For those of you already versed in the basic functions of the computer, consider yourselves extremely lucky! My experiences I'm ashamed to say, began with "Solitaire." I was perfectly happy in my world of games until I was introduced to the biggie - the Internet. In retrospect, there was once a time when "I" controlled my computer. Well now that same computer controls me! I believe that it sucked me in entirely and then spat me out, piece by tiny piece. But I'm getting ahead of myself, so allow me to regress a little and begin, as they say, at the beginning.
It is my husband who can take the credit for first introducing me to the Internet, and he can also be held responsible for inflicting on me, the initial impression of degrading fear! I believe the very first word he uttered at that time was "Beware!" "Don't accept cookies from anyone, scan attachments before you open them, be on your guard for viruses, be wary of execution files," and on and on went his litany - endless quotes of do's and don'ts, warnings, admonitions, alarms and then eventually....."By the way Dear, welcome to the Internet." "Well yeah, thanks dear," I responded, "but what exactly are cookies, execution files and attachment thingys?"
Naturally, over a period of time I discovered the answers to my questions, but not before I'd worked myself into a state of such consternation that I dare not even touch my new technology! I vowed to myself, that if I could just establish my own e-mail account I'd be content with that. The majority of my family dwell in England, and with the knowledge that I could send them a letter in just a few seconds - and from over seas too, well, I was positively rapturous!
Of course, I dare not "sign up" for an account without the express permission of my "better half," so I asked him kindly to establish it for me. With that done, I proceeded to send an e-mail to everybody that I had an address for. Then, I sat back and waited....and checked.....and waited......and checked some more, until in complete anguish, I turned to my husband and declared that my e-mail didn't work! He advised me to be patient............ "Patient? What's patient?" I had no concept of that particular word at this moment in time!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
