The Distribution of Users’ Computer Skills

[Anapan]

I don't want to do IT, but sometimes I have to do it so my chosen profession(s) can continue to do it's(their) job employing me. Much less that 20% could operate windows 8+ enough to receive an email, and a lot of the people behind a desk are the guys who trained me to train the workers I work with to run the tools. I've always provided co-workers with down-grades during off-hours for free (beer), or, if necessary, just shell and some compatability helpers. I do that routinely enough that I can often run some pre-made scripts and just occasionally press a decision button I set up. It's kind of annoying that I'm pulled off the tools to run a computer, tho I've had some short jobs where it's around 1/4 of my time helping office staff operate their own tools. This is despite the so-called IT guys there that are supposed to know how the office software runs. I only want to run power tools - Hammers, come-alongs, chain-falls, grinders, etc.

[Exhuminator]

There was a time not long ago when I was doing all the IT for an office I worked in, despite that fact that wasn't my real job. I got tired of having to get up and go to people's computers so I just installed TeamViewer on everyone's machines. Being able to log into their computer without having to walk all over the office area made dealing with it much more tolerant.

[samsonlonghair]

Yeah, I've worked in IT before too. In my experience, it's not about the age of the user; it's about the willingness of the user to learn to use his/her computer.

I've met sixty-five-year-olds who can use a computer very well. I have also met forty-five-year-olds who don't even want to try.

[fastbilly1]

In my experience, it's not about the age of the user; it's about the willingness of the user to learn to use his/her computer.

Bingo. I have an uncle who made his own computer in the early 70s - he wound his own bits of memory. He even designed microchips for a while for Scientific Atlanta. But he has newbie issues with Windows 7 PC on a weekly basis.