“I suppose the real problem is that so much has changed since I've been away… the advances in technology are extraordinary. They were talking about Skype the other day. I thought they were discussing a pet…”
- Mr Fisher.
Poor old Mr Fisher, he doesn't have a clue about modern technology, computers especially. Back in his day, a piece of chalk and a blackboard were all you needed to get your message across. And when that didn't work, you just whipped out the cane and gave the kids six of the best.
Now he's got Sally asking him to give a power point presentation. A power point presentation? You mean I have to show the kids how to plug in their portable telecommunicators? Why I never…
Luckily for Mr Fisher, not only is Lucas a sweet kid but he's also pretty a pretty nifty computer troubleshooter. The thing is, Lucas is busy studying for his exams and has limited time, so we've decided to help out with The Re-education of Mr Fisher (and any other computer illiterates out there).
While we can't show you how to use a computer, we can certainly help you SOUND LIKE you know how to use one…
E-mail
What it is: Electronic mail. Mail composed and transmitted on a computer system or network.
What you say: Email is the new snail mail. I'm all about text messaging and instant messaging these days, baby.
Instant Messaging
What it is: Instant Messaging is a form of electronic communication which involves immediate correspondence between two or more users who are all online simultaneously.
What you say: I don't know about you, but if someone isn't Yahoo! IM or MSN then they're not really alive. Unless they're on Myspace all the time.
Myspace
What it is: a free service that uses the Internet for online communication through an interactive network of photos, blogs, user profiles, e-mail, forums and groups. This all-inclusive service is also called a social networking interface.
What you say: Thanks for the add! I don't care what people say about Facebook being better than Myspace, it's the original and still cool.
Facebook
What it is: Facebook is a social utility that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them. People use Facebook to keep up with friends, upload photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet.
What you say: It's like Myspace but for people in their late 20s or older. The clean layout and emphasis on networking makes them feel better about wasting time at work.
Skype
What it is: Skype is a free Voip (voice over internet protocol) solution
What you say: I can make calls for free!
Have you had experience with someone who doesn't know a thing about computers and the internet? Email us about it on homeandaway@seven.com.au
Meg: I'm one of Home and Away's biggest fans. Anyway, on to the subject:
Had an experience with one? I live with one! My dad is the biggest techno phobic I have ever seen. He's absolutely wonderful but it is really comical when he tries to get his head around sending an email. My mum and I are both quite computer literate and it's funny to watch my mum PATIENTLY help my dad on the comp. Dad is old-fashioned and believe me is NOT into this "new-fangled" electronic communication system.
Sarah: I've experienced nearly an entire TAFE class not knowing how to use a computer. I had to teach them as myself and about two other people were the only ones who knew how to turn a computer on and off and run it properly. I was told that I could become a teacher :)
Rocky: Yes, with the advances in technology, it is very hard for some people to
keep up. But everybody have problem with aspects of the techno-boom. My
parents can't use their mobile phones other than making phone calls (don't
even try to ask them to send a text message by not spelling properly), my
brother, altohugh he can write a complex website, he can't even change the
time in the VCR or microwave every time daylight savings starts and ends.
As for me? I'm a bit in the middle. I have Bebo (same as Myspace, really),
Associated Content.com (electronic website where you can freely submit
articles and become a freelance online journalist (diffferent to a blog
though), and I am learning to write 'programs' for my Statistics courses at
university, but I can't use a scanner, photocopier or fax machine.
In this day and age, if the older generation is techno-phobic, then our
generation would have trouble playing "Survivor" when everything is back to
pre-technological age... unless if you are a descent scout or you are like
Geoff and Annie, then I guess all is fair... at least we don't have cars
hovering around yet.
