I'll cover how to stay up to date on Internet business and web searching issues in another column - this one is devoted to getting to know the guts of your computer and software. Being computer savvy is a love-hate thing. Many Internet trainers would rather not deal with generic computer questions - things like why a floppy doesn't work, recommendations of Internet service providers or software, or troubleshooting errant Windows applications. Reality doesn't quite work that way. End-users will ask questions of anyone who looks like they might know the answer.
End users see the trainer as the source of information, period.
Many trainers experience computer anxiety because they have limited computer skills. I'm often surprised to see how unskilled many Internet trainers are with a mouse, their computer's operating system, or browser functionality. Trainer credibility is vastly enhanced when the trainer exhibits cool competence with malfunctioning equipment or software. And conversely, having to watch a trainer scramble at the keyboard trying to figure out what's not working doesn't do much for learner confidence. Resolve to enhance your computer skills.