Understanding Their Perspective

What do they think I know about computers? I've been using them since 1985 and purchased my first computer, a Tandy 1000 SX, in the late 1980s. This relic is now featured on a computer museum website. It was a DOS machine with dual floppy drives and no hard drive!

My experience with computers began in my first job, where I started with "dumb terminals" linked to a mainframe. Eventually, I transitioned to DOS PCs utilizing WordPerfect back in the days before WYSIWYG. We later upgraded to Windows 3.1, a moment that felt like a divine revelation. I taught myself how to use Windows 3.1 by exploring computer stores and experimenting with various models.

Throughout my journey, I utilized computers for editing reports, gaming, and even writing novels—yes, I managed to write novels on a Tandy 1000 SX, saving them chapter by chapter on 5.25-inch floppy disks. I learned how to adapt those files as I advanced in the computing world, all through my own initiative. So really, what do they think I know about computers?

Thanks for the Insight!

In the past, my Middle Brother would visit, “ask” to use my computer, and then proceed to criticize it. He insisted I had “too much junk” on it without specifying what he meant. Most likely, he was referring to the shortcuts on my desktop, like Microsoft Word, Outlook, and various essential programs such as eBook readers and utilities that I actually use.

I would attempt to explain to him that what he deemed “junk” was, in fact, my collection of applications and files that I relied on. It felt like talking to a wall. After all, he was only borrowing my computer out of kindness on my part. Whenever my computer slowed down, he would again lament about the “excess junk” on it.

Yes, my computer was sluggish—not due to “junk,” but simply its age. I rarely upgraded my hardware, but when I pointed this out, he dismissed it, attributing the issue to my "junk." Whatever.

I insisted that I knew how to manage my computer, having removed unneeded programs and adjusted startup settings, running standard disk utilities. Yet, no matter what I said, the wall remained.

Let Me Offer Unsolicited Advice

Then came the moments when Middle Brother wanted to know if I had antivirus software installed. Naturally, I did. When I mentioned using freeware from a reputable site (now unfortunately defunct), he warned me that such programs were likely riddled with viruses.

He didn’t seem to inquire about the site I utilized or the specific programs. It was almost as if he couldn’t accept that I had knowledge he lacked, or maybe he just didn’t trust me.

Another Relative Chimes In

Years ago, my cousin visited from Hawaii—let’s call him Ishmael (a playful nod to Herman Melville). While Ishmael and his wife were exceptional guests, always eager to help, he too asked to use my computer to check his email. Soon enough, he cautioned me about the “excess junk” on it.

Seriously, do they attend the same seminar or something? Ishmael often sent me chain emails warning of viruses, which turned out to be hoaxes. Perhaps you remember those false antivirus alerts—clickbait in their heyday.

Even after I sent him links debunking those fake warnings, he replied with, “Better safe than sorry.” For a while, he kept sending those alerts until he eventually removed me from the list, probably due to my constant pointing out of their falseness.

When Ishmael Visited Again

During another visit, Ishmael noticed my computer backing up a two-terabyte hard drive, which took longer than a day. He decided it had frozen and, without consulting me, canceled the backup. I didn’t mind at the time, but looking back, he probably should have asked first!

At the moment, my desktop was equipped with a two-terabyte hard drive, which was uncommon then. His computer likely had a smaller capacity, meaning his backups would naturally take less time. Later, I researched how long it took to back up a two-terabyte hard drive, and guess what? It could take several days. I should have mentioned this to Ishmael, but I didn’t see the point.

Now, I have a new desktop with a four-terabyte hard drive. Let's hope I don’t have to back it up during my next family visit!

Organizing for Peace

One day, anticipating another request to use my computer, I devised a plan. I organized my folders by task: eBook Utilities, Video Utilities, Disk Utilities, and Writing Utilities. I then moved the relevant icons into these folders.

Surprisingly, since that change, no one has complained about the “junk” on my computer, even though all those “junk” programs remain. Was that all it took to silence them? If only my relatives had trusted and respected my knowledge instead of making outdated assumptions about me.

Final Thoughts

I’m not claiming to be a flawless computer user—who is? Mistakes happen. But I’ve managed to resolve them without the input of those who think they know better.

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