Next question: Who first said: When everything else fails, read the manual"?
My husband! At least, that was the first place I heard it. Typically, I find that I alternate between reading and trying-it-on-my-own. If it's something I think I have a chance of figuring out, I'll likely try that method. If it's something I know nothing about, I'll try reading the manual. But that depends on how much time and patience I have--which is why I still cannot operate our digital camera!