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For Late Bloomers, Older Newbies and Technophobes
Stay in closer touch with your family. Keep track of investments. Look up old friends, do your holiday shopping in the middle of a snowstorm, book a weekend in Bermuda. Now it's your turn.
Reassuringly written for the reader who did not grow up with personal computers of use one in the office, It's Never Too Late to Love a Computer is everything you need to get wired. It introduces you to hardware and software, helps you choose the right computer and set it up in a safe and productive work area in your home. You'll get comfortable with the keyboard and mouse, select an online service and, before you know it, you'll be surfing the web. After that, just follow your imagination.
Synopsis
The fearless guide for seniors, It's Never Too Late to Love a Computer is a reassuring, friendly, straightforward guide that will turn computerphobes into computerphiles. Written specifically for people who did not grow up with personal computers or even use them in the office, it presents everything that older newbies need to know: selecting, buying, and setting up hardware and software; using and adjusting the monitor; getting comfortable with the mouse and keyboard; adding and operating peripherals, such as a printer or scanner. Special sections specifically address the different needs of Mac and Windows users. And then the fun begins, as the book not only shows how to use a computer, but also covers all the reasons why to. Staying in touch with families via e-mail. Looking after stocks. Booking travel plans. Shopping on-line. Researching health issues. Joining newsgroups. Meeting like-minded friends in chat rooms. Not to mention using the computer for other tasks and entertainment, like word processing (finally getting back to that novel) or playing games.
About the Author
Abby Stokes has taken on the role of the Johnny Appleseed of technology, crisscrossing the country to help “digital immigrants” conquer their fear. She has visited more than 20 states, 120 public libraries, and 100 senior centers/computer clubs, and has hosted webinars across the country. She has taught courses at both Cooper Union and NYU’s School of Lifelong Learning, and has also taught private and corporate clients. Ms. Stokes divides her time between New York City and Niantic, Connecticut.
Table of Contents
There Is Nothing to Fear but Technology Itself
1 Bring the World to Your Fingertips
Research, find and buy anything you can imagine, and communicate with loved ones...without leaving home
2 Hardware: The Thigh Bone's Connected to the... A simple introduction to the parts of a computer and how they relate to one another
3 Software: Feeding the computer Brain An explanation of software and how it is used
Where Will It Sleep and How Often Do I Need to Water It?
4 There is No Place Like Home vs. Taking Your Show on the Road
Desktop vs. laptop
5 Selecting Your Workspace
Tips on finding a comfortable and safe work area
6 Apples and Oranges
Macintosh vs. PC
7 Would You Buy A Car Without Test-Driving It?
What to look for when you get behind a keyboard
8 Choosing the Best Route
What software and Internet services fit you best
Let the Shopping Begin
9 Shop Till You Drop
Old vs. new, extended warranties, store vs. mail order and what questions to ask
10 Counting Fingers and Toes
Taking your new computer out of the box and connecting all the parts
11 Shaking Hands
Meet your computer and mouse
12 Getting to Know You
Experimenting with what you can do on the computer
The Newlywed Game
13 Spanning the Globe Surfing the net - Traveling around
14 Shall We Dance? Let's send an e-mail
15 Mind Your Ps and Qs
An introduction to word processing
16 Troubleshooting - I Think It Has a Fever
What to do if something doesn't seem right
Appendices
Some Recommended Web Sites
Glossary
Resource List
Test-Drive Form
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