Grumbles from the Keyboard is a collection of newspaper columns written over a period of six years. Published as Bits and Bytes, under Court Nederveld's byline. The column appears each Wednesday in the Charlotte Sun, Charlotte County, FL. The articles target average home computer users. Many computer users harbor a fear of computers because they seem so mysterious. The columns attempted to inject a bit of humor into human/computer relationships simply to allow people to take a deep breath and realize that it really isn't as frightening as it seems. The folks that I deal with on a day to day basis use a tiny portion of the potential built into not only the PC, but its connection to the Internet as well. If I can demonstrate the enormous power, knowledge and utility of these calculating constructs, they may begin to embrace all the benefits available to even the most non-technical user. While constructing this anthology, over three hundred columns were reviewed and vetted for inclusion in Grumbles From The Keyboard. Space constraints limited the columns to 500 words in the newspaper. Often pertinent additional information was left on the cutting room floor. Grumbles From The Keyboard allowed the inclusion of additional material that help to further explain different topics. I took the liberty of adding to a column if the information seemed relevant. Additionally, one problem I see daily is forgotten passwords. At the end of the book is a handy log for recording website, user name, password and any notes appropriate to that account. Another huge issue with users is what I refer to as Computer Vocabulary. So often a user will discribe an issue with words that make no sense to a tech. So, within each chapter there is a computer or Internet related word or phrase printed in bold type. At the bottom of the page will be a box labeled "Grandpa and Grandma, how come you're so smart?" This box contains the bold word, its definition and a couple of sentences that demonstrate how to use it. Another column favorite over the years were the comments by Martha. Those familiar with the column know that Martha, in her own way, simply said what most of us were silently thinking. Grumbles From The Keyboard is grouped by topic, so columns will not appear in chronological order. As a desk side reference putting similar or related columns together will make it easier to find information as needed Enjoy!
About the Author: Courtland Nederveld was born a very small child in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Currently living in Charlotte County, located in sunny southwest Florida. After spending thirteen years with corporate information technology he seized the opportunity to move on. Continuing with computer consulting he also began to pen short travel and humor articles for the local newspaper. Encouraged to tackle writing a how to weekly PC column in 2004 for the community, his Bits and Bytes byline quickly became a weekly staple. Other published work includes, On the Road series, Great American Pony Drive, and Epicuria: Adventures That Really Cook! Short stories include Earth's Last Twelve Hours, Harlequin, The Studier Becomes the Studied, My Other Half and The End of the Beginning.