Steps
- Find a real person to help you; not just someone online. Some good people to ask are your own kids. They know a lot about the computer, but they may be annoyed if you ask too much. Also, check out some books at the library about computers. There are a couple of good books out there.
- Learn the basic steps to get on the computer. Learn how to turn the computer on, off, on standby if applicable, how to log off if using Windows XP, and how to put disks in the disk drive.
- Learn about the assorted programs and applications that you will be using. Install them on the computer by placing the CD into the disk drive, and following the installation wizard that pops up on the screen. After installing, play around with the application. this will help you understand the program better.
- Learn a little about some of the chat jargon or chatspeak. Some examples are "lol" (laugh out loud), and "btw" (by the way). Also pay attention to - 1337 speak, which means "leet" or "elite". Check out the external links for more information. Also, remember that this will help you figure out what you children are saying online when you look at their IMs, or instant messages.
- Remember that there are some programs which can send where your child is going online right to your email inbox.
- Set up an email account, which will be required to register with just about any website that allows posting messages (ie: forums, blogs, and sites with built-in chat rooms or IRC clients). Find a free email provider you like such as Google, Yahoo, Hotmail, or AOL. Sign up using their instructions.
- Learn a little about bad people online. First, there are pedophiles which are a danger to your kids. There are also scams, viruses, cookie grabbers, and Trojan horses. See external links for more info. Also, always keep your computer up to date with security patches and other updates.
- Explore a little on the web. Visit Google.com to search for sites that focus on some of your interests.
Tips
- Some applications can help simplify things.
- Before making choices, learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the program.
- Remember, don't download anything if you are not sure about it.
- Make sure your computer is good for your use. If you want to just use it for taxes and email, performance is less useful but if you want to do 3D art, you need a a more beefed up computer.
- Get enough hard drive space! This is basically how much room your computer has for files. 50 GB should be sufficient.
- Make sure the books you look at are up to date.
- On many programs such as Wordpad, there will be a button in the upper part of your screen that says "Help". This is a useful and quick access way to get answers.
- Some public institutions, like libraries or schools, offer free computer courses for people of all ages. If possible, you ought to invest some time into such programs.
Warnings
- Do not be fooled by unrealistic claims. A good rule of thumb is "if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is!". And do not put your mobile number anywhere unless you have read and understood ALL the terms and conditions.
- Do not over estimate how good your computer is or how much room because your computer could overload.
- Do not pay for help unless you have no other alternative.
- If you download files, make sure to run a virus check on it before you open it. It may contain a virus or other mal-ware that can pose a threat to your system.
- Be careful about opening attachments in emails, especially from people you don't know, since the attachment may give you a virus.
- Remember, when it comes to viruses, if you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Stay protected.
- Dangerous emails can also come from your friends. If they have opened and/or received an email with an attachment, it may hijack their address book and send the program to everyone in it.
Things You'll Need
- A computer and Internet connection (personal or public)
- A helpful person or other resource
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