Use the tutorials and move up to the next level of computing

There is a secret to unlocking the vast wealth that is the promise of computing and, in particular, the promise of the Macintosh system. That secret is tutorials. By simply seeking out and spending a few minutes with one or more of these amazing tutorials, many of which are free, you will become blessed with talents that are sure to impress both you and your friends.

As a connoisseur of the software tutorial, I warn you that not all training programs are equal. Some of the better ones burn the knowledge into one's soul while the lesser ones will leave you with a glassy stare, mesmerised by the whole computing experience.

My all-time favourite tutorials are the ones created for Nemetschek's VectorWorks computer-aided design (CAD) application. These are sequential, searchable, non-condescending, in plain English and edited to eliminate chit-chat and waiting for a computer to do something. The instructor's voice is not a monotone and the graphics are more than just a single camera showing an instructor sitting with a computer monitor.

The best part is that, after you watched the tutorial, you can use an index to return to any spot you want, which saves you from having to memorise everything the first time through the video.

However, as nice as the videos are, they are expensive - US$75 each. There are two CDs - one for novice and one for more advanced functions, and of course they are of no use if you do not need a CAD application.

Nonetheless, they set the standard if you are looking to create a tutorial for your product.