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Travis Olson's Guide to Becoming Comfortable with Technological Tools

Play, Play, Play!
My biggest recommendation to anyone who is new to computers or the Internet is to take the time to play and explore. Play with the computer: try left-clicking, right-clicking, and double-clicking on the various icons in front of you. See what happens. Open programs, and see what you can do. Provided that you don't start deleting, there is very little you can do to cause problems that aren't easily fixed. The more you play, the more comfortable you will become.

The same goes with the Internet. Open your browser, probably either Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer. Start clicking on the various buttons and see what happens. Type different addresses into the address bar. Go to various search engines and look for information on your favorite hobby. Play with the sites. Try clicking on the various headings and links. Try left-clicking on the pictures. Read the menus that pop up. Keep track of the sites that you like or think will be useful.

Praise Yourself
Take a moment or two and focus on what you have accomplished. Keep a journal of the various steps you have learned. Set a goal for yourself. When you have reached your goal, reward yourself. Remember that you have already taken a huge step.