I have been using computers since 1976 when my father got one of the first Apple II’s. They were simple machines back then, but just as temperamental as today’s systems. Of course throughout college we used computers (mainframes, mini’s and PC’s) and then out of college I was in the IT field, so it was basically a requirement to know and understand how to use the latest and greatest software and fix problems.
Many people in the 30+ age group have problems understanding the basics and common functions most Windows and Mac based software have. For instance, the <CTRL>C will copy and <CTRL>V will paste. Shortcuts like these can be the difference between having OK computer skills or a good and efficient user.
Being an efficient user of computer software not only reduces your stress levels, but also helps you get tasks done quickly. Sine time is money and time is precious good computer skills can make you precious money. 
A simple recommendation is to ‘play with purpose’. This if you are going to be doing on-line sketches and narratives, Facebooking is not going hone your computer skills. Rather you need to get some software like what you tring to learn, install it and make a project for yourself. The project needs to have bite sized attainable goals.
For instance, I am back in school to become a insurance claims adjuster and we have been using a peice of software called Xactimate to do estimations and damage scoping. I have a trial version of the software installed on my laptop and created a project in my own house, simulated damage. I took the photos, wrote the scope sheet on paper, did my hand sketches then went to the software and started putting ALL the pieces in. Then I watched some training videos and went back and re-did the input to the software, this time using some of the short cuts I had learned. After doing this several times, I reduced the time it took me to complete a claim by over 50%!
This same process can be done for any piece of software you are going to use all the time. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, etc. The trick is to look for keyboard short cuts and the best order to do tasks in so you don’t need to go back and repeat any prior work.
If you are still having issues, then software like the Video Professior’s like of training DVD’s can really help. Don’t discount your public library either for good resources and public training sessions.
