I think computer programmers / nerds in general don't adequately appreciate how entirely terrible the average user is at using the basic features of their computer, its OS, and its software, let alone doing anything advanced with it. Probably they've forgotten how hard it was for them to initially learn what files and directories really are, how networks actually work, how to issue instructions and read output on the command line, et c.
I know people in non-nerd office jobs where "not completely shit at using an OS and office productivity programs" makes them seem like super-heroes to everyone else. Most people don't get it, and don't really care too (and I'm sympathetic to their POV—computers and software are, in practice, largely terrible frustration-engines)
100%. Most people I know don’t really understand how a directory structure works from an end user point of view. I’ll say to some something like “ok, where did you put that file?” - no idea if it’s the folder called x on the F drive or the other one called x on the Y drive. Renaming files, opening zips, knowing that you can’t use a TIF file on a website, this is all magic to most users. Stuff like simple automation or find-replaces, absolutely no chance.
On the one hand I’m full of sympathy: UI’s and OS’s are rarely thought about really well. On the other, your “non nerd” users has a tendency to hide behind the tech. The number of people who say “I don’t do tech, I leave that up to my [son/daughter/cousin/friend/colleage]” and then don’t Google it is pretty high…
I know people in non-nerd office jobs where "not completely shit at using an OS and office productivity programs" makes them seem like super-heroes to everyone else. Most people don't get it, and don't really care too (and I'm sympathetic to their POV—computers and software are, in practice, largely terrible frustration-engines)