Machines, you are sad to confess, are not your allies. Their components baffle; their demands can’t be met. You spend your hours trying to perform the simplest of tasks, becoming desperate as every attempt fails (spectacularly). There is no comprehension for technology. There is only the vague realization that it is needed . . . and a belief that all faults must lie with you. After all, others seem to understand the functions without care. Hardware does not confuse them. It simply responds to their many commands, does what they wish.
Your failure may not be a reflection of your skills, however. It may instead be a reflection of your operating system.
Explained simply: operating systems are the collections of programs that maintain – and control – computers. They are comprised of applications, kernels, virtual memory and user interfaces (designed to relay the needs of the individual to the hardware). When these systems are not tailored for common expectations, though, they can prove to be unworthy. They are meant to be representative of needs and lifestyle choices, not to overwhelm with their abilities.
The desire is usability – and often these systems don’t provide it.
It is vital therefore that all individuals recognize what they require from their computers. Not all operations are the same. Microsoft will not provide the same functions as Macintosh. Linux is far different than the OS/2 choice. These are each meant for specific users and, when selected prematurely, can seem to be impossible to conquer.
Assess all needs. Know what your computer can accomplish and how much you are willing to learn. The bold will prefer Unix programs (with open source capabilities and design functions). The practical will seek out Windows, however, and indulge in simplicity. Recognize the distinctions between all systems to determine which is best – and then choose the one that is most attuned to your wants.
Hardware must be usable, not complicated. Note the difference.