I successfully started Microsoft Word and, then, clicked a couple of things. All of a sudden, I had a box on my screen that I couldn't get rid of. What do I do now? The manual didn't help. I was stuck and too scared to click anything else. I eventually rang a computer help line company I found in Yellow Pages. Chris, guy who answered, said to click Cancel button in box. I felt really stupid. Why didn't I think of that?

Over next 4 weeks, I spent a small fortune ringing Chris (the computer help line company charged by minute) and he started treating me like a long lost friend. I just felt more and more stupid as most of solutions were as simple as clicking Cancel button! I remember thinking, thank goodness, he's only witness to my stupidity!

Eventually I discovered Undo button. What a find! I could now undo any action I had taken. This made me feel heaps better. Then, an amazing thing happened. As I was able to do more and more things, thanks to Chris and Undo button, I started to feel excited by what I was achieving and CONFIDENT. I still made mistakes (plenty), but I didn't feel scared. Nor did I ring Chris. I was CONFIDENT that I could work it out on my own. And I usually did.

I went on to learn many new computer skills and they all featured some Microsoft Word tools and menu commands AND an Undo button! And, guess what, I became so thrilled with Microsoft Word that I went on and created three tutorials for computer novices.

Protection is critical!

Build A Wall If computer has Internet access, either a hardware or software firewall (or combination there of) must be used. The firewall creates a barrier between a computer and world. Without a firewall, Internet worms are capable of exploiting security holes and are able to create what are referred to as 'back doors'. These back doors can then be used to gain access to personal information stored on computer, including password files, and financial information.

Trust No One If you are an avid Internet surfer or downloader be sure to scan any downloads prior to opening or installing. Up to date anti-virus software should be used to ensure, that computers do not become infected with malicious viruses that will ruin your life. Scan any email attachments prior to opening regardless of whom they are from. Files that end with .scr, .pif and .exe can contain viruses that will wreak havoc with your data and emotional well being.

Preparedness goes a long way, and a little foresight will ensure that, while a computer might be an inconvenience, you will not be defeated.

Preparation Resources Anti-virus Software -http://www.military-software.com/anti-virus-software.htm Firewalls - http://www.monitoring-software.net/intrusion-detection-software.htm