By Kitty Baker
Do you feel ancient when friends your age talk about their computers? You are not alone in feeling out of sync. Talk about computers can be embarrassing for those who do not know how to boot up or navigate the Web.
Help is on the way.
There’s no reason to feel behind the times among people who know a gigabyte from where to get a good bite to eat. With a few instructions (after a teenager plugs in your computer), you’re ready to discover the wonder and joy of keeping in touch with grandchildren who refuse to put pen to paper, hardly even for a thank-you note. They’ll think you’re cool; e-mail is second nature for them and for more of your friends than you realize.
But there are many advantages to becoming computer-savvy, other than impressing the grandchildren.
Those taking the plunge into the computerized 21st century find a new world of instant information on health, books, finances and innumerable subjects.
William Delamar, of Melrose Park, tells of introducing computers to the reluctant staff at Medical College of Virginia Hospital. “In the 1950s, psychologists who specialized in helping first users had to be called — but in a few weeks, the staff would have killed anyone threatening to take away their computer.”
Although a computer may cost you, it’s worth every penny when it’s impractical to visit those you would like to see frequently. It’s invaluable for communicating with relatives, as I do with my family 2,000 miles away and a beloved friend in Australia. And there is no telephone charge.
Webcams (cameras) now make it possible to chat face to face with loved ones. This is the next best thing to actually being with family, especially for baby boomers and seniors living at a distance. After the computer is plugged in, you keep in touch with people you’d otherwise lose contact with.
Need information? Google!
Forget a fact now and then? Immediate information is available for a few clicks. Can’t recall who wrote Of Human Bondage? It’s slipped your mind who Alberto Gonzales is? Is Pelosi’s first name on the tip of your tongue? It’s all there instantly by Googling the electronic encyclopedic cornucopia for every imaginable subject.
Want to know the specials at your supermarket? Check it out on the computer. There are websites for information on your health, Medicare, public transit, travel, senior activities (Philadelphia Corporation for Aging has a website of its own, at www.pcaCares.org), even “coming of age” (www.comingofage.org).
Just want to relax? There are games to play on the computer — solitaire, bridge or even chess. Can you beat the computer? It’s a challenge.
And next time computers are brought into the conversation, you won’t feel left out. You’ll feel completely contemporary and unafraid to ask, “How do I send e-mail art to my grandchildren with a butterfly flapping its wings?”
By Mike Bianchini
Your kids or grandkids have talked you into buying a computer. You’re finally taking the plunge.
Don’t be overwhelmed by this whole “Internet thing.” Relax, take a breath and see yourself as exploring new lands. The Internet can be an exciting new adventure.
To help make your travels easier, you’ll need this:
• A computer with a network adapter or modem. Most, if
not all, new computers come with both. These connections allow your computer to communicate with other computers
• An Internet Service Provider (ISP), such as Comcast, Verizon, AOL or Netzero. Providers offer different types
of connections. Broadband connections (DSL, cable, fiber optic) allow you to keep your Internet connection active 24/7 and give you faster website-page load times than dial-up (which works with a modem and a telephone line), which is cheaper. However, dial-up is very, very slow and you can’t use your phone and Internet connection at the same time if you have only one phone line. To set up a service provider, call the company and find out the cost and setup procedures.
• A Web Browser. This is software
that allows you visit places on the Internet. Explorer comes preloaded on all Microsoft Windows-based computers, so you don’t have to do anything to get it. Safari comes on Apple computers.
Once your computer and service provider are ready, set up your e-mail. Much like typing a letter, e-mail instantly sends your message for free. You can even add pictures. Tons of e-mail service providers are on the Internet. Most people use the e-mail client their ISP provides when they first set up service. Since you might change providers over the years, due to cost or moving somewhere that doesn’t get your provider, it is wise to set up an account with a free e-mail service, such as Gmail, at www.google.com; Yahoo mail, at www.yahoo .com; and Hotmail, at www.msn.com. To get an
e-mail address, visit the main website (homepage) of the
e-mail service you want, look for a link to the e-mail service and then follow the directions. These services allow you to access your e-mail from any computer that has an Internet connection. Just set up your e-mail account, then log in with your user name and password. It will look a lot like this: yourusername@youre-mailprovider.com.
Now that you can send messages, let’s explore the Internet.
The Internet represents billions of inter-connected computers. When you visit a website, you are actually visiting a computer that hosts the information that you want. When you search for this information, you send a connection request to this computer and it allows you to access the information. All these computers connect to each other in what would look like a huge spider web. Hence: “World Wide Web” or www.
When you use the Internet, chances are you are looking for something — maybe movie times, a new car, a house or sports scores. With billions of websites out there, it might seem like finding a needle in a haystack. But the Web has great tools to help you. Called search portals and search engines, they search for websites with information you want. Commonly used search engines include: www.google.com, www.yahoo.com, www.msn.com and www.aol.com. Type these names into the search bar to access these search engines.
To find a cookie recipe, for example, you might type “oatmeal raisin cookie recipe” into the search bar.
The Internet can be fun. Go out have fun and unleash your inner explorer.
By Enid Rosenblatt
Your grandchild has shown you how to use the computer mouse and how to get on the Internet, or perhaps you’ve completed a short computer literacy class — but you don’t own a computer, and aren’t ready to buy one.
Where can you find a computer to practice on?
Try one of the many senior centers affiliated with Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA); most offer computer classes and/or open access to computers. So does The Free Library of Philadelphia, at its Central Library, or any of its branches or regional libraries.
“Anyone with a library card can use our computers,” said Joe McPeak, the Free Library’s director of operations. “We also offer computer privileges to tourists through guest cards. A typical branch library has eight to 10 computers, the regional libraries have 30 or 40, and the Central Library has 80.”
To avoid waiting time, McPeak suggested avoiding after-school hours when there is heavy demand from students. You can use the library computers to access the Internet, create word processing documents or spread sheets, create an e-mail account, apply for jobs online or to create a resume.
Technology stations for the visually impaired are at the Central Library, the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and at Northeast Regional, Coleman Northwest Regional, Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional and Andorra, South Philadelphia and Independence branches. These stations have software that translates text from screen to sound, and text scanners that scan text from a book and reproduce it in sound and Braille.
Text enlargement for people who have difficulty seeing small print on the screen is available at the above locations and at the Katherine Drexel Branch.
The Free Library also offers computer literacy classes at many of its branches. Or, if you have a Free Library card, by going online on the public access computers or from your home computer, you can access Generations on Line, a program that walks you through use of the mouse and other computer basics.
You may also find computers for public access at the nearest senior center. Of those surveyed by PCA, most had computers for use by seniors and offered computer literacy classes.
To learn which offer these services, you may visit www.pcaCares.org or call the PCA Helpline (215-765-9040) for a list of senior centers in your area, and contact the center directly.
By Ann L. Rappoport
Somewhere near you are computer classes — friendly to the needs, interests and pace of the pre-computer generation.
Many are free; others charge only a modest fee. You don’t need a computer of your own.
You can find caring, patient teachers and individualized attention through public libraries, senior centers, adult schools, apartment houses, lifecare communities and colleges.
Classes are offered at 29 of the senior centers affiliated with Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). For details: www.pcaCares.org or the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.
Bill Thompson teaches computer classes at the Juniata Park (215-685-1490) and Northeast Older Adult Centers (215-685-0576). “Students keep coming and I keep teaching,” says the principal of Thompson Consulting, who conducts training for the City of Philadelphia and other local agencies.
Thompson offers everything from how to hold a mouse, to work readiness, to designing your own Web page. But most important, he says, is “to give seniors back their self-esteem.” Thompson tells of older students, sick of “being left out when everybody’s talking about computers and feeling like fuddy-duddies,” who now shock their families with their newly acquired computer proficiencies, jumping into the conversations and helping younger folks solve their PowerPoint problems.”
Classes at city’s centers
The six older-adult centers operated through the city’s Department of Recreation (215-685-2736) also offer computer classes, says Lynn Spiro, director of older adult services. She credits PCA for helping secure the grants to set up computer labs, which “bridge the digital divide” by helping seniors become computer literate.
An award-winning initiative brings free computer training and refurbished computers to low-income older adults at these centers. The Senior Technology Awareness Program (STAP), in collaboration with Nonprofit Technology Resources (NTR), was launched in 2005 by NTR’s adult program director, Wendy Harper, an employee of the Philadelphia Board of Pensions and Retirements in the Mayor’s Office of Information Services, to help low-income seniors obtain information and assistance they need to prevent personal or financial crisis.
Harper incorporates computer basics and Microsoft Word document creation. She helps students set up e-mail accounts and use BenefitsCheckUp (www.benefitscheckup.org), a free service of the National Council on Aging to make sure they’re not missing any financial assistance for which they might be eligible. Students completing these workshops are eligible for their free computer; she offers hardware lessons and follow-up.
“Computer skills allow those with mobility issues to be less isolated, and improve their lives,” Harper emphasizes. As for demand, 62 people showed up for one of her workshops that had space for only 10; but she says she never turns anyone away. More funding and more volunteers (especially bilingual in Spanish and English) would help STAP reach more seniors, says Harper (215-686-1460).
“We try to meet the needs and requests of our group,” says Fels South Philadelphia Family Center senior program director Pat Buck. In addition to beginners’ classes, the multi-purpose center has offered classes on computer banking and bill-paying, personal safety and blogs (215-218-0800).
Free Library and branches
At the Free Library of Philadelphia Central Library (1901 Vine Street), free classes are held almost every week, according to librarian Amy Young, who teaches the classes. Participants must have a Free Library of Philadelphia card, and obtain a free ticket from the lobby desk 30 minutes before class begins. The Central Library offers three introductory classes each month, over a variety of days and times, ranging from 60 to 90 minutes each. One focuses on basic skills, another on Microsoft Word and another on the Internet (215-686-5322).
Stephanie Smith teaches beginning classes at the Lillian Marrero Branch (formerly Lehigh Avenue Branch), 6th and Lehigh (215-685-9794). “Anybody can come to any of them,” she says, “and work at your own pace. But call ahead if you want to guarantee a spot.” Smith teaches a variety of computer skills. For instance, Generations on Line — a program available on all Free Library computers (and to which other institutions subscribe) — was created by a Philadelphian to streamline Internet access for elderly. Smith also acquaints older adults with “My Space” and hopes to teach genealogy online resources so seniors can research their family trees.
A volunteer teaches computer classes at the Fumo Family Branch on South Broad Street. Librarian Renee Pokorny says patrons cycle through individualized classes on their six computers. Most, she says, are satisfied after five or six classes, while others continue for ten months or so (215-685-1758).
The Gates Foundation funded the computer labs at West Oak Lane (215-685-2843/44), Kensington (215-685-9996) and Lillian Marrero branches of the Free Library.
You may check with your local library for free computer classes, and for help accessing information.
Courses at colleges
Colleges and universities in the region offer computer classes in credit and non-credit formats, so when inquiring, be clear which category interests you. Credit courses are fairly rigorous, expensive and include traditional and younger students. Most seniors are attracted to non-credit classes.
Community College of Philadelphia offers non-credit computer classes. For instance, in September, it plans to offer Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 courses, according to Kimberly Wallace, assistant director of corporate solutions. Wallace suggests calling 215-496-6158 for more information.
There are multiple frameworks for taking com uter classes at Temple University. One-day, non-credit workshops are offered in Microsoft Office software and in Vista at Temple University Center City for approximately $195, according to Kevin Wood, director of non-credit programs. Catalogs are mailed or viewed online (215-204-6946; www.temple.edu).
Temple Association for Retired Persons (TARP) offers daytime classes and speakers, says director Pat Rooney. “There are no age limitations for membership,” she notes. Members pay yearly dues (September-August: $225) or by semester (spring/summer: $140; summer: $60). There are no other fees for classes, except a $17 fee for one or more computer classes. Four computer classes are offered during fall and spring semesters, three during summer session. (215-204-1505 or tucctarp@temple.edu)
Large apartment complexes, nonprofit organizations and volunteer groups across the region also offer informal classes and workshops for adults. Call around and ask.
By George Bardissi
Buying a computer is just like buying a car, but not as expensive. Just as you can go to a dealership to look at a car, you can also go to a retail store such as Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA or your local computer store.
Many people purchase computers via the Internet, through companies such as Dell, Compaq/HP, Gateway and IBM. You can call these companies, rather than go online, and a sales representative can walk you through building your system, piece by piece, to fit your needs.
Price is based on what you are looking to do with your computer. For just surfing the Internet and checking e-mail, you don’t need a lot of bells and whistles. However, to use your computer for pictures, videos and downloading things off the Internet, you may want a more powerful machine.
What to look for
• Operating System: This is how your computer is organized. It determines what appears on the screen and what types of software are compatible with the computer. Apple computers come with a Mac OSX operating system. The descendants of IBM clones (now commonly called PCs) come with a Microsoft Windows operating system, either XP or the new system, Vista. Make sure you receive an operating system installation disk, in case you ever have to reinstall it. Also make sure your computer comes with an installation code called a COA “Certificate of Authenticity.”
• The Processor: The faster it is, the faster you can do things on your computer. Dual-core processors are faster than single-core processors. To run Windows XP, get a minimum 2.8 GHz (gigahertz) single-core processor or 1.6 GHz dual-core processor. Windows Vista will run better on 2 GHz dual-core processor.
• Memory (or RAM): With more memory, you can do more at one time because you can use more software applications simultaneously. RAM is measured in gigabytes. Get at least 1 GB of RAM to run Windows XP, at least 2 GB to run Vista.
• Hard Drive: This is where your computer stores information, such as documents, pictures, music, e-mails, etc. Storage space is also measured in gigabytes. Get a hard drive that can store at least 80 GB, more if you will save a lot of photos or music.
• CD/DVD Drive: This is the slot where you put in CDs or DVDs. Different drives do different things. With a CD-ROM drive, you can look at/hear (called reading) information on the CDs; with CD-RW drive, you can read and record information on a blank CD (called writing); with DVD-ROM, you can read information on CDs and DVDs; with CD-RW/DVD Combo, you can read
and write CDs and read DVDs; with DVD+/- RW, you can read and write both CDs and DVDs.
• Network Card: This is a piece of hardware that comes standard with most computers. It’s on the inside — you won’t see it — but be sure you have one for Internet use.
• Keyboard: You need this to type information into your system. Usually comes standard.
• Mouse: Usually comes standard. It’s the little lozenge-shaped object you use to point and click on items.
• Monitor: The TV-like portion of your system, on which you see what you’re working on. A flat panel LCD screen is nice because it’s very thin and does not take up much room.
• Printer: Usually an add-on that you must request. Some printers also copy, print, scan and fax.
• Warranty: A one-year warranty is recommended, but a three-year warranty is strongly suggested. Be clear on what your warranty covers. Most major companies offer onsite warranty repairs so you don’t have to take your computer to the store to get it repaired.
Be aware of what you want or deal with a retailer who can help you understand what you want, then build the computer system that best meets your needs. Then compare prices to see who is offering the best price and service.
Prices always depend on the bells and whistles you want. The more extensive the system, the higher the cost.
Laptop or desktop?
When comparing a laptop to a desktop, the key word is “convenience.” What do you want the system to do? If you want to take your system from room to room, in your house or office, get a laptop — they’re lightweight and easy to transport. Now many coffee shops and hotels offer wireless Internet access, and more places will soon.
If you will use your system only in a specific area and mobility is not an issue, a desktop is what you need. Laptops and desktops can contain the same hardware and software, and can have the same amount of power and functionality.
The world of the computer, the software and the Internet may seem complicated and difficult to understand. But buying a computer system is no different than making any other purchase. You just have to take your time, ask questions and compare prices.
By Catherine Green
Your computer is not cooperating. It was fine when you turned it off yesterday.
You don’t know RAM from ROM. Now what?
First step: Save any open documents, if you can, then turn it off, then back on again. This often works.
Check all connections, in case something’s been jarred loose.
There’s a wonderful application that PC users running Windows can use. It’s called System Restore. If your keyboard and mouse are working, go to Start, then Accessories, then System Tools, then System Restore and follow directions. If it worked all right the day before, use that date.
If it’s a Mac giving you trouble, www.apple.com/support/ will give you a wide choice of links, based on which computer you have.
Those FAQs
Still not right? Maybe the cursor won’t go anywhere. The mouse is frozen. Or the keyboard isn’t responding. Or you’re getting some kind of error message.
For help, start with your computer manufacturer’s or ISP provider’s tech support — and good luck.
Some give e-mail addresses, some have FAQs (frequently asked questions) that usually have no relation to your problem. Some suggest an online chat with an agent.
Some give a phone number; here again, good luck. You may get someone helpful or you may get someone who’s obviously consulting a manual — and English may not be that person’s first language. If you go the telephone route, be prepared for a long wait. (Most of them do play nice music while you’re hanging on, though.)
Other courses to take
If you’re using any of these, check whether there’s a charge. Take the free route first, of course.
In all cases, be prepared to tell tech support exactly what happened and what any error messages say. You’ll also be asked what kind of connection you have.
If you look up “Computer Repair” online or in the telephone book, you’ll find plenty of listings. Some even have reviews. A few list charges, which may range from $29 on up.
Watch out, though. A California TV reporter disconnected a cable on an otherwise operable computer and took it to a number of shops. Two spotted the problem, connected the cable and didn’t charge. Others either charged for it or, in some cases, misdiagnosed it as a much more expensive problem.
Wherever you live, there’s probably a computer repair service near you. Here’s a partial list of places, most of whose Web listings contain user reviews.
(Checking out Computer Repairs, Philadelphia PA online will give you a longer list, but not every place on it appears to still be in business.)
• House Call Computer Guru, 915 Morgan Ave., Drexel Hill, 610-636-5455
• Bundy Typewriter and Computer Co., 1809 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, 215-567-2500, and 7928 Bustleton Ave., 215-332-5600
• Springboard Media, 2212 Walnut St., Philadelphia, 215-988-7777
• Vile Tech Computer Solutions, 1613 W. Porter St., Philadelphia, 215-755-5661
• OneStop Computer Technology, 501 W. Cheltenham Ave., Elkins Park, 215-924-5191
For some useful suggestions, you may try Consumerreports.org, and click Electronics & Computers or Easy Computer Repair.
Still feeling lost? Consider the results of a survey Consumer Reports took of 20,000 subscribers who’d had computer problems in the past: Free tech support helped most of those who tried it. Many resolved the issue on their own after free tech support failed them; others had their problems solved by friends or family members.
Re: the above — a few years ago, at a conference on technology, someone asked how to resolve a problem when hardware and software techs point fingers at each other.
“Do you know any teenagers?” the speaker asked.
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) has launched a new website, pcaCares.org (www.pcacares.org).
“It is not a website for PCA’s services alone,” said David Nevison, associate executive director for planning and development. “It’s a portal to more than 700 different services, programs and activities available to older Philadelphians, caregivers and professionals.
“We’ve created a website that is consumer-oriented, aimed at making it easy for people to find what they need.”
Resource for professionals
Launched in late April, the new website is designed to be a resource for seniors, professionals in aging services, caregivers, families and community members.
In large part, the foundation for the new website is the PCA Helpline’s Resource Directory, a compilation of aging services the organization has been publishing for 10 years. “It’s wonderful for professionals in the field,” Nevison said, “but it’s cumbersome and costly, and has limited distribution. The website is a way to get this information into the hands of the general public. It’s searchable, by type of service, organization name and area of the city. And it’s easily updated and expanded.”
Divided into 3 parts
The new site is divided into three different sections: “Explore,” “Search” and “Learn.” It also features a calendar of events, ranging from activities and classes at senior centers to conferences for professionals in the field of gerontology.
• “Explore” offers point-of-view options: Senior Services, Senior Lifestyle, Caregivers and Professionals.
• “Search” enables you to enter type of service, organization name and area of the city, or to look at frequently asked questions.
• “Learn” lists resources and research by PCA and other leaders in the field, along with information on current legislation, advocacy and the “Aging Newsblog,” a daily digest that provides briefs and links to articles on aging issues from publications across the country.
Continuing to expand
“We will continue to expand the content, linking to other resources in Philadelphia and throughout the national aging network,” Nevison said. “Over the long run, we hope the site will be both a resource and a forum for dialogue on issues affecting older Americans.”
By Zara Myers
Grandchildren today are more like Jake Harper, the 12-year-old on TV’s Two and a Half Men, than David and Ricky, the sons of Ozzie and Harriet of the 1950s.
Their grandparents may have been widowed or divorced and remarried. There may be several sets of grandparents. Families may be spread across great distances. Grandparents may be at the height of their careers, retired or in nursing homes.
Our grandchildren are more sophisticated than we were. They travel the information superhighway at an early age, both benefiting and being at risk from its use. Grandparents have to find the right way to relate.
“The way we grandparent is very deliberate,” says Janet Davidson, 58, of Mount Laurel, N.J. She and her husband, Aron, 60, married for 12 years, have a blended family of four children and four grandchildren. “We fill in for busy two-career parents who can’t find time to bake holiday cookies or take our granddaughter to see a play.”
Aron describes their grandparenting as “very hands-on,” whether sharing a special outing or changing diapers.
“We are in better physical condition and are able to do more than our parents could at this age,” Janet adds.
So, we’ve been advised to “get on down” with our grandchildren. For little ones, play dress-up, build Lego forts, help Thomas the Tank Engine stay on track.
Go to older grandchildren’s school events, plays and concerts. Share entertainment you all may enjoy.
Ask their opinions and advice about computers, DVDs and the world’s problems. You might learn something.
Active-listen, whether they’re 3 or 33. Don’t interrupt. Use some of their words to show you were listening.
Remember, you are dealing with your children’s children, not your own. Be aware and respectful of the new borders.
And take that information highway yourself (see story on Page 1). Do a search on “Grandparenting,” and you’ll find thousands of entries, including a Foundation for Grandparenting, an AARP Grandparent Information Center and grandparenting books, newsletters and websites.
Yes, there have been many changes in society — family structure, mores, technology — but the common thread that weaves its way back to our parents and grandparents, and then through us to our grandchildren is love.
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