BleepingComputer.com: Just a little introduction

I'm a stay at home mom who uses the computer for homeschooling, pet rescue, staying in touch with friends, networking about special needs kids and rescue dogs needing transportation and new homes. Their are 3 other uses on our computer - my husband, my 13 son who has cerebral palsy, a friend who is staying with us for another month or so, and my neighbor who cannot afford internet, but needs to use it occasionally.

I've used a computer for years - started as a secretary, moved to desktop publishing, and limited technical support to our network, then moved to a university where I was an administrative assistant, using the computer to create documents and spreadsheets, collecting data to a federal program. I'm somewhat computer literate, but haven't been in the working field for 8 years. Which means I'm a complete newbie and have NO idea what I'm doing.

I assume I'm like most on this forum and have come to get help with a computer problem that seems to get worse each time I try to get it cleaned up - using "credible" programs. I'll search the forum threads to see if I can find the answers I seek, and if not I'll plead for help.

The only problem I've ever had with computer forums in the past is the solutions have always been given in computer speak; yeah - I just don't get it. Too many things in my brain seem to be preventing me from learning it. So, if I plead for help, I may ask you to slow down. Don't need to be spoon fed, but needs to be little bites!

I hail from East Tennessee, love animals, kids, being creative, helping people, and researching the family history. Oh, and I'm Scottish! Any McPharlanes out there? My maiden name is McFarlin.

Hello and to Bleeping Computer.

Be sure to check out the New User Orientation and the excellent Tutorials.