Every year, IT professionals
at colleges have to deal with an influx of newbies, all of whom ask precisely
the same questions as the newbies did last year. It's Sisyphean.
Of course, every day on the
internet is like September, because there are always newbies, or people who
didn't get the memo. The internet is a connection machine, a community. It has
swimmers and lifeguards, givers and takers, the honest and the grifters...
Here are ten things to
remember, feel free to share with those that are less experienced. Happy September:
1. Don't hit 'reply all' to an
email unless you have a really good reason. And don't write, "take me off
this list" to a listserv, because everyone on the list will probably get
your note. That's been true for thirty years and
it's still true.
2. You may think you can recall a
sent email, but you probably can't. Best to
breathe three times before you hit send.
3. Don't type in all caps.
4. Don't buy anything on the
phone (or by email) from a stranger, especially anything having to do with your
small business, your computer, your Google listing or a charity. Just hang up.
5. Everything you click on or
surf on or do online is being recorded somewhere. Act accordingly.
6. Backup your data, get tenant's
insurance and turn on 'Find my iPhone' on your Mac.
7. When in doubt, restart your
computer. If that doesn't work, visit duckduckgo and type in your question. You'll be amazed at how many
people have had the problem you're having.
8. To become an expert in
something, you're going to need to read more than the first link that comes up
in a search. And before you forward something you're not an expert in, check
Snopes.
9. Offer help on something you're
good at to the community at least three times before you ask that community for
help. Someone is always coming up behind you.
10. Don't believe everything you
read online. In fact, don't believe most of it.
Bonus
#11: Be kind. Thanks.
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