Learning a new computer

I have spent more than 10 years helping computer users get the most out of their computers. Without hesitation, I can say that the biggest obstacle any computer user encounters is change (which is precisely why I can't figure out what Microsoft was thinking with Vista and Office
2007).

One of the most common services I provide computer users is setting up new systems. No matter how much I try and duplicate the old system, including the same icons, desktop background, port all the email addresses, etc, I always get questions for about two months that fall into one of three categories; "Why is this different?", "Where did (fill in the blank) go?", and "When will I get used to this new computer?"

I wonder if new car dealerships get the same questions when they sell a new car?

I've mentioned it many times, we don't like change. Change makes us nervous and uneasy. When it comes to answering these questions and giving advice before I leave a customer with a new computer setup, I offer the following advice:

Look for the programs, icons, and other aspects of the
computer that you DOrecognize.
Start off using your new computer by performing the tasks that you are most comfortable with like games or email.
If you run into something that looks different, take a deep breath and look again for things you recognize like the menu bar (File, Edit, View, etc) or toolbar icons like Print or Copy and Paste. Then expand from there.
Most things about computer aren't necessarily new, they are just rearranged or look different. Using your past experiences with computers will help you learn the "new" system.

If this helped, consider buying me a beer or an Americano! [1]