Philosophy of Computing 101

This is not a graded class. You do not have to take notes, nothing will be on the final. This is strictly a pass or fail class. I think the whole thing comes down to 'karma'. You get what you give. You have to be able to look at yourself in the mirror each day. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Let's see, have I missed any clichés? Let's take those clichés in reverse order. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. That means giving something to the community that is worth while. Do you have a unique talent? Can you program, do web pages, fix computers or maybe set up a network? I bet there are at least ten groups around that would love to have your expertise, even if only for a day. Or even an hour or two. Sure, you can give them your old 486 with the broken hard drive (20 mg. At that), but what are they going to do with it. At least give them something that they can use. Most non-profits would love to have your time and your talents. Once you get all of the computing work finished, what about manning the phones for a couple of hours or helping out in the office? Your time is definitely worth while.

'Do unto others' also includes the level of expertise you post on the web. Are you a 'guru' or a 'newbie'? Let people know. Do you know anything about what you are talking about? Are you a doctor talking about medical questions or you someone who read a book on healing by witch doctors in the Amazon Jungle? People need to know this. Please tell them. 'You have to look at yourself in the mirror'. You have to do what is right for you. You can't sell yourself for a couple of bucks. You have to responsible for what you post. Don't believe in mayhem and destruction? Don't post links to the bomb building sites. Have a problem with pornography? Don't take money for the advertisements. Support the first amendment? Speak out for everyone's rights, not just the ones you agree with. Whatever you do, make it fit into your ethics, not the one's that everyone else espouses.

Karma and 'you get what you give'. I am a big believer in 'what goes around, comes around'. If you give to others, when it comes a time that you need a hand, someone will be there for you. It doesn't have to be a big thing. Sometimes it is the smallest things that do the most. The things that doesn't cost us a dime, are the best. I remember when I was working in a camera store. A woman I didn't know came in and while I was helping her, I noticed that she had the most striking eyes. I commented about what pretty eyes she had and then forgot about it and went on with helping her get what she needed. A couple of days later I heard from a friend that knew this woman. That woman had commented to her that she had been having the worst day and when some store clerk gave her a compliment about her eyes, her entire week changed for the better. I was amazed that an off chance remark of mine could have that kind of power to change a person's entire week! That is a lot of power in a couple of words. I've tried to remember that lesson. The opposite is just as true. We can all remember a remark or comment someone made that ruined a day, or a week. So remember, only use this power for good. I remember many times in my life that people have helped me in big and small ways. I try to return these favors to others. I have loaned one, five or ten dollars to strangers with the request that they pay it back. No to me but to others as they go through life. Who knows, maybe that one good deed will get repeated over time a hundred fold. And if it doesn't, at least I feel better.

The same philosophy holds true for computers. Show someone how to do something that is a little out of their range. Teach them how to do something a little easier, faster, or better. Give of yourself. Take that extra moment to show them how to do it, not just go ahead and do it. We all have the power of changing the world. We can do it every day. It is up you to see that you change the world and for the better.