All I can say is I'm self taught with some assistance from my kids(who very quickly sussed that the best way to teach me was to show and explain once let me do it then when I wailed, to show me twice more and then refuse to help any further because they were 'too busy')
Now I know how to use programmes they can't and they have to ask me how to use Photoshop and Paintshop...
Then of course in school if I cover an IT lesson and I come across software I can't use/don't know, I get the brightest nerd in the class to teach me and they love teaching 'Miss' how to do it.
Finally getting a good well illustrated book or PC help magazine does wonders for one's education.
