Frustration
January 25, 2000
© 2000, Douglas E. Welch
As you all have probably learned already, working with computers
can sometimes be an amazingly frustrating experience. Computers can do so much for us but problems can and do crop
up on a regular basis. Worse yet, these problems usually occur
at the worst possible moment. In an effort to make your computing
life a little easier, though, here are a few guidelines to help
you avoid frustration and get on with your work.
Chronic Problems
Too often the problems that drive you crazy have nothing to do
with your lack of skills or knowledge about the computer. Most
are too quick to blame themselves when things go wrong. In reality,
it is often a flaw in the computer or software you are using rather
than some mistake on your part. As a general rule, if your computer
is crashing more than once or twice a day, or if it crashes whenever
you try to perform a certain operation, you are probably dealing
with a chronic problem.
Chronic problems can be the most difficult to solve. Once you
believe you are facing one you should seek out assistance from
a knowledgeable computer professional or friend. Usually these
problems can be solved by re-installing your operating system
(i.e. Windows 98), or whichever program is crashing. Sometimes
it might take more work, but at least you know during this process
that it isn’t your fault. You may be frustrated at the work it
requires to repair the problem, but you won’t be frustrated with
yourself.
Working it out
Even if your computer is working well, you probably still have
questions about using it. For example, you might be interested
in anything from changing margins to creating automated templates.
These situations can be frustrating as well unless you keep a
few things in mind.
First, when you are confronted with a problem allow yourself 10-15
minutes of concentrated effort. Some of you may even be able to
spend a bit more time, but the moment you feel that familiar feeling
of frustration, take a break. You will be surprised how many questions
you can answer for yourself by taking these few minutes. If you
need further help you can turn to those around you, printed manuals,
third party books or even the Internet for further information.
Don’t feel you are alone and don’t allow yourself to get so frustrated
you throw up your hands. Once you reach that point it will take
even longer to find an answer. No one works well when they are
frustrated, as I am sure you know.
Asking for help, from books or friends should never make you feel
stupid. Like the stereotypical male who won’t ask for directions,
you only get yourself into deeper trouble by going it alone. We
all have our expertise. Just because you are struggling with your
computer is not a sign that you are dumb, despite book publishers
who insist on calling you "Dummies" or "Idiots." It just means
that you have placed your attention elsewhere. It is important
to remember that even after 18 years of working with computers,
one of the first things I do when I encounter a new piece of software
or hardware, is look at the manual. Even those things that look
familiar, like an upgrade to software you have been using for
years, can contain differences that can trip you up.
Taking a few minutes to solve small problems allows you to build
your skills without making you hate your computer. Knowing when
to reach out for help, especially for the tough problems, can
help you solve your computer problems without driving yourself
to distraction.
Douglas E. Welch is a freelance writer and computer consultant
in Van Nuys, California. He also writes Career Opportunities, a weekly column on high-tech careers and A Gardener's Notebook. You can find more of Douglas' writing on his web page at: http://www.welchwrite.com/
He can reached via email at douglas@welchwrite.com
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