-- Can you remember when you started using computers?
1983. I had a BASIC computing class in college. I had a very difficult time wrapping my brain around BASIC. I still remember spending hours in the computer lab trying to program the computer to print an American flag. It would get part way and stop, displaying "Syntax error on line xyz". I'd fix that error, and start the whole fingernail pulling process over. I hated computers, and didn't touch another one until 2000 when I bought a Dell Dimension 4100, which I'm typing on right now. I never took a class on Windows (it came with ME, which sucked big time). Between Dell's then excellent tech support, the DellTalk Forum, Cnet's forums, I was able to teach myself enough to make it work.
-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with?
Yes and no. I think computers present themselves as such an awesome tool, which they are, until something doesn't work right. As someone said, they work great until they don't. Windows Millennium used to crash all the time on me. but XP is MUCH better. Now I'm learning 7, which is like three steps forward and one step back. I still struggle at times, but I think I learned enough over the years that I kind of learned how to learn.
-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were?
Sometimes. A lot of things do, for the most part, work great. But I'll put in another vote for all the programs that we all need to use to do something with the computer (Word, Photoshop, etc) are the greatest challenge. The computer is such a deeply complicated tool that there is just a lot to know, and I think the people who write programs are more concerned with what features they can add than how easy it is to use them. Sometimes I just don't bother buying a program that promises to make my life better because I know learning it won't make my life easier, and I don't have the time.
-- Do you have any challenges even now?
Yes, see previous answer.
-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies?
Ask people on forums. I read as much as I can understand, but I have a lot of difficulty learning things from a manual or Help file that comes with a program, so it's invaluable to get help from someone who understands the program.
-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now?
Some are. Installing devices I think is a lot easier than it used to be (though not problem-free). I spend a lot less time fixing Windows or worrying I'll screw up my OS than I used to. However, I find that newer versions of programs need a LOT of work on the functionality, not just adding of features I won't use.
-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices?
4 hours.
-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now?
I can do a heck of a lot more, but it also uses up more time to learn the new stuff.