Using Computers Doesn't Ensure Understanding Them

Summary

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Every 13 minutes, some neophyte buys a computer. (I made that up, but you get the idea.) Computers are the fourth leading cause of bankruptcy and the sixth leading cause of elevated blood pressure. (OK, I made that up, too.) I've used computers every day for 30 years -- which means absolutely nothing about understanding the blasted things.

Newcomers should know that everything about computers is counterintuitive. For example, the button labeled "Start" is the button you "push" to stop or turn off the computer. Actually, you don't "push" buttons; you "click" them on a "mouse" connected to the computer by a wire. "Mouses" come in all sizes, shapes and price ranges. (I can't bring myself to call them "mice.") You must buy a mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers, printer and other add-ons. They call these "peripherals," as if they are simply items of interest. But without them, the computer is a worthless piece of junk (which may be the case, anyway).

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Using Computers Doesn't Ensure Understanding Them

Make sure your new computer has at least 50 plugs of all sizes and shapes on the back, front, sides and top. Everything plugs into the computer someplace or other. You'l...

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