I have spent more than 10 years helping computer users get the most out of their computers. Without hesitation, I can say that the biggest obstacle any computer user encounters is change (which is precisely why I can’t figure out what Microsoft was thinking with Vista and Office
2007).
One of the most common services I provide computer users is setting up new systems. No matter how much I try and duplicate the old system, including the same icons, desktop background, port all the email addresses, etc, I always get questions for about two months that fall into one of three categories; “Why is this different?”, “Where did (fill in the blank) go?”, and “When will I get used to this new computer?”
I wonder if new car dealerships get the same questions when they sell a new car?
I’ve mentioned it many times, we don’t like change. Change makes us nervous and uneasy. When it comes to answering these questions and giving advice before I leave a customer with a new computer setup, I offer the following advice:
- Look for the programs, icons, and other aspects of the
computer that you DOrecognize. - Start off using your new computer by performing the tasks that you are most comfortable with like games or email.
- If you run into something that looks different, take a deep breath and look again for things you recognize like the menu bar (File, Edit, View, etc) or toolbar icons like Print or Copy and Paste. Then expand from there.
- Most things about computer aren’t necessarily new, they are just rearranged or look different. Using your past experiences with computers will help you learn the “new” system.
