Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa, Canada
Missed an episode of Corner Gas? Luckily, this is not a problem. You can catch your missed episode on the web legally :).
CTV, Global and CBC have started to put episodes of many Canadian shows on their website. Below are links to where you can find them.
CTV Broadband
CBC
Global
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Email: Be Careful What You Write
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa, Canada
Ring Ring Ring....
It is 11 o'clock at night and you know there is only one person who would call at this late hour.
"Hi Charlie," you answer.
"Karl, you said you weren't mad at me," Charlie responded.
"I am not mad at you, Charlie. Why do you keep thinking that I am mad at you?"
"Your last email troubled me. You were shouting. WHY WERE YOU SHOUTING?!?"
"Charlie, that is ridiculous! How can you shout through email?"
"Well, your whole email had capital letters. There was not one lower case letter to be found. Words with only capital letters mean one thing: you're shouting. And.. what's up with the exclamation mark? Darn it Karl, my feelings were hurt!!!"
..............
It is very easy to miscommunicate through email because it is only text. It is different when you talk on the phone because you not only have words but you have the tone of voice to help you figure out the message's intent.
Here are some ways you can avoid such miscommunications.
1. Use emoticons. Emoticons are text facial expressions to help portray a sentiment. If you think what you are writing may be taken the wrong way then you should definitely use them. For example:
Ring Ring Ring....
It is 11 o'clock at night and you know there is only one person who would call at this late hour.
"Hi Charlie," you answer.
"Karl, you said you weren't mad at me," Charlie responded.
"I am not mad at you, Charlie. Why do you keep thinking that I am mad at you?"
"Your last email troubled me. You were shouting. WHY WERE YOU SHOUTING?!?"
"Charlie, that is ridiculous! How can you shout through email?"
"Well, your whole email had capital letters. There was not one lower case letter to be found. Words with only capital letters mean one thing: you're shouting. And.. what's up with the exclamation mark? Darn it Karl, my feelings were hurt!!!"
..............
It is very easy to miscommunicate through email because it is only text. It is different when you talk on the phone because you not only have words but you have the tone of voice to help you figure out the message's intent.
Here are some ways you can avoid such miscommunications.
1. Use emoticons. Emoticons are text facial expressions to help portray a sentiment. If you think what you are writing may be taken the wrong way then you should definitely use them. For example:
- :) means happy. The colon are the eyes and the right bracket is the mouth.
- :( means sad. The colon are the eyes and the left bracket is the mouth.
- I WENT SHOPPING! - In the email, you are shouting that you went shopping and you sound very angry.
- I went shopping. - In the email, you are stating you went shopping and you sound neutral.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Hotspots: Surf Anywhere in Canada
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa, Canada
If you have a computer device that has Wifi like a notebook or a cellphone, then you can connect to the internet wirelessly in places that are designated Hotspots.
Here is a website that lists the Hotspots in Canada.
If you have a computer device that has Wifi like a notebook or a cellphone, then you can connect to the internet wirelessly in places that are designated Hotspots.
Here is a website that lists the Hotspots in Canada.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
The Case of the Missing E-mail: Sorting
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa, Canada
Ring ...Ring... Ring...
You pick up the phone and it's Charlie.
"Karl, please forgive me!!!! I was going to tell you about the shirt..HONEST!!!!"
"Um Charlie what are you talking about?" you ask.
"Uh.. Nothing," Charlie replied, "You're not mad at me, Karl, are you?"
"Why would I be mad at you?"
"You haven't E-mailed me in DAYS. Karl!!!!!! DAYS!!!!!"
"Ohhh that's cause I don't know where my new E-mail appears. It used to be at the bottom of the E-mail list but now it shows up all over the place. I swear I have a virus."
"Karl, I don't think it's a virus. You are not sorting your E-mail by date."
................
At the top of the E-mail list there are 3 columns:
If you click with your mouse on the Subject column, then your mail is sorted by Subject. Your new E-mail will appear based on the sorting order of the subject.
If you click with your mouse on the From column, your new E-mail will appear based on the sorting order of the sender's name
To go back to sorting your E-Mail by date (new E-mail appearing at the bottom of the list):
Ring ...Ring... Ring...
You pick up the phone and it's Charlie.
"Karl, please forgive me!!!! I was going to tell you about the shirt..HONEST!!!!"
"Um Charlie what are you talking about?" you ask.
"Uh.. Nothing," Charlie replied, "You're not mad at me, Karl, are you?"
"Why would I be mad at you?"
"You haven't E-mailed me in DAYS. Karl!!!!!! DAYS!!!!!"
"Ohhh that's cause I don't know where my new E-mail appears. It used to be at the bottom of the E-mail list but now it shows up all over the place. I swear I have a virus."
"Karl, I don't think it's a virus. You are not sorting your E-mail by date."
................
At the top of the E-mail list there are 3 columns:
- From - The name of the person who sent you the E-Mail
- Subject - The subject of the E-Mail.
- Received - The date you received your E-mail.
If you click with your mouse on the Subject column, then your mail is sorted by Subject. Your new E-mail will appear based on the sorting order of the subject.
If you click with your mouse on the From column, your new E-mail will appear based on the sorting order of the sender's name
To go back to sorting your E-Mail by date (new E-mail appearing at the bottom of the list):
- Click with your mouse on the Received column.
- If the sorting order is descending, click with your mouse on the Received column again to change the sorting order to ascending.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Avoid Family Feuds through Scanning
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa, Canada
Normally when you come by to pick Vera up, she greets you with a warm welcoming smile, but today she acknowledges your presence with a grunt leaving you at the doorway confused.
"Well come in..." Vera shouts from the living room impatiently.
"What's wrong dear?" you ask timidly trying to think back to all your past actions that may have pitted Vera against you.
"Whats WRONG?!!! Do you not pay attention to anything I say?"
"Um uh.." you stumble on the words knowing that this will not end well.
"Karl, my sister Celine is coming over. I told you about her. She has the sticky fingers when it comes to pictures," Vera replies.
"S-sticky fingers?" you ask gingerly.
"She steals my pictures!! She pokes around the house looking for albums and pockets a whole page worth. We can't leave until I find a good hiding place for my albums," Vera replies flustered.
"Celine has a computer and an E-mail account?" you ask.
"Yes.. but why Karl?"
"Vera, I have at home something like a photocopier. It's called a scanner. You can use it to make a photocopy of your old pictures and store it on your computer. How about we photocopy or scan your old pictures and E-mail them to Celine? She may not need to steal ever again."
.......
Scanning your old photos not only helps to preserve pictures but also gives you the opportunity to share them with your family.
Normally when you come by to pick Vera up, she greets you with a warm welcoming smile, but today she acknowledges your presence with a grunt leaving you at the doorway confused.
"Well come in..." Vera shouts from the living room impatiently.
"What's wrong dear?" you ask timidly trying to think back to all your past actions that may have pitted Vera against you.
"Whats WRONG?!!! Do you not pay attention to anything I say?"
"Um uh.." you stumble on the words knowing that this will not end well.
"Karl, my sister Celine is coming over. I told you about her. She has the sticky fingers when it comes to pictures," Vera replies.
"S-sticky fingers?" you ask gingerly.
"She steals my pictures!! She pokes around the house looking for albums and pockets a whole page worth. We can't leave until I find a good hiding place for my albums," Vera replies flustered.
"Celine has a computer and an E-mail account?" you ask.
"Yes.. but why Karl?"
"Vera, I have at home something like a photocopier. It's called a scanner. You can use it to make a photocopy of your old pictures and store it on your computer. How about we photocopy or scan your old pictures and E-mail them to Celine? She may not need to steal ever again."
.......
Scanning your old photos not only helps to preserve pictures but also gives you the opportunity to share them with your family.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Happy Holiday
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa Canada
We, at 2Jour, want to wish you a happy holiday. Our next post will start again in January.
Here are the 2Jour posts for 2006
Finding a Doctor in Ontario Canada
Searching for Symptoms on the Web
Getting used to the Mouse
Finding a Web Browser for Blind/Low Vision
Finding Websites for Blind/Low Vision
E-mail: Is it on my Computer?
E-mail: Is this from my Bank?
E-mail: Does my E-mail have a virus?
Using a Joystick as a Mouse
We, at 2Jour, want to wish you a happy holiday. Our next post will start again in January.
Here are the 2Jour posts for 2006
Finding a Doctor in Ontario Canada
Searching for Symptoms on the Web
Getting used to the Mouse
Finding a Web Browser for Blind/Low Vision
Finding Websites for Blind/Low Vision
E-mail: Is it on my Computer?
E-mail: Is this from my Bank?
E-mail: Does my E-mail have a virus?
Using a Joystick as a Mouse
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Great Canadian Deals
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa Canada
It's Christmas and this means the stress to buy something is upon us. A great website to help us Canadian shoppers find great deals is Red Flag Deals . The deals range from Electronics to Home and Garden.
It's Christmas and this means the stress to buy something is upon us. A great website to help us Canadian shoppers find great deals is Red Flag Deals . The deals range from Electronics to Home and Garden.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Avoiding Download Dangers
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa Canada
Charlie was surfing the web when he stumbled upon an intriguing website.
It featured none other than the XtraSkrub 2000. By cleaning and fine tuning your hard drive, XtraSkrub 2000 guaranteed to improve your computer's performance FOR FREE.
This was an offer Charlie could not refuse and as he ran the newly-installed program, everything went blank. XtraSkrub 2000 erased his whole hard drive.
A small gasp came from Charlie's mouth as he sat on the edge of his seat staring at his computer in disbelief. The only thing that kept him from crying was that he backed up his files.
.......
There are many great free programs available on the web. However, there are also many programs which can harm your computer like infecting it with a virus or even installing spyware.
Here are some ways to help avoid download dangers:
1. See if other people are using the program you want to download. In the case above, you could try googling "XtraSkrub 2000 review" to see if a large amount of people have been using this product and what their experience was. If you don't find enough information, then don't download.
2, Try to download programs from reputable sites like CNET. If the website is unfamiliar to you, then hold off downloading.
3. Make sure you always have an up to date virus scanner and spyware scanner running. They can identify most of the time if your download is dangerous.
Charlie was surfing the web when he stumbled upon an intriguing website.
It featured none other than the XtraSkrub 2000. By cleaning and fine tuning your hard drive, XtraSkrub 2000 guaranteed to improve your computer's performance FOR FREE.
This was an offer Charlie could not refuse and as he ran the newly-installed program, everything went blank. XtraSkrub 2000 erased his whole hard drive.
A small gasp came from Charlie's mouth as he sat on the edge of his seat staring at his computer in disbelief. The only thing that kept him from crying was that he backed up his files.
.......
There are many great free programs available on the web. However, there are also many programs which can harm your computer like infecting it with a virus or even installing spyware.
Here are some ways to help avoid download dangers:
1. See if other people are using the program you want to download. In the case above, you could try googling "XtraSkrub 2000 review" to see if a large amount of people have been using this product and what their experience was. If you don't find enough information, then don't download.
2, Try to download programs from reputable sites like CNET. If the website is unfamiliar to you, then hold off downloading.
3. Make sure you always have an up to date virus scanner and spyware scanner running. They can identify most of the time if your download is dangerous.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Let Relatives Fix your Computer Remotely
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa, Canada
........
Here are a list programs that allow people that you trust (like your son/daughter) to remotely access your computer and help you fix it.
Logmein - Free
GotoMyPc
As you sip your double double at Tim Horton's, you see José dragging himself in carrying a very gloomy face.
"Hey José!! Over here!" you cry out to him.
"Oh hey Karl. Nice to see you."
"Why are you so glum?" you ask.
"My computer is on the fritz. I need to take it in to have it looked after, which means this will cost me lots of money," José replied deflated.
"Why not get your good for nothing software engineer son to look at it?"
"Because John doesn't live here in Ottawa. I have to explain my computer problem over the phone to him and he never understands me. So then I get frustrated, then he gets frustrated, then we both yell at each other, and then we hang up. And my poor computer would still be broken.
I figured it would be easier to skip all that and just get my computer fixed by some local professional."
"José, are you still able to connect to the internet?"
"Yeah, why?"
"There are programs out there that can allow John to connect to your computer via your internet connection. Therefore, you avoid any miscommunication because he can see for himself what problems you are having with your computer AND he can try and fix it. "
"Hey José!! Over here!" you cry out to him.
"Oh hey Karl. Nice to see you."
"Why are you so glum?" you ask.
"My computer is on the fritz. I need to take it in to have it looked after, which means this will cost me lots of money," José replied deflated.
"Why not get your good for nothing software engineer son to look at it?"
"Because John doesn't live here in Ottawa. I have to explain my computer problem over the phone to him and he never understands me. So then I get frustrated, then he gets frustrated, then we both yell at each other, and then we hang up. And my poor computer would still be broken.
I figured it would be easier to skip all that and just get my computer fixed by some local professional."
"José, are you still able to connect to the internet?"
"Yeah, why?"
"There are programs out there that can allow John to connect to your computer via your internet connection. Therefore, you avoid any miscommunication because he can see for himself what problems you are having with your computer AND he can try and fix it. "
........
Here are a list programs that allow people that you trust (like your son/daughter) to remotely access your computer and help you fix it.
Logmein - Free
GotoMyPc
Monday, November 20, 2006
Getting Used to the Mouse
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa
The first big hurdle to overcome while learning to use the computer is the mouse. Mouse navigation takes time so do not despair. With practice, the pointer on your screen will move where you want it to go and in no time you will see that clicking and even double clicking won't be so strenuous.
If there is a physical limitation that is preventing you from using the mouse, try using mousekeys. You can use your keyboard instead of your mouse to move the pointer. Another alternative is to use a joystick.
Here are some websites to practice your mouse navigation:
2jourMouse
Mousercise
The first big hurdle to overcome while learning to use the computer is the mouse. Mouse navigation takes time so do not despair. With practice, the pointer on your screen will move where you want it to go and in no time you will see that clicking and even double clicking won't be so strenuous.
If there is a physical limitation that is preventing you from using the mouse, try using mousekeys. You can use your keyboard instead of your mouse to move the pointer. Another alternative is to use a joystick.
Here are some websites to practice your mouse navigation:
2jourMouse
Mousercise
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Turning Off Frozen Computers
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa Canada
You are in a bad mood because your computer is in a bad mood.
It started innocently. You were reading E-mail and listening to your favorite tunes when.. BOOM... your computer refused to listen to you. You frantically moved the mouse up, down, sideways, diagonally, and... NOTHING. With great Herculean force, you pounded the keys; A, CTRL, TAB, and a couple of ENTERs. Perhaps random combination of keys was all that was needed to appease your computer. BUT NO!!!!! Ice cold silence was returned.
You knew you had to restart the computer. You pressed the power button but..... the computer would not turn off. Reduced to tears you shouted at the heavens, "WHY MEEEEE?!?!"
.......................................
In newer computers pressing the power button may not turn off the computer. You will need to hold down the power button for 5 seconds before it shuts off.
You are in a bad mood because your computer is in a bad mood.
It started innocently. You were reading E-mail and listening to your favorite tunes when.. BOOM... your computer refused to listen to you. You frantically moved the mouse up, down, sideways, diagonally, and... NOTHING. With great Herculean force, you pounded the keys; A, CTRL, TAB, and a couple of ENTERs. Perhaps random combination of keys was all that was needed to appease your computer. BUT NO!!!!! Ice cold silence was returned.
You knew you had to restart the computer. You pressed the power button but..... the computer would not turn off. Reduced to tears you shouted at the heavens, "WHY MEEEEE?!?!"
.......................................
In newer computers pressing the power button may not turn off the computer. You will need to hold down the power button for 5 seconds before it shuts off.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Bluetooth? On Cell Phones?
Computer Coaching for Seniors Toronto Canada
965 AD Jelling, Denmark
Haraald Bluetooth, the king of Denmark and the new King of Norway, sat next to the Jelling Runestone that honoured his mother and father. With a deep sigh he wondered, "Will people remember me after I am gone?"
Present Day, Ottawa Tim Hortons
"Bluetooth??? What's that?" You ask Charlie after he describes all the features of his new cell phone.
"Oh Karl, its the latest thing in phones," Charlie replied.
"OK Charlie, I still don't know what it does."
"Karl, I can't explain it to you. It is too complicated for you to understand."
"Sooo Charlie," you pause looking at him straight in the eyes, "you don't know either."
"Darn you Karl, you found my weakness!!!!!!!"
Bluetooth gives your cell phone the ability to transmit wirelessly to hands-free headphones or even to your hearing aid (if you have the proper accessory).
965 AD Jelling, Denmark
Haraald Bluetooth, the king of Denmark and the new King of Norway, sat next to the Jelling Runestone that honoured his mother and father. With a deep sigh he wondered, "Will people remember me after I am gone?"
Present Day, Ottawa Tim Hortons
"Bluetooth??? What's that?" You ask Charlie after he describes all the features of his new cell phone.
"Oh Karl, its the latest thing in phones," Charlie replied.
"OK Charlie, I still don't know what it does."
"Karl, I can't explain it to you. It is too complicated for you to understand."
"Sooo Charlie," you pause looking at him straight in the eyes, "you don't know either."
"Darn you Karl, you found my weakness!!!!!!!"
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/bluetooth-hearing-aids.html
If your computer is able to transmit and receive Bluetooth signals, then you can also transfer pictures, video and other data stored on your cellphone to your computer. However, Bluetooth has a short range, so your phone and your computer have to be close in distance to transfer data between them.
If your computer is able to transmit and receive Bluetooth signals, then you can also transfer pictures, video and other data stored on your cellphone to your computer. However, Bluetooth has a short range, so your phone and your computer have to be close in distance to transfer data between them.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Why can't I write with my CD-R drive?
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa Canada
Ever since Charlie lost all his data when his hard-drive failed you decided to backup your pictures. You are not worried about your E-Mail since you are using Hotmail. All your mail is stored on the Hotmail's computer. So you pop in a blank CD into the drive and drag in all the pictures to the CD icon but... there is nothing in Windows to let you write (or burn) the CD.
You look at the phone and there is Charlie's big head beckoning you to call him. With a big sigh of regret you push the speed dial button.
"Hey Charlie um..."
"Say it Karl! SAY IT!!!"
"Oh, for crying out loud Charlie...."
"SAY IT!!"
"Ok, Charlie, you are the greatest computer expert in the world, you arrogant @#@$#@@@!!"
"I will accept that but watch the language."
"Charlie, I am trying to burn some CDs but..."
"You can't!"
"Why can't I? I have a CD. I made sure it wasn't a DVD since they are different. So why can't my stupid computer not have just a little bit of intelligence and write to a CD?!!!???"
"Because you have a CD-R drive. The R stands for Read. You need a CD-RW drive that Reads and Writes."
"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THAT YESTERDAY?!?"
"You didn't ask."
Here are all the different drive types you may find in the computer store.
Ever since Charlie lost all his data when his hard-drive failed you decided to backup your pictures. You are not worried about your E-Mail since you are using Hotmail. All your mail is stored on the Hotmail's computer. So you pop in a blank CD into the drive and drag in all the pictures to the CD icon but... there is nothing in Windows to let you write (or burn) the CD.
You look at the phone and there is Charlie's big head beckoning you to call him. With a big sigh of regret you push the speed dial button.
"Hey Charlie um..."
"Say it Karl! SAY IT!!!"
"Oh, for crying out loud Charlie...."
"SAY IT!!"
"Ok, Charlie, you are the greatest computer expert in the world, you arrogant @#@$#@@@!!"
"I will accept that but watch the language."
"Charlie, I am trying to burn some CDs but..."
"You can't!"
"Why can't I? I have a CD. I made sure it wasn't a DVD since they are different. So why can't my stupid computer not have just a little bit of intelligence and write to a CD?!!!???"
"Because you have a CD-R drive. The R stands for Read. You need a CD-RW drive that Reads and Writes."
"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THAT YESTERDAY?!?"
"You didn't ask."
Here are all the different drive types you may find in the computer store.
| DriveName | ReadCDs | ReadDVDs | WriteCDs | WriteDVDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CD-R | Yes | No | No | No |
| CD-RW | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| DVD-R | Yes | Yes(DVD-R) | Yes | No |
| DVD-RW | Yes | Yes(DVD-R) | Yes | Yes(DVD-R) |
| DVD+R | Yes | Yes(DVD+R) | Yes | No |
| DVD+RW | Yes | Yes(DVD+R) | Yes | Yes(DVD+R) |
| DVD+/-RW | Yes | Yes(DVD+R,DVD-R) | Yes | Yes(DVD+R,DVD-R) |
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Why Can't I watch my DVD Movies on the CD Drive?
Computer Coaching For Seniors
You finally got your new computer. At last, you can watch all the Jet Li movies you want on your flat screen monitor.
But something is wrong .. very wrong. The DVD is in the CD drive but the movie does not play. You randomly click at any icon that points you to salvation but nothing seems to work. All you get are incomprehensible pop up messages. So you kick the computer and then curse and then kick it again, but no movie.
Exhausted and defeated you pick up the phone and speed dial Charlie.
"Hey Charlie, I need help on my computer."
"Sooo Karl, you need my expertise eh? HA HA HA HA HA HA!"
"Charlie, stop the melodrama. Why can't I watch DVD movies on my computer?"
"Karl, I thought your computer had a CD drive."
"Yeah so?"
"You can't play DVDs on a CD drive!"
"Why? DVDs and CDs look the same."
"Sorry Karl, that's the way it is. DVDs don't work on CD drives."
"BUT..."
"No buts, Karl. It is what it is."
Although CDs and DVDs look the same, they are actually different. DVDs are able to store more information in a more compact way than a CD. So in order to read a DVD, a DVD drive uses a more precise, different laser than what a CD drive uses.
DVD drive - plays DVDs and CDs.
CD drive - plays only CDs.
For more details click on the following link:
How DVDS work.
Next week we will discuss CD burning.
You finally got your new computer. At last, you can watch all the Jet Li movies you want on your flat screen monitor.
But something is wrong .. very wrong. The DVD is in the CD drive but the movie does not play. You randomly click at any icon that points you to salvation but nothing seems to work. All you get are incomprehensible pop up messages. So you kick the computer and then curse and then kick it again, but no movie.
Exhausted and defeated you pick up the phone and speed dial Charlie.
"Hey Charlie, I need help on my computer."
"Sooo Karl, you need my expertise eh? HA HA HA HA HA HA!"
"Charlie, stop the melodrama. Why can't I watch DVD movies on my computer?"
"Karl, I thought your computer had a CD drive."
"Yeah so?"
"You can't play DVDs on a CD drive!"
"Why? DVDs and CDs look the same."
"Sorry Karl, that's the way it is. DVDs don't work on CD drives."
"BUT..."
"No buts, Karl. It is what it is."
DVD drive - plays DVDs and CDs.
CD drive - plays only CDs.
For more details click on the following link:
How DVDS work.
Next week we will discuss CD burning.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
How Much Is It To Send Snail Mail?
Computer Coaching for Seniors
You would like to send something through mail (snail mail that is) but you don't remember if a 49 cents stamp will be enough to cover the cost. You could ask your friends but then you know they will lead you down the wrong path (given the evidence from the last few weeks).
Well do not despair. Hop on down to the Canada Post website. There you will find all the information you are looking for and more.
You would like to send something through mail (snail mail that is) but you don't remember if a 49 cents stamp will be enough to cover the cost. You could ask your friends but then you know they will lead you down the wrong path (given the evidence from the last few weeks).
Well do not despair. Hop on down to the Canada Post website. There you will find all the information you are looking for and more.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Searching for Symptoms on the Web
Computer Coaching for Seniors
José was frantic. Charlie was visiting his daughter in Osaka so he decided to call Karl.
"Karl what am I to do? I am INFECTED!!!!!!!"
"Hello, um ahh, José?" Karl replied.
"Yes it's me. Listen I don't know what to do? I got this strange rash and I thought it may be tied to that E-Mail I got from my co-worker about the Ontario water being undrinkable.Anyway, I searched the symptoms on the web and ... KARL I HAVE WALOWALO INFECTION!!!!"
"José, now calm down. Which website did you get the information from?"
"Karl, it was www.walowalo.com."
"José, although your symptoms match, it doesn't mean you are infected. You have no idea how trustworthy this website is. I am pretty sure it was not written by a medical expert.
Book an appointment with your doctor and wait and see what he says."
Searching for symptoms on the web is pretty common. The internet is a huge resource of information. However, not all of the information is accurate. Just because it is on the web does not make it true.
Also, symptoms can apply to many ailments or diseases. Usually when you search online you get matches to the worst case scenarios which can cause anxiety. Just remember that any match you get from your search is only ONE possibility out of many. The best place to get a diagnosis is from your doctor.
Here are some websites that are well known and more reliable for searching symptoms, medications and other health related concerns. You can use these as a starting point before talking to your doctor.
Dr. Koop
WebMD
Mayo Clinic
José was frantic. Charlie was visiting his daughter in Osaka so he decided to call Karl.
"Karl what am I to do? I am INFECTED!!!!!!!"
"Hello, um ahh, José?" Karl replied.
"Yes it's me. Listen I don't know what to do? I got this strange rash and I thought it may be tied to that E-Mail I got from my co-worker about the Ontario water being undrinkable.Anyway, I searched the symptoms on the web and ... KARL I HAVE WALOWALO INFECTION!!!!"
"José, now calm down. Which website did you get the information from?"
"Karl, it was www.walowalo.com."
"José, although your symptoms match, it doesn't mean you are infected. You have no idea how trustworthy this website is. I am pretty sure it was not written by a medical expert.
Book an appointment with your doctor and wait and see what he says."
Searching for symptoms on the web is pretty common. The internet is a huge resource of information. However, not all of the information is accurate. Just because it is on the web does not make it true.
Also, symptoms can apply to many ailments or diseases. Usually when you search online you get matches to the worst case scenarios which can cause anxiety. Just remember that any match you get from your search is only ONE possibility out of many. The best place to get a diagnosis is from your doctor.
Here are some websites that are well known and more reliable for searching symptoms, medications and other health related concerns. You can use these as a starting point before talking to your doctor.
Dr. Koop
WebMD
Mayo Clinic
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Not all E-Mail Messages are True
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa Canada
Charlie sent you this message:
Karl read this!!!!! This was forwarded to me by José.
Forwarded Message
According to CBC reports, Ontario water has been contaminated. Only drink from bottled water.
There are unfortunately a lot of false messages that circulate via E-Mail. A lot of them are what is known as an "Urban Legend". This is why if you get a message like the one above, verify for yourself if this is true.
In the case above, you could simply go to the CBC website and see if they mention anything about the contaminated water.
Another website is snopes. It stores all the false messages that have circulated in the past and you can search if your message is one of them.
Charlie sent you this message:
Karl read this!!!!! This was forwarded to me by José.
Forwarded Message
According to CBC reports, Ontario water has been contaminated. Only drink from bottled water.
There are unfortunately a lot of false messages that circulate via E-Mail. A lot of them are what is known as an "Urban Legend". This is why if you get a message like the one above, verify for yourself if this is true.
In the case above, you could simply go to the CBC website and see if they mention anything about the contaminated water.
Another website is snopes. It stores all the false messages that have circulated in the past and you can search if your message is one of them.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Security: Skyping more privately
Computer Coaching for Seniors, Ottawa Canada.
The stormy night would not let Charlie sleep. He decided to turn on computer #1 (in total he had 5) and check out how the Canadian dollar compared with the other currencies. As his mouse pointer hovered over his Canadian Exchange Rate bookmark, thunder roared outside his window and a chat window from Skype popped up.
(Chat window means you are communicating through typing and not through voice or talking like on a phone)
"Hi, this is Cindy, Charlie Keiko."
"Cindy, who is this Cindy?" Charlie thought.
He decided to ignore the intrusion, but again the Skype chat window popped up.
"Hey Charlie... why won't you talk to me? I am your long lost cousin Cindy Keiko. We should have a family reunion. I just moved to Ottawa. If you give me your address and phone number, I'll give you a call."
"I do have some relatives on the west coast that I haven't talked to in years. Could this Cindy be related to them?" thought Charlie.
.............
A lot of the information that "Cindy" got about Charlie was from his Skype profile. Charlie signed up for his Skype account using his first name, last name and city. Therefore, there is a big chance that Cindy may not be his long lost cousin.
Although Skype is a wonderful way to communicate, you still need to be cautious as to how much information you share. Here are some ways to Skype more securely:
- Try creating a Skype userid that gives no information about you personally. For example, Charlie should create an account like 123Chucky rather than 123CharlieKeiko.
You can let your friends and family know about your Skype userid through e-mail or by phone.
- When you sign up with a Skype account, give as little information as possible. Try not to supply your first name or last name or even the city and country.
If you have entered in that information, you can remove it by going to "file/edit my profile" and change it there.
- You can set the privacy option on Skype to get only calls or chat from people on your contact list.
Go to "Tools/Options" and select "Privacy" on the side panel. Check mark "Allow calls from my contact" and check mark "Allow chats from my contacts".
You can also block people from calling by adding them to your blocked list ("Contacts/Advanced/Managed Blocked User".
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Talk and SEE your Grandkids with Skype
Computer Coaching for Seniors, Ottawa Canada.
Charlie's eyes were bright and shiny when he finally showed Karl the last photograph.
"And that's little Melinda, who is now almost one month old," Charlie concluded with pride.
"They're adorable grandkids, Charlie! You must have had a great time visiting them in Japan."
"I sure did," he agreed. And then he added, after a pause, "If only there was a way I can continue to see and talk to them."
Karl smiled, knowingly.
"But there is, Charlie. It's called Skype, and it's completely free!"
* * *
Skype is a free computer program that turns your computer into a video telephone. It uses your internet connection to communicate with any one else who is also running Skype. As long as you have a microphone (for talking) and/or a web camera (for video capture), then you are all set!
In our next thrilling episode, we'll discuss how to safely and anonymously use Skype.
Charlie's eyes were bright and shiny when he finally showed Karl the last photograph.
"And that's little Melinda, who is now almost one month old," Charlie concluded with pride.
"They're adorable grandkids, Charlie! You must have had a great time visiting them in Japan."
"I sure did," he agreed. And then he added, after a pause, "If only there was a way I can continue to see and talk to them."
Karl smiled, knowingly.
"But there is, Charlie. It's called Skype, and it's completely free!"
* * *
Skype is a free computer program that turns your computer into a video telephone. It uses your internet connection to communicate with any one else who is also running Skype. As long as you have a microphone (for talking) and/or a web camera (for video capture), then you are all set!
In our next thrilling episode, we'll discuss how to safely and anonymously use Skype.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Where is that file on my computer? Windows XP
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa Canada
You took several pictures of the Rideau Canal but you don't remember where you saved it on the computer. You only remember it was named img something.
An easy way to find your files on Windows XP is to use the "Search tool". You can find it by clicking the "Start" button and then by clicking on "Search".
Once the "Search" window appears, you can choose which type of file you want to find (i.e. picture, word document) and then type in the name of the file.
For our example, you would search for Pictures and in the "file name edit box" you would enter img.
There is also an "advanced option" that will let you narrow the search to a specific folder. You can also specify whether you want the search to be case sensitive, if you want to search for files of a given size and if you want search for files that were modifed before, after or at a specific date.
You took several pictures of the Rideau Canal but you don't remember where you saved it on the computer. You only remember it was named img something.
An easy way to find your files on Windows XP is to use the "Search tool". You can find it by clicking the "Start" button and then by clicking on "Search".
Once the "Search" window appears, you can choose which type of file you want to find (i.e. picture, word document) and then type in the name of the file.
For our example, you would search for Pictures and in the "file name edit box" you would enter img.
There is also an "advanced option" that will let you narrow the search to a specific folder. You can also specify whether you want the search to be case sensitive, if you want to search for files of a given size and if you want search for files that were modifed before, after or at a specific date.
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