By now, personal computers have become very close to commodities. Think in terms of cars: Though a Ferrari is quite different in features, speed, and price from a Ford Focus, the two vehicles nevertheless are quite similar; both have four wheels, an engine, a steering wheel, and a set of brakes. Although one computer may have different hardware components than another (microprocessor, memory, disk drives, and the like) the operating system unifies them all. The vast majority of personal computers use a version of Microsoft’s Windows to control the hardware and work with standardized software applications; a small but loyal cadre of users runs Apple’s Macintosh operating system. That’s the term of computer instructor. This job exists to help the other people to know and understand well about the way to operate the computer.
The challenge for the personal computer instructor is to help nontechnical users understand how their PC is configured and to learn how to use the software that is appropriate for the work they want to perform: For the new user, the basic trio of applications is a word processor for writing and editing, a browser to gain access to the Internet, and an e-mail program to send and receive messages. As with any tutoring job, you have to not only have a strong understanding of the subject, you have to be able to teach, as well. You should establish liaisons with computer consultants who perform repairs and upgrades so that you can make recommendations to your clients when necessary; in return, you should expect these consults to refer clients who are seeking instruction.