Computer knowledge essential to daily life

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Tammy Flippen is project coordinator with The Edge Community Technology Center |ret||ret||tab|

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Anyone who has waded through the maze of an automated phone system gone awry has said it. "Life was simpler without all these computers!" |ret||ret||tab|

Before you pull the plug, consider the ways that computers enhance your life. |ret||ret||tab|

Bills can be paid online after the kids go to bed. Students can access library databases online from home with a library card. A 5-minute-old picture of your 5-minute-old grandbaby can be viewed via e-mail from thousands of miles away. |ret||ret||tab|

And we've not even mentioned the hundreds of fun things that the Internet and technology allow us to do from home. |ret||ret||tab|

The Internet gives you access to the world on your schedule. Whether chatting online with children away at college or planning your next vacation, it's all there at your fingertips, any time of the night or day. |ret||ret||tab|

Staying organized in these hectic times is mandatory in dealing with our demanding lives. |ret||ret||tab|

Time is what we never have enough of, and being able to get things done more quickly and efficiently allows us to have more time for our family and friends. However, it's not just the Internet that is making things easier. |ret||ret||tab|

There are many inexpensive programs available that are incredibly useful in our daily lives.|ret||ret||tab|

Recipe programs can help you get organized.|ret||ret||tab|

Nutrition software can track your food intake and diet and help plan meals.|ret||ret||tab|

Genealogy programs will allow you to create your family tree.|ret||ret||tab|

Architectural programs can be used to redesign a current home or create a dream cabin at the lake.|ret||ret||tab|

Our community's need for computer education is vital to its growth and to the needs of Springfield's citizens. |ret||ret||tab|

It is impossible to scan the newspaper want ads without seeing the need for computer skills of all kinds in all types of industries.|ret||ret||tab|

Basic word processing, database, presentation and desktop publishing software programs and spreadsheets are being used in every type of organization. For the displaced worker or an individual re-entering the work force, this can be a big stumbling block. |ret||ret||tab|

Choices of where to go next can be extremely limited without computer skills on a resume.|ret||ret||tab|

How do you jump into the 21st century job market and obtain the new skills? Computer user clubs offer an inexpensive way for the new computer user to learn skills. |ret||ret||tab|

Groups like ICON-Interactive Computer Owner's Group and NUCOM-Computer Users Group are examples of local organizations. |ret||ret||tab|

Ozarks Technical Community College has an incredible noncredit course catalog that offers classes at its Computer Training Institute. |ret||ret||tab|

The Edge Community Technology Center located in the Midtown-Carnegie Branch of the Springfield-Greene County Library District offers free classes on topics ranging from computer basics to self-paced tutorials.|ret||ret||tab|

Tutorials sites online, which offer a solid introduction to most popular computer programs, are available online at no charge. |ret||ret||tab|

What kind of librarian would I be if I didn't talk about computer manuals? The manuals published 15 or 20 years ago were scary 1,000 pages of information in print so small a magnifying glass, was needed and it might as well have been in a foreign language. |ret||ret||tab|

Pick up a computer book now and you will be amazed. The manuals with well-written and easy-to-understand pictures, diagrams and step-by-step instructions are everywhere. |ret||ret||tab|

Most of the time a CD-ROM is included with lessons and tutorials to get you on your way to learning. |ret||ret||tab|

So many users say, "I feel so stupid" or "My grandchild knows more about the computer than I do." |ret||ret||tab|

When you get to the point that you want to throw your computer out the window or smash it with a hammer, just take a few deep breaths, shake off that techno-stress and try again. |ret||ret||tab|

It is essential for people of all ages to become familiar with computers and technology in all areas of theirs lives. Taking that next step may be nerve-wracking, but there are many alternatives from which to choose and the choices will continue to grow. |ret||ret||tab|

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