Computer Literate What?

Is Computer Literacy what we think it to be?

I have always thought that a computer literate is someone who has the basic knowledge to use the most basic peripherals of the computer and is also able to utilize computer services (can include internet services also), for personal pleasure and benefit. I have seen this in most houses. Since the neighbour has bought a computer, they too buy one, just to show off. They might not have any idea of how to use it. In some cases, the computers are left untouched for a long time, till someone with computing experience arrives.

So what is it being a computer literate? Just what I have mentioned above, or being someone, who knows to program in any programming language discovered or invented by man whatever. Is it being able to design our own webpage and upload it so that we can make our presence felt online? This is the age of the second version of the Web. Everywhere we can find changes, everyone is trying to mingle up with computers and networks.

What made me write this topic? In a recent presentation I came across this. "Our aim is to infiltrate computer literacy in India, to the lowest levels possible and for that we need your help. We have compulsory computer courses, that provides tutorials to 33 computer courses including Java, HTML, XML, C , Fortran, blah blah blah...... ". If knowing all that would make one a computer literate, then I am afraid, only a small percentage of Indians would be literate.

Man is constantly on the path of learning. In someway or the other, he is learning something that captures his curiosity. So, why not this with computers? Meddling with computers, can teach one lots of things. We here at NIT-T have a computer literacy spreading program under the National Service Scheme. Don't know how they shall define computer literacy and how the program will be implemented. I shall come to know of it sooner or later.

I believe that when knowledge on computers is built on, then it should go in a regular sequence , whoever it may be, young or old. First stop, get to know your system in it's entirety, the marvels it can bring you. After that, go into the heart of your system the kernel, try different operating system. Let me mention one thing here. This is not for being a Computer Literate. It is for someone who is a computer literate. Later, when you find the limits of your computer system reaching, you can go forward for the LAN and Internet Stuffs.

Why this order?

Well, I give top priority to security. Internet is some fantasy world where anyone can trick anyone, without traces. The trick can be a healthy prank or a catastrophic disaster to the victim. Hence as a part of imparting computer literacy, there should be special focus on security issues, virus issues, privacy stuffs and common cracker cheap tricks so that the innocent do not fall for that. In most cases, unscrupulous people aim at weak points and human lust and greed, traping the naive and one who is unaware of the evil ways of online life.

And the most important thing to learn more and more about ANY DAMN THING, not just computers and internet, is to send off your ego on a holiday trip and make sure it doesn't come back. Knowledge like any other stuff flows from a higher point to a lower point. You need to be at the lower end to receive. Discuss with your friends, collegues, experts, kids, anyone, everyone. If you are hungry for knowledge, you should never be miser. Give more and get even more. I am reminded of a poem, the name escapes me for the moment.

And never scold fate for note giving you enough time. Time can be managed. Our brain can multi-task. Think about it. Focus. Whatever you need is always near you. Open your eyes wide. The ball is always in your court.