What computer users should know, but don't.

Following is a list of what I think is the absolute minimum a computer user should know to be able to keep their machine running as problem free as possible. I would also say that most of, if not all of, these things are not followed by the majority of people.



Know your operating system. Knowing what operating system and version you have is a great help for when you have problems and need outside help. It also helps for when you wish to install programs so you can choose the correct one for your operating system.
Know your file system. It is all very well to create files but if you do not know where those files are saved, or how to look for them, then you will have problems. You will also need to know which files are yours and which ones are required for the operating system. Just deleting files you don't know about to create space will also create major headaches.
Perform regular operating system maintenence. This can include things like defragmenting the hard disk or scanning for malware, cleaning out temporary files or internet caches and removing old unused programs.
Understand how to install programs. Every computer you purchase, beg, borrow or steal (just kidding) will need to have some programs installed on it. If you don't understand (notice I didn't use the word know) how programs are installed and where they go you can open a world of woe.
Regularly update installed programs. Most programs nowdays have some sort of update mechanism. These need to be used and taken notice of when updates are available. Computer updates fix bugs and security problems and help keep the computer running smoothly.
Read and understand messages and alerts shown by the computer.These messages and alerts are not just something to be clicked away and discounted. They are shown for a reason and could very well save your bank account from being syphoned off to an account in Nigeria.
Talk the talk. I don't mean be able to state how many nibbles there are in a byte or mix with ease in a Star Trek convention. You do need to know the difference between a cup holder and a CDROM drive tray. Apart from the hardware names you should also know terminology specific to the software you are using. This helps you understand when help is offered and also enables you to convey your difficulties in an intelligent manner.
Read The Fine Manuals. Or as is most often the case, the help files which come with any professionaly designed program. They are there for a purpose, to enable you to effectively use the program and give you the biggest bang for your buck so to speak. By reading the manuals or help files you can understand features which can save you many hours of wasted time. We all know time is money right? :)
Take appropriate security measures. Lets face it. You have something which a lot of people want. Your identity. As the time of the Borg is not yet here and you have not been assimilated you need to protect your identity, money and even your life. This means ensuring you have the appropriate and up to date malware protection as well as some basic security measures like not using the administrative (or root) account for general computing use.



As you can see it is a very short list. Using a computer is not hard and getting even easier with every new operating system being released. To be able to keep using that computer as it was designed to be used then I believe the above list is an absolute must. Unfortunately, much to the chagrin of those who service computers, these things are not even remotely followed by the general public. Who's fault is that? What do you think needs to be added or removed from the list?