Do you ever wonder what it must feel like to wake up each day and not know who you are, why you're here or what are you supposed to do next? No, I'm not talking Alzheimer's, I'm talking computers.
I can't count the number of times I've received a call from a new computer owner that I've never spoken to before. It goes something like this; "I just bought this computer the other day so I can keep in touch with my family who are spread around the world. The problem is I'm so stupid when it comes to understanding this new technology." Immediately, I correct them. No, you aren't stupid. You are uninformed. Webster's New World Dictionary defines stupid as:
1. Lacking normal intelligence 2. Foolish, silly 3. Dull and boring.
Hmm, sounds more like an apt definition for a computer. Give yourself a break! Learning how to operate a computer can be a challenge and it takes time like anything else. I've been dabbling with computers off and on for 20 years and I still have just scraped at the tip of that proverbial iceberg.
*Note -- You don't need to know the inner workings of a computer in order to use one but the more you know the easier it is on you when things go awry and guaranteed they will.
Sure it can be overwhelming but with patience and an interest anyone can operate a computer. Of course the more you want to do with your computer the longer the road to proficiency.
Now back to that stupid old computer (lacking normal intelligence).
When you push the power button or wake up your computer, it doesn't know if it's a computer or a breadbox. The first thing that happens is your computer reads a bit of data from a chip called the CMOS. This tells it, yes you are a computer and not a breadbox. The CMOS chip stores information about the hardware in your computer. Next you have the BIOS. This tells the CPU (Brain - see article "What do all these numbers and specifications mean and what's happening inside that beige box?") for more information. The next step is for your computer to begin to read the reams of data stored on your hard drive. This is when Windows rears its ugly head. There are numerous files being read but the one that is really the underlying ruler of all things is the Windows registry. Stored here is information such as; which files associate with which program, what files are required to start a program, how to log on to the Internet and how the Windows based hardware works. The list goes on and on and on. There are literally thousands of parameters that the registry keeps track of in order to let Windows function properly.
Thank goodness we don't wake up and have to sift through the equivalent of a couple of textbooks each morning in order to plan our next move!
Computers are stupid, not the people operating them!! Once you come to this realization, you'll never have to be intimidated by one again. Computers never think for themselves. Everything they do or accomplish is because someone gave them detailed instructions to follow. On the other hand, most of us do our own thinking and function quite nicely without relearning everything on a daily basis.
Having problems with your computer? On-site service or training. Reasonable rates. Call Greg, "The Computer Surgeon" at (519)376-7151.
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