June
Featurette -Technology

Helpful Hints For People Getting Started With Technology

(NAPSA)-Many of us have a love-hate relationship with technology. We love it for all the convenience that comes along with it, yet we sometimes see it as scary and overwhelming.

As Microsoft's Digital Diva, I have found the language and speed of the industry to be the greatest challenges for most people who want to get started with technology.

This was certainly true in my case. When I first began my career in technology, I carried around a cheat sheet just to help me understand simple office conversation. What was commonplace for those in the technology industry was a foreign language to me.

It seems as if new products, functions, terms and acronyms (ISP, USB, URL, etc.) crop up every day. For those who don't understand the language, keeping up can be overwhelming.

In fact, we recently surveyed more than 400 women over the age of 30, and most respondents (70 percent) told us they found today's new technologies very exciting. However, almost half (43 percent) said they felt these technologies were confusing and intimidating.

Nonetheless, technology offers vast benefits to help us in our everyday lives, so it's important to overcome those reservations and reap the benefits technology can offer.

As with anything new, it can be hard to get started and feel confident at the same time. But if you start slow and take it one step at a time, you will be amazed at how much you can learn about technology.

To help you along the way, I've compiled the following 10 tips to make getting started with technology easier and more fun.

1. Determine your digital desires. Compile a list of the things you want to do with technology and then identify what type of technology you and your family will use most often (PC, laptop, MSN-based Web companion, digital camera, etc.).

2. Research, research, research. Once you decide on the type of technology you need, research where to get the best-priced product in your area. Remember to consider each store's customer service and warranty program.

3. Find a friend. Shop with a friend, especially one who knows a lot about technology. Friends can be invaluable in helping you get started and build your confidence.

4. Select an ISP. If applicable, choose a product with a preloaded Internet service provider (ISP) so that you can quickly go online once you get home.

5. Register the warranty. After purchasing a product, make sure to register the warranty using the mail-in card or online option.

6. Follow directions. Follow the product directions carefully to ensure proper setup.

7. Practice makes perfect. Use the product a little bit each day. Don't try to do everything at once-build some confidence, and then move on to something new.

8. Share information. If you're in a book club or gardening club, or just like to get together with a bunch of friends, suggest a "technology night" to talk about new things you've tried. Sharing information with friends is a great way to learn.

9. Study up. Consider reading technology magazines, such as Family PC and the technology sections of your favorite newsmagazines, such as Time or Newsweek. Once you're comfortable surfing the Internet, visit Web sites such as Microsoft.com or ZDNet.com to read reviews of new products and software

10. Have fun. Getting started with technology should be fun, so relax and enjoy!