Abby and Me » E-mail http://abbyandme.com "Is This Thing On?" A Computer Handbook for Late Bloomers, Technophones, and the Kicking & Screaming Fri, 11 May 2012 12:50:15 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Special Series of Talks @ New York Public Library March 21st and 23rd http://abbyandme.com/posts/special-series-of-talks-new-york-public-library-march-21st-and-23rd http://abbyandme.com/posts/special-series-of-talks-new-york-public-library-march-21st-and-23rd#comments Mon, 14 Mar 2011 02:58:08 +0000 Abby http://abbyandme.com/?p=624 I’ll be presenting a mini-series of four lectures on computer-related topics at the centrally-located Mid-Manhattan Library March 21st and 23rd.

The first session, for the absolute beginner, will answer the questions: Why would I use a computer? What good would it do? How I can keep my identity – and my bank accounts – safe while online? What, how and why Google, Blogs and Facebook?

The first presentation in the series will be simultaneously translated into Spanish. It is described below for any Spanish speakers.

Desmitificar la computadora/Demystifying Computers – Monday, March 21, 2011, 10:30am-12:30PM

Abby Stokes, escritora y profesora de computación, aclarará los mitos de la computadora para principiantes, especialmente aquellos que nunca hayan tocado una. Ella responderá a preguntas tales como:

¿Por qué querría yo usar una computadora? ¿De qué me serviría? ¿Cómo puedo mantener mi identidad– y mis cuentas bancarias– seguras, estando en línea? ¿El qué, cómo y por qué de Google, Blogs y Facebook?

Encuentre la respuesta a estas preguntas y mucho más en esta presentación gratuita.

Presentación simultaneamente traducida al español.

Ubicación: Primer piso, Salón de programas.

What Can I Do Besides Send E-Mail? – Monday, March 21, 2011, 2:30-4:30PM

In my second lecture, we will go “beyond the basics” of computer demystifying and will discuss e-mail attachments, netiquette, and how to get–and stay–organized online.

How to Safely Surf the Internet and Find (Almost) Anything – Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 10:30 am-12:30PM

This lecture will cover how to get the most out of your searches online; safety, shopping and banking; and I’ll recommend websites for travel, health, finance, and more.

Social Networking–What the Heck are Facebook, Twitter, and Blogging??? – Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 2:30-4:30PM

This, the final lecture, will explain what everyone’s talking about when they bring up Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. I’ll also share how you can enjoy the benefits of social media without risking the loss of your privacy.

These programs will take place in the first floor program room at 455 Fifth Avenue between 39th and 40th Streets.

I hope to see you there or that you’ll pass the word onto anyone who might be interested.

]]> http://abbyandme.com/posts/special-series-of-talks-new-york-public-library-march-21st-and-23rd/feed 0 Geez G-mail http://abbyandme.com/posts/geez-g-mail http://abbyandme.com/posts/geez-g-mail#comments Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:55:42 +0000 Abby http://abbyandme.com/?p=575 When I'm asked what free web-based e-mail I recommend it is NOT Gmail. I know, I know. Your kids and grand kids are all over you to use Gmail instead of AOL. I agree that AOL is inconsistent and not as compatible with many handheld devices, but Gmail's design is not particularly "user-friendly" (a misnomer when referring to anything computer). I would suggest Yahoo over Gmail, but I understand that your family has more influence over your decisions that I do.

]]> When I’m asked what free web-based e-mail I recommend it is NOT Gmail. I know, I know. Your kids and grand kids are all over you to use Gmail instead of AOL. I agree that AOL is inconsistent and not as compatible with many handheld devices, but Gmail’s design is not particularly “user-friendly” (a misnomer  when referring to anything computer).  I would suggest Yahoo over Gmail, but I understand that your family has more influence over your decisions that I do.

So, if you’re going to take the plunge and use Gmail, let’s make it as “friendly” as we can by customizing it to meet your needs.

My first criticism is that e-mails stack on top of one another:

For a newbie what you see above can be conceptually confusing and, for those that have dexterity issues, this format is difficult to manipulate – it requires very good aim.

I hear you daughter snapping back that one could click on Expand All in the right sidebar. The problem with this option is that Google then presents the oldest e-mail on top and the most recent must be scrolled down to – not an optimal choice for someone just learning to scroll or who has memory issues. Rather than debate the good, bad, and ugly of Gmail, let me offer you a way to reformat the Inbox. This stacking is referred to as “conversation view.”

To turn conversation view off:

1) Click on Settings (top right)

2) Scroll down until you see Conversation View:

3) Click in the circle (aka radio dial) to the left of Conversation view off

4) MOST IMPORTANT – Scroll all the way to the bottom and click on Save Changes

I am asked regularly “How can I change the font to be larger on all of my outgoing e-mails?” This is a courtesy to the reader that most older users are more apt to opt for. It is an elusive option with Gmail, but it does exist.

To enable change font style:

1) Click Settings (top right)

2) Click the Labs tab (far right)

3) Scroll down to Default Text Styling

4) Click in the circle to the left of Enable

5) MOST IMPORTANT – Scroll all the way to the bottom and click on Save Changes

While you’re visiting Settings or the Lab tab, take a look around and see what else you might want to customize. Make a note of the original setting – in case you don’t like the change you’ve made, you can revert back to what it was.

For those teaching Gmail to an new user, be sure to really hit home that the arrow to the right of Reply  is where the most common actions will be hidden – Forward, Print, Reply All, etc. Why did Gmail choose to hide these features? Mine is not to wonder why. Mine is just to show you how.

You’re capable of learning anything – well-designed or not. Just keep in mind when you think the problem is you, it’s more likely a thoughtless design choice. Take a deep breath and rise above it!

]]> http://abbyandme.com/posts/geez-g-mail/feed 0 BCC: vs TO: for e-mail http://abbyandme.com/posts/bcc-vs-to-for-e-mail http://abbyandme.com/posts/bcc-vs-to-for-e-mail#comments Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:10:40 +0000 Abby http://abbyandme.com/?p=313 For those of you that send e-mails to more than one person may I make a gentle computer suggestion? When you send a mass e-mail, do not input all of your recipient’s e-mail addresses in the TO: address box. That choice exposes all recipients to each other’s e-mail addresses – something I prefer not to have happen.

To avoid this, you can use the BCC: area to input addresses instead of TO: or CC:. BCC: means blind carbon copy. Any e-mail addresses in BCC: cannot be seen by any of the other recipients.

Some e-mail services require that there be at least one address in the TO: box. Why not type your e-mail address in the TO: box and then delete the e-mail when you receive it? That’s a good way to know if the e-mail went out and you won’t have exposed any of your recipients’ e-mail addresses to each other.

For more tips on netiquette take a peek at “Is This Thing On?” (BBC: p. 191, 236, 239).

]]> http://abbyandme.com/posts/bcc-vs-to-for-e-mail/feed 0 Tidying an E-mail to be Forwarded http://abbyandme.com/posts/tidying-an-e-mail-to-be-forwarded http://abbyandme.com/posts/tidying-an-e-mail-to-be-forwarded#comments Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:30:47 +0000 Abby http://192.168.1.99:8082/?p=133 Are you receiving a massive number of forwarded e-mail jokes, petitions and chain letters? I know I am. What frustrates me more than an inbox full of impersonal forwarded e-mail is when those e-mails require me to scroll down and down and down before I get to the actual content, revealing incomprehensible routing information and all past recipients along the way. Rather than simply clicking on “Forward” and sending on all the gobbledygook, why not clean up the e-mail and send only the content you desire?

Here’s how:
1) Open the e-mail you want to send on to others.

2) Scroll to the bottom of content that you want to capture.

3) Place the cursor to the right of the last word of the text.

4) Depress the left mouse button and keep it depressed as you move up the text.

You’ll notice that the text will scroll down as you move up. This clicking and dragging is a tricky operation, but with a little practice you’ll get it. Do NOT release the mouse button until all of the desired text is highlighted. If you have gone to far up the text, keep the mouse depressed and move back over the highlighted text. This will deactivate that text.

5) Once the text is highlighted release the mouse button and click on the word “Edit” at the top of your screen.

6) Click on “Copy” in the menu that opened. The text you highlighted is now being held in the brain of the computer until you tell it where to place it.

7) Generate a new e-mail template. This is most likely done by either clicking on “Write”, “Compose” or “New Mail”.

8) Click inside the text box of the new e-mail to activate it.

9) Click on “Edit” at the top of your screen.

10) Click on “Paste” in the menu that opened. Bravo! Now you can now tidy up the text by deleting any unnecessary spaces or you can add your own text within the content that now appears.

11) Address the e-mail to whomever you want remembering to use the BCC feature to keep people’s e-mail addresses private.

Why not ask your friends if they want to receive forwarded jokes, petitions, etc. Keep in mind that a personal note from a friend is much more welcome than a bunch of impersonal e-mails passed on to many.

]]> http://abbyandme.com/posts/tidying-an-e-mail-to-be-forwarded/feed 0 Alaska Report #1 – Email While Traveling http://abbyandme.com/posts/alaska-report-1-email-while-traveling http://abbyandme.com/posts/alaska-report-1-email-while-traveling#comments Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:44:41 +0000 Abby http://abbyandme.com/?p=139 This article is being brought to you from the beautiful vistas of Alaska. I’ve been here for a week with my mother, sister and a friend. If the opportunity arises for you to travel to Alaska, grab it!

The first half of our trip was spent on a cruise ship where I wasn’t able to connect my laptop for Internet access. The ship did offer Internet access on their computers at $7.50 for 15 minutes. (Ouch!)

Read below for helpful hints on accessing e-mail while away and how to avoid hefty Internet fees: 

  • It is important you know what company you use for your e-mail (i.e. your Internet Service Provider or ISP). It will be their web site that you’ll visit for your e-mail. For example, if you’re an AOL user, you’ll go to www.aol.com to check for new e-mail. Some ISPs do not allow access from outside computers. Call or e-mail your ISP to find out what they offer.
  • Write your e-mail password down and bring it on your trip. You will not be able to access your e-mail without your password. Many people think they can remember their password, but it is always safer to write it down.
  • Bring the e-mail addresses of the folks you want to e-mail while you’re traveling. Just in case your ISP doesn’t let you access your e-mail address book, always bring the addresses that you think you may want to send e-mail.
  • Take advantage of the public library at your destination. To avoid the hefty Internet fees on the cruise ship I visited the local library when we were in port. I was able to access the Internet for free!

Being away no longer means being out of touch. I’ve been able to receive and send e-mail no matter how remote our location. I’ve even been able to send e-mail to my grandmother every day so she can experience our adventures almost as they happen.

]]> http://abbyandme.com/posts/alaska-report-1-email-while-traveling/feed 0 Spam – No Longer Confined To A Tin http://abbyandme.com/posts/spam-no-longer-confined-to-a-tin http://abbyandme.com/posts/spam-no-longer-confined-to-a-tin#comments Fri, 30 May 2008 18:55:12 +0000 Abby http://abbyandme.com/?p=140 I remember the day, many moons ago, when Mom tried to sneak Spam onto our plates for dinner. “Darlings, it’s just like meat loaf.” She never tried again. The spam you receive in your e-mail inbox is equally unappealing.

Spam is another name for junk mail. In the same way that you get bulk junk mail in your mailbox at home, this is bulk junk in your e-mail inbox. You can often look in the “To:” area and see that the same e-mail has been sent to many other people.

Unfortunately, there is no telling how you got on the spammer’s e-mail list, but there are some ways to minimize your future exposure:

1) Establish a secondary e-mail address that you give out when making purchases. Take advantage of the free web-based e-mail accounts available – i.e. www.hotmail.com, www.gmail.com, or www.yahoo.com. Here you can have an e-mail address for free to give out to the general public and save your other e-mail address for friends only.

2) Check if your e-mail provider can block Spam. Many services will offer to detect bulk e-mails and place them in a “Junk Mail” folder for you to view and delete. Some providers will, if you choose, prohibit the receipt of all bulk e-mail. The latter is a bit dodgy as you might get sent bulk mail from a friend or company that you want to receive. Be sure you understand how your service block the e-mails.

3) Visit chat rooms and message boards incognito. Chat rooms and message boards are a great resource for spammers to add to their mailing lists. Do not use your “friends only” e-mail address when visiting either.

For those of you that like the meat in a tin, more power to you. But you don’t have to put up with it in your inbox. If you get really objectionable spam, please contact the Network Abuse Clearinghouse at www.abuse.net.

]]> http://abbyandme.com/posts/spam-no-longer-confined-to-a-tin/feed 0 Accuracy Counts With E-mail Addresses http://abbyandme.com/posts/accuracy-counts-with-e-mail-addresses http://abbyandme.com/posts/accuracy-counts-with-e-mail-addresses#comments Thu, 29 May 2008 19:26:40 +0000 Abby http://abbyandme.com/?p=141 In anticipation of a trip to San Diego I wrote this e-mail to a girlfriend who lives in Los Angeles: “Darling, I’m going to be in SD for 3 days. Nothing would make me happier than if you could join me. xo, Abby”

Innocent enough, except I clicked on the wrong e-mail address in my address book and received this e-mail from one of my students (well into his 80′s): “Dear Abby, Nothing warms the heart of a man my age like your invitation …”

It took me some time to realize what had happened. GOOD HEAVENS! I had addressed my invitation to the wrong person! An e-mail address is as specific as a phone number. If you are off by one digit, it’ll be routed to the wrong person. Therefore, it is essential that you double-check what you’ve typed before you send the e-mail on its way.

Here are some helpful hints for e-mail addresses:

  • There will never be a space in an e-mail address. A space would break up the transmission.
  • E-mail addresses are not case sensitive. However, if someone has specifically chosen to have some of the letters in their e-mail address in upper case, you may as well typed it accordingly.
  • All e-mail addresses will end with @ and the name of the company used by that person for e-mail. For example: @aol.com, @hotmail.com, @rr.nyc, etc.
  • Double check the e-mail address in the To: box before sending your missive. Whether typing the address or choosing it from your address book, be sure that you’re sending your e-mail to the intended recipient.
  • Put a dollop of nail polish on your period key. The period key “.” and the comma “,” are so close together on the keyboard a dollop of nail polish will distinguish one from the other.

I’ve heard countless tales of e-mail being routed improperly and the embarrassment that ensued. ALWAYS check the address before you click on Send. Just in case you are wondering, I never did make it to San Diego, but I did send an e-mail to correct the misunderstanding. Trust me, you do not want this to happen to you!

]]> http://abbyandme.com/posts/accuracy-counts-with-e-mail-addresses/feed 0 A Warning About Virus Warnings http://abbyandme.com/posts/a-warning-about-virus-warnings http://abbyandme.com/posts/a-warning-about-virus-warnings#comments Mon, 26 May 2008 19:29:46 +0000 Abby http://abbyandme.com/?p=142 This week I received an e-mail from a friend warning about a virus that was likely to have infected my computer. The e-mail (which she was forwarding to everyone in her address book, as had the person who sent it to her and the person before that) instructed us to delete a file the supposed virus had created, claiming that it would otherwise corrupt the computer. Unfortunately, this warning was a hoax and the file it named was necessary for the proper operation of the computer. Shame on the person who started this rumor! It has now been sent on to thousands of people!

Let it be a lesson to us all not to forward e-mail from someone who is forwarding it along after it had been forwarded to them without checking its authenticity. These are the e-mails that show an endless listing of past recipients before you get to the actual e-mail message. This goes for virus warnings, as well as tragic tales where you’re instructed to forward it so some unfortunate can get a $1 for every e-mail sent in their honor and chain letters that threaten bad luck if they’re broken.

Sometimes these forwarded e-mails are research for a school paper and we’re the student’s unwitting guinea pigs. Or, it may be someone with an enormous ego wanting to see how far their bogus e-mail will travel. Either way, you become an accomplice by blindly passing on the message.

Here’s some advice before passing on an e-mail:

  1. If the e-mail refers to a virus, call your computer manufacturer to check its validity. Alternatively, you can check for current viruses and hoaxes at this web site address: http://vil.mcafee.com/hoax.asp? (Note: Do NOT precede the web address with www.)
  2. Call the medical institution that is supposedly going to donate money for every e-mail sent in the name of the poor unfortunate. Chances are they won’t know what you’re talking about.
  3. Send the chain letter back to the person who sent it to you—10 times! Hopefully, they’ll remove you from their chain letter list.

We all remember the rumors that began in the playground and haunted us through the school day. Think twice before you forward an e-mail. That person you knew in the playground may be all grown up and sitting at a computer up to their old tricks.

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