I am computer illiterate, but would like to rectify that in a hurry. My target is to keep track of my investments and portfolio on the computer, and use the Internet. Can you please recommend some courses or private tutors? FEISAL ESMAIL Hong Kong If you buy a brand-name computer from an authorised dealer, that dealer can put you in touch with the distributor for that brand.
Distributors such as SiS International, Tech Pacific, Microware and System Pro offer customers courses in a series of programmes - including basic usage. You will have to pay to attend, but it will be worthwhile.
The same goes for the Internet, and for on-line investment firms, but with the latter you must ensure they have a Hong Kong presence. Many Internet service providers offer training programmes on how to work with e-mail, browse the Web, use search engines and other activities.
As for on-line trading, United States on-line trader Schwab has an SAR local office which will set you up and show you how to trade in stocks, mutual funds and the like on-line.
I operate a consultancy using a Pentium 133-based PC acquired in September 1996.
Since then, I have upgraded it to 64 MB of Ram and put in a second 2.1 Gb disk. I use Microsoft Office 95 running under Windows 95, Microsoft Project 4.1 and WinFax 8.0 as my core business software, and access the Internet via Netvigator. I do not play video games or watch (or want to watch) video discs on my PC.