I'm a retired manufacturing executive with an IQ of 137 which doesn't make me a genius, but neither am I stupid.

I bought my first computer six years ago and I'm self taught which is somewhat of a disadvantage, consequently I consider myself a " Newbie ." I'm sure the majority of computer owners would fall into this category.

I'm probably not average as I am the owner of several web sites and am heavily into that area of technology.

I have no problem with the mechanical aspects of Pcs, in fact I've built a number of them , installed operating systems and can do minor repairs.

My problem is with instructions that come with many software programs. They are virtually incomprehensible. It seems to me that programmers write instructions for other programmers, not for run of the mill PC users.

In many cases I've been forced to quit programs or get refunds whenever I could. Many of these programs are well worthwhile but if you can't fathom the instructions you can't use them. Some offer good technical support which overcomes the problem , but others do not.

I'm a subscriber to one of the best web site programs on the internet and in this case it not lack of instructions but there are too many. They are far too verbose, and are not clear and concise. These instructions are literally hundreds of pages long, with links to many more hundreds of pages. Not only that, but there are help symbols scattered all through the instructions, which involve many more pa

ges of instructions. This created a daunting situation for me and extended the learning curve far beyond what it should have been.

Fortunately this program has superb technical support. But it would be far better if they had a simple well indexed manual similar what you find in the windows help menus.

This situation has spawned the "Dummies " books, but they can't cover all the programs that are available.

Another bone of contention is the written instructions that come with many electronic products. The printing is so small that even a magnifying glass doesn't help. Often I solve this problem by going on the internet and zooming in on the page. This isn't very convenient at times and not everyone has a web site.

If the people who write these instructions would write them for the average person they would broaden their markets and make life easier for " Newbies "like me. This is a constant battle for me and I'm certain many others feel the same way.

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