Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa Canada
For anyone who has heard the negative voice, "I am too old to learn computers", I want you to shake your fist and shout out, NOOOOOO!!!!! If you have a desire to learn, then you are never too old. People in their nineties with no prior computer experience are e-mailing loved ones, using their computer to see pictures of their grandkids and children and surfing the web. If you find your children too impatient to show you, do not despair. You can find many other people willing to teach you; in the library, in the retirement homes, in community courses and even at 2Jour ;). Stop listening to the negative voice and empower yourself with the computer.
Dedicated to Marjorie
Friday, January 11, 2008
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Power of Google: Exchange Rates and much more!!!
With certain keywords you can use GOOGLE to get the answer you want instantly.
- 1 cad in usd finds out the exchange rate of Canadian dollar in US dollar
- 1 inch in cm converts from inches to centimetre
- film ottawa shows what movies are playing in Ottawa
- Ottawa weather shows the current temperature in Ottawa. Unfortunately, the temperature is in farenheit. However, you can convert it to celsius using google.
26 farenheit in celsius
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Free Computer: Freecycle, Ottawa Giveaway Day
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa Canada
If you are looking for a computer, how about a used one? You don't need a powerful computer if all you are doing is going on the internet and reading your e-mail.
In fact, there is a chance you can get the computer for FREE. A lot of people are buying the latest computers and do not know what to do with their old ones.
Try asking family and friends, if they know someone who wants to give away their computer. You could also look in Ottawa Freecycle. This is a place where people post, kind of like a classified section in a newspaper, objects that they want to give away, like computers :). And if all else fails, then take advantage of Ottawa Giveaway Day Saturday June 23 2007. On this day people in Ottawa will leave on their curb objects they don't need anymore and anyone who wants it can pick it up. If you miss it this year, keep an eye out for it next year because this is a yearly event.
If you are looking for a computer, how about a used one? You don't need a powerful computer if all you are doing is going on the internet and reading your e-mail.
In fact, there is a chance you can get the computer for FREE. A lot of people are buying the latest computers and do not know what to do with their old ones.
Try asking family and friends, if they know someone who wants to give away their computer. You could also look in Ottawa Freecycle. This is a place where people post, kind of like a classified section in a newspaper, objects that they want to give away, like computers :). And if all else fails, then take advantage of Ottawa Giveaway Day Saturday June 23 2007. On this day people in Ottawa will leave on their curb objects they don't need anymore and anyone who wants it can pick it up. If you miss it this year, keep an eye out for it next year because this is a yearly event.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Happy Father's Day and Ecards
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa, Canada
A great way to wish someone a happy Father's day (this Sunday :) ) is to send an E-card FOR FREE. They are more exciting than normal greeting cards because you can choose from a variety of animation in your card.
There are many websites that allow you to send E-cards. You can just google "free e-cards" to find a list of them. You can also go to Hallmark.
A great way to wish someone a happy Father's day (this Sunday :) ) is to send an E-card FOR FREE. They are more exciting than normal greeting cards because you can choose from a variety of animation in your card.
There are many websites that allow you to send E-cards. You can just google "free e-cards" to find a list of them. You can also go to Hallmark.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
User Accounts can save a Marriage
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa Ontario
The Schmidts argued on everything big or small anywhere, anytime. Charlie never enjoyed visiting them together, but because they were family it was sometimes hard to avoid.
On this particular Sunday, Charlie was drawn to their home not because of the Schmidts company but because of their new computer, a powerful piece of hardware.
"Come in", Maria Schmidt told Charlie flustered as she opened the door to him.
"Darn it Maria, I can't find Internet Explorer. You always move things to where they are not supposed to go", cried John Schmidt to his wife.
"I did not move anything!!! This is just like with your tools. You blame me for moving them and they end up being in your tool chest" Maria yelled back.
"How am I supposed to go on the Internet?!? You must have done something when you were playing Solitare."
"SO NOW I CAN'T PLAY SOLITARE!!! OH AND WHAT..CAN I SIT ON THIS CHAIR OR WILL THIS TOO PREVENT YOU FROM GOING TO YOUR @!!@!%^$%$! INTERNET", screamed Maria.
Normally, Charlie would quietly excuse himself and leave, but he could not take it anymore. For them to argue on the day of their new computer, that anyone would be envious of (including Charlie), was disgraceful.
And so, Charlie shouted at the top of his lungs, "GET A HOLD OF YOURSELVES PEOPLE!!! Use User Accounts!!!!"
For a few minutes a rare moment occurred, the Schmidts were speachless.
When they thought it was safe to speak again, they looked at Charlie timidly and asked in unison, "User Accounts?"
........................
If more than one person in your household is using a computer then it is a good idea to set up user accounts. This way each user can use the computer without interfering with any of the other computer users in your household.
Windows, MAC OSX and LINUX all have the ability to set up these accounts.
On Windows, click on the CONTROL PANEL and click on USER ACCOUNTS.
The Schmidts argued on everything big or small anywhere, anytime. Charlie never enjoyed visiting them together, but because they were family it was sometimes hard to avoid.
On this particular Sunday, Charlie was drawn to their home not because of the Schmidts company but because of their new computer, a powerful piece of hardware.
"Come in", Maria Schmidt told Charlie flustered as she opened the door to him.
"Darn it Maria, I can't find Internet Explorer. You always move things to where they are not supposed to go", cried John Schmidt to his wife.
"I did not move anything!!! This is just like with your tools. You blame me for moving them and they end up being in your tool chest" Maria yelled back.
"How am I supposed to go on the Internet?!? You must have done something when you were playing Solitare."
"SO NOW I CAN'T PLAY SOLITARE!!! OH AND WHAT..CAN I SIT ON THIS CHAIR OR WILL THIS TOO PREVENT YOU FROM GOING TO YOUR @!!@!%^$%$! INTERNET", screamed Maria.
Normally, Charlie would quietly excuse himself and leave, but he could not take it anymore. For them to argue on the day of their new computer, that anyone would be envious of (including Charlie), was disgraceful.
And so, Charlie shouted at the top of his lungs, "GET A HOLD OF YOURSELVES PEOPLE!!! Use User Accounts!!!!"
For a few minutes a rare moment occurred, the Schmidts were speachless.
When they thought it was safe to speak again, they looked at Charlie timidly and asked in unison, "User Accounts?"
........................
If more than one person in your household is using a computer then it is a good idea to set up user accounts. This way each user can use the computer without interfering with any of the other computer users in your household.
Windows, MAC OSX and LINUX all have the ability to set up these accounts.
On Windows, click on the CONTROL PANEL and click on USER ACCOUNTS.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Writing a Letter or a Document? What Program to Use?
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa Ontario
You want to write a letter or a document but what program do you use?
For most people, Wordpad is sufficient for their writing needs. It has several formatting options that can make your document more effective.
However, if you are are trying to create a document that is more complicated and requires a layout like a resumé or a newsletter then you will need a more powerful program.
If you have Word installed on your computer, then that would be the program to use. It has built-in templates to help you quickly and easily build letters, invitations, newsletters and any other document types.
For those who don't have Word, here are some free alternatives:
OpenOffice
Google Docs
You want to write a letter or a document but what program do you use?
For most people, Wordpad is sufficient for their writing needs. It has several formatting options that can make your document more effective.
However, if you are are trying to create a document that is more complicated and requires a layout like a resumé or a newsletter then you will need a more powerful program.
If you have Word installed on your computer, then that would be the program to use. It has built-in templates to help you quickly and easily build letters, invitations, newsletters and any other document types.
For those who don't have Word, here are some free alternatives:
OpenOffice
Google Docs
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Can't Read Word Documents? Use Word Viewer
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa Canada
"Karl!" Charlie waved enthusiastically as he saw his friend enter Tim Horton's.
As Karl came over, Charlie asked, "Are you in or out?"
"Charlie, what are you talking about?", Karl replied perplexed.
"Didn't you get the document I emailed you about Céline Dion?"
"Well I did, but there were no programs that could view it."
Charlie could not believe his ears. "Karl, you mean to tell me that Word is not on your computer?!? What do you use to write letters or documents?"
"Um (gulp)...wordpad?"
"Oh my gosh man, this is TERRIBLE!!!" Charlie knew that Karl was doomed.
..........
Luckily, not having Word, Powerpoint or Excel on your computer is not the end of the world :).
If you want to read/print Word documents, then you can download for free Word Viewer from the Microsoft site. Microsoft also offers Powerpoint Viewer and Excel Viewer.
Next week we will talk about free alternative programs to Microsoft Word.
"Karl!" Charlie waved enthusiastically as he saw his friend enter Tim Horton's.
As Karl came over, Charlie asked, "Are you in or out?"
"Charlie, what are you talking about?", Karl replied perplexed.
"Didn't you get the document I emailed you about Céline Dion?"
"Well I did, but there were no programs that could view it."
Charlie could not believe his ears. "Karl, you mean to tell me that Word is not on your computer?!? What do you use to write letters or documents?"
"Um (gulp)...wordpad?"
"Oh my gosh man, this is TERRIBLE!!!" Charlie knew that Karl was doomed.
..........
Luckily, not having Word, Powerpoint or Excel on your computer is not the end of the world :).
If you want to read/print Word documents, then you can download for free Word Viewer from the Microsoft site. Microsoft also offers Powerpoint Viewer and Excel Viewer.
Next week we will talk about free alternative programs to Microsoft Word.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Plane Delayed or Cancelled?
Computer Coaching for Seniors Ottawa Canada
You can't wait to go to the Bahamas, but the weather outside looks quite menacing. After all those months planning, is it possible that your flight is canceled?
The easiest way to find out is to go to your local airport's website and check the status of your plane.
For Ottawa it is
http://www.ottawa-airport.ca/
For Toronto it is
http://www.gtaa.com
You can't wait to go to the Bahamas, but the weather outside looks quite menacing. After all those months planning, is it possible that your flight is canceled?
The easiest way to find out is to go to your local airport's website and check the status of your plane.
For Ottawa it is
http://www.ottawa-airport.ca/
For Toronto it is
http://www.gtaa.com
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Watching Canadian TV on the Web Legally.
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
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
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.
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