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Loyal readers of my column over the past 7
years have become better computer users. They are no longer beginners, and
are well on their way to being what I would call “Power Users”.
A Power User knows how to use their
computer, instead of letting their computer use them.
A Power User knows most of the basics of
computer use, and is comfortable no matter whose keyboard they’re sitting
in front of.
Here’s a list of what most Power Users
should know, and if you don't know, here's where you may learn it.
They have a general idea of what’s inside
their computer.
What's Inside Your Computer?
They know how to use their mouse, (both the
left and right buttons) effectively.
Mousing Around and The
Right Mouse Button
They know how to perform routine maintenance
on their computer to keep it running properly.
Tune Up Your Computer and
Speed It Up, Buddy! and
Windows 98 Maintenance
One of the first things they learned, was
that it's much easier to
Copy Cut and Paste than to
retype something. What a timesaver!
They know how to minimize their risk of
disaster.
Removable Storage Options
and
Backup, or you'll be sorry!
They know how to keep unwanted programs from
loading when they boot up their computer, which keeps their computers’
performance high and increases their own productivity.
The Perfect Computer
They know how to effectively search the
internet, and how to use their web browser to it’s fullest of
capabilities.
Search Engines on the Web
and
Customize your Browser and
Customize your Browser II
They know how to properly utilize their
e-mail, and keep their in-box, as well as all their desktop and all their
other files neat and orderly, so that anything can be found in a snap.
Manage Your E-mail and
Manage Your E-mail II and
Clean Up Your Desktop
and they know how to
manage their Spam too!
They know how to troubleshoot their own
basic software problems, and they know what the likely solution is for
resolving those problems.
Error Messages and
When Software Won't Work
and
Three-Finger Salute ctrl-alt-del
and
How to call Tech Support
They know how to download programs and files
from the internet, then locate those downloaded files and install, view,
or print whatever they’ve downloaded.
Foolproof Downloading and
Printing from the Internet
They know how to properly scan pictures for
sharing online, without special software being needed to view them.
How to Use Your Scanner
Most importantly, they know how to keep
their computer free of viruses, unwanted intruders, and “spyware” that
violates your privacy, and causes a whole host of serious problems.
The Truth About Viruses and
Virus Safe Computing and
Spyware...Is someone watching you?
and
Do you need a Firewall?
(Yes you do)
They moved out of the realm of beginners
with Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME (yuck), and Windows 2000. In
doing so, they learned that the CTRL - ALT - Delete command was their
friend, especially in Windows XP.
Three Finger Salute - XP
Today, (September of 2004) they are running
a system with bare minimum Windows XP Home, with 256 megs of Ram and a 1.0
GHZ processor or higher. If not, then a new $400 computer should on the
holiday wish list.
They might have this list of keyboard
shortcuts printed that will save you lots of time, compared to using the
mouse.
Power Users' Keys to Success
If they have a business, then they probably
know
How to Establish a Web Presence,
and how to
Market Your Website. They
might have even read
How to Promote your Website,
and they certainly know the basics of a
good foundation to achieve good search
results and they also know how to
Be their own IT department.
They know what their kids meant when they
heard them say to a friend... "I'll IM you later". That's because they
read about Instant Messaging in
Understanding IM Services
If they're business owners, then they might
know a few things about their website. They probably know How to Establish
They know that if they keep checking back
here, they'll find out more cool stuff too... |
