Analogies; or, how to explain your computer to your father
Posted by staff / January 5, 2010
TechRepublic has a great article on analogies, covering both when they are applicable and some of the best analogies to use from IT experts on explaining one’s computer. Here are a few examples:
Why do I need disk space and RAM?
Think of your kitchen. The cabinets hold the dishes you’re not using at the moment (hard drive) and the countertop is used for items you are using (memory).
Why can’t I put everything on the desktop?
Everyone has a junk drawer, usually in their kitchen. Imagine EVERYTHING you own is in that one drawer. You’d never be able to find anything! We organize our computers like we do our lives. If I want a pair of socks, I go to the bedroom (directory), go to the dresser (subdirectory), top drawer (subdirectory).
Why should I listen to you, IT guy?
I have a key to start my car every day, but if the car runs slow or does not run at all, I rely on an auto mechanic because THAT is his expertise. However, it’s also useful for you to tell me what’s going on. If you just come to me and say, “You’re the expert, YOU figure it out”, it would take me a lot longer than if you were to immediately tell me information on what’s going on. That’s also the reason why I would ask you more questions to narrow down what the problem is.
Check out all ten of the helpful analogies for explaining common user issues over at TechRepublic!
Everyone should know how to fix the basic in there computer. If your computer is getting slower and slower it might your hard drive is full or your ram is too small or you might have virus on your computer. If you have the owners manual just read all the instruction that you need to be able to fixed the basic. Then if your not able to fix it take the system to the registered IT Tech Support.