Ask Leo! #571 – Processors, Processors, Backing Up, and more…

Great article. Great advice. I vividly remember taking Fortran IV at my university. Like you, it totally turned me on to computers. I remember using the IBM 029 keypunch machine. Then they got an IBM 129 machine, which worked much better. The computer we used was the CDC6600. It took up an entire air-conditioned cold room!

I agree it's great to learn new stuff. But, you know, I still use WORD 97 and MS WORKS 4.5 for my documents and spreadsheets, respectively. For some reason, the powers to be (namely Microsoft) keeps improving their products, even when the need does not exist. It's called marketing.

I've upgraded when needed. I remember when my DOS version of Turbo Tax just ran way too slow. That's when I upgraded to Windows. I am totally pleased

with W7. Why bother with W10. I moved up from XP and indeed there was an improvement. I guess when I see the need, I'll do the W10 stuff.

I do agree it is good to learn new stuff. As an old guy (turned 69 years old recently) I am also aware of studies that show constant brain exercise, especially learning NEW stuff, helps ward off Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. But it doesn't even have to be computer-related. My wife and I recently took dancing lessons, and we loved it.

My wife also started doing Facebook and she spends quite a bit of time on her computer. That's great as it gives me more time to play online poker!

Mel

Having used computers from an early age, I am quite pleased how far things have come. And then, lol, I have to teach someone how to copy paste. I'm glad there are people such as yourself interested in guiding the computer illiterate, and I commend you for your patience. I am currently teaching a relative how to use her computer, and it is amazing how much resistance she puts up in learning basic tasks. I believe that the parable of teaching people how to fish is wise, it just seems to be an upward climb with the older generations. Good luck with your site and videos, I will be directing people here in the future, no doubt.

I didn't like the ribbon either when it was first forced upon me. However, as using Office 2010 was my only option at work, I worked with it. Now I wonder how I ever got along with menus before. The ribbon is just faster. Just like you learned where everything was in the menus, you'll soon learn where everything is in the ribbon. And you can even make your own Quick Access Toolbar with your most commonly used options.

I do so agree with you Leo! Keeping the old gray matter excercised is so important and the best way is to keep on learning! Your advice to take it easy and slowly and practice is also very important to 'get it'. However the older I get the feeling of not having enough time left to grasp everything aggravates me and makes me want to skip over stuff. I have to stop myself from doing that(getting better at it, tho' it does take work ;-) . Thanks for the reminder. Love your videos and all the help. Carry on!

Sage advice for persons of any age.