When I bought my first computer I paid $100 dollars for it, well, you get what you pay for and I quickly learned to take it apart and put it back together. That was about 12 years ago. Since then I've become pretty computer literate in that I can navigate web pages, use Microsoft Word and other programs without much trouble. I admit though that I would have a hard time with Excel or Powerpoint and other specific software. How computer literate do you consider yourself to be? A beginner, intermediate or an expert?
[question posted by kbourgerie]
responses and comments:
I've learned excel & powerpoint but I still consider myself a beginner when it comes to the internet. I still am fascinasted by how you can type in anything & get info back on it..lol...Lori [dumblnddzzy]
I know my way around a computer pretty well; I spent 2 years in college studying business office technology. I went part time, one or two courses a quarter, and I loved it. I learned excel, powerpoint, word, I never did get into Access though.. Unless I worked in a doctor's office I probably wouldn't need to know that anyway. [OreoCookie3]
I am not very computer literate at all KB. I know how to operate it, and that's about it. I tried using excel once, Hah what a joke that was. I think there should be 2 lots of instructions, One for normal people and one for dummies. This is how good I am, I borrowerd a "Computer for Dummies Book" from the library. I could not even work out what they were talking about. So I think they need to print one for extra big dummies. [Goodie123]
I think that I am pretty literate with computers. But I no longer use a Windows machine. I am an Apple convert. I use something called Mac OS X (Operating System 10) and it works like a dream. I never have a system crash, no viruses and it has the most fantastic integrated software imaginable. I do still have my old Windows PC, but I think that I have not switched it on more than 4 times in the past year. The computer also looks fantastic. White, very thin and a 24 inch screen. The computer normaly atower in a Windows pc) and the screen are integral. I shall stop now. I am an Apple bore and if I carry on you will want to lock me in a soundproofed room and leave me there forever! [p1kef1sh]
Well, I can consider my self as an intermediate because I can troubleshoot some technical problems and I know some of Microsoft office applications like Ms Word, Power point, and a little Excel, Access and Publisher. [rexjallo]
I sound just about like you! lol.. but with the help of my then 12 yearolds... I learned how to use powerpoint. And I am getting pretty good at excel. wish I could get my kids to work with me more and teach me more! LOL [KKKBsmom]
I could not repair my computer but I am an intermediate I think as i can use all the various programs but I do not know excel but I have used powerpoint and I am able to use Microsoft word and my various other progams easily . [Hatley]
Wow I have strong admiration for you or anyone who can take a computer apart and put it back together again, credit to you, cos I could never do that, I wouldn't know where to start. I am more of an Excel and Word person, I guess being an ex secretary you have to know all about them. It's a total science isn't it, the computer alone and the internet wow! Mind you everyone I think learns something new every day with their computer and stuff on the internet. I class myself as an intermediate I am good at some things but weak at others. [wolfie34]
I would say I am intermediate. I'm not a beginner but I'm not a expert either. I started off with a web tv lol. Then I got a computer so I could use a printer and a scanner. [Shaun72]
I can say i am an intermediate computer literate. That's because I know what is the good motherboard you gonna buy for your pc and a very good anti virus. And I can fix some problem on my pc. But when you say expert, that is for the people working as a programmer. God Bless! [jimncha2008]
ican ut myself on intemedate, your right power point & excel it will not be easy me too i get some trouble on it sometimes:) [Ohara_1983]
I worked as a medical transcriptionist for 5 years, so I should be at the intermediate level. I only used Powerpoint once and that was a long time ago, so I don't know if I am still able to do it especially if there is a new version. I might be able to do just a little bit of troubleshooting. Recently I replaced a LAN card all by myself. But mostly I still prefer to have repairs done by the experts. [wisedragon]
There are many different level of expertise in computers. One might be an expert in Excel while not knowing about anything else. I am not an expert in anything as I don't work in computers. It is something which became my hobby. I have over two dozen programs on my computer... and I know how to use each one of them for what I need to do. When I want to do something new... I simply use the next step in the program... and learn a bit more. Right now I am working with Microsoft Access to build a database for my DVDs... and I am learning along the way. From a home computer point of view... I would put myself between intermediate and expert. Lets put it this way... if anything happens to my computer... I can fix it without any help from anyone. [Aussies2007]
I began to touch with a computer about six years ago.Then I assemble and open the computer.Now I know the hardware of computer very well.Certainly,I have learned Word,excel,SQLServer and other programs. I also install windows system and other application software. [jiangsl]
I think I would consider myself more of a beginner to intermediate. I still have some trouble at times figuring out how to apply some programs and because my son is a expert of sorts I often just rely on him if I run into trouble. But I remember when I 1st started, man I was so afraid of breaking things or making it crash or loose all its info. I soon learned that it is not so scary after all. [Deea48]
HEy KB I am not very computer literate, I can do simple things, I can put in memory but it didn't work right, I can put in a new card on the mother board but dont' ask me to do any jumpers and switches. I am better with operating, I trust my husband to keep the networks and my computers running But if any work needs to be done, I take it to someone I trust .... Mooch [oneandonemakesix]
I myself definately consider myself an expert in this context. However the more you learn with computers the more you realise that there is alot more you don't know. I am indeed a programmer, it is my job, passion and hobby. I am even making my own little game over at http://game.xquartz.net. I am pretty much entirely self taught. Computers have always been second nature to me hehe. [mavrik42]
I know most of the cpu and mainboard and other small component part,and can design special application software to carry out the function that I need. but I still consider myself as a beginner. because the technicl knowledge of computer is updating rapidly.I can never regard myself as an expert. [gostop]
I know a computer since I was in elementary school, it still had a dos system at the time and there were computer games like gold digger. My dad was a huge fan of the computer. I know enough of microsoft office such as word, powerpoint, excel, project, and some graphic design programs. And I can surf the internet fine. But I don't know much bout troubleshooting if there some crash on the computer or the blue screen and everything. But I know how to install a program. [ucancallmedissy]
If you were talking on Application or programs, i can be beginner, intermediate and expert. I am a computer graduate. My teacher told me that, school will not teach you everything but will guide you. It was your turn to explore your knowledge and discover. I know almost all of application like excel, powerpoint, access and so on. But there are still new application that are in the market today so as a beginner i can manage it well. I fix my own computer. Way back 2001 on my first computer, i even pay $10 for re installation of programs, bring it to technician for technical problems. Now i will only bring to technician if it is under warranty and due to hardware error and change it as needed. [alexigne]
I just learned using a computer when I was in college already. The first thing I've learned was playing Warcraft. I've learned to use MS Office afterwards. I surfed the internet, played movies on the computer and played games. But now I know more than that. I am now creating web pages instead of just surfing the web. Now I create movies for youtube instead of just viewing them. And lastly, I now know how to program games instead of just playing games. Now I work as a programmer and it is now me who make others people literate of the computer. [wrangel15]
I can say I am at least at the intermediate level or better, having worked in IT for more than 24 years. I can't call myself an expert. I am not a hardcore programmer or designer who is able to develop and implement a computer application from first principles. But I have been exposed to IT quite a bit in my previous job, and have used PCs and workstations for more than 20 years already. Back in the early 80's, I have already started using email, wordprocessors, run software and solve computer problems in business systems. I had tried programs like Excel and PowerPoint very many years ago, I think in the late 80's. I worked with many IT people, and picked up much knowledge also interacting with them. At home, I bought my first IBM PC in 1987, and since then I had owned 6 systems, upgrading them every three to four years to keep up with the technology. I subscribed to internet connection since 1998, and so I have almost 10 years of dabbling with the internet. I played around with all kinds of software to protect files, compress files, transfer them across networks, create drawings and graphics, optimize my PCs, repair problem files and restore them, and many other things. Whenever I have some problems with my PCs, I will try and fix them myself and most times, I do not need to call in the service personnel except when the problem is hardware related. So overall, my literacy level is I would say pretty good given my level of exposure to IT over all these years. [lexus54]
I think that I'm an intermediate. [diamondrose1]
I would say I am intermediate, I am like you when I bought my firs computer I new nothing, so I have kinda found my way through it. I would say I am fairly good on the internet when I want to find something I normaly find what I am looking for. Also for the past 7 years my work I have to work on a computer everyday so that helps. [rlc456]
I know how to use the computer to do lot of things, everything I need to know for the way I use it, but you could call me computer illiterate because I have never used programs like Ms Word, Power point or Excel. I do know how to do word processing on a word processor so I should find it quite easy to use these applications. I have just never tried. I always find free alternative ways of creating documents and use free online resources, so I don't need to buy any software. I have created websites using html. I only know things I have taught myself to do. [paid2write]
I'm probably an intermediate, though my history with computers is somewhat longer than most. I bought my first PC in the mid-80s, and shortly thereafter a Mac-Laserwriter system. I used both, and had them networked to run the Thrifty Nickel in Longview, Texas. After selling the TN to my ex-wife, I went back to PC, and then went to a Mac G3. I was able to customize Lotus 1-2-3, and then of course Excel for businesses, and love Corel Draw for ad layout, and Pagemaker for desktop publishing. Because I wasn't specifically making my income from computers, I stupidly never got into HTML programming or other internet applications, though I can navigate the web and do e-mail to my own satisfaction. [keymandan]
I'm pretty good in using computerprograms such as microsoft works, word or other programs, but i can't take a computer apart and put it back together. I would see that i'm intermediate, all do i can't put a whole computer together, i can change a broken cdrom player and replace it and i'm pretty good with computerprograms. [Jody20]
Well i consider myself quite an expert considering i got my first pc in 1998 and quicky taught myself how to take it all apart and put it back together. Done 3 years in high skool computing classes and then a further 3 years in college getting my diploma in computing. Now i run an IT dept for a small organisation where i live and keep myself going through new training all the time when new technology comes out & can practically build pc's in my sleep. Don't you just love the techinal revoloution :) [mindofdude]
when i had my first computer i only used to play games on it.slowly i started surfing the internet.then when i went to college i learnt programming,using c,vb,java,i also learnt of word and excel.i also did a course in hardware/networking.according to the above sentences i think i'm intermediate. [vicky30]
I'd say intermediate. I know how to work the basics and I am also able to help my man, my mom and a few others when something is not right with their laptops. I have found you can fix most things with a little patience and by reading the help section. But I am no expert by far. I get by. [teison2]
I'm pretty good at it, been having a computer for 7yrs. now and have a very good system. I like making webpages, working programs and experimenting. I taught myself through trial and error. [scags2005]
I first saw a computer at college when I was 16 years old and I was nervous about using it. When I was 19 I had to use a computer for my work in an office. I learned to use it for a data base that updated exchange rates. Then I went to university when I was 24 to study English Literature and do teacher training. My lecturers had difficulty getting me to learn to use the Internet and it took me ages to type on a computer to produce an assignment. I hand wrote almost everything and as result of that my writing was quick in exams. When I was 28 the head teacher at the school I was teaching at was annoyed that I knew nothing about computers. So I got my own computer though a half price computers for teachers deal. This helped me learn as a beginner. I had some challenges in ICT rooms with different classes of children. I quickly learned which child knew the most about computers! Now my computer literacy has improved and I have my own laptop. But I am not an expert. I can use the Internet, email, word process and use photo CD ROMS. I have used Windows and Linux. [maximax8]
i'm pretty much a beginner but getting there slowly but surely [suzanne1970]
i consider myself a beginner of using computer , i can use the office software such as word , excel , powerpoint , and i can surfing online , recieve or send an email , and some other kind of things , all this is just for beginners , i think . i know little about the virus defendent , when my computer is infected by virus , i just can't do much help and turn to my friends. [wy2008]
I guess i would say I am an intermediate! I have used computers for years and even used to work assembling and testing them! I think i would be more confident taking apart a computer and putting it back together than I would be at using certain software programmes! Thankfully though my other half and my 14 year old are always willing to help me with anything I don't understand! xx [mummymo]
I would not consider myself expert but certainly intermediate. I grew up using a Tandy and back then everything was done in DOS. I spent much more time on the computer than my siblings so I spent alot of time watching my dad load, install and fixing things in DOS. I think that gave me a pretty good understanding where now if I have a problem I can usually figure it out but still theres alot left to the imagination because now you have SO MUCH more. I did start teaching myself HTML but lost interest in it when they started introducing programs that did everything for you on the internet but now I went back to school because I want to learn programming. I would like to really become an expert at EXCEL, I used to ask my dad all the time to teach me it back in HS, now come to find you can use it for anything I decided I'll have to teach myself that too. [revellanotvanella]
I consider myself computer savvy which i think belongs to expert as i have learn some technical staff aside from basics things we used to do in a computer. I have learned all this since i had my first work way back 1998 where i learned the basics such word, excel, powerpoint but as years go by i learned more and as of now im on my way to learn deeper about computers which i am very eager to do because it's really interest me. [cheenlly]
I know just the bacis, Word, Excel and powerpoint. Before when I dont have nero, i enjoy making slide shows using powerpoint, now with nero, i can add music and more effects to my slide shows... [longbangod]
Well, I have learned purely from experimenting on computer. Of course there were some help from some of my friends who from time to time I call to inquire on what to do. Except for powerpoint, I have taken a course on it since its really important for my set up being an instructor. So I paid for it and was certified. Its really an advantage to learn a lot about computers as well as programs since there are so many thing that you can do with this this things. [jpso138]
Computers are cheap by then huh..? When I bought my computer before but that was just seven years ago, i paid $650. From then I started using just about every application available because I got it when I started in college and because I am an IT student. lol I think I'm an average user. happy [MGjhaud]
a i got my first pc (an amstrad 286 xt) around 1983 ( i was 11)and started to fidle around with it within 3 years i masterd dos ,bios inputs. after windows 3.11 i switched to amiga (masted be os, ami os,) later on i learned everything there is to know in the digital age ( you name it i know it even how to hook up a coffee machine to a rs232 port) fidled around with hardware since 1995 and started to work in the I.T sector in 2000,(as a network expert p.s followed college for 3 years and learned nothing more than that some teachers should really work more with pc's and test what they teach)and stopped in 2007 i decided to return my hobby to me ;) [made28]
Hello, in school I only learned the basics about computer. How to shut it down, to boot, the Icons and their uses as well as its parts and uses. I learned on my own through experience and by exploring it. Imagine how I used to practice my knowledge in a Pentium I computer on 2003. In that sluggish computer I've learned photoshop and Microsoft office softwares (word, excel, and powerpoint). Just dont be hesitant to approach the helps included in each softwares. Everyday I always have a new informations by simply exploring its content. [drahcir_29]
The first time I knew computer was when I was still around 8 years old. My Dad was coming home and with some 'strange' boxes which later I found very much interesting because I could interact with these boxes (the monitor and CPU, by the way. LOL), and there was a banner maker program back then, I often played with this program when Dad was not home. LOL. However, later Dad brought the computer to his office, and I never saw any computer in our house until years later when we moved to a new house. I was already at some junior high school grade (I think around 9th grade for some other country's education system). That's the first time I saw Windows and screensaver. LOL. I even found some games there, I had not touched the Words back then. And my curiosity had gone too far, I guess. :P I believe I was peeping inside the system files within some folders, and actually I only opened the files using some certain edit program (within the MS-DOS). I don't know if I had accidentally saved it when I closed the program, but when I shut the Windows down, there was nothing wrong yet. But when Dad was starting the computer by the next day …. The system was gone. * sigh * Well, I quite blamed myself at that day, and never tried using the computer (I mean, any computer) again from that moment. When I entered university, I was ashamed because I entered the computer science major without any preparation and I still typed really slowly while the rests of the class already used their ten fingers with fascinating typing speed! * laughing * Anyway, I'm glad I have known computers. Even as a computer major graduate, I still never count myself as an expert. However, I'm glad that finally I am literate in computer, or I would never have this great experience in exploring the Internet, making some blogs complaining about programming problems, and on my reading towards some technical blogs out there … and then found the way to myLot community here. ;) [bongkarpasang]
I am slow at learning but I do get it eventually, I would say I am about so so on computer I know a lot but I don't know everything, I have no clue how to run the programs like excel and I wish I did no how to use that one. [winterose]
Well I can say I am close to expert, because I can fix almost all the problem that my laptop and desktop can get (in hardware and software). I know how use excel, powerpoint, word, and a lot of programs that didn't come with microsoft. You know what's funny, I never studied to know those stuff. I got my 1st computer in 1998, since then I am being doing so many stuff to upgrade my pc, to keep it in good conditon with today's technology without paying to others person to do this. When I can't upgrade anymore I change my pc for a new one. I think I learned everything about pc, because I'm a curious person, I like to see how everything work. So when I got something broken I like to open it and check everything inside. Then I try to figure out whats the problem. If I can't solve it then I call the technician to do it and then I watch everything he does to my thing just to learn and don't call him again for the same problem. That's the way I became crazy with pc and electronic stuff. Wow now I thinking I never realize about it, I was doing this because that was fun for me, without even thinking I was becoming almost an expert. Well I can say this was weird, And I am just 22. [keuddy123]
i rate myself from 1-10 i would give my self 6 as i know word, excel, power point. i know about hardware and i repair my comp whenever it gets spoilt on my own. [cletsLSG]
I would say, stuck in intermediate. I been using PC since it was black and green. With the zooming phase of technology how could I be. Just when I finally knew the answer ... they change the question. [ferdzNK]
When it comes to the computer I am pretty niave. I don't know much about them except how to go online and read emails and post in mylot. I know how to use Word and Excel because I worked in an office, but I don't know how to set the sheets up. I know how to save stuff. But when people are talking about digital cameras and pictures or posting pictures in mylot or anything complicated like that, I am totally lost. I only know the basics. [chrislotz]