How to Keep Your Computer From Driving You Crazy

Where did that file go? Why is my hard drive full? Why won't my computer behave and do what I want it to do?

The computer industry has given us the idea, "simply get a computer, that will make everything easier." Unfortunately, getting a computer is really only the start.

Computers are probably today's most important business tools. If you aren't serious about learning to work with them, you aren't serious about business.

First the bad news. Computers are not magic. The more benefit you want from your computer, the more effort it will require from you.

Now the good news. The more you understand about your computer and programs, the more satisfying your experience will be and the more productive you will become.

The goal is simple. Using a computer should be easier than not using one. So how do you make this happen?

• Take a class or two. Training on the basics is a great start. People don't instinctively know how to drive a car, cook, write a letter or operate a computer. We gain skills through instruction and practice. Even a half-day class will help.
• Spend a little time practicing what you've learned, and don't be afraid to flip through the user's manual. (To get your feet wet, you may want to simply look through the index to find a topic you're curious about or that relates to your immediate needs.)
• Do some light reading. Try a how-to guide from the bookstore or take a look at some sites on the Internet related to the program you're learning"Help" feature of the program is also often a great source of information, and most topics can be searched for quickly by using keywords.
• Learn from others. Ask questions of more experienced users. If you have to ask the same question a second or third time, take notes, pay close attention, then immediately practice the function a couple of times. Your helper may not be available the next time you have the problem.
• Use descriptive file and folder names. Quick, abbreviated names may cause problems in the long run when you are searching for a file or organizing your hard drive. Spend an additional five seconds with each document you're working on to choose a descriptive name (something like "LetterRobSmith2-1-03.doc"). You might want to include the topic or company name. You might also put the file name at the bottom of the letter in a small font to allow for fast matching of the printed version to the file.
• Use folders. Create folders on your hard drive as you would for a paper filing system. Use company or project folders for letters, images, drawings, spreadsheets and other files. This can be a significant time-saver.

Don't expect to know it all right now. Software and computers are changing all the time, and many have a great many capabilities. Nobody became an expert overnight, so don't become frustrated.

Start by working on the aspects of a program that can be most quickly beneficial to you, then learn new skills one at a time. Patience is a major part of resolving many computer problems.

And also of maintaining your sanity.