I have some relatives as well as other people I know who own computers yet are constantly calling on me to help with the simplest tasks of dealing with e-mail attachments, running a firewall, emptying temp files, etc. It's frustrating because I'm constantly asked the same things over and over and over again. These people are not dummies either. I'm talking about people who have degrees in medicine, chemical engineering, etc. Do they expect computers to be like a TV set or something (I think that may be the case). I'm thinking a books, magazine subscription, anything. Suggestions please!

Go to "How-tos" here on the forum and print out copies of every applicable subject and give copies to all! :-) JKS

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The Dummies series of books are a good start. People have every right to expect a computer to be as trouble free as a TV or any home appliance, that is what the industry has been working for all these years, but we are not there yet.

The problem is making the computer fully reliable without loosing its functionality and flexability to be customized to the needs of each user. We will get there eventually, and the Startrek computers will become a reality.

Smart people will take advantage of the best resource when doing research. You will continue to be the best and most complete resource for your friends and family, even if you buy them a great reference.

Consider it an honor that intelligent people trust your expertise. Buy phone cards for the ones who are long distance so they can call you without paying for it.;-)

That doesn't sound very reassuring! I was hoping I could somehow avoid being asked the same questions repeatly! however I know what you mean, I attempted to teach my director how to do something very easy and he quickly said, "Why should I? That's what you're here for!" Sigh.. a least I have some job security to a degree! Maybe it's just a certain mindset. I'm the kind who likes to fiddle around and explore and solve a puzzle to I get it right. I guess others are not quite that way. Just wish there was something directed at the newbie mindset more! They don't have Microsoft Bob for XP do they? LOL!


Oh yeah then there is the secretary who asks, "Is it on Word or Macintosh?"

I don't know if you're a parent or not but you certainly know young children. You know how annoying it is when toddlers go through their "why?" stage? Everything is "But, why Dad?, Why, Mom?" As bothersome as that is, it's worse when it stops.

Be careful what you wish for, you might get it.

I expect that form little kids. I'm not a parent -- yet but for goodness sakes I'm talking adults in their 50's, 60's and 70's here!

If fact kids and computers are usually not a problem. I'm sometimes embarresed that they will run circles around me but hey they have the time and sense of wonder and enthusiasm.

Why are computers such a problem with people who have mastered other complex skills like shorthand, chemical analysis, accounting, etc. Why aren't they will to learn what is need there? I have and on top of that I enjoy learning the computer stuff to.

>Why are computers such a problem with people who have
>mastered other complex skills like shorthand, chemical
>analysis, accounting, etc. Why aren't they will to learn
>what is need there? I have and on top of that I enjoy
>learning the computer stuff to.


Your last statement says it all. You enjoy learning the computer stuff. If I were a typing or English teacher, I might point out your next to last statement and ask why a person who has no problem mastering computers doesn't master typing the correct verb tense. :D We take the time to master what is interesting to us. It isn't fair to expect everyone to share those likes and to be good at the same things.

There are people who are exceptionally bright and some that are at the other end of the spectrum but I don't think that is what you're talking about. There are also many folks who are not able to follow written or verbal instructions; those are the ones that try my patience, but I still do my best to work with them.

I get a flood of questions from friends and family on computer issues. Being a chemist, I also end up helping my kids and others that we know with Science and Math homework, answering questions that I might consider trivial. I try to teach rather than simply tell people how to do things so I rarely get repeat questions from the same person. However, I frequently hear the same question from different people and it really doesn't bother me to offer the answer as often as the question is asked. I'm thankful that a few people need me.

I think phgreer would like to help them become more independent with solving their little problems. I used to get this magazine from the newsstands and enjoyed the reading.

http://www.smartcomputing.com/


They cover different topics.You can order subscriptions online from them also.

If they are not inclined to search online for solutions they may pick up a magazine or book geared to their OS, and hopefully absorb some of the tips they come across.


Vera
:-)

That's right, that's my goal. I've had someone else suggest Smart Computing too. I'll think about it. Most of the people I have mention are on the verge or retirement and primarliy deal with the computer for the sake of their job but I have the feeling that when they don't have to use them they will rarely get used. It's very strange because many of these people have no problem whatsoever with other technologies and are quick to embrace them but mention computers and it, "Oh I'll never learn that computer stuff." or "I don't need not dang computer" maybe it's because they still think of the days when computer filled entire rooms and required punch cards or something.

You could build a website with all the answers to your most FAQ's then direct them to it.

It doesn't matter what you give them to read. If they are not willing to take the time for a little self-educating, they will always bother you.
They could have any question answered here. I've never seen a post where all the replies were "I dunno". Of course, that would entail actually doing some work to get the answer (possibly even some reading-- GOD NO!!)
I tell everyone I know about this place and they still call me for help and I've only had a puter for about a year, but I read and read and read and then I read some more.) The best thing I was ever taught was where to go to find the answers myself. (Thanks to Serlv)

You all missed the boat!Tell them to go to PC 911.I have benefited not only by having my questions answered promptly and very helpfully,but have learned a lot by reading other answers and visiting to other features on the site.
The answer is pcnineoneone!!!!!!!!!!!!;-) ;-)

And we have a winner. :D

Im 59-years old and got my first P.C. ever about a year ago. The book that helped me out a lot was, See it done, do it yourself, Easy Windows Me. The author is Shelley O'Hara. Each step is fully illustrated to show it how it looks on the screen. It helps greatly to have the text along with pictures. Good Luck with this...