IT departments are great, but if you need help now, or you are a solopreneur*, there are other readily available options. One of my favorite options is the Dummies series.
If I had a quarter for every person who has ever laughed at my collection of for Dummies reference books for computers and software programs, I’d be able to treat myself to a Starbuck’s Carmel Macchiato every workday of the year. On the other hand, if I had $5 for every scoffer who has sought out my help on how to do a program task, I could buy a Starbuck’s franchise.
Since 1990, the for Dummies series has been coming to our rescue. Like many of you, I have had numerous hands-on classes instructing me on powerful, even user-friendly, software programs that have saved me lots of time and made me very efficient in carrying out tasks on my computers. The vast power and capabilities of the software programs today dictate, for me, a reference tool that I can hold in my hands. Although the instructors and the class manuals are usually very good, there is so much that the programs can do that I could spend all of working hours taking classes and never get any tasks accomplished. Multiply the number of programs I use – conservatively, let’s say six – times that proposition, and the concept is staggering. So I find that I need books available whenever I sit at my computer.
The contrarians will protest that every program has a “help” menu available, but I doubt that I am the only user who can seldom find the answers I need. And if I do find them, I have to print them because I get frustrated switching continually from the help screen to the program screen and back.
Why do I choose for Dummies books? Dummies are written for the everyday software program users, not for the programmers or software engineers. They are written in common English terms (Spanish versions are also available). They are true reference books. They are not to be read from cover to cover.
Rather, each book has a table of contents are in clear outline format and a comprehensive index that, within a couple of tries, directs me to the solution or information I need today. The explanations and directions are in step-by-step format. In the overwhelming number of times I’ve resorted to Dummies help, the solutions have been easy and correct. Being a kinetic and visual learner, I appreciate the detailed and accurate screen shots and graphics. The icons – tips, remember, technical stuff, and warning – from book to book. I navigate through the material quickly and don’t have to relearn the navigation with each volume. Another of my favorite features is the wide margin of every page where, at my kinetic best, I can add notes and graphics of my own. Additionally, Dummies are reasonably priced technical reference books.
Before you get the idea that IDG Books has me on its payroll, I’ll also recommend the At-A-Glance series that does an especially good job with Microsoft applications. The volumes have most of the same positive features as the Dummies series. AAS’s are glossier and more formal in appearance, but equally high caliber in their ability to inform and empower the average user whose computer is “merely” a fabulous tool to get the job done.
In summary, be aware that there is good, user-friendly, affordable, readily available to us when we need assistance using computer software. Be proud – and smart – to be a Dummy.
----------------
*solopreneur -A solopreneur is an entrepreneur who is their "own boss" - no other employees but you in your small business.
