Networking For Dummies

No matter how much you know about computers, plenty of people know more than you do. This rule seems to apply at every rung of the ladder of computer experience. I'm sure that a top rung exists somewhere, occupied by the world's best computer guru. I'm not sitting on that rung, and neither are you. (Not even Bill Gates is sitting on that rung. Bill Gates got where he is by hiring people on higher rungs.)

As the local computer guru, one of your most valuable assets can be a friend who's a notch or two above you. That way, when you run into a real stumper, you have a friend you can call for advice. Here are some tips for handling your own guru:

• In dealing with your own guru, don't forget the Computer Geek's Golden Rule: "Do unto your guru as you would have your own users do unto you." Don't pester your guru with simple stuff that you just haven't spent the time to think through. If you have thought it through and can't come up with a solution, however, give your guru a call. Most computer experts welcome the opportunity to tackle an unusual computer problem. It's a genetic defect.

• If you don't already know someone who knows more about computers than you do, consider joining your local PC users' group. The group may have a subgroup that specializes in your networking software-or may be devoted entirely to local folks who use the same networking software that you use. Odds are, that you'll make a friend or two at a users' group meeting.

  Tip

  You can probably convince your boss to pay your fees to join the group.

• If you can't find a real-life guru, try to find an online guru. Check out the various computing newsgroups on the Internet. Subscribe to online newsletters that are automatically delivered to you by e-mail.