Friend-LINK: <%=INSERTTEXT%>


 

A weekly syndicated web column


WelchWrite Main -- Douglas E. Welch -- Rosanne Welch


Multiple Confusion

February 22, 2000

© 2000, Douglas E. Welch


As if there weren't enough confusing things about computers, software manufacturers seem determined to confuse things even farther. Certainly computers have many benefits for us, but too often programmers go "hog wild" with features that give us too many ways to get into too much trouble.

One of the most confusing features of any computer program is the ability to perform any command or action in several different ways. When you are learning a new computer program this flexibility can turn into a detriment. Sometimes you need to learn one way of doing something before you are presented with all the possible options.

In an effort to help you sort out all the options, here is an explanation of your options and when you might want to use each one

Three different ways

For most Windows and Macintosh software there are usually 3 different ways to accomplish any particular task or command. Each of these methods has its benefits and it is your choice which option works best for you in each situation. In reality, once you learn how to do something in one way you can ignore the others. There is no rule that you have to use everything the programmer provided in the software. Remember, you're in charge of your computer so what you chose to do is always best.

Menus

Most computer users, especially those just starting out with computers, rely on the menus (i.e. File, Edit, Format, etc.) that appear in each program to execute commands. Menus are very easy to use since you can simply look in each menu for a command if you cannot remember where it is. I call this "browsing" and it is a big improvement over the old computer programs that made you memorize special keystrokes to get anything done. With menus, any command you might need is available in the menus, you only need to locate the commands. As you use the program you will eventually learn where the commands are located, but you are still able to get work done in the meantime.

Toolbars

Toolbars, usually a series of buttons arranged directly below the menus, are an attempt by programmers to help you work more quickly. These buttons allow you "one-click" access to more common commands such as Open, Close, Save, etc. It is important to remember that these buttons merely duplicate the functions found in the menus. For example, clicking on the "Open" button in a toolbar is the same as clicking on the File Menu and then clicking Open.

There is one caveat with using toolbar buttons, though. Sometimes they act as a shortcut and may not give you all the options provided by the menu choice. For example, Clicking on the Print button usually just prints the current document directly. If you want to print only a portion of the current document or print multiple copies you will need to use the Print command from the File menu.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Finally, the fastest way to execute commands on your computer is by using keyboard shortcuts. In each menu you will see a keyboard shortcut listed to the right of nearly every command. For example, Clicking on the File menu and then clicking on Save can also be accomplished by holding down the Control key and pressing the S key.

As you spend more time with your computer you will slowly progress from using menu commands alone to some combination of menus, toolbars and keyboard shortcuts. You will develop your own style just as you have with other aspects of your life. You don't have to conform to anyone else's methods. Use whatever works best for you.


Douglas E. Welch is a freelance writer and computer consultant in Van Nuys, California. He also writes Career Opportunities, a weekly column on high-tech careers and A Gardener's Notebook. You can find more of Douglas' writing on his web page at: http://www.welchwrite.com/

He can reached via email at douglas@welchwrite.com


Book Recommendation

Browse the WelchWrite Bookstore

<%=INSERTTEXT%> 

 

Also on Welchwrite.com

<%=INSERTTEXT%> 

© 2000 Douglas E. Welch