So You Just Got A Computer: What Now? - Part 1

Congratulations, welcome to the Electronic Age.

"The only way to learn to use a computer is to use one."

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What a Computer Does:

One of the first things you probably did with your computer was to play
some of the Games that came bundled with it. Several types of games are
available--arcade-style action, fantasy role-playing adventures,
simulations, and "Edutainment" where you learn academic skills as you
play. There are also fun things like drawing, painting, and other forms of
family entertainment available.

When it comes to handling reams of Information, the computer can't be
beat. It functions as an endless supply of blank paper, file cabinets, and
spreadsheet analysis pads with a calculator all rolled into one.

With a Spreadsheet you can change one figure and all the rest will
automatically change to reflect their relationship to the first. You can
ask "What If?" questions and see the results immediately.

If you set up a Database you can cross-reference data in any number of
ways, and you can recall that data in several "views", such as a chart,
graph, or table with all the totals calculated for you and neatly printed
out.

With a Word Processor you can speed up and simplify the writing process,
allowing you to spell check, grammar check, and consult a thesaurus or
quotations. Changes to the document are instantaneously made and all
without retyping.

On-line access to Information, by using an Information Service, BBS, or
the Internet allows you access to worldwide information resources. You can
retrieve financial information, airline schedules, weather forecasts,
newspapers and "E-Zines" (on-line electronic magazines). Support groups,
"E-Mail" (sending and receiving electronic messages), Conferencing,
playing Multiplayer Games, and "Chat" on-line let you communicate with
other on-line participants. Whatever your interest or hobby you can find
other people on-line who share it and areas that have all the information
and statistics available for that interest.


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Prepared by Peter Conrad Cumminsky, consultant, ASEE, CET, Team OS/2
(707) 987-9484
Visit my Computer Taming web site at
URL:http://www.angelfire.com/biz/taming/


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