Computers For Local Elders

This article is focused on helping our local elders get better use out of their computers so that they can enjoy staying in touch with their friends and family on the Internet.

If you own a Mac computer, your best option is to plan a family trip to the nearest Mac Genius Bar.  Plan to bring your Mac computer and a list of questions for the friendly people that will help you learn how to use your Mac computer within minutes.  Ask a young person in your family to schedule the Reservation for you, following these steps: Step One: Go to this website -> http://www.apple.com/retail/ Step Two: Enter your zip code in the “Find a Store” text field at the center of that webpage and hit enter.   Step Three:  A list of the nearest Mac Stores will show up and you will choose your favorite.  You will be able to view the store contact information, buy a computer online & schedule a store pickup, and Reserve a Genius Bar lesson for you and your family.  It’s free to learn how to use your Mac computer at the Genius Bar too. 

You will want to create a list of the most important things you want to be able to do with your Mac computer.  An example list of the most common tasks for local elders may include any or all of the following, so don’t forget to bring your list to the Apple store because you are able to get free technical support that will help you get the most from you computer and internet technologies.  How do I increase text size on my computer screen?  How do I use Google+ Hangouts to Video Conference with my family?  How do I take pictures and share them with my family via Instagram, Flickr, Google+ and Facebook?  How do I send email to my family?  How do I create a contact list of my family’s Facebook, Google+, and emails?  How do I get technical support for my Mac computer?  How do I connect to the Internet from McDonalds, Libraries, and other Free Wireless Internet access points? 

Unfortunately the cheap computer options do not include free technical support or fun Genius Bar family trips.  The good news is that computers that are capable of making it fast and easy to stay in touch with friends & family do not need to be complicated nor expensive.  Tablet computers at the local retailers run anywhere from $100 to $500 and most of them are effective for email and sharing pictures.  The higher end tablets such as the iPad, Galaxy Tablet, and Windows tablets are also great for video conferencing with your family via Google+ Hangouts or Skype.  Expect to pay anywhere from $290 to $1000 for the higher end tablets including the required accessories (cover, clear screen protector, pointer, chargers, etc.).

If you are fortunate to have family members that are very comfortable with computers you can still make that same list of questions described above and ask them to help you find an inexpensive tablet computer or laptop computer.  Often family members are happy to set up a new computer or tablet for their elders with some brief tech instructions.  Just remember to not stress out and keep it friendly while you learn how to use a tablet computer or laptop to stay in touch with friends and family.  You can also ask your family and friends to get together as a small group, to request a local computer expert answer those questions on your list.  Show the computer expert the list first so they can schedule their time and equipment accordingly.