Techiebytes

Research indicates most people only use about 10% of a program’s features. Honestly, that’s all they need most of the time. I’d be included in that group, as I’m perfectly happy using the tools and features I’m used to. Inevitably some new challenge comes along or a problem pops up that I need to address. Now I have my choice of the “Nick Burns” experience or looking for a solution myself.

Obviously computer problems are more frustrating than a new work related challenge. After all, we can schedule tasks so it’s possible to decide when we feel up to facing the challenge. Fact is, I’d rather start by addressing challenges than work my way into addressing problems. This is where the F1 key comes into play.

In almost any software package there is a nifty little help function that can be invoked by pressing F1. Simply pressing F1 opens a whole new world of knowledge and features. In my opinion, F1 could be considered the most powerful feature of most software packages. I find it odd that this isn’t presented in any of the training sessions I’ve attended.

While it would be easy for me to scream conspiracy, I’ll refrain, put on my techie hat for a second and try to explain. Most technology folks aren’t out to increase job security by making life tough on users. They simply forget that others might not be aware of what they consider obvious information. You can see this pattern starting with the non-promotion of the F1 key and continuing in the use of help once you’ve found it.

I have to give developers some credit here. The help systems are becoming more intuitive. In most cases you can find something helpful by utilizing a “simple thought” search. For more complex issues, help requires too much knowledge of geek speak creating frustration. Case in point: I have a need to insert Excel data into a Word document. I’d like to have the data in Word update as I update the Excel data.

Using a simple help query of “Insert Excel data into Word” returns cut and paste options but not a true solution. Instead, the search I need is “Embed Excel Data into Word.” I’d assume this option would be returned before a lesson on merging Access data with Word but that assumption is wrong.

While insert, embed and link are technically different, the human perspective is they are synonyms. Not even the magic of F1 can make the computer smarter or the help more intuitive, so I’m stuck poking around to find an answer. Lucky for us, you can normally use Google to translate the techno babble into something usable. The same simple search on Google returns an article explaining the differences in linking and embedding and how to use both.

While no help system is perfect, there is a plethora of knowledge you can gain from simply pressing F1. If you find yourself with a new challenge it’s a great place to start. It’s also a great place to start if you’re just looking to get more out of your software investment. Who knows what kinds of cool stuff you can accomplish by simply reading the manual? As for fixing those frustrating computer problems, that’s a post for another day.

Filed under: Technology Tagged: | F1, Help, Office, Support, Windows