Discussion on:

The 10 most important things to teach your users

TechRepublic members have traditionally argued both sides of this coin with equal vehemence: Some folks say their users aren't interested in learning tech skills and simply expect IT to bail them out when they have problems. Others take Becky's view: that techs have a role to play in educating users so they understand security and usage policies, use their software efficiently, and can work effectively with IT. Which side are you on?

I think it depends on the user, though I do think that many of them could learn more than they sometimes are willing to do. I try to teach all of my users how to be more effective without having to call me all the time. Some get it, some don't.

I've always explained it that the computer is just another office tool. Oh and all my users make me a nice cuppa and if i'm lucky cookies.

Teach them to power on, navigate around a desktop, you know, the real basics.
They should know how to reboot, save their registry, etc...
Give them a dictionary/glossary as well so they know what the hell you are talking about when they call for assistance.
We ive plenty of people basic English literacy and numeracy tests but never seem to get a computer skills test quite right. Half the people in my company would be out of a job if this was a mandatory test.
And start a Wiki. If they ask the same question twice, send them there first. If they cannot read, change your phone number or take it off the hook.

The chocolate of course. One of my clients even had bottle of Port ready every time he needed to call me. That?s good manners.

Chocolate, tea & biccies, kava, it's all good and we'll even take a simple "thank you"! Hang on - now I think about it, the food is easier to get...

I work for a Public School District and the teachers (most with Masters Degree or higher) are the most negligent types I have ever seen. They make the same dumb mistakes time after time. Teaching them does not work. I often times wonder how they ever made it through college...

Especially when it comes to corporate email, fill them in on the risks associated with unprotected email. But then give them options to minimize the risks. Sometimes it is not enough to say "don't do this with your email". Give them the option to use simple desktop solutions, like Taceo, that would prevent email from being sent to the wrong address or forwarded.
http://www.essentialsecurity.com/products.htm

unfortunately rules were made to be broken