Now I ask you, what could be easier than learning very BASIC language of computer use?

If you want to perform any action in any program, go to top of screen and read words there. With some exceptions, most of them say things like FILE, VIEW, EDIT, FORMAT, TOOLS, HELP. If you click on each of these words in any program, they bring down a menu of more options. (I probably don't need to explain this to you, but I'm trying to make a point here.)

Let's use FILE menu as an example. We all know what's behind door number one. NEW FILE, SAVE, PRINT... damn, this is too easy isn't it. So let me now point out five more general facts about computer programs:

In most word processing programs, pulldown menus are all pretty much same.

In most illustration programs, pulldown menus are all pretty much same.

In most utilities programs, pulldown menus are all pretty much same.

In most photo-manipulation programs, pulldown menus are all pretty much same.

In most Internet Browsers, pulldown menus are all pretty much same.

Why am I taking such pains to point this out? Because I want to shed some light on a fact that's often overlooked by skittish user. Because of fact that most word processing menus contain identical or nearly-identical pulldown menus, if you know one word processing program, you pretty much know all of them. That goes for all of other categories of programs as well. And even if menus are not identical, you know language. You'll be able to hunt for words that perform desired actions.

At this point, I'd like to thank you for sticking through this tirade with me, so that I can make my final point: The only thing holding you back from learning new computer programs is your own closed-minded attitude. Point and click. Seek and find. There is nothing easier than this. So for anyone out there who claims that they're "just not a tecchie" and can't learn programs: DO NOT DOUBT YOURSELF. You CAN learn programs!

If you master Photoshop, you'll be able to use any Photoshop knock-off program with relative ease. If you learn Microsoft Outlook, you should have little to no problem with other email management programs. This goes for all kinds of programs.

How can you become skilled in major categories of computer programs? Search for free, downloadable instructions on internet, or pay a small amount for training books. Hook up with a computer-savvy friend for a little tutorial. Click Help menu and read each topic explained. Do all this, and master programs while saving thousands on computer training classes that you don't need.

Just open your mind, and you'll see what's before you; incredible world of computers and miraculous acts you can perform through them by your own miniscule hand. You know a lot more than you think you know. So click mouse, and take your power.

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

C++ C++ is a derivation of C programming language. C code still works in C++ programs. It is an object-oriented language and very powerful.

Pros: · As close to a universal programming language, as you’re likely to get at moment. It’s used everywhere. · Object oriented technology included, highly supported and recommended, but not forced upon you. · Programs are stand alone, no need for interpreters (sometimes external libraries will need to be installed on target PC). · Easy to port to other platforms if standard C++ guidelines are adhered to. · Many libraries available for added functionality.

Cons: · Quite difficult to learn. You’ll never really stop learning new things about it (which is also a pro, I guess). · Non-trivial programs aren’t easily ported if they use platform-specific libraries (e.g. DirectX etc.). · Programs can be slightly larger and slower than those programmed in C.

Visual Basic Visual Basic is a very easy language to use. Its code is similar to Pseudo-code and many times developer can simply type what they think should work and it does, which is cool.

Pros: · Very easy to learn · Quick to implement an application or algorithm · Lots of in-built functionality · Recently added complete OOP support with .Net upgrade.

Cons: · Not as flexible as other languages, you can’t do as much. · Runs slower than C/C++ · Purely a Microsoft product and Windows based.

Where you start is largely up to you and what you want to get out of your programming. If you want to make it a career you’re going to want to be familiar with more ‘industrial’ programming languages such as C and C++. There are still a lot of people out there experienced with these languages but you’ll be in a more specialized field. You’d have trouble throwing a punch in a crowded room without starting a scuffle with someone who could get a program going in Visual Basic. Start with a language that is suited to your skill level and when you’ve learnt a bit of that you’ll find it easier to move on to other languages. I’ve found personally and within my group of peers at university that now that we all have a certain amount of programming knowledge, it really doesn’t take much effort to get stuck into another language and code a program there. Most of our assignments are done through improvisation as we learn specifics of a language necessary to implement assignment. You may not get a program as cohesive and well written as you would like compared with if you had a better idea of what you are actually doing, but it usually works.

Don’t let me kid you into believing that you can develop software with utmost ease. You’ll be sitting there staring at just three lines of code for two hours wondering why it doesn’t work before you realize that your capitalization is wrong. However, it is a very rewarding feeling when you do get to end of a program and it all works beautifully (at least until user base get their hands on it and break it). So if you’re even somewhat interested get in there and have a go. The worst that can happen is that you’ll rewrite your boot sector.

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