All of us computer people know there are people out there who don't
know what a "browser" is or how to "click" the mouse.  What are some
"nice" politically-correct type terms for referring to non-computer
literate people?  Thanks.

x2zzz

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Request for Question Clarification by justaskscott-ga on 18 Feb 2003 07:02 PST

I have seen several terms for non-computer-literate people, and while
most can be said in polite company, all might be considered somewhat
derogatory.  To take the most common example, there is "newbie".

Would you consider words such as "newbie" to be politically correct
and therefore sufficient for an answer?

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Clarification of Question by x2zzz-ga on 18 Feb 2003 07:24 PST

I think I would prefer something completely non-derogatory. "Newbie"
would not suit my purposes.  I'm looking for a way to describe these
"newbies" in a formal document.

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Request for Question Clarification by tlspiegel-ga on 18 Feb 2003 11:17 PST

Hixwzzz-ga,

Would you accept the words: computer-challenged.  I consult with
people all the time who are in that realm.  I state from the get-go
there is no such thing as a stupid question, because how else are we
to learn.  I've been told by most who work with me they feel this is
the most polite way of referring to their knowledge status.  If this
will answer you question, please post a clarification and I'll post it
as the answer.

Best regards,

tlspiegel
Google Answers Researcher

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Clarification of Question by x2zzz-ga on 18 Feb 2003 11:24 PST

um....normally I would probably try for something better, but i've
gotten my $2 worth in comments so go ahead :-)  It's only a $2
question.

Hi xwzzz-ga, 
 
Ta Da!  I pick: "computer-challenged"!  :)  

Thank you, 
 
tlspiegel 
Google Answers Researcher

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Clarification of Answer by tlspiegel-ga on 18 Feb 2003 12:30 PST

I am so sorry... that's the second time I typed your username
incorrectly. I know it's:  x2zzz-ga

My fingers type faster than my brain thinks!  So sorry...

tlspiegel
Google Answers Researcher

Thanks all!  don't worry about the s/n ;-)

"Neo-Luddite" is a useful, fairly non-judgmental term for those who
are suspicious of (or opposed to) computers and other technological
innovations.

http://www.planet.eon.net/~race/edmontonjournal/archives/0428lud.html

Geek Wannabe is one I see a lot.  Technically Challenged is another.

Technophobe for those who are afraid of computers.
Computer-illterate (as opposed to non-computer-litterate).

I personally like "technically challenged" too, but you might also
consider "compuphobe", "computer pre-literate" (if you want to be real
nice), or, simply "my mother". I'm skirting the more cynical slant of
"unemployed".

To start press any key. Well where's the "any" key? I see Esc, Ctarl
(ctrl), and PigUp (pgup). There doesn't seem to be any any key! Phew.
All this computer hacking is making me thirsty. I think I'll order a
"Tab". Oop! No time for that now, the computer's starting.

In Germany, the term "DAU" is very common for such persons. It's an
abbrevation of "dümmster anzunehmender User" (= dumbest imaginable
user), which is not politcally correct, of course. But when, among
English speaking people, no one exactly knows what DAU stands for,
that should be no problem...

Scriptor

I commonly used the phrase "technically unsophisticated" in my
proposals to describe people who, if I had been less charitable, would
have described as, "barely knowing how to use the Power switch."

regards,

rico

If you are trying to be nice, formal, and politically correct, you
probably don't want to suggest that these people are necessarily
stupid, fearful, or opposed to computers.  Therefore, you want a term
that just says they are lacking information, such as "novice" or
"inexperienced user."

Hi x2zzz,

I thank you for the nice rating.  :)

tlspiegel
Google Answers Researcher

One whom is not into computers could be called "enlightened", 'Non
brainwashed", "Silicon Sensitive"-------or just "a worker" who must
get something real done-----so that the rest of us may play all day
with our keyboards.  God gave us the only computer we need----our
brain.  USE IT!

Where I work we call them "sales representatives"

As one of older researchers at Google Answers, it strikes me that
there is a large class of older people who don't know how to work with
a computer because they don't want to, which has nothing to do with
stupidity.  For these folks, I suggest that "computer-averse" is a
useful term.

Averse: "Having a feeling of opposition, distaste or aversion."
American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition,
Houghton Mifflin (2000)

markj-ga