Solitaire Is Your Friend
May 09 '00
Whenever I help a person purchase a new computer, I first show them how to load up the solitaire game that is included with Windows. Usually they will ask me about how to get on the Internet, how to write letters, etc – and I tell them to ask me in a week after playing solitaire during that time.
It is a frustrating argument that usually follows, but I have never had a person go against my wishes on this, and universally, they become better computer users for it.
Why?
Solitaire teaches basic mouse movement and usage. It offers immediate gratification because the person can turn on the computer and successfully load a program. The user generally knows the rules of solitaire, and it’s boring enough that they will explore the program and see what options there are.
And low and behold, when that week has passed, they can operate menus, load up online help, change program options, and generally have a better idea of what it is that they really want to do with their computer.
Fear
The biggest problem for a new computer user is fear. They are afraid that they will do something wrong and destroy the computer. The problem is, they are probably right. But for the wrong reasons.
They are unwilling to explore their computer and use the immense amount of help that comes with the computer and software. They are afraid to read manuals – and even more afraid of the help command.
Solitaire is simple – so simple that nearly everyone in the western world can understand it in minutes. But how to use a mouse? This is a skill that must be learned. Sounds silly, but it is one of the most important skills to learn.
Mouse Exercise
By playing solitaire, the hand and mind is taught how to move things around. After a week of playing, most users don’t have to watch the mouse going somewhere, they only have to look where they want the mouse to go.
They understand click and drag. And usually, they have taught themselves how to double click.
Entertainment Device
By using solitaire, the computer has become an entertainment device. Although a very expensive game, the computer has been transformed from being a work object to a play object. The person using that computer knows that they can sit down and comfortable work with it for hours at a time.
They are now ready to actually use the computer for work, because they have become comfortable with it.
So please, if you help someone with a new computer, do both of you a favor, and show them that little game called Solitaire. You won’t regret it.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
OCBTracker
|
|
Member: Gary Fuller
Location: Glendora, CA
Reviews written: 20
Trusted by: 3 members
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.