GOOD cooks started it.

YOU must have come across those talented people who simply 'fling in a bit of this and a bit of that' in order to produce mouth-watering concoctions, and 'there really isn't a recipe'.

Well computer fundis, who come in all shapes and sizes, have simply copied this.

Ask your computer literate friend, or the little boy from across the road, how to do something and after taking over your chair their fingers will flash across the keys like lightning, punctuated by a few clicks on the mouse.

The problem is quickly solved - but you are none the wiser. When you need to repeat the exercise you will be forced to go and beg for assistance - again.

In fact this is one-upmanship at its worst, so do not be intimidated. It is only a matter of time before you too will be able to frighten someone and make them feel totally useless.

Only I hope you won't .

It only takes a few minutes to sit someone down and explain what you are doing, and why. Knowing how to cut, copy and paste (or something similar) is not particularly smart anyway, and the 'newbie' will have a much higher opinion of you if you make sure he or she will never have to ask how to complete that particular task again.

Technicians who visit your home may also choose the flashing finger route (to make sure you keep on calling them out) and, in addition, they have other tricks. At the end of such a session not only will you be feeling stupid, but now you will know your PC 'needs to be updated', your software 'should be replaced' or at the very least updated, your printer/modem/scanner 'came out of the Ark...' Need I say more?

But don't be intimidated. Sooner or later you will come across a technician who is user friendly, and in the meantime grit your teeth and reach for the manual - or whatever.

Then accept the fact that everything you own needed to be replaced the day after you bought it. So what!

It is amazing what a 'newbie', plus proper instructions and a great deal of determination, can do.

Over the years I have 'repaired' my obsolete Hewlett- Packard printer (after two professionals failed) and unearthed some very important files (after being assured they were 'lost and gone forever') I have also removed the destructive residue of a virus (left behind by a very expensive technician), and have learned how to deal with experts.

For a start I am no longer apologetic about my lack of skills - or the shortcomings of my equipment. And, once you have fixed the correct glint in your eye, many of the bullying tactics previously encountered seem to miraculously disappear.

No-one knows everything, and soon you too will be in possession of all you need to know - for the time being.

Copyright 2001 Sheldene Chant. All Rights Reserved