Reload! Restart! Google It!

Thoughts on Digital Survival.

 

When in danger,
Or, in doubt,
Run in circles,
Scream and shout,
“Reload! Restart! Google It!”

Reload! Restart! Google It!

As the generations age, computer literacy is assumed more and more as a necessity for functionality and success. The Greatest Generation (WW2), the Lost Generation (Korean War), Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (early 1960s to early 1980s), the Millennials (early 1980s to early 2000s), and Generation Alpha (and beyond) each have different expectations of the technologies of desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, smart phones, and smart watches. Broadband internet access, email access, instant messaging, and social networking have become the norm, and the older generations struggle with the learning curve to keep up with their peers, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Our educational system has traditionally been concerned with giving the upcoming generations the skills to succeed in the future. As a Baby Boomer, I remember taking a Typing Class as a State Requirement for graduation in a California high school. And, that even included Drivers Education in the classroom with the opportunity of time behind the wheel to get the coveted right to legally operate your own car. They included Touch Typing in that State Requirement, which is a skill that must be polished, or you’ll become a hunt and peck typist that must concentrate on seeing what their fingers type — much like the difference between flying an airplane by VFR (Visual Flight Rules) as opposed to IFR (Instrument Flight Rules). I recall purchasing an Apple II Plus computer with the hopes that my children would have the opportunities afforded them to thrive in this brave new world, only to find that it became a never ending pit to purchasing the latest, greatest game or peripheral. One can only imagine my pleasant surprise to find that my son taught himself HyperCard and Pascal, when I was all but ready to give up on the Money Pit.

Welcome to the 21st century! Now, I find myself with enough knowledge about all things digital to get into some real jams without guidance from my children. They compare my nonintuitive following of their directions as painting by the numbers, as opposed to understanding the underlying principles. I kind of understand what they’re talking about, when I have to explain some of the same things to my parents.

When something does not function as you thought it should on your computer or digital device, RELOAD the page or program. It may be some kind of glitch that you introduced operating the software. Reloading may clear up the glitch you introduced — that your children would have never introduced, or thought possible to introduce. If that does not clear up your problem, RESTART your computer or hardware. Again, that may clear out the memory from some glitch that you introduced. Finally, unless you enjoy bothering your children about your latest dilemma, GOOGLE it. That’s the dictionary’s new definition for using a ubiquitous search engine to answer a question. Just type into the search field your question in your native tongue. It’ll surprise you how often the same or similar question has been asked and answered. Your kids will be proud of you!

P.S. I asked my programmer son to look over the last paragraph. He said it was okay.