ABSTRACT
Some people get great pleasure from computers’ ability to perform many complex and varied tasks; others regard them as antisocial irritants which often work erratically and inefficiently. Computers and their associated programs are complex. Buying a computer does not mean that you will be able to produce anything with it; much time must be invested in learning to use the machine before it will increase your productivity. This learning period is frustrating. Until you are a good typist, computers are unlikely to save time on everyday tasks that you previously did using paper and pencil, although they will allow you to undertake complicated tasks such as editing theses and papers, data analysis, and the production of high quality visual aids more efficiently The best way to learn about computers is to have a good reason to use one, and the skill sections in this book suggest suitable tasks for you to try. Computers consists of hardware, that is the electrical and mechanical parts of the machine, and software which is the digital program that makes the computer work.
