What web browser should I use? Aren't they all the same? Answer.
My son gave me a computer but I don't know how to use it. Can you help me? Answer.
What kind of computer should I buy? Answer.
My husband is visually impaired and wants to use a computer. It there any software out there less expensive than JAWS for Windows? Answer.
I want to write and print letters so I can fax them to my friends. Do I have to buy Microsoft Office just to do this? I tried NotePad and WordPad but they don't have the features I want to use. Answer.
My car tape player quit playing and I miss listening to books on tape in the car. Do I have to buy a car tape player? Answer.
Do they make a TiVo for radio? Answer.
Help! I can't get the lid off my pickle jar! Is there anyway technology can help me? Answer
Q: What web browser should I use? Aren't they all the same?
A: All browsers are not the same. You should use a browser that is easy to use and protects you from sites that can install malware or viruses on your computer. See the discussion on browsers and security for more information.
Q: My son gave me a computer but I don't know how to use it. Can you help me?
A: A senior should know how to use a computer. The web pages in Senior eSolutions can instruct you on how to use a computer. With a small amount of basic instruction you will be able use the computer to communicate with your friends and family. Click on the "help" and "access" topics in navigational bar above. Also, a senior should know how to use a browser like Firefox or Google's Chrome to browse the World Wide Web and to be able to send email. Today's health providers are asking their clients to use a computer to communicate with their doctor and staff. It is also important to know the security risks involved when "surfing the web" and how to keep your computer safe from viruses and malware.
Q: What kind of computer should I buy?
A: There are many types of computers are the market. You should decide how you plan to use the computer. If you what to use it at a desk or table then a laptop or desktop computer would be best. If you plan to carry the computer with you then a laptop or a smart cell phone would be the best. The choice of the operating system that the computer runs on is important for ease of use. For a more detailed answer see "How to Buy a Computer".
Q: My husband is visually impaired and wants to use a computer. It there any software out there less expensive than JAWS for Windows?
A: Yes. See Help for a discussion on how to buy a computer. Remember you want to fit the software to the computer and not the other way around. There are many types of screen readers available for the visually impaired. For a list of screen readers go to Enablemart.com. A comparison chart of the features between JAWS for Windows and Window-Eyes is available at this site. Also, you may already have one on your computer if you are using Apple MacIntosh with the "tiger" or "leopard" operating system.
Q: I want to write and print letters so I can fax them to my friends. Do I have to buy Microsoft Office just to do this? I tried NotePad and WordPad but they don't have the features I want to use.
A: You do not need to buy expensive software for most of the applications you will be using on your computer. There are many free or low cost software applications available that can do as well as the more expensive ones. I would suggest you use OpenOffice by the Sun Corporation. (Now a part of the Oracle corporation.) It is free and will do the word processing as well as MS Office. Go to CNET's Download.com for more information.
Q: My car tape player quit playing and I miss listening to books on tape in the car. Do I have to buy a car tape player?
A: If you still want to listen to tapes in your car you may still be able to use that old tape player. Radio Shack and other retail outlets have an adaptor that looks like a cassette tape but has no tape in it. You can plug this into a portable tape player, CD player, or an MP3 player. If you can still insert and eject the tape out of the player you might be able to use this device. The electrical parts of the player are probably okay but the mechanical parts can't drive the tape across the head. Place the adapter in the tape slot and plug the cord into your player. Don't buy anymore books on tape - change to CDs or better yet get a MP3 player and download your books from the Internet.
Q: Do they make a TiVo for radio?
A: Yes. See the website Radio YourWay. The PYW LX-640MB can record up 42.5 hours of air time and sells for $239.98. Q: Can I put my record collection on my computer? A: Yes. See Help for a discussion on how to do this.
Q: Help! I can't get the lid off my pickle jar! Is there anyway technology can help me?
A: Yes, technology can help you. Black & Decker makes a device that's called "Lids Off." Not very "high tech" but it works. See the Gadgets page for more information. If you don't want to spend the money there is a cheaper way. The reason you can't get the lid off your pickle jar is because the lid holds in a vacuum. To release the vacuum use a small spoon to break the seal. Place the spoon between the lid and glass jar and pry the edge of the lid away from the jar. You will hear a hiss and the top of the lid will pop up. Now you can turn the lid easily.