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Exploring our Software
The rise of technology has sprouted software like mushrooms after the rain. There are software to do just about everything - write a document, create graphics, keep track of work, communicate with others, the list could go on. But with all these software out there, are they really any use? Can it really help us with what we need? Why do we lose interest in it so quickly?
What is it we need to do
To answer this, we first have to ask ourselves what is it we need to do? Just a single task, or a list of tasks. Of course it is always better to get software that does the single task but includes a list of other capabilities too.
Let’s say we have a set of tasks we need to complete. We do some research, ask around and find software that does makes it easier. It suits our computer and current usage needs, so we download, install and start using it. Everything is perfect – we’re really excited, happy with it, no bugs so far, work is a lot easier, life’s good.
As time passes, we get bored with it. It no longer holds that much appeal, and the only time we look at it is when we need to do that task. Even then we find it too cumbersome and get out of using it. We need something new, need to replace it, why do we not find it interesting anymore?
Explore the software
The usual answer is we just stopped exploring – the software I mean. When we first downloaded it, we explored its various buttons, links, icons and functions. Then, we start using it and slowly get complacent with the most common or simple tasks. Soon, we forget all about the extra features that could have made life better, some that we were intending to use in the future.
A simple example is Microsoft Word. Most of us use it for writing documents, but not many people actually use it to create web pages. Yet it can do just that. If we have Microsoft Outlook installed, we can even use Word to write and send emails. Others use it as a simple designing tool for mockup brochures and catalogues. Then there is the labels with mail merge, calendars, banners and plenty more that can be created.
Exploring the full capabilities of software could increase its usefulness. Click a new button or two, find out what the various links open and try to set new challenges for ourself. Most come with a help section to encourage just that. Taking time to explore the tools we have will illicit new features and make a tiresome task an exciting one because we have something new to do it with.
What will we learn today? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Go ahead, start exploring your software.
