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more information, or to register for an upcoming class, contact the library at 734-289-1035. Tech help forums and classes such as “Keeping your Computer Safe,” and “Upgrading Your Computer,” are offered free of charge at libraries throughout Monroe County. Open to residents and non-residents alike. Visit online at www.monroe.lib.mi.us or contact the Mary K. Daume Library Service Center at 734-241-5770 for more information.
St. Clair County
There are a variety of classes to choose from conducted at the St. Clair County libraries. Classes include “Basic Computer Skills,” “Mobile Devices,” “Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks,” “Social Networking, Skype and Chat,” “Understanding the Cloud,” “Digital Photography,” and much more. Also, on March 24 there will be a presentation entitled “Phone & Emails Scams” at the Memphis Library. Classes are free for residents and non-residents. For more information, call 877-987-7323 or visit online at www.stclaircountylibrary.org.
What’s an app?
Applications (or apps) are software “tools” that make it easy for you to do something on a computer device, like log on to Facebook or look something
up on Google. They function similarly whether on a computer desktop, laptop or mobile phone. Apps are popular because they can quickly help you find your way to a destination, select a good restaurant for dinner, see what’s playing at the movies, get weather alerts, play games, and more. There are lots of choices. Some apps are free, others are not. Many are available to download on a smartphone or you can visit an app store site online.
Apps you might find interesting
Skype: Via a phone call, Skype
allows you to see the person
you’re talking with as you carry
on a conversation. (They will
need to be using Skype too.) It’s a great way to stay in touch and spend time with people if you’re unable to be with them. For example, say your grandson is attending college in another state, you two can “visit virtually” using this app. Visit www.skype.com to download it onto your device free of charge.
Waze: This map and
navigation app provides
up-to-the-moment traffic
information. Symbols on a
map show if something has suddenly obstructed a road, if police are in the area, or traffic has slowed. Plus, there’s a new feature that will remind you where you parked by displaying the parking spot on a map in relation to where you are standing, as long as you used Waze before parking the car. This app is a great traffic time saver! Visit www.waze.com to download to your device for free.
BloodpressureDB: Record your
blood pressure in a simple and
secure way. This app will chart the
data and results, and you can print
it for your doctor. Monitor blood
pressure values, as well as blood
sugar and weight. There are also calculators to work out body mass index and salt content in meals. Visit www.bloodpressuredb.com to download this free app.
Feel ready to start exploring yet? Check out the other tips listed in the yellow box on the right. Most of all, don’t be afraid of technology, think of it as “another tool you can use.”
Seven tech terms you’ll want to know
You can find the most up-to-date tech dictionaries online. A good source is www.techterms.com. Just type in a word to retrieve its meaning. The site also offers a daily vocabulary quiz to put your tech know-how to the test. Want to test your knowledge now? Take a look at some current terms and their meanings:
The Cloud: The only thing this
has in common with the fluffy
white ones in the sky is that it’s
“out there.” “The Cloud” is a
metaphor for the access and
storage of data on the Internet. Instead of storing information on your computer’s hard drive, which can only hold so much data, you can store much more information in The Cloud and access it any- where. Bonus: If you ever experience a fire or theft at home, the photos and files you stored in The Cloud will be safe.
TIP: If you’re a music lover you may want to join Amazon Prime. For $8.25/month, you can access a vast array of music. Then, you can save your favorite to The Cloud and organize them by theme, like “Relaxing Music” or “The Classics.” Because it’s in The Cloud, you can enjoy your music anywhere or anytime as long as you have Internet access. Plus, if you have a favorite song that’s not part of Prime, there’s an option to purchase it for a one-time fee (under $2) and that song becomes part of your permanent collection.
Twitter: If you’re already texting, this
is the next step. Twitter is a social
media website, like Facebook, that
enables you to “tweet” with others.
Messages are very short (140 characters or less) but can occur in rapid succession just like a con- versation. Tweets can contain text, photos, videos or links that connect you to other websites, too. “A Twitter handle” is the name you choose to go by while tweeting. Just put the @ sign before your online name. Use a hashtag (#) to categorize and tag your message. This creates a hyperlink and when someone clicks on it you’ll be connected and communicating. You can retweet (or share) messages, too.
Google: Want to know
more about something?
Got a question? Google
is a popular search engine
that enables you to locate information instantly. It’s as simple as a visit to www.google.com. Type in your question and hit enter for answers.
TIP: Check out the user-friendly “Good 50” search engine designed specifically for older adults. The type size can be adjusted for easy reading and high contrast is available for users with low vision. Access it for free at www.good50.com.
Blog: Do you have a favorite columnist
in the newspaper? A blog is like
a column online. There are lots of
topics and writers. Companies have
blogs, and so do individuals. You could even create your own blog on your favorite subject!
TIP: Check out 90-year-old blogger Ron Lehker’s site at http://ronlehkersrants.blogspot.com/ where he answers questions and talks about what life was like “back in the day,” as well as while serving in WWII. Fascinating read!
Instagram: Want to share photos or
videos with family, friends, everyone?
You can do this with this online mobile
network. If you’re already using your
mobile phone to take photos, this
popular site is another place to share with others.
Pinterest: Do you have a hobby or special interest? Here’s the place to collect, organize and share images that inspire you.
Flash drive: This handy, little tool can be carried in your pocket and easily plugged into your computer’s USB port so you can save data
on it. It’s a good way
to back-up information or share data with someone else. Flash drives are available in various storage sizes and are relatively inexpensive.
What to visit on the World Wide Web (www)
It’s time to explore the Internet and start traveling the world wide web. Just type one of these web addresses into your browser and click “enter.” Adventure awaits!
www.GCFLearnFree.org ........................Access free online computer classes like “Email and Windows Basics” and “Online Banking 101.”
www.aaa1b.com.....................................Check out programs, services, caregiver resources, news, events, and advocacy for older adults and people with
disabilities. You can even read ACCESS online!
www.aarp.com........................................Content geared to adults age 50 plus, including national programs and services.
www.ancestry.com.................................A great place to discover your family tree and learn about your ancestors. (A limited-time free trial will get you started
and you can continue searching once you subscribe.) www.mayoclinic.com.............................Get information on health issues.
www.nihseniorhealth.gov.......................Discover the latest research from the National Institutes of Health, a top global medical research center.
www.seniorsguidetocomputers.com.....Tech information tailored to older adults
www.seniortravel.com............................Travel deals and tips for older adults.
www.YouTube.com.................................Entertainment for hours on end in the form of shared video clips on every subject under the sun.