"Rules" of Computer Use (to avoid utter frustration)

As I began to develop a course in digital tools useful for qualitative research, I realized how frustrating it can be to learn new programs. I also began to think how much more frustrating it may be if I didn't have much experience with computers. Keeping that in mind, I decided to put together a list of "rules" or things I have learned along the way that has helped me be less frustrated with the machine we love to hate. I am not a patient person by nature, so these skills were most definitely acquired, sort of like a taste for coffee.

1) Technology can take time, especially when learning or setting up something new. This seems counterintuitive because, well, technology is supposed to be the ultimate time saver. But, if we can come to terms with the fact that it takes time to save time, we will save ourselves a lot of stress. Rest assured that given enough time, things will eventually work, but it may not be as simple or quick as you might have anticipated.

2) You don't have to understand everything to figure something out. Learning how to use new tools on a computer can be daunting, but you do not have to be a computer scientist to be able to try new things and even get good at them. Oftentimes things seem more complicated than they really are. When all else fails try a google search. You can find forums with people having the same problem, manuals, tutorials, etc. It can be your greatest resource.

3) Don't be afraid to make mistakes. It's not that children are so much better at using the computer, it's that they are unafraid to make mistakes. Be like a kid and dive right in. If you make a mistake, it won't ruin everything and even if it does, you always learn something from mistakes. This is particularly true when using the computer.

4) There are multiple ways to do the same thing. When using a computer, you will soon find out (if you don't already know) that there is not one right way to do anything. You do not have to memorize how to complete different tasks. Once you acquire some of the skills (mostly through trial and error) of computer use, you can apply these skills to many new programs/environments on the computer. People often do the same thing in different ways depending on their comfort level. Don't be afraid to learn a new (possibly easier) way to do things you already know on the computer.

5) Technology is constantly evolving and changing. This is important to learn because few can keep up with the pace of change and even fewer can be aware of the breadth of information and tools available on the Internet. Books are published, even magazines, and are immediately out of date. This is the nature of technology today. That being said, it is imperative that we all collaborate and share emerging or little known technologies as we serendipitously find them.

6) Free is good, but sometimes it's worth it to shell out some money. There are many excellent resources free on the Internet. With the growing popularity of open source programs, free quality programs are more easily accessible than ever. However, depending on what you plan to use technology for, you may need to purchase a program or, more often, equipment that is necessary for the job. Most of these things can be borrowed or found in a lab, but sooner or later, it is better to have your own and if you get quality items, you can sell them for a decent price later to minimize the cost of upgrading (which will eventually be necessary).

That's all I have for now. I hope these rules help you as you wrestle through the many programs available to help you with your qualitative research. And, please feel free to comment or make additions to this post.