As we age, we may find ourselves squinting a little harder at the computer monitor, straining a bit to hear audio, or just plain growing frustrated keeping up with all the virus protections, passwords, new software, and expanding technology. It's no easy thing to stay current with all the changes happening everyday on our computers, and working with outdated equipment makes it that much harder. Here's how to work with what you have and recommendations to get what you need:
1) LCD monitors: these liquid crystal displays can't be beat for clarity and brightness, and luckily, prices continue to drop on these space-saving, flat screen monitors. Sony, H-P, and ViewSonic all offer nice-quality 19-inch screens for around $200.
2) Increasing font size: If you're using a PC, click on Start, select All Programs > Accessories > Accessibility > Magnifier. If you're on a Mac, hold down Option, Apple, and the plus sign simultaneously until you reach the desired font size.
3) Also available to Windows users is the "Accessibility Wizard", found in the same spot as the Magnifier mentioned above. You go through a brief assessment to determine what specific settings wil make your time on the computer more productive and enjoyable. Testing includes vision, hearing, and keyboard/mouse abilities, etc. For Mac users, from your Apple pull-down menu, select System Preferences > Universal Access.
A few recommended websites for more help:
* www.makoa.org/computers.htm
* www.seniornet.org/jsnet/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=152&Itemid=36
(includes video clips & how-tos for common computer activities: i.e. adjusting time & date, copying text, displaying file dates, etc.)
* http://www.aarp.org/learntech/computers/howto/tips_on_purchasing_a_new_computer.html
* http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/technobuddy/index.html
(Mr. Husted is a refreshingly easy-to-understand techie, and his columns are full of sound, practical advice. Thanks to him for the inspiration for today's post!)
