My computer skills are terrible

[Anonymous]

Whenever I need to acquire new skills on the computer (beyond what I already do day in and day out) I struggle mightily and become so frustrated - it takes lots of repetition for me to get the hang of things. Sometimes I wonder if it's a learning disability of some kind.
Anyone else? I'm an educated person with a master's degree but have always been very intimidated by anything technical.

[Anonymous]

How old are you? I understand that the brain starts slowing down after 50ish? and it takes a lot longer to learn new things.

[Anonymous]

Me too. But, I've discovered that after two weeks I'm proficient. The fact that my incompetence is short lived has helped me get through changes.

[Anonymous]

Your anxiety must get the best of you. Unless you are referring to the fact that you need to learn to code in a different language than you are used to, most end-user computer programs and products are so incredibley simple these days.

[Anonymous]

Get a mac. They're designed for basic users. I don't consider myself tech savvy AT ALL, recently had to switch to mac for a new job, and I'm going crazy with its over-simplicity.

[Anonymous]

I actually DO have learning disabilities. Here are a couple of suggestions:
1. make good friends with the IT dept., specifically the IT trainer. I am not above bringing them cookies and shit.
2. Figure out who is the calmest, best trainer of the IT department and make specially good friends with them. Then you can ask them for help often.
3. Just accept where you are and work around it. For the life of me, I can NEVER remember which buttons to press to take a screen shot. But if you google "how to take screenshot macbook pro" it will tell you.
4. Write down the things you need to know how to do and how to do them. Put that next to or on your monitor. Refer back to it as needed. Just let go of the shame. If I don't have to do something on the computer every day, I forget how. So I write it down. I write down TONS of shit you'd think any asshole could remember. But I can't. So instead of panicking that I don't know, I just accept where I am and write it down.

[Anonymous]

I'm a tech illiterate with a JD from a top school, so no learning disabilites, but this stuff just isn't my strength. Nonetheless, like the PP, I have made friends with the most patient IT person in my organization. I write down what she tells me to do -- step-by-step -- in a notebook I keep by my desk. Additionally, I find that my 14 y.o. DD is a great teacher; when she goes to college I'm planning to find a kid in the neighborhood to be on call for IT remediation. I have also learned from the IT lady and DD that the folks who are good at this stuff often just plunge in and try different strategies until they hit on one that works. Following their lead, I try to do the same and find that it is often pretty effective.

[Anonymous]

If I go to starbucks while at work, I always bring our IT person their favorite drink. I know I am high maintenance, but the IT guy knows that I truly appreciate his help. Flattery and being really nice will also go a long way to get you help when you need it.

I second the suggestions of writing down directions step by step (or printing them out if you can find it on google). I try really hard not to have to ask the same question a million times.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I actually DO have learning disabilities. Here are a couple of suggestions:
1. make good friends with the IT dept., specifically the IT trainer. I am not above bringing them cookies and shit.
2. Figure out who is the calmest, best trainer of the IT department and make specially good friends with them. Then you can ask them for help often.
3. Just accept where you are and work around it. For the life of me, I can NEVER remember which buttons to press to take a screen shot. But if you google "how to take screenshot macbook pro" it will tell you.
4. Write down the things you need to know how to do and how to do them. Put that next to or on your monitor. Refer back to it as needed. Just let go of the shame. If I don't have to do something on the computer every day, I forget how. So I write it down. I write down TONS of shit you'd think any asshole could remember. But I can't. So instead of panicking that I don't know, I just accept where I am and write it down.

I am an IT person who does end user support. You don't need to bring me food - but it's a nice touch - but if you really do need step by step instructions in writing with screenshots, be up front and say that. I am happy to create that kind of cheat sheet.. If you prefer information verbally, explain that to the IT person. Ask them to sit with you a few times as you go through the steps. You do the actions but they guide you verbally.

If it's an program you don't use very often, just tell the IT person you don't use it often and you need help with it. I have several staff that I help with the same program year after year on a bi-annual or every other month basis. I don't expect them to remember how to navigate a program they rarely use.