by Joan McIlmoyl Cleghorn

rank Hilliard's article "Computerphobia" reprinted from Facts & Arguments, The Globe & Mail, April 20, 1994, was thoroughly enjoyable. It was also, I think, accurate as far as it went.

To introduce myself, I am female, racing towards my 50th birthday and do not suffer from "Computerphobia." In fact, I own a computer and have been fascinated by them for the past eleven years. Prior to that time, not only was I terrified of them but when I was informed at work that I had to learn to use a Wang Wordprocessor, I didn't know what they were talking about! For the next seven years, I progressed from being a computerphobic to becoming an operator then a system administrator in the Wang environment. Meanwhile, I watched enviously as "the men" in the office, with a few privileged women, became acquainted with personal computers (PCs). As I was a "secretary", there was no reason for me to have access to a PC. I suspect that many systems people were aware, as Frank notes in his article, of the power potential for anyone even moderately knowledgeable about PCs.

I was sufficiently interested in computers to start reading library books on the history of computers. Soon my priorities in life (husband, kids, job and finances) led to allotting my "free" time in other directions. Meanwhile, the inexorable takeover by the PC was progressing. Four years ago, having progressed to a Wang PC from the Wang system, I graduated to an IBM PC. This was also my introduction to using DOS, Lotus and WordPerfect. After a few introductory courses for which I had to literally beg and plead, and the devouring of a multitude of manuals; my personal goal became the ownership of a PC. This goal was to be VERY long-term due to finances and a "computerphobic" husband.

Many women I'm sure, find themselves in the same position as me. I could not afford nor justify the expenditure of $3,000 - $4,000 for what would be, in essence, a toy. I did not earn enough for that, plus my husband was terrified of the very word, "computer," so it wouldn't be a joint investment. Instead, I have noticed that most women who own computers are divided into two groups. The first group consists of those who are full-time or almost full-time students and find that owning a computer actually saves time and money by allowing them to stay at home to do a lot of their work. The second are those who are in business for themselves or are about to go into business therefore the purchase is a legitimate business expense. In other words, women view a PC as a valuable tool from which they expect a return for their investment, be it in time or money. This is more a reflection of their financial status than lack of curiosity to explore the "fun" aspects of owning a PC.

The reduction in price for PCs, increased advertising and the proliferation of the PC into all facets of our lives increases the likelihood of women owning PCs. Women who have children will want their children to have PCs and will begin to use them themselves to understand what their children are talking about. Very few work environments are left that don't have PCs in them so most women will have personal contact with PCs at work.

Frank's observations about the lack of knowledge and curiosity shown by women towards their PCs at work are very valid. The problem as I see it, is twofold. First, the employer's typical attitude is that the PC is an enhanced electronic typewriter and/or bookkeeping machine and passes that attitude on to employees. This attitude is reinforced by the type of training (if any) given to the employees, usually a basic introductory wordprocessing and/or spreadsheet course or basic instruction on an environment- specific program. Rarely is information about the overall capabilities of the PC passed on to the employees. This is particularly applicable to employers and women who were not taught to be computer literate at school. Once the computer literate generation takes over, this will be a non-issue.

Second, it is still a reality that most women have at least two jobs. If they work outside the home, they still shoulder most of the household tasks as well. If they have children and work outside the home, they have the bulk of two jobs at home. This means they have much less time available to poke around and explore "the guts of their machines both literally and figuratively" as Frank puts it, because this exploration would have to be done on their own time. Few employers would recognize the value of apparently non-productive time spent on a PC just figuring out how it all works. If they do, they also recognize the power potential and attempt to control it. If a woman doesn't work outside the home, her opportunities to have access to a PC or to develop curiousity about a PC is much more limited.

To change this situation, women must take the same steps as we did and are doing with cars. We must read books and articles, watch TV programs, take courses and/or pick men's brains to increase our basic knowledge about PCs. Once we are armed with the basic knowledge, we should ensure that we learn to operate a PC. Then we have the tools to be informed purchasers of a PC.

If you ARE a computerphobic (male or female), take heart as there is a cure! My husband was a confirmed computerphobic. This was obvious when he informed me that if I ever brought a computer into the house, both the computer and I were going out the door. When I made the decision to set up a home-based business, I told him I would need to have a computer for the business. He made no comment, so I proceeded with the lengthy process of preparing for my purchase.

When I brought the PC in the house five months ago, my husband had never even sat in front of one before. I set up the PC with invaluable assistance from a BB&C member. My husband sat in front of it and I haven't been able to remove him except while he's sleeping! A slight exaggeration, perhaps, but true. His first project was to create a table complete with formula in WordPerfect 5.2 for Windows. Next, he designed a database in Paradox to track discipline procedures in youth soccer. He has set up spreadsheets in Quattro Pro and complex templates in WordPerfect 6.0.

In the space of five months, he has progressed from being a computerphobic to contemplating a career change from sheet metal work to some facet of computers! This can happen to anyone, male or female, who gets past the fear of computers to the realization that they are such fun and incredibly useful.