The old saying “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing”, is as true today as it has always been, especially so as far as computers and their use goes. I used to work for a major IT retailer selling computers and a multitude of peripherals. Now I am involved with Continuink and we specialise in inkjet printers but I have noticed the same phenomenon happen frequently with customers of both businesses.

“The printer does not work”, is the complaint and often it is said as if it is our fault, usually the person is then unable to elaborate any further. The problem is almost never an actual fault with the device concerned but a lack of knowledge on the part of the owner.

The best description of this came from my new friend Alistair who has also come across this in his line of work. He told me that a common entry in the database of his technical support department is, “a critical error occurred between the chair and the keyboard”. Their usual response to this is to expand the knowledge of the user with training.

I am aware that at my age of 42 I am probably one of the oldest adults in the UK who had the benefit of learning IT skills while at school. Anyone a bit older may not have had that advantage.

My point here to anyone who feels a bit lost with computers is that you do not need to remain in the dark if you do not wish to. There is a wealth of information in printed form written in common language for non technical people to improve their IT skills. A good example is the “for dummies” range of books. Don’t be put off by the title, they really are good.

There are also a multitude of in-expensive courses on a whole range of IT subjects run at thousands of colleges across the country. I attended one myself to learn the basics of how to use Adobe Photoshop. I enjoyed attending the 3 hours a week and picked up a new skill in a couple of months.

Designing computers really is rocket science but learning how to use them effectively does not need to be. Give it a go, what have you got to lose.