Some people of our age seem to love them and some hate them. Modern technology that has invaded every corner of our present existence. They are in shops, offices, and almost every home and by the looks of things are due to invade the remaining no-go areas. They are frustrating, infuriating yet in the same breath it has to be said that they give you enormous empowerment.

It is difficult to avoid

To be told by officialdom that they cannot find you on the database because the office computers crashed that morning, is aggravating; being able to email your family across the world and keep in contact at very little cost is one of the greatest boons of modern times.

If you have decided that computers are really not part of your game plan, then this next piece is not for you. If you have decided that really the technology is something you cannot avoid, then carry on.

Having jumped in the computer arena you have to decide what you want. Computers can be used for so many different functions that to get anywhere with them you have to limit what you are asking. Local colleges run courses on many computer subjects from word processing to digital reasserting. If you want to get over a computer phobia, go to classes that offer beginner instruction or just an introduction to computers. There is something to be said for getting a second hand computer and just trying it out. Always sensible to have a good friend or relative who can chat things over with you if you are going this way.

Remember that you will only learn slowly so do not expect miracle quickly. Learn a bit, then practice and then learn a bit more. Keep going. As with everything else the more you do the better you will become. You will come across technical problems, how to access things on the computer and you will become frustrated. Learn ways to get around this. Computer keen friends and relatives are good, get on good terms with the local computer shop, and buy an ‘Idiots Guide’ book. Look back in a year and you might find your computer has become one of your best friends.