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/ 


(C) Copyright 1993-1997 peterconrad@hotmail.com.