Top Ten Tech Tips

1. NEVER RETYPE; OR, TYPE ONCE, USE OFTEN
You can copy and paste text and graphics from one program to another (including from the Internet to a word processor for example). Or, you can export and import data among applications (for example, from a database to a spreadsheet). I scored a –3 on a typing test so this is definitely a big one for me.

2. WHEN IN DOUBT, RIGHT-CLICK
When you right-click (Microsoft® Windows®-based PC’s) you get a context-sensitive menu. That means you get a list of what you can do with whatever your cursor is on when you click. For example, if you click on a paragraph in your word processor, you can Format Paragraph, Indent, and other things related to text or paragraphs.

3. IF YOU’RE GOING TO DO SOMETHING MORE THAN 3 TIMES, AUTOMATE IT
Since it will take at least three times longer to do it with technology the first time, you want to make sure it’s something you’ll do often enough to make it worth the effort. It can be small things like creating a shortcut on your desktop to a frequently opened file or big things like mailings to thousands of people.
On the flip side, if you only have to do something on the computer once (or very infrequently), let someone else do it. If you need to do it routinely, learn to do it yourself.

4. USE NEW TECHNOLOGY TO DO NEW THINGS, NOT JUST THE SAME THINGS A LITTLE FASTER
In other words, when you get a new computer, create a new use –
do something you can’t do now.

5. START WHERE YOU ARE
You don’t have to be an expert next week. Just look at what you know now and build on that. Learn a little at a time in selected areas. Along with this, remember that when someone is helping you with the computer, it’s not about what they can do; it’s about what you can and need to do.

6. IT TAKES 3 TIMES BEFORE SOMETHING BEGINS TO MAKE SENSE…SO SHOW YOURSELF SOME PATIENCE
When I was learning Greek, at first I couldn’t even recognize the alphabet. Then I had to recognize words. Finally, I could start putting meanings to those words. Computers are like that, too. It takes a few times for the hooks to start forming in your brain.

7. LEARN THE CONCEPTS FIRST; THEN, LEARN THE KEYSTROKES WHEN YOU NEED THEM
I call it Just-in-time learning – there’s no point in learning keystrokes you don’t need or won’t use in the near future since you’ll forget them. A better strategy is to gain a grasp of features and potential benefits. Then, when you’re ready to take advantage of those benefits, learn the keystrokes for the features. In the meantime, something new or better may have come along.

8. USE COMMUNICATION AGE THINKING WHEN USING COMPUTERS, NOT INDUSTRIAL AGE THINKING
In industrial age thinking, everything is mass produced, slow and inflexible. In communication age thinking, everything is highly customized, fast, responsive and efficient. You must be prepared to communicate with prospects and clients in the manner in which they find most effective. You should start requiring your vendors to do the same with you.

9. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: IF YOU’RE PREPARED, IT’S NOT A DISASTER
Save often, create a backup routine, store backups off-site, and keep multiple backups of critical data. Use a surge suppressor. Get a UPS (battery backup). Perform routine maintenance on your computer—scan and defragment your hard drive, clean inside and out (keep yourself grounded), and clean your mouse. A little healthy paranoia never hurt anyone.

10. PRACTICE SAFE COMPUTING
Use firewall and anti-virus software and update them regularly. Be prepared for when you get a virus anyway. Keep Windows® and Office® updated (turn on Windows® automatic update). Use a spyware blocker/cleaner.

Don’t give out personal information like address, drivers license, social security number, or credit card numbers over the Internet, especially in e-mail, unless you are guaranteed security. Repeat after me: “I never discuss anything financial if I haven’t initiated the contact.”

Change your passwords regularly. Mix numbers, letters, and other characters in your passwords (for example, substitute a number one for the letters i or l, a zero for o, and $ for s). If you make your passwords 14 characters or longer, they are virtually unbreakable. Instead of using random characters, use a phrase and substitute some of the characters (or use one word twice). Using these strategies, “password” would become “pa$$w0rdpa$$w0rd.”