the menus are not identical, you know the language. You'll be able to hunt for the words that perform the desired actions.

At this point, I'd like to thank you for sticking through this tirade with me, so that I can make my final point:

The only thing holding you back from learning new computer programs is your own closed-minded attitude. Point and click. Seek and find. There is nothing easier than this. So for anyone out there who claims that they're "just not a tecchie" and can't learn the programs: DO NOT DOUBT YOURSELF. You CAN learn the programs!

If you master Photoshop, you'll be able to use any Photoshop knock-off program with relative ease. If you learn Microsoft Outlook, you should have little to no problem with other email management programs. This goes for all kinds of programs.

How can you become skilled in the major categories of computer programs? Search for free, downloadable instructions on the internet, or pay a small amount for training books. Hook up with a computer-savvy friend for a little tutorial. Click the Help menu and read each topic explained. Do all this, and master programs while saving thousands on computer training classes that you don't need.

Just open your mind, and you'll see what's before you; the incredible world of computers and the miraculous acts you can perform through them by your own miniscule hand. You know a lot more than you think you know. So click the mouse, and take your power.

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

Liked this article? Have more of the same emailed to your inbox each month. Sign up for the Copywriting and Marketing Ezine from Dina at Wordfeeder.com and learn to write search engine friendly web copy and market your web based business for free.

History Of The Computer Data Handling Peripherals Part 3 Of 3

Writen by Tony Stockill

TELETYPE MACHINES

Developed for telegraph 'hard copy' communication over the telephone network, a teletype machine was suited to adoption by the rapidly expanding computer market, with its demand for hardware and technology to run it. A ready-made printer and keyboard communication device, it was capable of being attached to the systems by the addition of data link hardware to handle the already established protocol. For this reason teletypes were used both in the computer room to operate the system, and by remote users to communicate with the system, to submit and retrieve information.

A Teletype was a common 'console', used by the operator. They were also used for remote printers connected to the computer by telephone wires via modems. Typically a KSR35 (Keyboard Send and Receive) using a series of characters on pins arranged in a square block. The block was moved to align it in front of a hammer used to strike the appropriate pin and transfer the ink from the ribbon to the paper.

Another common teletype, the ASR33 (Automatic Send and Receive) used a cylindrical block with characters etched on it to align vertically and horizontally clockwise or counter-clockwise, the appropriate character for printing. The operator, or other user, in each case could use the keyboard to input basic commands or data to the computer.

Another console communication device was a modified IBM Selectric or Remington SR-101 electric typewriter. They used a 'golf ball' to type in a similar way to the ASR33. With the addition of changeable 'balls' for a different font set.

These machines were better suited to computer interface as they were much faster than conventional type machines.

VIDEO TERMINALS

Consoles next moved into the 'modern' era when a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display was added. At first this was in addition to the to the typewriter device, as a console record was kept on paper to analyse what had happened at various stages of operation (so we know who to blame!).

Consoles have since become data terminals, with keyboard and screen, then mini computers incorporating maintenance and diagnostic capabilities, as well as console function. PCs, at first monochrome, then color, emulating a 'green screen' terminal, then using colors for different purposes, are standard today, as are LCD monitors.

Console records are still maintained on files, either in the PC on hard drive or on the mainframe, depending on the system. (you still can't get away with anything!) Some systems use a control console for each operation, system, network, printers etc. Others incorporate all functions in one control, with auxiliary stations in the print room, network console, etc.

NETWORKS

Networks, originally supported by modems at speeds of 110 baud gradually improved in speed along with modem technology to 9600. Connection methods were either RS232 standard, or some proprietary modified version of it, used by system manufactures to ensure customers used their terminals and printers.

The next stage was the adoption of Ethernet, or other contemporary protocols. Ethernet also increased from 10 to 100 to gigabit transmission rates. Terminals and printers at remote points improved from a basic dot matrix printer to which a monochrome terminal was added.

Currently remote users are using PCs or 'thin clients' (basically a pc with no hard drive, using the network server to download programs) with a laser printer dedicated or shared with a workgroup. A network of several hundred PCs and printers can be managed from a central 'network control', or at any point on the network.

Tony is an experienced computer engineer. He is currently webmaster and contributor to http://www.what-why-wisdom.com A set of diagrams accompanying these articles may be seen at http://www.what-why-wisdom.com/history-of-the-computer-0.html RSS feed also available - use http://www.what-why-wisdom.com/Educational.xml

Is The Cpc The Blackberrys Nemesis

Writen by Brenda Fleen

The trouble with Blackberries is that they don't connect with wi-fi. But the manner by which they are able to send and receive e-mails, and lately SMS as well as IM, can get really addictive. In fact, they won't call the Blackberry a "Crackberry" for nothing. The Electron 8700r, for instance, runs on a 850/900/1800/1900 MHz processor, is GSM/GPRS/EDGE enabled, and has an integrated phone with speakerphone in one. It's also Bluetooth-enabled, so you can guess how this has become a genuinely multi-tasking tool for mobile workers.

Before I tell you just where to get the best deals on the Blackberry, let me just assure you that this handheld, despite being a new mobile tool, has been invading the market only recently. Most companies all over the world provide Blackberries to their employees to make sure that their people are always informed of latest happenings in their corporate circuit. Because of the ease of use, the Blackberry has been transformed into the quintessential tool for the guy on the road. So much to the point that he may even complain that he is suffering from "Blackberry Thumb."

But the Blackberry persists. I don't look at it as an addictive gadget, but as a great help to my everyday tasks. I can go anywhere with only my Electron 8700r in my backpack. The trouble is, when I'm located in a wi-fi hotspot, I'm lost. Sure, I can send SMS, browse the web, and chat on Yahoo client, but the subscription costs can get to my budget. Of course, this works with just about any mobile device that supports WAP, so I really have no choice but to grin and bear it. That's why I'm always on the lookout for the best discount shopping deals. One of the best places where I found Blackberry discounts is at EAccess Solutions (http://www.eaccess.com/Rebate_Center.htm). Choose your model from Cingular, Nextel, Verizon, and T-Mobile; and if you purchase them on certain dates listed in the site, you get rebates for your Blackberries.

Another place to find great deals is at the Blackberry Source Clearance Sale. View your Blackberry and Blackberry accessories, cases, chargers, holsters, holders, pouches, batteries, and other knick-knacks and order them at discounted prices. Check them out at www.blackberrysource.com -- these products are sold at limited time. Usually, I get my accessories at these discount shopping stores and at Shopping.com, if some unwitting (and perhaps recuperating) Blackberry addict decides to sell his holster or charger at half the price. Somehow this stretches my budget and allows me to save my c-notes on other more important, and probably more high-tech gadgets such as the cPC from Dualcor Technologies.

Although I'm talking about Blackberries and mobile computer devices in general, I'm more inclined into thinking that the mobile devices have so far been the most evolved gadgets these days, thanks to our diligent technological researchers and trend setters. The cPC from Dualcor, I imagine, is going to bowl over the Blackberry users since it supports wi-fi and lasts a hell lot longer than other integrated mobile devices. For example, the sole reason that the mobile phone and the entire PC package is difficult to integrate is the fact that the battery life can only last for so long -- and you can't possibly recharge them while you're on the road. Doing so erases the concept of mobility that it promises. For this reason, the invention of the cPC from Dualcor troubleshoots that problem and offers a lot more advantage than we expect.

The cPC, according to the manufacturers, is sold at around $1,500. This price can be so steep compared to a Blackberry, but hey, we're talking mobile phone integrated with a real PC here! Folks who are planning to buy the cPC shouldn't be so surprised, since as soon as they use it, I don't think they would be asking for more. Today, it's still quite early to come up with a verdict. But the idea of a mobile phone running in Windows Mobile software, integrated to a PC running on Windows XP, and is as small as Palm pilot is nevertheless groundbreaking.

For more valuable information on discount shopping and discount travel, please visit http://www.shoppersdiscount.com