h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I MUST say, I have been absolutely discouraged about computers these past few weeks. Everything I was afraid of about getting my first computer has happened to the ninth degree. I have no idea what anyone means by cookies and resolution pages and this help button turns out to be no help at all, plus I cannot for the life of me find the apostrophe on the keyboard and I don*t know what this strange new language the tech support is using to help me. (" I#m sorry tech (whining out loud) support person, I don^t understand what you*re asking me.") When did this thing, this man-made machine, take away our ability to communicate with each other? Please, slow down a little when talking with a newcomer on the computer and I promise I will catch up to you. meloperkins thanx you.

If anyone gives you hassle, tell 'em to go Twitter their FaceSpace!

>>"When did this thing, this man-made machine, take away our ability to communicate with each other?"

With the advent of 'social networking' I fear. People don't bother to phone each other as much because they can catch friends' updates online, and are so busy clicking 'Like' that they forget to call the ones that aren't online.

First of all: . Have a and some .

Welcome to h2g2. It's the best site to start if you're new to all this. I know, because I was new to PCs, internet and everything when I joined this site. Can you tell me which keyboard you're on? They are different depending on the country you're in. For instance, I have a German keyboard which goes qwertz, and the apostrophe is in the second row of letters, last key to the right, directly after the ä.

On standard US keyboards the apostrophe is immediately to the left of the Enter key.
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Since you're just beginning, take the opportunity to try out other systems, such as mac and linux. Microsoft Windows is neither the only nor the best way of computing.
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How to learn computer basics: Feed a local some crisps and soda in return for three or four introductory lessons.

Then get acquainted with a typing tutor program. There are lots of free ones available -- some are even designed as games. Learn how to type, and you'll be miles ahead in no time.
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Learn how to ask questions the right way(tm):

"How do I make this thing work?" = bad question
"How do I write an email in Mozilla Thunderbird?" = good question

Be patient with yourself.

Hello Melo!

on a British keyboard the apostrophe ['] is under the @ sign.

I totally agree with learning to type - and would also suggest that until things start to sink into place that you keep a small notebook handy with the tips you pick up, as two or three weeks or months later it is hard to remember what you did to make something work the first time.

Apart from that, just do things on a need to know basis, so you don't get completely overwhelmed with interesting facts.

Lanzababy

Hi Melo,

Welcome to Hootoo. I too am a technophobe, I've been here for 6 years and have become a total with a bit of thrown in!

Oh, hum! I'm not sure if that is reassuring


lil xx

Hi Melo, and welcome to h2g2

As Douglas Adams once wrote,

You've alreadly achieved a great deal in finding your way here and posting a question - congratulations!

I've worked in IT for over 20 years and it's still a black art to me. Sometimes the only way is to have a friend come and sit behind you and advise you - we may be just too remote here.

Good luck - let us know how you get on!

melo.
You asked for help 16 hours ago. Scroll back through the posts on this thread and you will find people ready to help.
Most important is to go back to your space, pick up and read the 'Ace's message' a welcome message from Bel [©] ACE posted in your message box.
It you click on this link it will do this for you. F16853608?thread=7433590
Stick with it you will have great fun when you learn to handle the system.