| Are you behind the curve? Are you afraid to try | | | | computer or things don't make sense, don't be |
| out the latest computer technology? I was in | | | | afraid to ask for help. Maybe the neighbor boy |
| your shoes. Everywhere I went I saw a | | | | can figure it out. Young people have a good grasp |
| computer but I was afraid to touch it. I felt I was | | | | of these things. If this is not possible, find a good |
| too old. At the rec. center there was a computer | | | | maintenance man. A computer is complicated, |
| and even at the library. Even at Denny's there is | | | | even more than a car. It is sometimes good to |
| a computer behind the counter. Now, even | | | | have a trained computer expert look under the |
| waitresses and telemarketers are required have | | | | hood. |
| knowledge of computers when they are at work. | | | | 3) Go to computer classes at the senior center. |
| No longer is waitressing just about taking orders | | | | This will allow you to connect with others who are |
| but one must be skilled at operating computers in | | | | interested in the latest technology. Make sure to |
| order to do one's job. | | | | exchange phone numbers. If one of you |
| Because computers are so much a part of out | | | | experiences a problem you can put your heads |
| society, even you and I must know how to | | | | together and maybe come up with a solution and |
| operate one as well. Don't wait too long because | | | | get together to discuss it over a cup of coffee. |
| you feel you are too old. Get involved as soon as | | | | 4) Keep a list of confusing terms by your desk, |
| possible. I want to share my own personal | | | | which you can refer to until they stick in your |
| knowledge gained by my experiences to help you | | | | memory. Terms like: world wide web, chat, and |
| get started. Here are some tips for buying and | | | | search engine can be intimidating at first, but just |
| making the most of your computer equipment: | | | | keep practicing. Also, throw out phrases like "surf |
| 1) Check your local thrift store. Oftentimes you | | | | the web" or "blogged" to share your experiences. |
| can get a great deal on a perfect computer that | | | | 5) Lastly, have fun. Don't be afraid to experiment. |
| includes a screen, base (the largest part of the | | | | My niece "emailed" me a photo of my lovely |
| machine), keyboard, and mouse. Often these | | | | grandniece. Just for fun I clicked on the "print" |
| packages sit on the shelves unnoticed for weeks | | | | button to see what would happen. I heard some |
| or even months! | | | | noises from the printing machine. After just 15 |
| (This is probably because those who don't know | | | | minutes out pops a full page picture made |
| better are going to rip-off electronics stores and | | | | completely of black dots. And it closely resembled |
| overspending, unlike smart shoppers like you and | | | | my niece! Fifty years ago, I never dreamed such |
| me who know a good deal when we see it.) | | | | technology would be available. |
| 2) If you have trouble setting up the new | | | | |