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General discussion

Why are computers still so difficult to use?

Feb 11, 2011 6:14AM PST
Question:

Why are computers still so difficult to use?


Hi, Lee, I know this is not the technical question you normally receive, but I was hoping you can have your community members help me out in a big way.

As a final year college student I need to carry out an independent project looking at an issue in the domain of my subject. I chose the question, "Why are computers still so difficult to use?" To start my project I compiled several questions to explore experiences of computer users (see below). A summary of what I am wanting to look at are competency levels of users with computers, how they got into using them, the time they'll spend on them in a day, their challenges and how they manage them, their happiness in using them, their thoughts on the increasing functionality/pervasiveness of computers, and their opinions as to whether computing is any easier now. It would be great if you could give me some pointers as to suitable themes you think would make a good project--even if you were to challenge the title! Could you also tell me of the context in which you use computers (e.g., as a software developer, moderate user, etc.)? Thanks in advance for everyone's help. Here are the questions I would like to ask the community:
Thanks in advance for everyone's help.

Here are the questions I would like to ask the community:

-- Can you remember when you started using computers?

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with?

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were?

-- Do you have any challenges even now?

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies?

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now?

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices?

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now?

--Submitted by Ronald G. of Warwick University in UK


If you would like to help out Ronald with his college project and answer his survey, click the link below and click the "reply" to submit your answers:

Discussion is locked

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Why are computers still so difficult to use?
Feb 18, 2011 9:34AM PST

It actually depends on the person because computers are only hard for people that aren't technically inclined. A geek, nerd or anyone else good at math would think a computer is fairly easy but people that math was their worst subject would have a hard time with computers because they read binary code but aside from the binary code, the main reason is like I said if you're not technically inclined or good with electronics, it would be difficult to use. I just started using computers 11 years ago when I ordered a IBM compatible with a standard processor and 256MB of ram. I had it up and running in a couple of hours. Because I saw how expensive it is to repair one, my main focus besides making a career as a technician was to be able to repair my own so I went to school. I was the only one in a class of Japanese and one other African American that could take one apart and put it back together working in 10 minutes. Most people today come to me for advice on hardware or software applications because even though I didn't become licensed nor finish school, I outdo some licensed technicians so it all depends on a person how difficult a computer can be to use.

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Apple Computers are easy to use
Feb 18, 2011 9:38AM PST

You should have written at the conclusion of your project that people should get an easy to use Apple, then you would qualify for a PHD.

Apple spends millions in R&D and software development to reach the goal to make a computer easier and more intuitive to use coupled with strong support from real people in local stores.

I have dealt with computers before they were real PCs and I have seen it all over the last forty five years.

I also for over thirty years believed Apple was too expensive, but no longer. After building my own Hackintosh then actually buying their other products, I strongly recommend anything Apple designed if you want fewer head aches.
For years I loved Sony for well designed but costly electronics but Apple has finally out Sony-ed Sony.

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Why are computers still so difficult to use?
Feb 18, 2011 9:39AM PST

Damn, you think they are difficult to use?

I think your asking the wrong question. Why haven't voice and visual activation taken over from keyboard inputs? They are starting.

Started with computers?
70's and a teletype machine playing Star Trek. We had to plot x,y,z coordinates on paper.

Easiest process to get a grip with?
svchost process still weirds me out.

Challenges even now?
I have a hard time with humans coming down from the trees let alone computers.

Do I have coping strategies?
Whiskey, single malt.

Looking back are the challenges easier to tackle?
Tasks HAVE gotten easier, banking for one.

Typical day I spend on computers?
10 - 15 hours easy

Do I like the functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computer?
Yes

Good luck son

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Redmachine - why is Ron asking the wrong question?
Feb 18, 2011 8:33PM PST

Redmachine?

Why is Ron asking the wrong question? He probably had to have his question, which is pretty much the thesis statement or question for his paper, approved by his instructor or program in advance. He can definitely build his paper and survey around this question. And I found his questions very straightforward.

And in some ways, computers are still quite hard to use. Just ask those who have had to contend with very steep learning curves with software like Adobe CS 5, or have had to deal with the aggravations of buggy Windows programs and Windows itself.

I urge you to ask those who've had to deal with viruses, malware, spyware, and security holes in Windows big enough to drive an express train through how difficult their experience has been. A whole industry has emerged just to deal with those problems.

Also, ask those who've had to convert from Windows to Mac. It's a whole different operating system and not as easy to convert as it seems. I had to do it in my graphic design classes, on the fly, as I went along.

And yes, computers can be quite hard for an older person, who may not have been exposed to them before. I have a friend who is a librarian who has a computer store right across the street from her library give computer lessons to them. Great for their business and for the library. I've even been approached about teaching classes there and may take them up on it. But that used to be the function of computer user groups, of which many have fallen by the wayside. I used to belong to ones in Flint and Lansing, Michigan. The user groups in Lansing even used to put on a computer show, MAXIT, and I used to be a volunteer.

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Using Computers
Feb 18, 2011 9:41AM PST

Good luck on your project Ron.

-- Can you remember when you started using computers? Yes, 1969. A Univac 1604. At that time one didn't use computers. I tried desperately to get it to do something useful, like complete the Computer Programming assignment.

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with? No, not at all. The first day of class the prof pulled out a big softbound book that said FORTRAN on the front and said "You'll need to pick this up at the bookstore. You'll need to learn FORTRAN to do the homework"!!

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were? Very straight forward. I bought an ATARI 400 as soon as I could. It was really quite easy to use, and even useful.

-- Do you have any challenges even now?
Mostly fighting with Windows struggling to keep it running.
-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies? Use as few programs as possible. Limit the internet only to an unimportant computer(viruses). Never update a driver if the device is working adequately.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now? Considering the ATARI was a breeze to use, for the most part, IBM-derived computers and Windows are much trickier these days.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices?4-5 hrs

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now? They are phenomenally faster and more capable these days. Waiting 2 minutes for a simple drawing to refresh is long gone.

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Why are computers still so difficult to use?
Feb 18, 2011 9:43AM PST

Your question starts with a flawed proposition - that computers ever were difficult to use.

-- Can you remember when you started using computers?
1975

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with?
Very

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were?
o, it's been a pretty linear path.

-- Do you have any challenges even now?
Always - the capabilities of software outpaces the capabilities of the PC.

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies?
I play Solitaire a lot while waiting for a render to finish.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now?
Yes.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices?
24-hours. Really.

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now?
Yes, and I am looking forward to what comes next.

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Why are computers so difficult to use
Feb 18, 2011 9:50AM PST

Hi Ronald.
1. I think I started using computers in 1983 at Big 4 accounting firm. Laptop computers then were big and weighed about 40 lbs. I'm glad laptops are a lot lighter now.

2. It was a fairly easy process to get used to computers. Of course, there is a learning curve. However, If it was a difficult process, computers would not have become as popular as they have.

3. Yes, pretty straightforward process. One challenge I remember was that PCs used to crash a lot more frequently than they do today. I would see "the blue screen of death" frequently some years ago. That was frustrating.

4. Challenges now include too slow download and upload time, crashes every once in a while. Even the crashes seem mild since the PC just reboots itself.

5. No, I don't have any coping strategies. I just complain when the net is slow. I scream or move to another location if the net is down.

6.Yes, everything is easier with a computer that has internet access.

7. I work most of the day on the PC (8-9 hrs) and when I get home I spent another 4 hours online. I even watch tv online via hulu.

8. Yes, I could not live without my computer even with its pervasiveness.

I work in finance. I don't work in IT but computers are used for a large part of my analysis and reporting work. I use the internet at home and at work, probably the majority of my day and would consider myself a moderate user. I don't do any development work but I'm webmaster and keep up a non-profit organization's website. That also makes me spend more time online.

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Easier then ever
Feb 18, 2011 9:55AM PST

My first computer was a commodore vic20. No floppy drive. It had a tape drive that took regular cassette tapes. You had to push the play button, type load and the tape would start playing which would load the program. Same thing with saving. Press play and record, type save and away it went.
Back then you really had to read the books that came with the computers. Most times if you wanted to run a specific program/game you had to type in all the basic code for it yourself. No download, click and play. Oh, and don't forget. The vic20 hooked up to your TV like the old Nintendo.

100 times easier today than back then. My 4yr old plays games on the computers today, he couldn't have back then.

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It all depends on who it is, motivation, time, energy, etc.
Feb 18, 2011 9:55AM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers? 1965

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with? Initially, "scared" or overwhelmed for a month or so, then quickly grasped what to do.

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were? It's been straight-forward, from computer operator, programmer, analyst, tech support manager (similar to IT Administrator) and finally Software Development (mainframe only).

-- Do you have any challenges even now? Oh, yes! Continuously trying to stay current. Environment moves SO fast. New releases from various vendors, new technology constantly popping up. Very hard to stay current, and it can be expensive if you try to stay (meaning BUY and use) current. Also, time and energy required, as well as the drive to stay current may not be as fierce as it was 40-50 years ago!

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies? Try to stay current by reading 'magazines' online, CNET reviews, etc.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now? Definitely not! Today's technology moves in leaps and bounds. Mainframes releases were 1-2 years apart and the number of vendors can be counted on two hands. Now, there's constantly changing of technology, terminology, and vendors galore all over there.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices? About 3 hours

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now? Yes, it is much better in many respects. At the same time, there is so much 'lack of protection' - hacking, spam, malware, viruses, etc. Way way WAY too much ease in malicious people 'destroying' you, your identity, or your PC. In my opinion, these evil people should be taken out and made to suffer physically and mentally for 3 straight years before they are destroyed completely, but ... that's just me.
----------------
FYI on a little of my own personal background:

I am a retired former software development manager, but only dealt with IBM mainframes.
After I retired, I had to learn about PCs, a totally different concept. I did find it a little hard to use the mouse due to arthritis in the fingers, but otherwise, I didn't have any problems in adjusting to PCs (Windows - no Apple experience).
I did find it useful to volunteer at a couple non-profit organizations, and learned much more about PCs than I would have just staying home. It was great to have other people that I could ask, but ... I was able to find most of the answers myself.
I have taught many classes to Seniors. Part of the problems that I see:
1) Fear of PCs, such as worry about "What am I going to do to screw up the computer?".
2) What should I do if I get this message?
3) An awful lot of maintenance/updates and what to do.
4) What did the file disappeared to - or where is it - or how I find it?
5) How do I logon in an email, create a message, Send it, copy to other people, etc? How/where do I store their information of people on my email list? How do I create a group id list.
6) "I've got an attachment in an email from my grand-kids." How do I view/forward/download (where and how do I find it later?)?
7) What do I do with this DVD or CD after I pop it into the drive?
Cool How do I back up files?
9) I've received a file, but can't open it? What do I do? (WHY can't I open it?)

Outside of the volunteer non-profit organizations, I get technical questions/problems from friends, either via email or in person. This also helps me to stay current. It does not mean I know a lot!

Anyway, you get the idea of the multiple questions I get.
Since retirement, I have tried to stay current, including coding my own website via HTML, which was a lot of fun for me!
--------------

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A good title. I do wonder why but have never found an answer
Feb 18, 2011 10:15AM PST

Hello Ronald,

I first started using computers in my US Government position when I went to Washington DC in 1964. At that time they were large IBM on site tape machines operated by punched IBM cards.

Later we were able to use off site central computers using primitive word processing systems. The problem here was queuing. Waiting for a phone call that the computer was available.

My first individual computer was a now dead brand in 1980. After I retired. The problem at that time was that all different makes had different operating systems. There was no interconnection at all. About the only thing we could do was word processing and then printing a copy and mailing it. I remember I had a mailing list of about 150 names (I was publishing a monthly news letter for a Sporting organization (fishermen, riflemen, etc [volunteer work]). A school volunteered to work up a mailing list for me as computer training for the students. It proved too difficult for them to do. I had to print up individual labels and there was no way to save them from month to month. Also there were no publishing programs at that time. I wrote the articles in a primitive word processing program, no justification except left margin, and then took them down to a local print shop for typesetting (linotype) etc.

About 1988 I got my first IBM type computer with a primitive word processing program by MicroSoft and a daisy wheel printer. At that time I had one of the only two computers in a town of about 15,000 people. And as the years went by I went from MS word 1? to Word 3. I still remember the thrill when I had a new computer and the World Wide Web, now known as the Internet, allowed me to communicate with other computer users. That didn't occur for quite some time because we didn't get an internet service provider until about 1990 or 1991. And that service was always going dead, power outages, or some other problem which the individual operating it was the only person capable of making repairs to it. He was forced out of business when the Telephone company finally offered internet service about 1996. Some satellite providers also were forced out of business at the same time.

Now was the process of growth straight forward? Absolutely not. The different iterations of operating system from MicroSoft always had new nomenclature for the same damn functions and the learning process and the search process was horrible. Help was non-existent. It was a process of cut and try until I was successful.

That new nomenclature and hiding old methods and operations under new names and under new categories is still practiced by MicroSoft. I hate them so much I actually bought and tried to learn how to use an Apple, but I found that I was just not able to learn the new system and I missed what I was familiar with. I gave the new Apple to a computer school which was very happy to get it. By the way I do that with all my old equipment. They need cadavers to practice on.

Yes, I couldn't live without a personal computer. I spend about 6 hours a day on mine. It is mainly reading and sending e mail, reading articles of one type or another, handling my business problems by on-line banking, etc. (My bank is 500 miles away 6 months of the year as I live in Mexico during the Summer.} Retired.

Things now tend to be easier, but not much. I still remember the first virus I ever had and how difficult it was to remove from my computer. Now with the constant updating of my anti-virus programs and malware removal programs, the virus problem seems to be non-existent. The same with the constant updating of the operating system.

However, on my laptop I am constantly running out of hard drive space and the removal of data programs from my operating hard drive to a different partition or hard drive is still a real difficulty. There should be an easier method than I have found.

PLease forgive me for running on this way, but your question is an interesting one. Too, since I started using computers when they were in their infancy, and have used then for over 60 years I have had a lot of challenging experiences.

Sincerely, Melville L. King

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Computer History
Feb 18, 2011 10:16AM PST

1. The second Apple. Late 1970s??
2. Hated computers, but loved word processing. My husband stood at my shoulder until I learned how to use BASIC, C/PM, DOS, and UNIX.
3. Made a 20-year career out of using personal computers, UNIX systems, and the Internet.
4. Challenge is using new OS and making them work with the software and hardware.
5. Enjoying genealogy, scrapbooking, photograph and video editing to make it fun.
6. Everything is easier today.
7. About 4 hours a day being retired.
8. I now love computers and appreciate their usefulness.

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Reply to Ronald G of Warwick University in UK
Feb 18, 2011 10:17AM PST

Here are the questions Ronald G. of Warwick University in UK, would like to ask the community:

Can you remember when you started using computers?

Yes. Hands-on it was 1979. However, I had been using the output of computeres since 1968.
-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with?

Hands on it wasn't very hard. As a result of trying to get things right with the output it was a complex problem, and part of the reason was that the people working with the computer didn't know what they were doing. The basis of their problem was that the US military was using an IBM computer and the NZ military was using an ICL machine that sorted alpha, number and symbol characters in different orders. An impossible problem when one is trying to construct parts lists, for example.

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were?

No, it has not. But the computer people, especially the small personal computer users were a great resource and always willing to help no matter what the difficulty and regardless of cost to themselves. People were always willing to give their time to less able. One told me, "Don't worry that you cannot pay me back, you can spend the same effort on someone else at a later time." I have found this works.

-- Do you have any challenges even now?

Yes, of course. All the time. But the big change has been in the use of applications on computers and not the hardware or OS any more. By applications I mean doing things like typing without treating your system like a typewriter of old. Of working out how to handle all of the options in the genealogy app that I use, so that I can best handle my family lists.

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies?

Yes. Ask someone who knows. Help someone who doesn't.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now?

No. Operating systems and applications on them are becoming more complex with time. Nobody ever removes complexity and simplifies. It is not a good business practise to allow your program to stagnate and most programmers cannot resist adding something new and better while fixing the simple old problems-but not the chronic hard ones.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices?

About eighteen hours.

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now?

You have just demonstrated the problem that exists between computers and people. Do you realise how many definitions there are for appreciate? Without answering every one, I can tell you that no one appreciates the extended functionality and pervasiveness of computing now. Especially not the highly trained computer experts because the more training you have the narrower your field of experience.
Lin of linmhall@gmail.com

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Why Computers are Difficult
Feb 18, 2011 10:18AM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers?
Yep. 1972, when I took a BASIC programming course in college. Bought my first PC in 1989, a 286 with a 40MB hard drive and 256k of RAM. And in case it matters, I'm female.

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with? Once I started getting into it, yes. I remembered enough from the BASIC course that working with DOS 3.3 was not all that hard, but it did take more effort as one needed to memorize the commands that made it work. I loved working with computers, still do.

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were?
Straightforward, not exactly, but for me a fun journey. I learned WordPerfect straight out--I wanted to write and it was so much better than a typewriter. Then I got into other programs, graphics programs, got online in 1990 on Prodigy and then GENIE. AOL charged hourly and seemed like a simpleton's interface at the time. Didn't get on there for a couple more years. Ran a BBS for a couple of years where I learned a LOT, had the option (thanks to a friend who was a beta tester) to get hold of the original Office suite and started learning it, and eventually (after much more learning of software and programming) moved on to where I am now, designing and developing websites. I *love* what I do.

-- Do you have any challenges even now?
Every day there is always something new to learn. It's a challenge sometimes to keep up, but one I enjoy. I am never bored. Happy

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies?
Dig in and search the web for anything I need to know. Play computer games between tasks when I need a little thinking/creative time.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now?
Yes and no. They're different, due to technology moving things along so quickly. One has to keep learning, and not everyone wants to be learning all the time. Just to use a smartphone now seems to require classes. Just to cook something requires programming a microwave or oven or some other device. I'm glad I came in early when it was easier--seemed like there was less to learn, certainly fewer programs. To those just starting to learn computers now it must seem overwhelming at times.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices?
8-10 hours minimum.

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now?
Another yes and no answer. Computers have been put in many things that seemed to work far more reliably without them. And I agree with others who have stated that changing around the interface for a program just to call it an upgrade does not make sense, instead it causes mass confusion when you basically have to relearn the program all over again. Competition is pushing many of these so-called innovations, what concerns me most is the increasing lack of privacy in everything we do--we can't even buy something in a store that does not track us home--those RFID tags, for one. I think it will be a challenge to us to set comfortable limits so that we still do retain some privacy. On the other hand, computers have opened up worlds.. I've met people and made friends I would never have known otherwise, have made a career from computers, can find information on practically everything (although it bears saying that one must verify some of that information and its sources). I love being able to log on to find the answer to a question I want to know in the middle of the night (rather than wait for a library to open) and can read books I might otherwise never have seen. And one great benefit for me--I work from home, so on those awful snowy days I never have to cope with driving. Not a bad deal.

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Computers are difficult to use?
Feb 18, 2011 10:28AM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers?

I started in 1979 in high school on a Commodore Pet.

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with?

As soon as I wrote my first program I knew that's what I wanted to do. My teacher was a year away from retirement, had never used BASIC and wasn't going to learn it. He taught us to program in FORTRAN and we had to figure out how to use the microcomputers on our own. I spent every spare minute programming. The high school set up a storage room for me to use as an office before and after school. I taught myself BASIC, then 6502 assembly language and within 4 months of starting I had a programming job.

So, I didn't find it difficult, but fascinating.

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were?

I have worked as a software engineer for the last 32 years. Things have changed, but usually for the better. I suppose some of the changes could be looked at as challenges, but I can't think of any that I really didn't enjoy.

-- Do you have any challenges even now?

There are always new things to learn, being a member of the computer community means that you have to keep up with current trends. Luckily learning new things is fun!

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies?

Treat new technology as a puzzle to be solved. Take it one small piece at a time and apply what you've already learned to solve the next piece.

Whenever I need to learn a new language, OS or application, I set a series of small simple tasks for myself. It can be as simple as writing a "Hello World!" program, but usually a bit more complicated.

For example, one of the first problems I solved for myself when I started programming was to generate the set of all permutations of a set. I often write that in new languages. It's not too simple, but I know the algorithm, so the challenge is finding an efficient way to do it in the new language.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now?

The tools I have today as vastly superior to the ones I had when I started working on computers. When I started I didn't have debuggers, compilers, an assembler, text editor, logic analyzer or oscilloscope. In a lot of ways I think that the few primitive tools I did have were an advantage. They required a lot more analysis of problems.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices?

16+ hours

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now?

Since work I've done throughout my career has been in embedded software I am especially glad about the pervasiveness. I've worked diverse industries such as farm machinery, white goods (appliances), laboratory equipment, railroad gear and communications equipment. The one thing they all had in common was a processor and some code.

However, I think that although computers are everywhere and applications are easier to use and more powerful today, in some ways that acts as a barrier to young people actually becoming familiar with how computers work.

(Obligatory car analogy) It's much like working on cars being a hobby that many kids had when my father was young. As cars became more sophisticated it became harder and harder for regular people to understand how to work on them. It's easier to use a car today than ever, but the average person knows far less about how their car works today than they did 60 years ago.

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Computer Fear
Feb 18, 2011 10:36AM PST

I am now 84 and have been in electronics since 1955. When I started at ET school I did not know AC from DC. The first six weeks were a nightmare and then my brain got right as the expression goes. I worked at Fairchild R&D when entegrated circuits began. The step from vacuum tubes to solid state was originally bewildering. At all steps I suffered from fear when exposed to new things and ideas. My first computer was a Sinclair Z-80. Then an Atari. Then another Sinclair 8086. I had to overcome fear all along the line. How to overcome fear of the new? Read the manuals and read anything associated with the item.
My wife resisted any new thing. Driving a car was difficult until it became part of her. Computers were not her thing. I bought her a computer as a Christmas present and tutored her until she became proficient in its use. She still uses the 98SE sometimes, still it is a part of her. She also uses an ZP Pro, and Windows 7 computers. She takes classes, she reads books and has me around if she runs into trouble. I am not a expert and have to do much research to help her in some cases. I convinced her long ago if she could use a sewing machine, drive a car, use a typewriter, she could use a computer.
My simple answer, if they can type, sit them down at a computer and start doing simple things. Advance to reading on the monitor and maybe streaming movies. Then on to email. Everyone has photos, get them into photos on the computer using simple correctional programs. Someone or something needs to get one hooked into knowing it is just another tool.

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Not difficult so much as frustrating!
Feb 18, 2011 10:39AM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers? 1976 at Tech College, programming for mainframes -- DEC 10, CDC Cyber 72, IBM 360.

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with? Yes. The C64 was fun even at its most frustrating.

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were?Mostly straightforward, but there's always Microsoft... And Linux... And "upgrades"... And Google...

-- Do you have any challenges even now? Windows XP/Vista/7 security creates more obstacles than it's worth, not to mention MS Office. And those OSes are not happy about me drilling down to the current irritation. Websites that don't work properly with current version non-mainstrean browsers (K-Meleon 1.5.4, Gecko) but complain bitterly when I use an "old" version (IE6 SP1, Trident) which does work on the website and tell me I should upgrade to a newer version (which my W2K SP4 Rollup 1 won't support).

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies? I avoid MS software wherever possible -- Lotus Smartsuite is far better -- and look for free/share-ware options. And I don't upgrade unless there is clear and imminent danger. And I never use Google.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now? Linux is very slowly becoming production oriented, and Microsoft invented W2K.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices? 3 - 4 hrs.

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now? Mmmm... I've always thought that computers are God's revenge on Mankind ("You lot think you're so clever, cop lot of this and tell me how smart you are!") but if I keep a sense of humility and proportion I might just make it. They do wonders for my record-keeping and handwriting but.

Gordon.

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This week's question
Feb 18, 2011 10:42AM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers? Yes -- in the fall of 1988.

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with? Extremely easy. I started out on DOS, which was a highly reliable and rock-solid operating system.

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were? My biggest challenge was trying to do some of the stuff in Windows that I could do in a snap in DOS. Compared to DOS, Windows has proven to be a dog of an operating system.

-- Do you have any challenges even now? Logging in to this site was only my most recent challenge. This site had no record of my presence here, and I had no choice but to create another account in order to write this response.

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies? Yes. I ask myself whyt the ease of using a computer has gone downhill since Windows took over and drove DOS out of the picture.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now? You've got to be joking!! I wish I knew what universe you live in.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices? Enough -- maybe 8 hours.

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now? Again you've got to be kidding. I appreciated the glory days of DOS. Give me a rock-solid operating system like that one was, and MAYBE I will appreciate computing in this "modern" and "progressive" age.

I know that I am down on modern computing, but that does not make my reply any less valid than those replies that think that this is the golden age.

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Why are computers still so difficult to use?
Feb 18, 2011 10:46AM PST

Can you remember when you started using computers?
1987

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with?
No, I had a pc at work and I would have to basically type letters or reports on a word processing application. No one knew the application or windows 3.x around me so it was mystifying. I took a class and finally learned how the computer was better than a typewriter. Keep in mind I graduated from college in 1986 with a business degree and never took a computer class. We had early Macs and Ataris growing up but that was for my nerdy younger brothers to use. I scoffed. BTW - my brother is an astrophysicist now and I am a software developer.

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were?

Fairly straightforward. Once I started learning to use applications I started to learn Windows. Once I started to learn Windows I started learning hardware and components and circuitry and electrical standards. Then I started thinking, gee it would be nice if the application did xyz and started to learn how to make applications do xyz. My biggest challenge (and continues to be) is that I feel like I missed the early bus and am always trying to play catch up to people with decades more knowldege and experience.

-- Do you have any challenges even now?I am completely self taught so sometimes I skip over the building blocks of knowledge to solve my immediate problem. The gaps in my knowledge surprise me at times although I am regarded as very knowledgeable.

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies?Heroine. ha ha. Nope, I just dig deeper and fight the frustration. I say to myself I am creating something that has not been created before so it takes time, effort,and mistakes to move forward.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now? I was a girl at a time when a lot of girls where not exposed to or expected to be good in math, technology and science. I succumbed to that pressure to be popular and normal. That attitude has changed thank God.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices? 18 hours

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now?

I do. I still have family and friends that never caught the wave but I am their "go-to" person because I can look things up, not afraid to try new things, can track down information. I can't imagine what it would be like to live in a fog and not be able to, for example, fix my dishwasher because I don't have a manual, don't use tools, wouldn't know where to go to figure it out, don't have the courage to try and don't know how to find someone who can fix it.

By the way, in my opinion, the reason they are so hard to use is because of too many companies involved. The simple connectors inside a laptop are impossible to replace, that manufacturer keeps control. Each actual internal component is just a little bit different to make sure that manufacturer keeps control. The software is written by multiple people and companies and limited information is shared so the flow from beginning to end is not smooth. Everyone wants to limit and constrict to ensure profitability which ends up causing the average user to replace a laptop for a $1 piece. My mom replaced a dell laptop with a new dell laptop last year because the cable connecting the keyboard was loose. Mind you she took it to 3 "repair" places first. She told me after she replaced it, I told her to send it to me, I just reseated the cable in 1minute and it was fine.

Just my opinion. Good luck with your project.

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Why are computers so difficult to use?
Feb 18, 2011 10:48AM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers?

Yes. In 1969. My first COBOL programming job was on an IBM 360 Model 80 mainframe made up of multiple refrigerator size cabinets that filled a room and used water flowing through large plastic pipes to keep them cool. Today, I have the equivalent computing power sitting on my desk, cooled by two small fans.

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with?

At that time it was. Like others have said, things were less complex in those days. But on the other hand, the things we could do on computers was so limited to what we do today.

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were?

To my lasting regret, I never really made the transition from "batch processing" to "online" real-time programming.

-- Do you have any challenges even now?

I liked what another poster said. It used to be possible to know everything thare was to know about computers. Now days, the challenge is to know everything about the particular computer nitch in which you are an expert. And it changes quickly. Keeping up to date is a challenge.

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies?

I have my own version of the 80%/20% rule. Today's software is robust. But I think we use 20% of the capabilities 80% of the time. So, I no longer try to understand 100% of the capabilities of the software that I purchase.


-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now?

In some cases, yes. I started with IBM mainframe computers and easily moved to PC's when they became available. I never used anything from Apple Computers before purchasing an Apple iPad for my wife and an iPhone for me. I have been extremely impressed with the operating system on these devices and the intuitive interfaces that Apple has designed for these machines. If I were starting over, I might look at the Mac as an easier way.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices?

5 to 16 hours, to my wife's regret.

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now?

Absolutely.

ONE LAST THOUGHT. When I began training as a Programmer and Systems Analyst in 1965, computer hardware was expensive. The job required training. We used to write, and then rewrite, computer code in an attempt to make our programs smaller and more efficient.

I wonder if today systems engineers, some without formal training, ever give a thought to the efficiency of the code they create. Do those who write operating systems that spit out cryptic error messages ever think about using user friendly messanes that completely describe the problem being encountered? The Apple designers seem to do a better job in this regard.

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My computer experiences
Feb 18, 2011 10:51AM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers? Yes, 1965, IBM 1401.

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with? For me, yes; my mind works that way.

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were? Learning each new language, difficult until the lightbulb went on.

-- Do you have any challenges even now? Yes, understanding what the software actually does (help & manuals are very inadequate).

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies? Sleep on any problem overnight. Never install new OS or major upgrade for at least a year.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now? I think so.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices? 3-6 hours.

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now? Yes. I'm amazed at the growth of the field since I entered it. At work programmed mainframes. Interesting that my watch has more computing power than the first computers I used, each about the size of 2 refrigerators.

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Why are computers still so difficult to use?
Feb 18, 2011 11:02AM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers?
Yes. In 1968, aged 23. Imagine... no screens, no mice... no integrated circuits... only transistors... Input/Output via paper tape... and Teletype machines!

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with?
Yes. Everyone was incredibly helpful and patient if you showed more than a passing interest. Plus, I'd been bitten by the 'computer bug'... Happy

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were?
Yes. When I left poly, my first job was in computers. Training was provided, and I soaked up everything eagerly as the technology and ease of use progressed.

-- Do you have any challenges even now?
Yes. Every day was and is a new challenge. You quickly learn that, even as a professional, you had to run like crazy, just to stand still!

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies?
Yes. Read all you can, practise what you learn as soon as you can, and talk to people who know more than you at every opportunity, via whatever channels are open.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now?
No. Technology moves forward at such a pace that you are increasingly forced to specialise and narrow your field of view to continue to be productive. However, I can fix things that even very smart youngsters can't, simply because of the depth of my experience.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices?
I'm retired now, but I'd say six to eight hours a day excluding weekends.

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now?

'Appreciate', as in do I think it's 'a good thing' for me and for the world? Overall, yes. However, like any other tool, computers have no morals; they can be used for equally for good, or for evil.

'Appreciate', as in do I understand what effect computing has on individuals, on the public, on governments, on industry, on academe, and so on? Yes, I believe I do; since I've been around since well before computers had screens and mice, I think I am better placed than most to get an overall view of the impact of computers and computing in the modern age.

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(NT) they are not
Feb 18, 2011 11:06AM PST
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not
Feb 18, 2011 11:08AM PST

They are always changing. get use to one and less then a year and new software or hardware

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Difficult to use Ask Ballmer Why
Feb 18, 2011 11:10AM PST

Microsoft is largely to blame. They took an easy but slightly flawed operating system, XP and its easy to use office compliment "vintage 2003" and progressively turned them both into a complete nightmare, first with "Vista" and then morphed office into the eventual 2010 version which is a clumsy overdeveloped monster. One quick example; want to adjust the power/screen options? In XP directly on the control panel page in "7" go to control panel and then search for it!!Yup another screen. Next you were using Word and had everything conveniently in "My Documents" sorry its now "libraries" and good luck in finding anything.The search function is nearly useless. Oh, You liked "outlook" for mail? Well then you will really like the new version it decides how to arrange your contacts and successfully hides basic commands in a blizzard of new features you will never use. I'll grant that "7" 64 bit is as stable as XP and maybe a bit faster BUT uh oh just lost some of my favorite programs that will no longer work in spite of emulations and upgrades to "Pro". Yup I worked in tech from the start of the major changes in the early 90's and met Ballmer then at one of our club meetings. He and his staff were arrogant out of touch jerks, then and they still are.

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Agreed.
Feb 18, 2011 1:49PM PST

Agreed. Your assessment of XP to 7 is accurate indeed. Hours and hours wasted on needless nonsense.

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Difficulty is in the eye of the beholder
Feb 18, 2011 11:24AM PST

As an engineering major in the 70's, I started with a 2e, then went to X286 systems, beginning with a 286 at 6 MHz. Those were DOS days. Now it's i5 and Win7 64-bit, and it's getting hard to keep up. But it's still pretty much the same thing I learned with years ago. The only real problem I have is programmers adding truly unneeded features.

My wife, on the other hand, began with Win95, so she's never seen anything but a GUI. But it's never become intuitive for her, and likely never will. File management is an utter mystery, and if the computer hangs it's all over. I have her fairly used to XP, but I know Win7's going to be hopeless.

So I guess it's an eye-of-the beholder thing. If you started early and have some technical feel, computers aren't difficult. Otherwise, it's ugly.

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Why are computers still so difficult to use?- reply
Feb 18, 2011 11:38AM PST

The context in which you use computers -
I have been a computer hardware and software developer.

-- Can you remember when you started using computers?
About 1963, writing Fortran programs on punch cards, and BASIC programs through Dartmouth time-sharing. And reading about hardware.
About 1976 I started owning my own computers, building a 6502-based Ohio Scientific, then later a 6502-based Apple-II then moving to IBM PC's.

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with?

It took a lot of studying in those days to build your own computers, but BASIC could be learned in a day. THe IBM PC was primitive then compared to todays PCs.
The first versions of Windows were useless until version 3.33 or so. Windows-7 is surprisingly nice, compared to Vista which sucked to 2 microtorr.

But in 2011, it is very easy to get into PCs, best way is watch a video on YouTube for anything you don't completely understand. Just follow instructions, and don't try to find the <any key>.

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were?

Understanding other people's C# or task-oriented code, which I still have trouble with.
Debugging embedded assembler firmware without an emulator. Don't ever do this! I took many, many, many days to find ONE wrong 1-byte instruction, a RTS in place of an RTI. This is lethal and untraceable by hand !

-- Do you have any challenges even now?

Yes- stopping watching Noam Chomsky on YouTube at 4 AM. Same for Keith Olbermann. They rock !

Sometimes its hard to know exactly what your computer software or Opsys is doing these days, because they patronize even the power users.
-like Microsoft doesn't say what their latest HDD initialize commands actually do in Win-7 ! Do they do a surface defects scan?

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies?

Yes, if in any doubt, "Google it" then YouTube it then Wiki it !
It's impossible to learn all modern SW, middleware, etc, computer technology, but I focus on what is future-looking and is useful for work and on the resume.
Also, if you can't spell, please spell check your posts so we know what you mean -- it's like the last 2 generations were taught by hippies ! (oh, they were..)

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now?

They are much, much easier now, mainly due to the Web, and online free availability of information. Other people's experiences are blogged with many different SW and HW environments.
Before 2000, hard cover books and databooks were the only sources of information, now it's all on the Web, and in ebooks.
Also, desktop computers are so much more powerful, and SW tools are so advanced, that programs can be debugged, or complex models tried, in a few seconds per trial,
so brute force methods can be used, if you want to avoid thinking too much.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices?

Desktop + media computer + Youtube on DVD = 8 hrs
Human interaction = 1 hr.
TV "interaction" = the rest.


-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now?

Yes, very much, I am a meat computer. (..Bender)

Mobile devices and computers should converge more soon, so that every device doesn't have to do all functions, like overdesigned smart phones. Things should get simpler, more uniform.
iPads are overrated- they use crippled software.

Yes, - - As long as all the citizen surveillance by street cameras and email in the US cities doesn't trend further towards a police state, like in the UK.

-- And, as long as the Patriot acts are rescinded.

I don't like to fly anymore- submitting to all those searches without probable cause, greatly damages and helps obsolete the Bill of Rights.

Only a few years ago, we were not watched by anyone when we were outdoors, we were trusted and free.
Same with phone calls and email.

Regards!
Mike

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Difficult to use? Maybe 20 years ago. Today, not so much.
Feb 18, 2011 11:47AM PST

I started using computers back in the days when I had to write programs on punch cards. Later I moved into dedicated word processing systems, then into the very earliest of the PCs. Compared to those times, computers these days are simple and straightforward. I do things today I could not have imagined doing when I first started using computers. On a typical day I will probably interact with my laptop 3-4 hours a day, with my smartphone 1-2 hours a day and with other types of computers at least an hour a day. They have made my life immeasurably easier (writing, filing, finding info, buying stuff, research) and I can not imagine going back to life without them.

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Why are computers still so difficult to use?
Feb 18, 2011 12:03PM PST

I began to use computers in the late 1980's, one by Tandy and the other an Apple, before I bought my own, a Zeos, in 1993.
I did feel that they were difficult to use because of the preciseness of, and the amount of commands needed to get them to work when using DOS. I did not want to learn to program, but that was pushed by instructors. Windows simplified things, BUT, was so unstable that made it difficult to trust that data would be available when needed, despite backing up.
My journey as been rather straightforward, but usually in fits and starts. I chose to stay with a PC because I was not able to pursue my preferred career of graphic design. Apples were, and usually still are most desired in that field.
Yes, there are some challenges now. For example, I find Excel, among other programs, unneccessarily obtuse for people beginning to use them.
My coping strategy is to chill using the basic solitaire game because it provides success, then go back and work again when using something new.
Yes, the challeges are easier now because I do not need to know anything about programming, and once an application is learned, upgrades are generally similar,and there are many places online to find info regarding a particular problem.
On any particular day, I use the computer 2-4 hrs.
I very much appreciate the functionality of computers, but the pervasiveness is somewhat disconcerting regarding the changing social skills of day to day contact. I believe that computers seem to provide easier social contact, but in actuality, can be isolating. The ALL-About-Me aspects of social networking appear to promote even more narcissism.

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Computer use difficulty
Feb 18, 2011 12:10PM PST

First computer bought in the '80's. Couldn't use it, nowhere to get help. Essentially, nothing has changed over the years. I'm better now but it is blind luck. There are reasons for these difficulties: 1. New programs are explained in manuals by the same people who wrote the programs. Naturally these folks have no trouble. They should have people off the street who don't know how to work the program do the testing! 2. From one program to the next there is never any consistency. It should be agreed by the industry that all programs will have the same screens to launch programs. As is, everything changes from one version to another or one program to another - even including icons. It is totally unnecessary to mistreat the customer in this manner.