Tech Savy

[Rob87]

I'd say im tech savvy. I'm a CS grad/software developer wannabe -just need to get my foot in the door.

Java, c++,php they are no match for me. Just dont ask me about hardware

[Victoria]

Totally self-taught. I got my first pc 22 years ago - when command lines were the only option, and you shuffled the os floppy and the software floppy in and out of the one bay. I read everything i could get my hands on, and loved getting under the hood, configuring systems, etc.

But you have to devote lot of reading time to stay abreast of all the changes in hardware, and I let that go. Then I grew weary of the constant maintenance pcs software requires.

I bought an ipod touch on impulse a few years ago and it was my final downfall. I went from an ipod, to a macbook pro last year, and now an ipad, and I love how they just work.

That said - i thought the ipad would replace my ereader. Wrong! I much prefer reading on an ereader and have switched back again. I find they provide a far better reading experience for me.

[The Terminator]

I know the basics in programming so I can make some very simple python programs, but nothing fancy in that area. But most problems I can fix myself.

[cromag]

I picked the "ipconfig" answer because I'm honest, and while I can easily assemble a computer from a table full of unmarked parts (assuming they're the right parts), I can't do it in 15 minutes.

I used to work at Bell Labs in the 80s and 90s. I can shave a lot of time off that assembly if I go with Ubuntu or some other Linux -- but still not 15 minutes.

[MorganM]

I'm pretty useless when it comes to computers. I know the basics but that's about it. My hubby knows A LOT more than me lol. He built his computer and mine.

[Freeshadow]

I built my boxes myself and the very 1st thing I do when unpacking a new gadget is to check if there's new firmware out

[wodin]

Even though I can and have built (many) boxes, including my current one, I don't believe I'll do it again. There are just too many most excellent pre-built options available for very competitive prices.

In fact I think my next desktop will be a laptop with docking station.

[Fbone]

I have difficulty operating the power button.

[viviena]

I know enough about computers to be the local computer expert. I chose the ipconfig option -- I've grown up tinkering with computers since I was a small child with access to 386s. I had considered a career in IT at some stage, but the thrilling uncertainty of having a liberal arts degree won out.

[jgaiser]

I'm personally surprised by all the Linux users. Here I thought *I* was the lone light in the Microsoft darkness...

[amward]

Um, not very tech savvy but I ticked 3, although I actually have a Mac. I quite often have no idea what the MR members are talking about, eg ipconfig????? I am better than my husband who still can't work out how to use the DVD recorder even with my notes in the manual. As long as I can get my computer to do what I want I'm happy.

[Latinandgreek]

Originally Posted by jgaiser

I'm personally surprised by all the Linux users. Here I thought *I* was the lone light in the Microsoft darkness...

I've been thinking about installing Linux on my old laptop, but my husband has taken it under his wing and doesn't want to learn a new OS. I'm not the most computer savvy person, but I do like to tinker with computers and I would love to try my hand at building my own, just to learn how to do it.

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by jgaiser

I'm personally surprised by all the Linux users. Here I thought *I* was the lone light in the Microsoft darkness...

I never saw the advantage of linux over microsoft, except the price. And I'd rather pay a price than having to endure the agony of trying to get my windows games running. Or even have my hardware supported...

[Hellmark]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

I never saw the advantage of linux over microsoft, except the price. And I'd rather pay a price than having to endure the agony of trying to get my windows games running. Or even have my hardware supported...

Different strokes for different folks. Most linux users will be the first to admit it isn't for everyone. For me, it lets me do what I want, quicker and easier, plus with fewer resources. That alone is reason enough for me.

[carpetmojo]

"Overall, I consider Mobileread forum members really Tech Savy and smart, even when some of them are not even in the IT world. " - jocampo.

The "overall" leaves me sadly failing to be able to make a claim for slander/ or ibel - whichever it is !

I try very hard, but on a scale of 1-10, my tech-savvy reading is around 2, and the things I think I get, I then often find I don't.
I'm OK with some things, like powering up, powering down, e-mail (most of it), stuff like that, but.......

Files, folders ? Forget it.

My (younger, just) bro-in-law makes & sells large software solutions, etc.. and seems incapable of understanding that anyone isn't captivated by the process of using computers. All I want to know is which button/s, when, how. After 20+ years, he has only just stopped saying (after starting to tell me which button) "Ah, hang on, there's a much more interesting way to do this...."
He disparagingly says " you're only interested in the results , aren't you..."
YES !!

( The closest I ever get to becoming brave and progressive is when I ask Spyware Warrior to sort out a problem with me - they seem to really believe me when I say I'm a techno-dunce, and give me the patient
forebearance of a 3 year old ! )

It's sad, really, especially as I have a son whose first action on acquiring, or dealing with, a new piece of kit/gadget/tv etc.. is to throw away the manual, and proceed to sort it out in about 9 minutes.