The Savvy Boomer

Basic Windows and Internet jargon

One of the things I think frustrates a lot of boomers and seniors new to the world of computer and internet technology is all the jargon that is used.  I try not to use buzz words too often but when I read over some of my posts, I realize I frequently use terms that some readers may not understand.

I just found these fairly straightforward explanations of a lot of terms you may hear when people are discussing technology.  You may want to bookmark them so that the next time you read some "geekese" like "Be sure to clear your cache when using wifi to access your ISP's imap email client", you can figure out what they mean, or not.

The internet jargon is explained on Tucows here and the Windows jargon here.

Lumosity-a good workout for the brain

We all know that as we age, it is critical to exercise and no part of the body can be more important than the brain.  A few weeks ago I joined a site called Lumosity and started doing their exercises.  I felt intimidated in a couple of the tests initially, but it was incredible how I progressed over time in every single area.  It's worth a visit. 

Website for basic net information

If you are really new to computers and the internet, give this BBC site a try.

Introducing the class of 2011

Each year, Beloit College in Wisconsin publishes what they have termed a "€œmind set€" list that describes the incoming cohort of the nation'€™s first-year college students.

 

• They are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up.

  

• Their lifetime has always included AIDS.

• Bottle caps have always been screw off and plastic.

• The CD was introduced the year they were born.

• They have always had an answering machine

• They have always had cable.

• They cannot fathom not having a remote control.

• Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show

• Popcorn has always been cooked in the microwave.

• They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.

• They can't imagine what hard contact lenses are.

• They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.

• McDonald's never came in styrofoam containers.

• They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.

Kudos to Microsoft Canada

Along with some 20-something volunteers, MS Canada is helping seniors in the Toronto area discover technology and the internet.

Shift happens

Some mind boggling facts like the one below  here. 

                               

Computer Books for seniors

I came across this list on Amazon that may be helpful to anyone who is looking to gain more insights to technology.  The book on Win XP is where I would recommend you start as it has good reviews and learning how to control a PCs operating system without help can be  a daunting task.

List of senior and boomer oriented technology help sites

Thanks to helpguide.org

General Information on Computer Use

 

How to use a computer and protect your body from pain  – Buying guide for the right computer for you. Tips on how to use it without hurting your body.

 

Keys to safe computer use from Stanford University  – Includes information on equipment setup and healthy work habits and practices.

 

SeniorNet Discussions: Computer and Internet Q&A & Tips – Anyone can browse the SeniorNet Roundtable discussions on computers or any other topic. If you want to contribute, you can register online to become a member at no cost. Scroll down to topics that interest you.

 

Older Americans and the Internet – 2004 report which offers statistics and information about the number of seniors on the Internet and what type of activities they do online. Also see Wired Seniors, for Pews 2001 report on the subject. (Pew Internet & American Life Project)

 

Online Tutorials

 

Getting Cyber Savvy: A New User's Guide to Going Online –  Takes some of the mystery out of using the Internet

 

AARP: Learn the Internet: Basic and Intermediate Browsing  - Online Internet tutorial

 

SeniorNet: Eleven Tutorials for Beginning and Intermediate Computer Users - Includes tutorials for getting started, and getting out of trouble.

 

Five Minute Tech Tutorials for the PC –  Learn Internet and PC basics.

 

Mac Solutions - Offers tips for using the Mac operating system

 

Mouserobics: great practice for beginning mouse users  –  Self-directed mouse tutorial.

 

Multnomah County Library Tutorials - Offers computer basics, Internet basics and Mouse practice

 

Email tips - Offers advice about e-mail etiquette, links to free e-mail, and tips on using an e-mail address book.

 

Accessibility Options/Assistive Technology

 

AARP Accessibility Options – PC and Mac built-in accessibility functions. Links to Microsoft and Mac sites that will help you customize your computer to meet your individual needs.

 

Alliance for Technology Access: Computer and Web Resources for people with Disabilities – A comprehensive directory of resources for adults and children with disabilities.

 

Opera – Opera addresses symptoms of vision impairments (including low vision and blindness) by providing features specifically designed to aid visually impaired users.  This software is free if you accept ads; or ad-free if you purchase the software.

 

IBM Web Adaptation Technology – Offers tips for transforming web pages to meet your individual needs. For example, it enhances the readability of pages, reduces visual clutter of some pages, makes the mouse and keyboard easier to use, and reads text aloud.

 

Microsoft Assistive Technology –  Information for technology to address hearing,  learning, vision, mobility and language impairments.

 

Microsoft: Aging and Assistive Technology – Provides information about making adjustments to computers to accommodate age-related changes in vision, hearing, and dexterity.

 

Windows 98 Accessibility Features – A special Accessibility menu that includes two new accessibility utilities Accessibility Wizard and Magnifier to help make Microsoft Windows 98 more accessible for people with disabilities.

 

Lighthouse for the Blind Large Print Keyboard Labels – Labels available for purchase for users with vision impairment.

 

Person-to-Person Computer Tutoring

 

SeniorNet Learning Centers – Provides information about SeniorNet tutoring and computer learning classes in many cities.

 

Teens Teach Technology to Seniors  – Outlines a model for a teen/senior computer tutoring program.

 

Find volunteer tutoring opportunities  – Nationwide volunteer opportunity database

 

Webwise Seniors Mobility – Provides information about an alternate tutoring model for seniors who are unable to travel to established classes.

 

Ergonomic Guidelines for Arranging a Computer Workstation – Provides information about how to set up your computer workstation to maximize comfort and minimize strain. (Cornell University Ergonomics Web)