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steve2470

(37,481 posts)

3. Without venturing into neuroscience, I think lack of familiarity is a huge factor

Reply to Gravitycollapse (Original post)

Sat Jun 1, 2013, 04:23 PM

Jun 2013

Despite taking a programming course in 1978, I was literally scared to touch the wrong key or button on a PC before 1993. I'm only 54 too.

Once I was exposed to a PC on a day-to-day basis at work and shown the basic safe steps of operation, I was fine. It helped I enjoyed using it and wanted to learn more. People have different aptitudes in learning, and this gets accentuated with the elderly I'm sure.

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For those who are computer challenged, why do you think you have such an issue? [View all] Gravitycollapse Jun 2013 OP

My grandchildren have a different phrase for it, premium Jun 2013 #1

My Mom is 75,I'm 56 and call her when I need computer help. sufrommich Jun 2013 #2

You've hit the nail on the head. GoneOffShore Jun 2013 #28

Without venturing into neuroscience, I think lack of familiarity is a huge factor steve2470 Jun 2013 #3

My brain is a little old man with a visor and a shoebox full of Evergreen Emerald Jun 2013 #4

Lol senseandsensibility Jun 2013 #69

I'm 64, self taught OKNancy Jun 2013 #5

So I guess you technically group up in the very early years of the computer age? Gravitycollapse Jun 2013 #6

yes... now that I live in the wired age, I would never want to go back OKNancy Jun 2013 #7

Hey we all loved that smell!! LeftInTX Jun 2013 #10

LOL in small doses I guess OKNancy Jun 2013 #12

When dinosaurs roamed the earth... pipi_k Jun 2013 #46

35 years ago, I was a computer programmer LeftInTX Jun 2013 #8

Use the YouTube share link. Make7 Jun 2013 #39

Got it!!! LeftInTX Jun 2013 #62

My father was 53 Jenoch Jun 2013 #9

I really need to set things up to be handy or "intuitive" or I get lost... bettyellen Jun 2013 #11

My dad was 73 or so when he bought himself his first computer. RC Jun 2013 #13

It's almost solely due to piss-poor instructions Occulus Jun 2013 #14

Anytime a programmer or tutor tells you, "All you have to do is..." you know you're in trouble. randome Jun 2013 #16

I've been on the internet for 17 years and I still have trouble with some sites steve2470 Jun 2013 #17

Design skills are not considered valuable and they should be. randome Jun 2013 #22

I agree with your points nt steve2470 Jun 2013 #24

+1. (nt) Paladin Jun 2013 #43

Step-by-step kinda goes out with information overload LeftInTX Jun 2013 #27

Some people 'get' computers, others do not. randome Jun 2013 #15

I, literally don't have anyone fredamae Jun 2013 #18

try this site: steve2470 Jun 2013 #20

I'll check it out! Thx :) n/t fredamae Jun 2013 #21

you're very welcome ! nt steve2470 Jun 2013 #26

Thank you Steve. Basic stuff I can do, it's other stuff I get confused.. monmouth3 Jun 2013 #49

sometimes there are tutorials on Youtube for programs steve2470 Jun 2013 #51

That is not a programming class, you need a microsoft office class sammytko Jun 2013 #50

I think for many it's a matter of interest as much as anything.... Sekhmets Daughter Jun 2013 #19

instead of just written instructions (I am awful at those) a series of screen shots helps a lot. bettyellen Jun 2013 #32

That's a good idea.... Sekhmets Daughter Jun 2013 #33

I'm really visual and have a hard time with losing paper instructions... so I write a tiny bit, bettyellen Jun 2013 #34

It's actually very clever! Sekhmets Daughter Jun 2013 #36

you are most welcome! bettyellen Jun 2013 #37

My first internet experience was w/a WEBTV in 2000. Isoldeblue Jun 2013 #23

What is it, specifically, you have a question about? Occulus Jun 2013 #30

Thanks for that Isoldeblue Jun 2013 #56

is this helpful ? steve2470 Jun 2013 #57

I'm not sure Isoldeblue Jun 2013 #58

It might steve2470 Jun 2013 #60

This looks pretty much like a carbon copy of the original game boy tetris: DireStrike Jun 2013 #72

I also had Web TV in the late '90s. RebelOne Jun 2013 #71

I was hoping to meet some fellow webbies Isoldeblue Jun 2013 #73

When I taught my mother William769 Jun 2013 #25

That is so clever! sammytko Jun 2013 #52

That was the idea. William769 Jun 2013 #64

"Don't touch the keyboard ....OMG you blew up the computer" L0oniX Jun 2013 #29

Figure out what she does on the computer, where she likes to go, and MADem Jun 2013 #31

Plenty of people don't get mechanical/technological things. But many who do lack other talents. WinkyDink Jun 2013 #35

I was in tears every day for the first two months I had a computer NV Whino Jun 2013 #38

I started using a computer back in 1990. Lugnut Jun 2013 #40

For some people it's fear. ohheckyeah Jun 2013 #41

For me, yes, it was fear at first. Your parents are lucky that you are so patient and kind nt steve2470 Jun 2013 #42

Thanks.... ohheckyeah Jun 2013 #44

What does your elderly grandmother need to know how to do? scarletwoman Jun 2013 #45

I think it's because they are afraid they will break it sammytko Jun 2013 #47

Age Makes no difference dem in texas Jun 2013 #48

Perspective from the other side quakerboy Jun 2013 #53

Am 72 - used to be ahead of the pack elfin Jun 2013 #54

It has nothing to do with age. Le Taz Hot Jun 2013 #55

I legitemately think that you are clueless about people. geckosfeet Jun 2013 #59

I don't think you read the OP properly muriel_volestrangler Jun 2013 #61

She just doesn't care about learning to use technology. All the "teaching" in the world geckosfeet Jun 2013 #65

So, you think she wants the interaction with the person who is clueless about people muriel_volestrangler Jun 2013 #66

Thanks. You are coming through loud and clear. geckosfeet Jun 2013 #68

I think your take on the OP is well-stated. (nt) Paladin Jun 2013 #67

I think it's really like learning a new language. Marrah_G Jun 2013 #63

It has nothing to do with age. It's something else. MineralMan Jun 2013 #70

It's aptitude and attitude - not age. laundry_queen Jun 2013 #74