Answer:  People who have this kind of problem are not clear about what a "file" actually is, even though they work with files every day. (A file is certainly not an "icon" on the "desktop" or in a "folder." These things are not even real.) Further, they generally do not have an understanding of such basic concepts as the difference between the "hard disk" and "memory" or how files are organized into "subdirectories." It is absolutely essential to know where things like the letters we write physically go and come from. Yet many people struggle long and hard without ever becoming able to manage their information effectively. Learn the simple and surprising truth about where things like your letters go and come from with Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation.

Answer:  Today's "Intro to Computer" classes (and books) rarely teach anything of significance about computers. Or if they do it is either far too deep and technical than the average person needs or so superficial that it is almost worthless. The most popular classroom approach is to sit people down to a computer and have them work through a number of exercises. The idea is that by memorizing procedures you will somehow learn how to use a computer. This is like trying to learn to drive a car without knowing what side of the road to drive on—or that it needs gas from time to time. Unfortunately most people leave these classes more confused than ever. The real issue here is not "how do I do this? or that?" it is "what does it mean when I do this or that?" Memorizing procedures is an important part of using a computer, but without an understanding of the underlying concepts (which are not difficult to learn) the best anyone can hope for is to learn rote tasks; but managing and maintaining a computer system is out of the question. Becoming a confident, self-sufficient and independent computer user is the goal of Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation. As Virtual Bill says, "It's the Information Age people! Let's get real about this!"

Answer:  Not true. Many of the people who appear to understand computers don't have a clue. Often they have just managed to get themselves to a point of limited functionality by memorizing procedures they don't understand. Some of them pass themselves off as being computer "literate" because they throw around the terms, jargon and buzz words that we all hear as if they know what these words mean. Just because someone uses terms like "memory," "hard disk, "boot," "download," "load," "install," etc. in a confident way, it doesn't mean they are using these terms appropriately. They are able to get away with this often enough because most everyone else is just as clueless as they are. When people give conflicting information it's hard to tell who to believe! To make matters worse, the people who truly understand computers cannot explain anything to the people who don't understand computers. In order for any explanation to make sense, the fundamental concepts must be fully understood—by both parties. This cannot be done in just a few minutes with a quick explanation. As a result, conversations between these two types of people usually degenerate very quickly into exasperation on both sides. Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation bridges the communications gap by providing a solid base of knowledge that makes it possible to converse intelligently with any computer literate person, whatever their level understanding.

Answer:   These books are generally written for dummies and idiots, not for normal people who truly need to understand computers. The premise is that you are a dummy/idiot when it comes to computers and always will be, so there's no point in trying to change that. Instead, you'll be shown how to do a lot of cool and useful things that you will never fully understand. This is not to say that these kinds of books are worthless. Far from it. They can be very useful reference books after you have learned the basics—which these books don't do! With Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation you will be able to get much more out of your "dummies" and "idiots" books.

Answer:   When it comes to computers you either "know" them or you don't. There is no "little bit" about it. You would not say, "I know a little bit about driving a car." You either know how to drive a car or you don't! No sensible person would attempt to drive a car without learning the basics. That would be dangerous. Unfortunately this is not the case with computers since no one physically gets hurt when they "crash" their computer. Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation is the "Driver's Ed." for computer age.

Answer:  You are setting yourself up for endless frustration if you try to learn to use your computer "icon" by "icon." It is much more important to know what icons are and where they come from before you start "using" them in a serious way. With Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation you will find that there is a much simpler reality behind what you see on your computer screen.

Answer:  If this is really true you do not want Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation, since you do not want to become computer literate. Your best approach is to find someone who has the patience to show you how to do what you want to do. And as long as what you do doesn't deviate from what you have memorized you will be fine—in fact many people function quite happily like this. You will just need to be sure that someone is always available to help you when you have problems. You will certainly be at least a minor annoyance if not a crushing burden to somebody.

Answer:  Become computer literate! With Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation you will be getting started on the right foot. Many people struggle for a long time because they never learned the true basics. VB may save you years of aggravation.

Answer:  If you feel at all uncomfortable with any aspect of using your computer (apart from using specific programs) then you probably need start at the beginning. Even though many people function with some degree of success over long periods of time, there are often large gaps in their basic understanding which put limitations on what they are able to do with their computers. Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation fills in these gaps making it much easier to move ahead and take advantage of the advances in the technology.

Answer:  Don't feel like you're alone in this. It's like getting a new car with all the fancy options and you can't wait to take it out on the road. The only problem is you don't know how to drive. Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation is the "Driver's Ed." for computers—something you must learn in order to work safely and effectively with your computer. This doesn't mean you can't start enjoying your computer right away; there are a number of fun and useful things you can quickly learn to do but until you have the "big picture" you will not feel at all comfortable managing your computer system. This is where Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation comes in.

Answer:  This is the deceptive message the industry is putting out. They are right in saying that this is all easy to do—hitting keys on a keyboard and "pointing and clicking" with a mouse are very easy things that anybody can learn to do. Unfortunately, we are led to believe that we don't have to understand computers in order to use them. However, once we get involved with computers all the information we get about how we're supposed to use them assumes we have this understanding. There is a mixed message here: we are being told we don't need to know anything and then treated like we do. This is at the heart of why so many people are so confused—and stay that way. It's no wonder there are so many very frustrated computer users. There is a big difference between doing things with a computer and understanding the things we do and it's this important distinction that gets lost in the confusion. We must understand the computer and what it is does for what it really is. This is what Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation is all about.

Answer:  In this day and age many jobs involve a computer in some way. It is also true that many people learn to use specific programs like Microsoft Word or Excel or some special custom program well enough to hold down a job without ever learning how to use a computer! And it's not a bad thing if you start this way. In the long run, though, it is very useful to learn how to use a computer and manage your programs and other information in a more general sense before learning specific programs. It is one thing to be able to write a letter with Mircosoft Word and another thing altogether to be able to manage the many letters we have written. It's never too late to learn. You can achieve this general understanding quickly painlessly with Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation.

Answer:  This is like saying "I only want to know how to drive my particular car." Except for the most superficial things (color, engine size, placement of buttons and controls, etc.) your car is no different than anyone else's. If you can drive your car you can drive any other. All computers, big and small, are essentially the same in what they are and how they work. Once you understand your particular computer—the way you should and the way Virtual Bill advocates—you have learned them all.

Answer:  If you're not going to use a computer in a serious way you certainly don't need to learn these things. But if you want to be able to function independently with a computer you must learn the terminology and what it means. This is what computer "literacy" is all about. This is not difficult and does not take an unreasonable amount of time. Most people, in fact, find it quite fascinating. And, like driving a car, once you have learned it you never forget. So, if spending a few hours learning what you really need to know will save you a lifetime of aggravation, why fight it? Let's get real.