Featured Story

Technological advances & why you should not be left behind - a point of view
by Merissa Gumbs

When you think of a computer user, many think of a guy with suspenders, thick glasses, and a pocket protector who knows all the ins and outs of a computer. They also think of someone who has the ability to wave a wand and make every nonfunctioning part of the computer function again or someone who sits day and night in front of the computer analyzing lists of data and coding. With this common misconception afloat I find that many people are intimidated by having to learn about computers or to stay up to date with the ever changing technological advances.

Many find that by trying to “keep up with the times” they are actually slowing themselves down. They feel as though they are taking time out of their schedules to learn how to use something that is supposed to be simple. Many ask: “Well if it’s so simple why do I have to learn how to use it?” I usually say, “Elementary my dear child, Elementary.” * You can’t expect something to just be simple to everyone, not everyone needs assistance in understanding the concept of the computer and how to use it and for them “very good”. Among the percentage of people that don’t understand the concept, there are some that would like to understand and some that don’t want to (like every other issue in the world).

I agree the word technology does have a little bit of flair to it but at the same time this intrigues me and it should everyone else. I find it strange that there are still a huge number of conservatives living in today’s society that are absolutely opposed to change and it is a shame. I wouldn’t go as far as calling myself a radical on the subject matter because I don’t agree with a lot of the routes that computers are being pushed down; however I do feel that some change is necessary to grow. New users (novices) as well as proficient users (experts) need to be able to access the same information that the computer has become popular for, the internet. The purpose of the computer is and always has been to simplify, and the World Wide Web has been able to bring that to light in more ways the one.

The basic reality is that a user is the everyday person, a teenager, grandmother, father, the list can go on. A computer user has no set specifications no race, gender, size or shape however this common misconception that many people have grown accustom to, is the determining factor and will continue to be. Simplifying life (in my opinion) seems to be mans ultimate goal, so why let a word like technology stand in your way? I think we should all be more open to what computers can do for us we may not have to agree but at least be more open. Don’t be the person that never tries anything and still has the nerve to oppose it.

I will leave you with one thing that you, as a novice or an expert, can apply to everyday life as well as your everyday ordeals with the computer: “Every action or thought has an effect or consequence, the nature of that effect depends upon the nature of the cause.” ** A computer can do only what you want it to do!

* Sherlock Holmes
** The Universal Law of Karma