how did you lot learn all this stuff, who taught you???

[radspanner]

i joined a few forums when i saw a few listed on the microsoft page,have to say this is the best, even though most of the time i havent a clue what you are talking about, i marvel at the way nothing beats you lot.

i find the answers fascinating..you know, hit reg key blah blah blah...edit reg xyz and type in 25478jfhrff stuff like that.

how did you lot learn all this stuff, who taught you???

[scouse]

I have sooooooooooo much to learn still, and i am far from classing myself as an expert as i am just a home user who has learnt what i have through trial and error and learning from websites, books, magazines, playing about, and ofcourse forums like here.
It takes time but you do pick things up. there is always something new to learn.

I know it can seem overwhelming at times and it is when someone first starts out on the path of learning to fix and repair there own computer problems.

But it gets easier. You have to be patient, you have to accept you will make mistakes. And you have to learn that the $50 a pop at a shop to fix something you could of fixed in 5 minutes is the best kick up the backside to learn haha.

I build my own computers, i will not buy pre-made, although i have to admit that today there is some great pre-built comps using quality parts, because of the price drop on hardware. So today there is not much of a need to build your own. Unless you enjoy it and want a comp with parts you like.

Also building a computer is the easiest thing to do compared to learning software repairs/tweaks/programming/ so on.

I am always learning from here, by answers other members give, and i am sure that goes for all.

[Jazz]

I concur with scouse.

It also helps to invest in quality books. The following are invaluable, IMO: -

The following are by no means a plug; merely a personal opinion.

Windows XP in a Nutshell - www.oreilly.com

Windows XP Annoyances - www.oreilly.com

Naturally, they also publish books iro other OS's and various programming codes.

Good luck...

[Miz]

The best advice I ever got was from the local computer guy (there's only one, it's a tiny town) when he told me two things:

1. Don't chicken out, just click on OK

2. It's still under warranty, isn't it? Now's the time to break it.

First, you gotta' have the courage and, second, you gotta' be willing to not only ask but to believe the most qualified. Sadly, most people will ask but then will believe the least qualified.

On the other hand, that's when I get to make some money so it's not all bad.