I admit to not understanding more than the basics about my PC, but I can't find a way of reducing my ignorance. I don't want to become a professional: I just want to be able to set up things like wireless networks, troubleshoot errors and glitches properly. Manuals and "how to" books don't help. Any ideas? Deirdre Janson-Smith
Some local education colleges, libraries and leisure centres still run introductory courses in computing, but that's pot luck. Another alternative is LearnDirect, which offers online learning and also has some local centres. LearnDirect offers courses that lead to the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), a qualification created by the British Computer Society to promote computer literacy (http://catalogue.learndirect.co.uk/qualifications/details/547720/). However, the main thrust seems to be about improving the quality of the workforce, which isn't quite what you need.
The best option would probably be one-to-one tuition in your own home. This is available from Digital Unite, which started in 1996 as Hairnet, with a focus on helping "silver surfers". It now specialises in "nervous first timers" but also provides ECDL training. Personal tuition costs about £25 per hour, plus travel charge if necessary, negotiated in advance. You can contact DU through its website or on 0870 241 5091.
Backchat: Don Macdonald of North West London OnLine says the most important service helping beginners learn IT is 6,000 UK Online centres (www.ufi.com/ukol) -- small centres where the friendly atmosphere and small groups encourages learners. "Our network of 12 centres runs IT courses six days a week, with staff and volunteers who speak 13 languages."
