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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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I don't know; they should be.
Feb 19, 2011 3:58AM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers? Yes. 1962 when they had guys in caves carving computers out of stone with flint knives.

Rather than answer all these questions, I'll just say a couple of things.

In the mid-80s, when computers were much simpler, a friend of mine said that if using a refrigerator was as much trouble as using a computer, no one would have one of the damned things.

He had a point there and I think the problem is this: you can use your refrigerator and nobody ever expects or even suggests that in order to use it you need to intimately know the inner workings of the refrigerator. And yet with computers there is more than just the hint that in order to even turn on a computer you must have a firm grasp on the inner workings of a mother board's circuitry and all that surrounds it, in addition to having a mastery of programming and proficiency in arcane technical specifications for every piece of equipment attached to your computer.

This is baloney!

Computers are difficult to use because they are not made so that they are easy to use. As soon as they are made to be easier to use, they will not be as difficult to use. I know. This seems obvious - which does not mean it isn't true.

I long for the time when computers will be easier to use; and yet sometimes I miss the days when they were more difficult and more expensive and much rarer.

Those were the days - that is to say, there were no viruses and no worms and no malware and no spyware and no exploits and no need for all this security that I need just to protect myself from thousands of evil people who didn't used to be smart enough to use a computer.

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It's more like, Why are PCs still so difficult to use?
Feb 19, 2011 3:59AM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers?
In 1983, mainframe; about a year later, Mac and Commodore 64!!.

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with? Most of my mainframe usage was data-entry and not too difficult as long as I realized it was the master. Mac was a revelation and so much fun, I came to work early and stayed late just to play with it.

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were? A setback came when I changed jobs and had to use a PC (pre-Windows). No more mouse, no more free hands because each cumbersome command required two. No more intuitive self learning. Windows was a big improvement but still not as easy or fun as Mac, still requiring lots of tech help.

-- Do you have any challenges even now? Yes, any time something out-of-the-ordinary arises, compared to daily routine. Every time I get the survey after using Microsoft "help," I say the same thing: Not all users are techies. And we shouldn't have to be.

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

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now? New challenges always replace old ones.

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

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now? Yes, although sometimes I fondly recall pre-online banking days when, instead of looking up my password, signing in, giving my mother's maiden name, clicking about a dozen other choices and confirmations, copying the transaction to my tax spreadsheet, opening my desktop calendar, and checking "done," I simply got in my car, drove to the bank, and I was done!

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Non-tech user reply to why computers are difficult to use
Feb 19, 2011 5:07AM PST

Can you remember when you started using computers?
? Around 1983. First used a borrowed Apple II
? Tandy TRS-80 dual floppy (as I recall, 180 kb capacity disks). Software PfsWrite, then WordPerfect (best ever). Very exciting when I got my first hard drive, I think 5 mb.
Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with?
? Far from easy. Daunting, in fact. Unlike most of the people answering here, I was a female English major in a one-person office; so had to learn everything on my own, using the manuals. (You may not even remember when companies actually provided written manuals!)

Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were?
? Virtually everything has been a challenge. Consider, first, that until then, the world was entirely physical, mechanical. I could sit at a typewriter and see how it worked, how the words got to the paper. I don't know if anyone younger than maybe 70 can imagine how incredible and unnerving it was to type at a computer keyboard and see the words appearing on a separate monitor without being able to see or comprehend how it was happening. A simply HUGE leap in conceptual evolution.
? The initial challenge was simply learning DOS and figuring out what to do when things went wrong, which was frequent. I didn't have admin backup for the first decade.
? The biggest personal challenge was a few years later when I was given a copy of PageMaker (as I recall, it came on 10 disks) on a Monday afternoon and told that I was to install and use it for a 12-page newsletter due on Thursday. Nightmare! But made the deadline.

Do you have any challenges even now?
? I gave up trying to keep up with the technical stuff when Windows .Net came on the scene, and SharePoint is conceptually beyond me. As a writer, I cannot fathom how anything gets done with all that collaboration.
? The biggest challenge, as almost everyone has noted, is software. Now retired, I'm once again on my own with every download. Major programs have bloated in an attempt to be all things to all people, making them bizarrely complicated and feature-obese. Microsoft's penchant for completely unnecessary "improvements" can bring work to a dead stop with each new version of software. The learning curves are just crazy for productivity software. I would love to be able to strip MS Word 10 of everything I will never use, but they don't let users do that.
? The second-biggest challenge is also Microsoft, in updates that shut down the system unexpectedly or that cause crashes and incompatibilities. The company proves that power corrupts.

Did you/do you have any coping strategies?
? Used to be manuals, then Help screens, now Google, forums, a couple of newsletters, and the fact that I am no longer the only one in the vicinity who knows anything about computers.
? It has taught me infinite patience.

Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now?
? Hardware is now relatively a piece of cake, though-as with cars-I no longer tinker with what is going on under the hood, and I do not use any of the hand-held devices (other than the simplest possible cell phone).. I do not Kindle, do not SmartPhone, do not watch streaming movies on my laptop, and do not plan to get an iPad. I believe this makes me officially old.

On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices?
? 10+ hours on my laptop. Although retired, I am still a writer.

Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now?
? I profoundly appreciate the almost-unimaginable access to information on the Internet.
? I live on the East Coast of the US. I love the ease with which I can be in touch with people I love in distant places--a daughter and her family in London, a sister in Dallas, a friend in the Netherlands.
? I am apprehensive about the changes to brain function (e.g.,miniscule attention spans) and loss of ability to read body language and nuance in in-person contact (a niece's daughters in the back seat of the car, who texted each other rather than talking during a trip halfway across North America).
? I wonder deeply about the impact of permanent, pervasive joblessness and detachment throughout humanity as people are increasingly replaced by computers and their progeny. What's the fun of playing Jeopardy if you know a machine can do it better? And what's the satisfaction in, say, nursing if a bedside computer makes all the decisions? For the first time, I've recently felt some "Matrix-y" creepy feelings.

I don;t apologize for this length. You can mine it for a few quotes!

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Advice to the OP
Feb 19, 2011 5:27AM PST

Some advice to the OP after both reading and posting...

I would advise that you filter out those who reject your premise. I see a lot of folks want to put the stake in the ground that "computers arent hard" (whatever that means). I think these posts come either from an inability to see past their own particular experience and/or ego.

I spent the first 10 years of my career in IT. The past 10 I have spent on the other side of the fence at various vendors and service providers (including Microsoft). Computers, including the Mac (sometimes especially the Mac actually) are in *no way* "easy" or "intuitive" for the *average person*.

That is why the *average person* (read, not the typical CNET poster who is obviously an enthusiast) finds smartphones (Android and iPhone in particular) and the iPad so compelling. These platforms are good moves in the direction of better UX.

UX is both art and science. Desktop OSX and Windows both fail. They are both great for power users and for knowledge workers, but they are too complex and inaccessible for the masses. I know that Mac zealots will scream at this, but I can tell you you are wrong. I've been using the Mac and supporting them professionally since 1988 (Mac 512). I'm typing this on an MBA 11 that I love. Having worked 10 years at MSFT and having been there at the dawn of Windows (started supporting Windows professionally with Windows 3.0) I of course always have Windows PCs as well. In addition, as an old school UNIX veteran (System V R4 HP-UX), I always have a soft spot in my heart for straight UNIX/X and, as a result, keep a Linux machine around as well. These days I specialize in VMware.

Point is, I am completely objective in this. ALL of these systems are too hard. With Linux and Windows Server, it doesnt matter since they are going into datacenters and into the hands of experts (or dropping into automated workflow orchestration systems)

With Windows 7 and Mac OSX and Ubuntu (or any Linux build) things *are* too hard. The fact that zealots and enthusiasts can become experts and then wave their standards on the field of battle is meaningless really.

*Inside* MSFT *and* Apple (and Google for that matter), UX designers *all agree* that full featured computers arent accessible enough. This is the reason Apple spawned off iOS, Google countered with Android and MSFT keeps running at the problem with varying degrees of success (XBox being the most notable triumph in good UX)

Debates will rage endlessly on forums like this fueled by fanboys and trolls, but the premise of the OP is correct. Todays modern desktop operating systems are more similar than different and despite what love you may have for one or the other, the *industry* agrees that they need to be easier. It's one thing that Steve Jobs and Bill G would shake hands on, so you're pretty much out there on your own if you want to disagree with the basic principal or say something snide like "people just arent smart enough".

The automobile is the gold standard. Incredibly complex piece of equipment that anyone can learn to operate well enough *very* quickly. The modern computer has a *long* way to go in usability before it is close to this level of utility.

The day someone can walk into their home and say "show me CNN in the family room and let everyone know Im back" and have a glass wall start streaming the news while sending an alert to all family members and have that system self diagnosing, calling home for service, and self healing will be the day computers are "easy enough". This is the goal the *entire industry* works towards. If you look at the "future home" area on *any* campus (MSFT, Apple, HP, Toshiba, Sony) you will see something very much like that.

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Here are my answers
Feb 19, 2011 5:48AM PST

I first used a PC at work around mid to late 1980s. I bought my first personal desk top PC in 1995.
It was fairly easy to get grips--only problem is I had many questions, was not going to go back to school to learn, & I found tech people had a hard time explaining things to me in understandable language OR many did not want to share their knowledge. They tried no make it "mysterious".
My journey has been pretty straight forward. Challenge has been to get the time to learn in-depth and, again, I find that many computer techs seem to not want to share info--they want to make it seem hard, mysterious, and unintelligible--people protecting their specialized turf I guess.
My challenges now are learning how to do all the things that are out there. There are so many computer programs/software and potentials--finding the time to understand and apply them is challenging.
Coping skills are finding easy going people with excellent communicatioon skills and patience to teach me and or answer my questions. Or taking community college courses or classes at PC stores (like MicroCenter).
Yes, challenges are easier now because of the expanion of the internet and the ease with which we can surf. I can query about any program, such as cloud computing, and get back a slew of answers with much info. There are also ever so many more online tutorials that begin at a very basic level and work up.
I am a retired person and typically spend an average of 5 hours a day on the pc (when I worked I spent about 6 hours on the pc for work and 1 hour personal time). The least amount of time I now spend a day is about 1 hour and an extreme amount of time being 10 hours.
Yes, I appreciate the extension of computing--I have my large PC and then I have a small 11", 3 pound portable PC loaded with music, movies, television programs, audio books, downloaded reading books, and games. I monitor my time since I can become "lost" in my pc (touring the Lourve or the British museum or studying an issue or learning about any topic in the world, or just playing around). Since I am an extrememly self-sufficient person, I need to make sure I do not exclude personal contact for electronic contact. Nothing truely beats one-on-one, face-to-face interaction.

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computer use survey
Feb 19, 2011 5:52AM PST

I started using computers in 1979 - a reel-to-reel Commodore PET.

Since I learned a little at a time, it was easy through the 1980's, but then computer complexity started to grow exponentially. Very rarely do I use even 1/10th the potential power of a given application, even Word, which I have been using for almost 30 years. Google-ing a question has made challenges easier, but sometimes there are too many responses to what I thought was a simple question. I do appreciate the functionality of a computer and would not know how to do without at this point. I spend about 1-2 hours a day interacting with my computer. I am retired, so I do not use the computer for work, which would have increased the number of hours reported.

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My Answers
Feb 19, 2011 6:40AM PST

Can you remember when you started using computers? Yes. It was September 1997 and I had turned 8 the august beforehand. My first experience with computers happened when I fell over onto one and cut my hand. 21 now and I still have the scar on my hand.

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with? Definetly not. My hand was bleeding and it got infected.

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were? Nope. I tend to forget minor things like that

-- Do you have any challenges even now? Not at the moment

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies? Yeah. Go on my PS3 and shoot some people up good on COD: MW2 or beat people to a pulp on Smackdown vs. Raw 2010.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now? Now. Still hurts if I cut myself, it's just the wounds don't go as deep anymore cause of the tougher skin.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices? 10 hours PS3, 4 hours watching movies on laptop.

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now? Yes. This is my life. If it didn't advance or have better functionality, my life would get boring in about 10 yrs time

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WACSSDTU
Feb 19, 2011 7:18AM PST

I started in 1964: was an operator on an IBM 1401 mainframe at University of California Medical Center.

This was a challenging process, but not inscrutable. I learned Fortran and Autocoder. I also learned what "booting up" means: submitting a small pack of cards which are read and executed, in the absence of what we think of as an operating system. Each card set up memory and a few instructions to make it possible for the next card to operate. It was pulling itself up by its boot straps!

I moved to Iowa City as a graduate student in 1968 and began using the computer center's mainframe as a user, not an operator. The control cards for running a job, and the process of keeping the program cards in sequence and usable. This was frustrating and meticulous work. Current programs are easier and less infuriating. There were minimal diagnostics, so if a program run crashed you had to figure out if it was due to control cards at the beginning of the card deck or a flaw in the program. You had to write most of the programs, other than statistical and spreadsheet programs.

There are too many challenges still, even now. I resort to either tech help online or by phone, or going to a computer repair person. Manuals on how to use the computer are no longer much help, and the software documentation is scant. Fortunately, many programs are able to be used, eventually, by poking around and trying things.

I find help forums of some limited help: they often either don't address my exact problem, or the questions do, but the answers are non-existent.

There are more crash-prevention helps, and more self-diagnostics, but they are about halfway to where they need to be. For example, my Toshiba defaults to DVD mode on the optical drive, and it has taken many tries to finally recall how to switch it to CD mode. My Acer fails to send video out of the monitor port if the monitor is turned on after the computer...??? Sometimes it works; sometimes not. Poor design.

The biggest criticism I have is software developers do not seem to sit and watch knowledgeable users and even newbies use their product, and note what errors they make; what is not intuitive. This is the unappreciated field of Human Engineering: making machines intuitive to users.

On a typical day I use a computer about 1-2 hours and a smartphone 2-3 hours.

Overall I think the increased pervasiveness is good, but it is much less productive than it needs to be. There needs to be less energy put into making things faster and more put into making them easier. Too many keystrokes! Too arcane at times.

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Software is still an art.. but with a lot more useful tools
Feb 19, 2011 7:38AM PST

Over the past 56 years of my Computer experience the ease- of-use (EOU) question has become paramount today. Not so in the wee beginnings...

-- Can you remember when you started using computers? In 1954

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with? I started out learning programming in Machine code... eg, Octal, then Hexidecimal. EOU was NOT a criteria

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were? Learning new architecture, new high level languages... still EOU for the Programmer was slighted till the mid 60's

-- Do you have any challenges even now? MUCH fewer b/c of the movement in late 60's toward regarding Software as an 'Engineering' disipline rather than an art. That paradigm is *still* underway.

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies?The adage :Why do we have to do a job over... why not get it right the first time? Bugs bugs bugs... the bane of the end user.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now? Oh yes... Today EOU is a MUST... or you don't sell the product. Now Computers are for the non-science type of person... Earlier, Computers were used by Programmers, who had little knowledge of how they might be used by others.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices? All day long, before I retired.

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now? Well yes I enjoy my iMac (The EOU Champion) ....By golly, I think they finally got it!!!
The biggest change towards EOU came along with the Internet. Now, millions planet-wide are the users...

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I don't really think they are still so difficult
Feb 19, 2011 7:59AM PST

- Can you remember when you started using computers?

Yes, I first used computers in 1970 when I started High School. I had a programming course where I used a teletype terminal to connect to an HP 1000 timeshare computer to write programs in Basic. Our programs were saved on punched paper tape. Around the same time I joined an "Explorer" troop that met at Bell Laboratories and worked with their IBM Mainframe. I mainly programmed in FORTRAN on that, but did some COBOL. In college I worked with the colleges CDC computer submitting jobs written in COBOL, FORTRAN, and Pascal via punched cards.

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

Yes, I found it relatively easy and interesting to write computer programs.

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

I would say that it has been somewhat straightforward. My biggest challenges were dealing with all of the bugs in Microsoft's early versions of their software, especially their first version of Windows. I started using email in 1984, but that was while I worked for AT&T using their own proprietary email package and network.

-- Do you have any challenges even now?

I don;t really have anything I consider a big challenge.


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

Don't and didn't really need any.

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

Computers are MUCH easier to use now than when I started. While I believe that client server has caused some issues, because people can do more to screw up a client than they could when they were just connecting to a host via a terminal, in general the level of skill and knowledge required to work with computers today is significantly less than it was when I started.

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

I spend at least 8 hours a day using a computer, to write research papers, respond to email, check on work that has been submitted, or just check the news.

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

I think that computer capabilities today have significantly increased their utility. There are times when I don't appreciate the constant connectivity of pervasive/mobile computing just because I feel pressure to respond to message faster than ever, but one needs to learn to let go of some of that pressure and work at a pace that is comfortable.

I disagree with the basic question that you started with. I don't believe that computers are still so difficult to use. Computing interfaces have changed so much over the last 40 years since I started using them that anybody can do things today that would have required a computer scientist to do 40 years ago. I do believe that while people today think that they are computer savvy, the majority of people know very little about computers, they only know how to use certain applications.

Computer interfaces continue to evolve with the objective of separating the need to know what is going on underneath the covers from the ability to actually do the things you want to with the computer. The other thing that is happening is that computers are becoming less standalone, generalized devices and becoming more specialized. The iPad is an example of this. With these tablet computers a user really needs to know nothing about what is going on behind the scenes, all they have to do is touch the right icon and the things they want to do will happen.

Things that used to be problematic, like installing new software or connecting to a network are now all able to be done without any knowledge of what's going on behind the scenes. There are risks associated with this, such as opening oneself up to possible security vulnerabilities, but for the most part users can do just about anything they want to do without knowing anything about computers per se. The biggest issues are dealing with bugs in software, which will continue to exist as long as human beings are involved in creating it, and dealing with privacy and security issues.

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Why are computers still so difficult to use?
Feb 19, 2011 8:13AM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers? 1965- IBM1410

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

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were? Straightforward. I've been a computer professional ever since.

-- Do you have any challenges even now? Nope.

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies? Don't need any.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now? I don't think it's gotten any easier. Different, but neither better or worse.

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

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now? Yes indeed. My phone (HTC EVO) has more memory than all the IBM1401's made- and that was IBM's best-selling mainframe.

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168 hours a week online
Feb 19, 2011 8:36AM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers? I started in computers sometime between 1974 and 1976..can't remember when...it was so long ago. I built my first computer, an RCA Cosmac Elf w/an s-100 buss

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with? It came completely natural. I always had an analytical mind and excelled in hacking....no matter what it was!

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were? I enjoyed computers so much, for years I avoided "doing" computers as a job. Didn't want to soil my love for the hobby! But Once I gave in, it was as if I was made for this stuff. I worked on all sorts of systems, Unix (Solaris) Macs and Windows as well as some pretty ancient stuff. I've never really had any challenges per-se when it comes to computers...I guess my only challenges have been people relates!

-- Do you have any challenges even now? Nope. I'm quite proficient in MS SQL, Exchange, IIS, Cold Fusion, Server 2000, 2003 and 2008. I've been working exclusively with Microsoft products for the last 25 years so it's all quite simple for me now.

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies? Not really..., "just do it!"

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now? The only challenges that I have had any difficulty is with other people...how come it is that if you tell someone that you are a computer expert, they always want to tell you about some problem they are having and they expect you to fix it? The only other profession that has to deal with this is doctors. You never hear of a plumber being pulled aside at a party to answer questions about a running toilet, do you?

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices? If I get 6 hours of sleep a night, then that is a good night. The rest of the day is interacting with one or more of the 200 servers I'm responsible for at work and 15 computers and other servers I have in my house. I guess that means I'm using computers 18+ hours a day...and if you consider that the servers in my basement are on 24/7, then by proxy, *I'M* on 24/7...besides...if my boss calls me, then I've gotta be on immediately.

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now? Of course. I'm a firm believer that every issue can be solved by the proper application of the appropriate technology.
I've worked for several tier-1 datacenters and International ISPs and I spend the vast majority of my time on the internet in some form or another...and very little of that time is spent on social media sites...I find it difficult to imagine what my life would be like *WITHOUT* the internet or the computers that I use to access my data or the internet

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Why Computers Are So Difficult To Use
Feb 19, 2011 10:01AM PST

Ronald,

Just wanted to chime in. I would mention something in your project about how computers originally started out as MUCH more difficult to use. And the legacy of those early computing days (from the 1950s - 1970s), is much of the reason computers aren't quite as user friendly as we would like. Just think, many of the early computers had to be programmed and assembled, before you ever got to "compute" or do any work on them. In my opinion, it was a very small group of dedicated, intelligent users that were responsible for creating the terminology, the workflow and much of the computing concepts that carry on today. Much of our experience with computers today has been "grandfathered" in and comes from that small group of core users from the mid 20th century.

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Answers To Your Questions
Feb 19, 2011 10:14AM PST

I realized I failed to answer your questions so here you go:


- Can you remember when you started using computers?

I believe it was with Windows 3.x around the age of 7, when I would use my uncle's computer and Wordperfect to write silly stories.

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

As a youngster, I just knew enough to start the computer up and type in the few basic commands I knew, in order to access just a few programs (no GUI of course). But later in life, as computers became more ubiquitous, I will say it wasn't VERY easy to get to grips with some concepts (IP addresses, routing, VPNs, etc.) Computers are like any other specialized field. If you expect to get very far you MUST invest the time and energy into learning what it is that you are doing.

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

Working with hard to install hardware and software in Windows 95 was a real challenge (including USB devices). I can remember wanting to pull my hair out at some points in time. Otherwise the journey has been FAIRLY straightforward

-- Do you have any challenges even now?

As an IT professional, I consider myself very well versed in computers, but I STILL have challenges installing printer drivers in XP and am still getting to grips with Linux

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

The patience of a saint and the internet, for looking up all the info you could ever need (sites like Cnet help a lot!)

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

Somewhat. Computers are much more user-friendly nowadays and there are entire divisions of corporations dedicated to only the users' experience. Wasn't quite like that when I was using Windows 95 Happy

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

3-4 hours in a typical day as leisure. 7-8 hours if working.

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

Oh yes, I do. Especially when I think of Watson competing on Jeopardy! Soon enough, we'll be able to simply ask the computer what we need to know and it will respond accordingly, with no need for mice or keyboards or any peripherals! I can't wait until that day!

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Why are computers still so difficult to use?
Feb 19, 2011 10:40AM PST

Christmas 1999, our son gave us a WebTV Plus unit. Neither my husband nor I had any experience with computers and figured Webby would wind up in a closet. No way! We discovered a whole new world! People were amazed at what I accomplished with Webby. It introduced me to digital cameras and photo editing, which have become a real passion. Two years later, my husband surprised me with a "real" computer. My greatest challenge is not understanding the mechanics and technicalities but I can eventually accomplish what I set out to do. My coping strategies are Google, the Dummies books and friends who know more than I do. I still get frustrated and am completely self taught. I guess I'm a little intimidated by major changes - I just switched to Windows 7 and that's been a challenge. I've had problems with my new computer, which is now 4 months old, and have been told some of my problems are directly related to Win7. Believe me, Geek Squad was no help! I spend way too much time on the computer, have far too many e-mail buddies, but I love it. I enjoy what I do and love to learn new things. I'm fascinated as well as intimidated by the technological advances and some times feel as if I'm being left behind, ie. all the smart phones, iPads and that sort of thing. I am a female, 67 years old. Hope this is helpful.

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really ?
Feb 19, 2011 11:02AM PST

I know this might sound bad or weird, but, plain as day, seriously.
What is really that hard ? Let alone "still".
Pretty much everyone can use a computer, you don't have to be an advanced user, you can get a long just fine being a beginner your whole life, unless you want to do something more advanced or technical then you have to learn like anything else.
Take voting for example. you can vote but, if you want to really know what you are voting on or for you have to do more research than what's on the ballot or in a news paper or on tv...
Riding a bike you can ride but, if you want to fix it you have to learn or if you want to do jumps or wheelies you have to DO IT, try it, practice, learn...You don't HAVE to, you can get along just fine pedaling....

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When I started...
Feb 19, 2011 11:51AM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers? 1981 Apple II

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

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were? It has been straitforward with expection of normal Windows issues.

-- Do you have any challenges even now? No

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

-- 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? 6

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

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They Aren't
Feb 19, 2011 12:49PM PST

Since 1961 I've worked (off and on) with computers and every year they are easier to work with.

The illusion that they are getting harder is simply the result of the numerous new functions each new breed of computer is capable of.

Computers are typewriters.

But more than just typewriters, they are self-correcting. And they can include graphics. And do tables. And easily keep track of changes. Tables of contents are a breeze. They make indexing a snap.

Computers are an entire accounting firm. They tells you tax law. That do not make mistakes. That link bookkeeping with reporting taxes.

Computers replace photo-developers. And photo services. They put millions of people in the photographic industry out of jobs. And the user takes the place of all of them.

And so on.

You see, it's not that computers are so difficult to use ... if you stick with one or two things. It's that it is almost impossible to take over all the jobs that computers allow us to take responsibility for. With each new domain we take the reins of, we must master a brand-new vocabulary: white noise, halos, cognates, distortion, ambiance, drop menu. And as we master the vocabulary we must learn how that vocabulary works.

Just become photoshop allows us to edit our own photographs doesn't mean we have the background or competency to do so. Why would we expect that the mere presence of a sound editor on our computer would make the craft of sound editing an easy task?

So we are laboring under the delusion that now that we possess the tools, we also possess the talent; and that includes the meta-talent of installing and operating all this software. And when we find that we cannot accomplish what we wish to accomplish we blame the innocent computer that is nothing more than a host to all these applications we have self-selected to master.

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... and ...
Feb 19, 2011 12:57PM PST

I forgot to mention that this phenomenon explains the pseudo-illusion that Apples are easier to use than PC's. The limited functionality of Apples when compared to PC's means that it is easier to master the bulk of Apple apps than it is to master the bulk of PC apps. Add to this the interactive process of linking apps (photoshop to Word to PDF to email, etc), and the greater the number of apps, the exponentially greater the number of mutually dependent processes and of interactions, each of which requires its own level of mastery from the user (and from the developer).

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The Future is not set
Feb 19, 2011 4:30PM PST

- First exciting time was my very first use of the calculater in late 70's. We did not have much money when I was young so getting my first real experience with machine code and getting bored with it,was a micro tech board that I had to build or try to build.

- It was not an easy experience. although I was excited by the process of computers I wanted to learn more but there was never enough money.. I recall wanting to do a higher level course in computing and there was never any money in the Household for education.

- As I have become older the excitement of computers has still remained and my fascination with it has remained and therefore I like to find out and keep abreast of the new achievements in computing.

- The new challenges have been to get acquainted with new perating systems like Linux when I have the time. being a mainly windows user,and liking the experience even with all it's frustrations.. I like the idea just an operating system that does takeing up space on the PC and then adding your own favorite bits of software on top..Computers these days just seem to be filled with a lot of stuff that does not get used.

- My coping strategy is to keep it simple and remember to take frequent breaks and go take walks in nature, yes go smell the roses. Even now I find myseld using some kind of computing device from morning till night.. PC.smartphone. tweeting,gaming,leaning,social.

- Looking back the challenges are ten times easier now to handle. I can learn on the go if I want to from my smartphone,ipad, laptop. Eveything is accessible now than it used to be and that makes me happy.

- I am on the some kind of computing device from morning till night but I remember to take frequent breaks..I guess it equates to 5 hours use.

- I love the functionality and pervasiveness and I think it could be even better. The only thing that needs improving is powersource for thse devices..I am not sure, in my lifetime we will see an ipad or smartphone lasting a week before it needs a chargeup.

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Survey
Feb 19, 2011 6:13PM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers? COBOL programming 1970. First micro computer TRS 80 1978

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with? As long as all you wanted to do was out of the box. To do anything else was an adventure in torture

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were?
Not straight forward. Many operating systems, instability of windows, different approaches by applications.

-- Do you have any challenges even now?
Yes more applications-Facebook,YouTube, new phone/notepad technologies
-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies?
Learn what I have too, specialize and seek assistance from work mates, friends and consultants.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now?
Yes application and hardware installation much simplier
-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices?
8 plus hours

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now?
Absolutely online research, whether for work, technology, service manuals, personal finance and cooking receipes, is a far cry from the old days in the library and the card catalogue.

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Computers are a challange to anyone who will admit it.
Feb 19, 2011 6:26PM PST

Can you remember when you started using computers?
Oh yes, I had used a computer as a word processor but had no help when I was given an old used one. It had problems of its own so I had great patience. With great temptation just to drop the &*^& thing. I finally bought a new laptop and tried to do it on my own w/a little help from hubby and a tech.

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with?
Not easy and I found friends online that helped me. When I saw what they had done I would ask how and get a detailed answer. I try to do the same with others now. As I find that I have to be at the keyboard online to explain every detail as otherwise I don't even recall what my fingers do to achieve what I want.

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

Everything is a challenge . . . every little hick-up means I am out to fix it. All too often I spend hours trying and going back to it later.

I am still challenged. I wanted to defrag this laptop earlier, hadn't in a long time and found that I don't have enough free space. I tried to Google the answer but got nowhere fast -- went to Microsoft and am still left hanging on how to delete the files to get enough space to defrag. I need 15% and have only 12% & I don't even know what these files are.

-- Do you have any challenges even now?
I guess I answered that

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies? Struggling and my grandkids tell me to buy a Mac

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now?
They are more difficult - back then I did have some tech help which I don't have today.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices?
I have only a computer no other devices to interact with.
I ignore my laptop for several days and when I get back on it I usually find some problem. My laptop is 4 years old and I may need to get another laptop, but what kind?

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

I hate the pervasiveness in life that's me to do all my bill paying and research from magazines on computers. When I buy a newspaper or a magazine I don't expect to be told to go to a link to get more info. And as for bill paying I have found that can be a headache also. We try to do nothing online that would cause anyone to hack in & get our info. I HOPE not- as my husband does that on his pc and my laptop doesn't have that info on it.. But then someone may be able to hack his computer through mine?? Who knows.

P.S. I truly fear that our country/ world could have a disruption of a magnitude not imagined using computers. We have seen some of that just recently. What would happen if our banking computer systems failed. No cash available, no credit or debit cards available. Business would come to a stand-still and for how long?

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

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great question!!!
Feb 19, 2011 6:54PM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers? 2002

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with? NOT AT ALL? EACH TIME LEARNING FOR NEW SOFTWARE WHO GETS EACHT TIME MORE DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were? MY BIGGEST CHALLENGE IS VISTA!!!!!

-- Do you have any challenges even now? VISTA!!!! CAN NOT GET ANY GRYP AT THIS SOFTWARE, NEW PC AND IN 2 YEARS 6 TIMES CRASHED

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies?NO

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now? NO AS ALL SOFTWARE GETS COMPLEXER

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices? IF I AM TRYING TO RESTART MY PC VISTA TAKES ME 4 HOURS TO RE-INSTALL ALL

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now? GETTING TO DIFFICULTS FOR PERSONS LIKE ME WHO HAVE NOT THE TIME TO LEARN

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Re: Why are computers still so difficult to use?
Feb 19, 2011 8:46PM PST

Before I answer your specific questions, I'd like to make a general observation. Computers are difficult to use because they are amazing, complex devices and most individuals approach them with the expectations they would have for a can opener or a microwave oven. They are unwilling to invest the same level of effort that they applied to learning the alphabet. To force an analogy, they want to write a book before they know how to read.

I am a computer professional who has engaged in many facets of the "computer space" - hardware, systems administration and software engineering. My mainline activity is software engineering, but I engage in the other activities as necessary.

1. I started using computers in 1974. I started learning on a DEC PDP-15, an 18-bit "octal" computer that I programmed with paddle switches on its console.

2. No, it wasn't easy, but it was fascinating and, once I was exposed, it became my passion.

3. The journey has been a non-stop, challenging learning experience. The technology (hardware and software) has evolved at a dizzying rate. The industry has always expected me to do something other than what I had mastered, so practically every new project involved a heavy investment in learning new (or evolved) technologies.

4. My biggest challenges these days come from the support I provide to friends and users who are running multiple versions of the Windows OS (from Windows 7 back to 98 !!!).

5. My favorite coping strategy involves scotch or brandy. No, I just bite the bullet and learn what's necessary to solve the next problem that confronts me. The Internet (and Google!) make this a LOT easier than it was, back in my early days.

6. The vastly increased capabilities of today's computers implies a whole new level of complexity in the problems we're solving, but the fantastic tools available to us hide much of that. I believe that problem solving - the the resources available to accomplish that - is much easier now. End users just have to mature and realize that they have a responsibility to understand at least the fundamental concepts underlying the amazing (cheap!!!) systems they bring into their homes.

7. I usually spend 8-10 hours a day on my systems.

8. Looking back at the "stone age" from whence I began, I am amazed at the rapid evolution in functionality, processing power and pervasiveness of computing. It's also amazing to see the shift in expectations for typical end users. Even a decade ago, many would have been too fearful to consider a computer purchase. Nowadays, the assumption is that EVERYONE uses a computer.

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Difficult computers
Feb 19, 2011 9:09PM PST

1 Yes late 80's I think or early 90's

2 No

3 Lots of challenges, Mostly remembering things, often I would do something by accident then could not remember how to do it again. Also understanding some symbols and shortcuts, still struggle sometimes.

4 Coping? Just repetition and blundering for hours

5 A little, though I've been recently trying to help my mum get online and she is suffering just as much as I did. My partner also is always asking me whst to do for even the simplest of stuff as she isn't on very often and always forgets.

6 3 to 4 hours or more, depends on if I am working or not

7 Kind of, its great to find stuff relatively easy but I do waste an awfull lot of time on here. There are far too many directory type of websites appearing now too. Usually you can't even click on a link and all you get is a phone number when you really want the web page. I do think there is too much reliance on the internet though, i still like to get a catalogue or brochure and increasingly often you cannot, "all the information is online" is the refrain heard all the time. I would still much rather read on paper at leisure than on screen. There is less choice of doing that these days, they all assume we are computer literate.

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Response to: Why are computers still so difficult to USE
Feb 19, 2011 9:40PM PST

The main question being why do computers remain difficult to use, assuming all the technology and the advancement which they have undergone in the last 4 decades?

The question when did I start Using computers has to be clarified. Because computers were seen as little more than toys in the late 70s and early 80s and because they were extremely expensive, required the learning of language, and were limited in their scope of application, many people did not start to actually Use computers until the mid 1980s. Most technical people purchased them as toys to play around with until applications were developed which made them useful to business (word perfect, lotus 123,dbaseII). I have been using computers since the advent of the commodore series (vic 20 and 64). I skipped the clone XT and moved right into the 286 10mhz with a fixed disk (hard drive), and VGA output. This was around the mid 1980s, during the DOS days, before windows came on the scene. Initially computers replaced the typewriter and the calculator. With the ability to erase mistakes on a whim and the ability to calculate vast numbers as well as complex equations, their functionality to business became obvious.

Early on, computers required the learning of a language or at least commands to get them to work. For DOS users you had to learn dos commands in order to get the computer to function. I the early Commodore days you had to learn a programming language to get the computers to function. It took many hours of learning to get up to speed and become proficient on the use of a computer in the early days. Today with the graphical interfaces, its much easier to find your way around a computer as its simply point and shoot to open programs. That said programs themselves remain very difficult to use as the operator must learn how to work within the confines of the program. The simplified graphical user interface has not yet been well transferred into actual programs. Calibration has not moved very far in the computer world either, however it is now starting to grow and sprout. Since newer computers do not required the user to learn a specific language and since many interfaces becoming more graphical and intuitive, computers are becoming much simpler to operate. Most cell phone operators now perform computing activities on their phone.

including business activities and my personal computing, I will spend 10 to 12 hours a day processing information and data with a computer. If one does research that number grows to 12 to 18 hours per day. Techno junkies can spend 20 hours a day with a computer, using stimulants to keep them awake at work. I am a researcher so my time is not typical of most computer users. Don't forget, you must include cell phone use in your assembly of questions because many now days have consolidated their computer and their mobile device into one. This will become more prominent in the future as mobile devices assume more laptop functionality. I can see the mobile device becoming the sidekick of everyone in business and most in personal life. Once they reach the ability to collaborate in real time (schedules, meetings, location etc), each person and each family member will own one.

I must say that with the advent of personal computing and its giant leaps foreword in just 40 years. It has also maintained a background of activities which have never been improved. I use Microsoft programs at work and Mac in my personal life. Every Microsoft computer I use, even with the latest windows 7. possesses the same clunky operation and failure and lack of collaboration that it always did. Take file storage for instance, that functionality has not improved since windows 95 and the advent of OSX, it remains the same. Take compiling information for instance, its still impossible to compile information from several sources and pass it along in a single format. This still requires an expensive adobe program which does not allow the receiver to interact with the file. To collaborate with others, you must have the identical software package and worse the same version of that package, so this issue is yet to be resolved for me.
The next is failures of the software, I experience this daily on my windows computer at work. I am provided windows 7 and office 2007. I have a laptop which is only a few months old. Crashes on that computer system are a daily occurrence. Part of the issue with windows is its venerability to attack which requires each user to run all their computing through a strainer in order to reduce the risk of attack. Microsoft has not improved these failures within their programming. The Macs I use are running snow leopard and where its a vast improvement over Microsoft concerning venerability and program failures, it to will experience some form of programming error and unplanned shut down at the least opportune time. To date there remains not single software which can be used as a planning tool for all ones daily life issues and events, which can be collaborated with others. Its as if programmers are incapable as seeing the machine as a human collaborative instrument.

Frustration is most likely the best suited term for computers. The latest ones work fairly well but there is still that level of failure or that inability to collaborate which causes the user great frustration. The more the manufacturer controls the allegiance of hardware and software within the machine, the lessor the degree of frustration on the end user. The greater these two grow apart, hardware and software, the higher the risk of great frustration on the end user. I look foreword to the day where there will be an interface which functions well between all the various types of programming. Currently for me that key is OSX, as it is the least frustrating to use of all the software packages available to the masses. I still miss the cut and paste functionality that is available with windows files and not available with OSX finder.

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Difficult but great!
Feb 19, 2011 9:41PM PST

15 years ago. LOVED it but a challenge. Always incompatible stuff or updates messing up other things. Had various continuous glitches through the years. Some challenges are easier now, but new ones keep arising. I just know we have to hang in there or get left behind. 5-8 hours per day.
I Love my computer and don't know what I'd do without it. But, people get more real interaction with humans! And get outside!

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Why are computers still so difficult to use?
Feb 19, 2011 11:44PM PST

Started using computers? Commodore 64 - 60's?
Was this an easy process to get to grips with? No - very little formal education in school system at that point, even though a business student; To play a game, for example, I remember having to enter the entire program, so if you misspelled or mistyped - boom, no game!

Straightforward? Relatively; learning & experience based on what I needed to know to accomplish my goals - work, education, play etc. Challenges? Many, often related to program upgrades/changes. Many of those changes were not beneficial to my utilization needs, but often changed the very features that were working well in the "older" version.

Current challenges: yes, related to software changes and the lack of choice when purchasing a new system. One system is XP the second is Vista, work laptop, Windows 7 etc. Vendors/programmers offer to option to "stay with" the program that works for me. In addition, when you purchase a new system it comes "loaded" with Windows 7 or whatever, so you have no actual disks to work with. I have limited knowledge in dealing with internet threats, viruses/worms etc. Just keep my fingers crossed that my programs are protecting me, etc.

Coping strategies: Vendors and computer gurus are not going to change for me, so I have to work with what I have when I purchase. Strongly recommend just "biting the bullet" and using the new system exclusively for a period of time, to learn the features, shortcuts etc. Then it's easier to move between different systems/equipment.

Are challenges easier now? In many ways yes, because I'm using the computer during my work hours and personal time, so usage creates a sense of familiarity and comfort in exploring the programs. However, I'm not doing anything really complicated. My website is pretty basic and meant for family, and the remainder of my use is software related with Microsoft products.

Typical day, how long do I interact with computer devices? Between personal use and business use, I would use the computer approximately 5-8 hrs per day.

Do I appreciate the extended functionality ...? I'm not utilizing the complex functions of computers, so it's not relevant to me in my present work or personal use.

Good luck with your project!

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Why are computers still so difficult to use?
Feb 19, 2011 11:59PM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers? In PC's, started with VIC20 then DOS 3.0 on Coomodore 64/128, progressed(?) to IBM and Windows. On mainframe about 1967-68 started with IBM360 using Fortran IV with WATFOR reader during engineering school at University of Illinois.

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with? Interesting, but not easy; very time consuming.

-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were? Not been straightforward. My interests are in graphics and image manipulation (photography), writing essays/reports/research papers (for work and school), database building/manipulation, spreadsheets (for budgeting/cost analysis/data manipulation for experimental research projects), time/task scheduling programs and programs for public presentations (e.g. Powerpoint). Of course, email programs for communication, Lotus, now MS Outlook.

Challenges are always in learning how best to use new programs that can do the job better. For example, although I have a mathematics background, I never used a paper spreadsheet, so learned Lotus 1-2-3 by trial/error; then Excel, then RBase, then Access, to current Office Suite 2007.

-- Do you have any challenges even now? Main challenges are currently trying to master each iteration in operating systems. OS changed dramatically in my view going from Windows XP to WIN7.

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies? Coping strategies are to use my hobbies (philately, old-time radio programs, music, photography, reading, personal research) within the computer environment as breaks or fun methods for learning how to use the computer and programs more effectively. This way, I can achieve fun goals while learning.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now? Oh yes, I would hate the thought of being a neophyte to computers.

-- On a typical day, how long will you be interacting with computer devices? Average about six hours although range could be between two and twelve hours.

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now? Definitely. Modern programs and architecture are becoming much more functional considering multi-tasking with more process threads, more RAM and modern graphics chipsets. I used to wait literally hours to print photos and reports that are done now in minutes. I don't know what you mean by pervasity, unless you are talking about the increased use of computers in daily living and tasks.

I can and do save time and money by using PC's and networked systems for business, for personal banking and investments, tracking and paying taxes. I have much more control over details in my life than I had before being able to use computers. There are obviously dangers and pitfalls that must be avoided, such as avoiding becoming victim to malicious persons trying to invade my private information or to harm my systems. Of course, I'm speaking of online theft, of invasion of databases/personal information that is much more accessible with online storage. Strong concern about security of banking and governmental databases.

We have become so dependent upon PC's for communication of thought, ideas and data, and for commerce, that I have strong concerns about freedom of the Internet and governmental controls. I don't trust that governments who may interfere will have the best interests of the users in mind as they consider legislation to control the Internet.

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Computers difficult to use?
Feb 20, 2011 12:17AM PST

-- Can you remember when you started using computers?
In 1974, when I learnt to operate a PDP-11 computer, and to program using Fortran. We used punched cards to imput data.

-- Would you say this was an easy process to get to grips with?
I was very nervous at first, in case I deleted something by accident, but it wasn't really difficult to operate the computer. It was more difficult to learn Fortran, because there was always a long queue to use the college computer, and after one try one had to queue up again.


-- Since then, has your journey been straightforward, and if not, can you remember what some of your challenges were?
The main challenge was persuading my employer to buy up-to-date machines! It was often difficult getting answers to operating problems before the days of the internet and none of my colleagues knew anything about computers.

-- Do you have any challenges even now?
I still have occasional problems.

-- Did you/do you have any coping strategies?
I usually look in a manual or do an internet search. CNET is very usedful. If it is a problem I cannot solve I phone a help-line.

-- Looking back, do you think the challenges you faced are any easier to tackle now?
Yes, because of the internet, and so many more people are computer literate.

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

-- Do you appreciate the extended functionality/increasing pervasiveness of computing now?
Yes, I use it for archiving my own data, editing and storing photos, making video and other phone calls, transferring files,banking, doing research, accessing news programs and anything else I am interested in, watching videos or streaming files. I don't know what I would do without it, but I am very conscious of the need for security, and back-ups.