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If you did not grow up in the information age, you may have never touched a computer because you didn't have the need to. You may also be discovering that not understanding the basics of computing is beginning to become a bit of a hindrance since everything has gone electronic.

The format for banking has evolved, how you file your taxes is changing, even how you grocery shop is becoming more and more automated. Card catalogs in libraries are almost extinct and more and more businesses are moving towards e-commerce and offer "web only" specials. In many cases, understanding how to use a computer can save you a lot of money.

As more and more agencies and organizations communicate through e-mail and via websites, it is to your benefit if you at least obtain some basic computer training; it will make your life simpler. Here are the basics of what you should know:

*How to turn the computer on

Sounds simple, but for someone who has never touched a computer, can be pretty overwhelming. Most people can master this part quickly and can move on to learning how to turn on a printer, speakers or any other peripheral equipment.

The best way to do this is to sit down with the instructions and read them carefully; most booklets will come with diagrams and can direct and illustrate the different parts of your equipment. For instance a printer may have several different buttons, especially as they've become fax machines and copiers all bundled up in one. Many other secondary equipment may seem just as confusing to the novice computer user.

*Knowledge of the Keyboard

The keyboard is an integral part of computing. If you have basic typing skills from using a typewriter, more than half the battle is over because using a computer keyboard isn't all that much different.

The biggest distinction is there are more buttons that have specific functions that will be helpful once you get the hang of the computer.

*Mouse

The computer mouse is likely one of the most foreign parts of a computer. Basically it is a point and click device that makes the computer do what you want it to do.

Most of the time you select a graphical icon and just click; a good way to get the hang of the mouse is to practice on simple computer games such as solitaire. Playing these kinds of games gives a good feel of how to point and click and simultaneously helps the new user get acquainted with the mouse.

*Internet and E-mail

One of the biggest draws many people have to learn the computer is so they can access all of the features

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