Computer usage varies as much as the types of computers that are available. When computers were first developed, the intention, as the book stated, was for developers. Normal everyday “users” were not a target audience for this type of equipment. But as time passed and technology developed, the need for computers changed in cases such as efficient work flow.
With the market being open to a large variety of computer users, there is also a demand for those who can support them. Computers such as Web TVs were designed to help those who merely needed a computer for email of web surfing. The interface was simple and easy to use and the product itself was somewhat affordable. But when you think of it, why not spend just a little more money and get a real computer? I think the fear of the “power” of a computer still intimidates some people and if they can separate the idea by saying, “Well, I just have this device that is connected to my TV. It’s not really a computer.” A simple justification like that can easily ease the fearful mind.
I have worked at a large chain retail store as a computer technician. I have seen purchases ranging from the Web TVs to the most high end computer available in the store. I have also spoken to customers who have never used a computer or finally upgrading one that they’ve had for many years. Support calls, which have graced our computers via email for humor, about the user who thought the CD-ROM drive was a cup holder. Those stories are true! Try walking a person over the phone who has never used a computer before to use a mouse. It’s not easy!! We do it everyday and can’t fathom how they cannot understand it.
Now, I work for a company supporting a different type of “user” – the business user. The whole idea of this is a little different since you think, “Okay, these people are getting paid to use the computer to do their jobs. This should be easy.” You would think they would be proficient at it. Not quite. A large number of these “users” only do what they know and what they have been taught. Exploration is out of the question. Some of them get into so much of a routine, that when a tiny change is made, they literally freak out. It is absolutely mind-boggling. The problem-solving part of them doesn’t kick in.
I think that there will always be that separation from the real computer users and the “users.” People have to have the drive to learn what makes the computers work to understand them or just be open to the idea of a computer so that they are not afraid anymore. But if that happens, some of us are out of a job!
1 comment:
This reminds of a sad sad time when I worked for Linens N' Things. They said I was real good at vaccumming so thats what I did most of the time. Well I was pretty good friends with this Shelly women who was pregant. One day I saw Shelly scanning gift cards and putting them in her pocket. Shelly was a pretty sly gal. This would not have been possible if not for information technology. I find that gift cards are a newer info technology that we sometimes take for granted. Of course there are ups and downs as with any new invention. It makes it much easier to steal from the stores. All in all I got fired after 3 weeks for "not smiling enough" psh.... screw Frank who fired me.
Post a Comment