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[MarkB_MI]

It baffles me that in 2026 people that use a computer daily fail to learn the basics. They are a figure of daily life and are not going away.

They are a tool, no different than a tractor or any other tool that people take the time to learn how to use.

What I find humorous is folks who believe they're computer literate and don't have the first idea how to use their PC or even their phone. I'm not pointing at DT, since he admits he's not an expert. But my BIL doesn't have the first clue how to use a PC or phone, yet he thinks he does. He couldn't figure out how to use a USPS tracking number to find out where his parcel was. He often sends me screenshots of maps off his phone, not realizing that the screenshot is of no use to me.

 

[Dieseltech]

I should probably kidnap a neighbor's fifth grade grandson or get a copy of computers for dummies!!

 

[GChief]

What I find humorous is folks who believe they're computer literate and don't have the first idea how to use their PC or even their phone. I'm not pointing at DT, since he admits he's not an expert. But my BIL doesn't have the first clue how to use a PC or phone, yet he thinks he does. He couldn't figure out how to use a USPS tracking number to find out where his parcel was. He often sends me screenshots of maps off his phone, not realizing that the screenshot is of no use to me.

That's my SO, she knows a lot but I often catch her telling her mom bad info over the phone. When I correct her its "that is what I meant"

"then say the right words"

 

[stoughtonfarmboy]

A word processing program in basic terms allows your PC to turn into a type writer. It allows you to type out words in a “letter” format with sentences and paragraphs as if you are typing on sheets of paper. Then you save the document file and send it to your printer to be printed or emailed as is the case with the news letter. As said above that is what it does in the “simplest terms”. However, at this point it has been developed to include many other features and formats. One you might be familiar with is the ability to create a “tree chart” such as you find in a manual for troubleshooting a problem. With the Yes/No arrows from one box to the other that has a diagnosis descriptions in them. Any printed machine manual put out since the mid 80’s was probably written on some type of word processing program.
“Microsoft WORD” that is probably the most well know, word processing program was first introduced in 1985 available for a DOS computer system. DOS was the computer operating system prior to the now common Windows. In a DOS system you had to enter a short line of basically computer code to tell it what to do. Such as access a program such as your word processor. Or such as task like “copy” or “delete” would be commands that followed some command characters and symbols. This would be done in place of clicking the “mouse cursor” like you do now. Then you did not have a mouse, they were of no use until Windows came out.

I contend that Bill Gates copied WordPerfect and Lotus 1-2-3 when he "invented" Microsoft Office.

Ken

 

[used red MN]

I contend that Bill Gates copied WordPerfect and Lotus 1-2-3 when he "invented" Microsoft Office.

Ken

I don’t disagree with you, he seemed to have marketed it better though. If you have been into computers since the get-go I am sure you are more knowledgeable about these things than I am. That was a reach for me to explain that DOS stuff. I only knew enough in the mid 90s to get online with my wife’s PC and access a Successful Farming chat room.

 

[MM-TX]

I should probably kidnap a neighbor's fifth grade grandson or get a copy of computers for dummies!!

It would make your life easier. Sometimes it’s just harder to avoid learning a little bit about how to use them. Kidnap that neighbor grandson for the easiest way. Might even be something he’d like to know that you got covered.

 

[stoughtonfarmboy]

I don’t disagree with you, he seemed to have marketed it better though. If you have been into computers since the get-go I am sure you are more knowledgeable about these things than I am. That was a reach for me to explain that DOS stuff. I only knew enough in the mid 90s to get online with my wife’s PC and access a Successful Farming chat room.

By no means knowledgeable on computers. Mostly old enough to have used the predecessors to Microsoft Office products. When I couldn't recognize the icons for certain tasks to click on with the mouse I reverted to the WordPerfect keyboard commands and they almost always worked.

When it comes to cellphones my excuse is that "I am an analog man in a digital world!"

Ken

 

[NY 986]

It baffles me that in 2026 people that use a computer daily fail to learn the basics. They are a part of daily life and are not going away.

They are a tool, no different than a tractor or any other tool that people take the time to learn how to use.

That is what IT savvy spouses are for. That aside with the increasing amount of security violations, fraud, and harassment I expect that more people will go back to prior means of exchanging information. Companies will tire of paying the expense which goes with criminal based activity or if they tack enough fees on that consumers will leave them.

 

[GChief]

That is what IT savvy spouses are for. That aside with the increasing amount of security violations, fraud, and harassment I expect that more people will go back to prior means of exchanging information. Companies will tire of paying the expense which goes with criminal based activity or if they tack enough fees on that consumers will leave them.

Believe what you will, but the toothpaste is not going back in the tube.

 

[J.Wondergem]

Word processor? I have NO idea what you are talking about as I'm computer illiterate...

Don't feel bad . I don't know if I have it or not, but if someone sent s me something that i can't open , it gets deleted.
Also I had Microsoft office for a while, then they wanted to charge me. Trashed that on too. I live good with out it.

 

[NY 986]

Believe what you will, but the toothpaste is not going back in the tube.

It will with some determination and some creativity. That aside I never said computers were completely going away. My point is that reliance is most likely going to reduce by a significant extent if not more.

 

[used red MN]

Believe what you will, but the toothpaste is not going back in the tube.

It will with some determination and some creativity. That aside I never said computers were completely going away. My point is that reliance is most likely going to reduce by a significant extent if not more.

That toothpaste is an excellent analogy and there is a lot of it.
Banks have always been the prey of thieves. Phones are the most prolific avenue of scammers. Have either of these gone away? Computers and our reliance on them is here to stay, until we’re in the “Mad Max zone”

 

[NY 986]

That toothpaste is an excellent analogy and there is a lot of it.
Banks have always been the prey of thieves. Phones are the most prolific avenue of scammers. Have either of these gone away? Computers and our reliance on them is here to stay, until we’re in the “Mad Max zone”

But things were not this bat crap crazy 20 plus years ago like crime is today. There used to be hurdles in committing crime but working from a computer and comfy office share has greatly reduced the risk of being caught. Morality is not taught in most homes anymore including "Thou shall not steal." I was just at the post office Thursday so I know I can use them as means of communication. And still there is a way to put toothpaste back in a tube. The criminals sure know it and if John Q Public does not know it then he is further behind the curve than he thought he was.

 

[EFV]

Will there always be a post office ? Checks in snail mail are still stolen with incredible regularity.
People are predictably irrational,they will do what is short term beneficial for them even if it's long
term negative for them and everyone else.
Getting back to newsletters,one of the fastest ways to convert membership to email is that
you have letter quicker. Discussing what's in most recent letter to someone who hasn't received
regular mail version yet has changed more than a few minds. Keeps membership costs down as well.

 

[NY 986]

Will there always be a post office ? Checks in snail mail are still stolen with incredible regularity.
People are predictably irrational,they will do what is short term beneficial for them even if it's long
term negative for them and everyone else.
Getting back to newsletters,one of the fastest ways to convert membership to email is that
you have letter quicker. Discussing what's in most recent letter to someone who hasn't received
regular mail version yet has changed more than a few minds. Keeps membership costs down as well.

When possible I always take a check to a business directly to pay on an account. Surprised a certain Ontario County fertilizer dealer you most likely have heard of but I had great concerns about a check coming up missing even if it only went through the Syracuse or Rochester PO branch service. When I belonged to a tractor club it was always possible to pay at a meeting and use a check. I never asked for a receipt but could have gotten one if requested.

 

[GChief]

It will with some determination and some creativity. That aside I never said computers were completely going away. My point is that reliance is most likely going to reduce by a significant extent if not more.

Keep living in that fantasy world

The generations behind us are all in!