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Welcome To Computing For Seniors
 

Today marks the inaugural column for "The Computer Dude" in the Mesquite Citizen Journal.

It will be a weekly column offering computer tips and articles, with an emphasis on information for seniors and retirees.

Retirees face special challenges when using a computer.

Sometimes it’s the difficulties of seeing small letters on a screen.

For others, it’s the frustration of using a mouse when your hands aren’t as steady as they once were.

Fortunately, this week we will discuss some techniques that can help make the computer more user friendly for our honored elders.

The techniques begin before the PC even makes it into the house.

When ordering or purchasing your computer, the rule of thumb for monitors (the TV-like screen) is that bigger is better.

In the earliest days of Windows, color monitors were often 14 or 15-inch models.  Those with extra cash available would buy 17-inch monitors for as much as $700.

Today, 21-inch flat-screen monitors are the norm, and can be purchased for as little as $120. 

The next step up would be a 23-inch monitor which you can pick up for less than $200.

When Windows 8 is released in October, users will have another option: Touch screens.

Instead of moving a mouse around, you simply use your finger to touch the screen itself, just like current users of tablets, iPads, and smart phones.

Whether you buy a new monitor or not, you already have some ways to make things on the screen look larger.

You can start with the display settings.

To get to them using Windows Vista, click your "Start" button (the button on the bottom left with the Windows symbol on it), then "Settings," then "Control Panel."  For other versions of Windows, poke around the Control Panel.

Once there, here are the steps:

            1.  Click "Appearance and Personalization"

            2.  Click "Personalization"

            3.  Click "Adjust Screen Resolution"

From here, try out different resolution settings to find which one suits you best.  1280x768 is pretty standard, but move the slider to check different sizes.  Remember, the smaller the numbers, the bigger the writing and images will be on your screen (although they might not be as clear).  Click "Apply" to try one out.  The good thing is, it will show you what the screen will look like, but will ask if you're sure you want to use those settings before they become set. 

Another way to go at it while surfing the internet is to change the settings in your Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox.  These are the programs you use to go on the 'net.

Using your Internet Explorer 8 (the big blue “E”), do the following:

            1.  Click “Page” just below and right of your address line.

            2.  Click “Zoom” and select the size you want to try out.

There are other helpful settings in the various versions of Windows that can make your computing experience less frustrating.

To take a look at some of those options, check out the “Ease of Access” section in the Control Panel.

Age should never be an obstacle to enjoying all of the wonders that computing has to offer.

*Computer Dude

“The Computer Dude” is a weekly help column published every Thursday at www.MesquiteCitizen.com.  It is provided by Computer Help, a computer firm in Mesquite which offers computer tutoring, training, troubleshooting, and repair for individuals, retirees, and small businesses.  If you have a question or would like to see a particular topic discussed in a future column, you can send an e-mail to help@compuhelpus.com.  You can also find other useful information on their website at http://www.compuhelpus.com/.  If you need help with your computer, call Computer Help at 346-6357.