Loyal readers of my column over the past 7 years have become better computer users.

They are no longer beginners, and are well on their way to being what I would call 'Power Users'.

A Power User knows how to use their computer, instead of letting their computer use them.

A Power User knows most of the basics of computer use, and is comfortable no matter whose keyboard they're sitting in front of.

Here's a list of what most Power Users should know, and if you don't know, here's where you may learn it.

 

They have a general idea of what's inside their computer.

What's Inside Your Computer?

 

They know how to use their mouse, (both the left and right buttons) effectively.

Mousing Around  and The Right Mouse Button

 

They know how to perform routine maintenance on their computer to keep it running properly.

Tune Up Your Computer and Speed It Up, Buddy! and Windows 98 Maintenance

 

One of the first things they learned, was that it's much easier to Copy Cut and Paste than to retype something. What a timesaver!

 

They know how to minimize their risk of disaster.

Removable Storage Options and Backup, or you'll be sorry!

 

They know how to keep unwanted programs from loading when they boot up their computer, which keeps their computers' performance high and increases their own productivity.

The Perfect Computer

 

They know how to effectively search the internet, and how to use their web browser to it's fullest of capabilities.

Search Engines on the Web and Customize your Browser and Customize your Browser II

 

They know how to properly utilize their e-mail, and keep their in-box, as well as all their desktop and all their other files neat and orderly, so that anything can be found in a snap.

Manage Your E-mail and Manage Your E-mail II and Clean Up Your Desktop and they know how to manage their Spam too!

 

They know how to troubleshoot their own basic software problems, and they know what the likely solution is for resolving those problems.

Error Messages and  When Software Won't Work and Three-Finger Salute ctrl-alt-del and How to call Tech Support

 

They know how to download programs and files from the internet, then locate those downloaded files and install, view, or print whatever they've downloaded.

Foolproof Downloading and Printing from the Internet

 

They know how to properly scan pictures for sharing online, without special software being needed to view them.

How to Use Your Scanner

 

Most importantly, they know how to keep their computer free of viruses, unwanted intruders, and 'spyware' that violates your privacy, and causes a whole host of serious problems.

The Truth About Viruses and Virus Safe Computing and Spyware...Is someone watching you? and Do you need a Firewall? (Yes you do)

 

They moved out of the realm of beginners with Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME (yuck), and Windows 2000.  In doing so, they learned that the CTRL - ALT - Delete command was their friend, especially in Windows XP. Three Finger Salute - XP

 

Today, (September of 2004) they are running a system with bare minimum Windows XP Home, with 256 megs of Ram and a 1.0 GHZ processor or higher. If not, then a new $400 computer should on the holiday wish list.  

 

They might have this list of keyboard shortcuts printed that will save you lots of time, compared to using the mouse. Power Users' Keys to Success

 

If they have a business, then they probably know How to Establish a Web Presence, and how to Market Your Website. They might have even read  How to Promote your Website, and they certainly know the basics of a good foundation to achieve good search results and they also know how to Be their own IT department. 

 

They know what their kids meant when they heard them say to a friend... "I'll IM you later". That's because they read about Instant Messaging in Understanding IM Services

 

If they're business owners, then they might know a few things about their website. They probably know How to Establish

They know that if they keep checking back here, they'll find out more cool stuff too...