The novices have probably forgotten that learning to drive a car or program a VCR also took time, fortitude and luck. In the home, aside from business use and games, the computer can be quite useful. It can even record your checkbook data and balance your account painlessly and accurately. Surprisingly, perhaps, the computer is turning out to be a boon for retirees. Classes for older people are being held in many places and are well attended.
Retirees are interested for the very reasons enumerated above.
The use of e-mail has become almost de rigeur. Its impact on the postal service must be significant. My three children, almost all of my grandchildren and many friends are on the Internet, and we correspond regularly. Another advantage of the Internet is that one may make contact with people or organizations almost anywhere in the world with no greater effort than making a local contact. Last, if one learns how to search the Internet efficiently, a wealth of useful information is available.