Your Computer Minute with Peter Kay

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When some part of your computer hardware is suddenly not working right, what should you do? Before you call the repairman for service, you might want to use the process of elimination to find the problem. Here’s an example: Let’s say your printer stops working. The cause of your problem could be the printer, your computer, or the cable, so try this: First, change only the printer and see what happens. Second, change only the cable and test the results. Finally, use different computer with the same cable and printer. Good problem solving techniques involve identifying the different components of a problem, then swapping out each component, one at a time, to identify which one is failing. You can apply this basic technique to almost any situation and after a while, you’ll get pretty good at it. Next time, you might fix the problem yourself and save some money.

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Do you use software like Microsoft Outlook or an equivalent? Do you also have post-it notes taped all over your desk? Well shame on you! The next time you grab for that postit pad, type the note into your electronic task list instead. Use this task list to jot down everything including followup calls, little reminders, major projects, and even cues to buy flowers for your significant other. Then review your e-task list each morning to organize your day. I’ve been doing this for about 3 years and now you can’t find a single sheet or scrap of paper on my desk and I gotta tell ya, it feels great. You can do the same; it just takes a little discipline and I guarantee you’ll love the results. No more postits!

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Did you ever wonder why kids learn about computers so quickly while we adults seem to have a hard time? Contrary to popular belief, it’s not because our brains are too full of knowledge and have no more room to learn while children’s minds have lots of space. The real reason is attitude. When a child looks at a computer, they see a toy that they can’t wait to play with. When an adult sees a computer, they see more work ahead and are faced with feeling inadequate while learning new software. I can almost guarantee you that if you too saw your computer as a toy, you’d learn it just as fast as the kids do. Now, how can you do this? Go out, buy some games, install them on your PC, and start playing with it! In no time at all, you too will be a kid and you’ll see your computer in a whole new way.

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Would you like to eliminate the use of paper from your daily job? Here’s a simple and highly effective tip for you. Develop a paper rash. The next time someone says, “let me give you a printout”, you say, “oh, I’m sorry, paper gives me a rash, can you email me that document instead?”. People will give you a funny look, but that’s alright, just tell them that Peter Kay made you do it. The point is to get everyone around you in the habit of sending you electronic documents instead of printed ones. You should train yourself so that every time you touch a piece of paper, it should feel like ooh aah yuck! Get that thing away from me! Now this may all sound silly, but believe me it works, primarily because you are constantly reminded to think paperless. It worked for me!

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Did you know that you have a computer expert that knows your software inside and out, waiting by your side with the answers and guidance you need to get your job done? Did you also know that this assistance is completely free and is one keystroke away? Folks, I’m talking about online help. Any time you have a question on how to use your software, just hit the F1 key and you’ll access the most in-depth and complete reference to available. Now, I’ve presented seminars to thousands of people and I’m amazed of how few of you actually use this simple yet powerful feature. Today’s online help software is extremely sophisticated and complete with not only documentation, but tutorials and demonstrations. The next time you need help with your software, instead of getting frustrated, hit the F1 key and you’ll be amazed at what you can learn.

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