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beginner

Don’t apologize for being “stupid”

Three of my clients today were digital beginners. Each of these three clients apologized for being "stupid." They explained that computers are new to them and they aren't smart enough to learn.

As a teacher and computer guy, I kind of get tired of hearing this. Keep in mind that this comes from a guy who had, "potential for higher achievement," on almost every report card he ever received.

It wasn't until I started teaching that I realized how much of a barrier our own attitude truly makes in how well we learn. I have clients who are 86 who are teaching their kids how to send email attachments. Then again, I have 45-year-old clients who tell me that they are too old to learn this stuff.

Reader/Listener Challenge

We work extremely hard at creating tips, reviews, and other content for our web site. However, we often feel like we are the only ones who use the information. I often think, "If a tree falls in the woods, does it make a sound? And if we post an important article or tip, will anyone read it?"

My challenge is to the regular readers of our site and listeners to our program who do peruse the site, follow our tips, and take our advice. We need you to start a grass roots movement to get eyeballs over to this site and utilize the information that is here and leave comments to help us improve upon what is here as well. We have designed the site's content to be helpful to anyone who uses a computer, but mostly computer users who tell us they are beginners or just learning. However, we also believe that more experienced computer users can use our site to help out their family and friends who get constant questions about their computers. 

Video Tour of HelpMeRick.com

HelpMeRick.com has a wealth of information for computer users of all experiences, but beginner or novice computer users find the information found here the most helpful. We have put together a short video explaining how our site is organized and how you can find information about computer topics that you are most interested in learning. No other web site is built on information quite like ours. We strive to make computers and technology understandable by all and a tool that will benefit everyone.

To replay this 6 minute narrated video tour of how to best utilize HelpMeRick.com, push F5 on your keyboard or click the Refresh/Reload button on your browser.

One man’s search for a banjo

I decided a few weeks ago that I want a banjo.

Why? A few weeks ago I realized that everything I do is digital. I do a lot of digital photography, I spend my day working on computers, for relaxation I play XBox. I feel covered up in 1s and 0s.

Once in a while, I want to get away from the digital world and do something analog. I am not a guy without hobbies and interests, but I think I am ready to switch some gears with what I do with my free time.

What does this have to do with computers?

Well, when I guy decides to start something new, there is one place he should start… the Internet.

Elements 3 Features

What’s New In Elements 3
 

Quirky Features:

Not all of the new features in Elements 3 are extremely useful. Although many of the new features are designed to help the beginner, they are too complicated to be of any use. Some of theses new quirky features include:

1. Create – The most useful of the quirky new features, this feature allows you to make slideshows, greeting cards, photo album pages and more. Don’t expect the versatility of a program like Print Shop though.