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.

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).

The keyboard on a computer is very similar to the keyboard on a typewriter. The alphabet and number keys are set up in exactly the same pattern as on your old Smith-Corona and function in the same way.

That may not be a consolation for those of you that never learned to type, but here are some tips to help you with your typing:

1) Don’t rush! Who’s timing you? No one. So, take your time. Watch your fingers find the keys and look up at the screen to check your accuracy. Even if you use the wrong fingers to type, the more you type the faster and more accurate your typing will become.

2) If you are using a laptop and the keyboard feels cramped, plug in an external, larger keyboard into the laptop.

3) If you suffer from arthritis (or have extremely long fingernails) and find the keyboard difficult to manage, use the eraser end of a pencil to hit the keys on the keyboard instead of your fingertips.

4) Use a small dollop of bright colored nail polish on the Period key to distinguish it from the Comma key next to it.

5) The Backspace key and the Delete key are there for you to use if you make a mistake.

6) Gently depress a release computer keys. If you hold down a computer key it will sttttttttutter.

7) Above the Shift key is the Caps Lock key. Beware of accidentally hitting the Caps Lock key, which will make what you type appear in upper case. Simply depress and release Caps Lock to deactivate it.

It is pure poppycock to let poor typing prevent you from enjoying what a computer has to offer. I will hear none uf it! (Oops, I mean “of it”.)

If, and when, the time comes that you need to call technical support, it is best to be prepared:

1) Take notes. As soon as you get a live person on the line (and that can take a bit of time) ask for their name and a direct number that you can call them back at in case you get disconnected or have further questions. Note the date and get a reference number for the call before you hang up. Make a general note about the original problem, so you can track it if it recurs.

2) Give them your phone number. It has happened that I’ve gotten disconnected mid-call and the tech support person didn’t have my number to call me back.

3) Take your time and keep them on the line. If they’re talking too fast, tell them to slow down. Or, if they want to get off the line before you’re sure everything is working properly, ask them to stay on until you’ve tested the computer out. There are times I’ve had to be quite firm about the last point.

4) Don’t hesitate to ask for a supervisor. If you’re not satisfied or feel that you’re not getting anywhere with the tech support person, definitely ask to speak to a supervisor. You may get some resistance, but hold fast.

5) It’s always best to get a new computer up and running right away. You want to be sure to get all the bugs out while you’re still under warranty and your tech support calls are free.

Be prepared that you may get a tech support person on the line who is not qualified to answer your question. It is frustrating, but it can happen. At that point you should either ask for a supervisor, call back and hope to get someone else or track down a computer wiz in your neighborhood who can help you. As for your visit to the dentist, remember to floss!

• Purchase the computer from a reputable store. If for some reason your machine needs to be returned or repaired, you don’t want to go back to where you bought it and see that it’s unexpectedly gone out of business.
• If you’re considering the purchase of a used computer, be sure you have some recourse if it breaks down. This will probably be in the form of a verbal agreement, so only buy a used computer from someone you know and trust. Also, keep in mind that the life span of a computer (due to the constantly changing technology) is at best about 4 years. If the computer is four years or older, say “Thanks, but no thanks.” It’ll be too slow and behind the times to be any fun for you.
• Get your computer up and running right away. Most stores offer a 30-day return policy. That means you must have the computer hooked up and run it through its paces before those thirty days have passed. Otherwise, you may lose the opportunity to exchange it, if there are problems. And if you bought it second hand, the sooner you discover the bugs the more likely the seller will either take the machine back or pay for repairs.

Of the three possible pitfalls above the only one I’ve experienced is the last. I know many folks who are fearful of setting up the computer without help. Their instincts are correct to be cautious. Do get someone to help you, but call RIGHT AWAY. Don’t let months go by in case you need to take advantage of the store’s return policy. My bet is that you won’t have to contact the store at all, but why take the chance?

(Be sure to also read the article Don’t Get Stuck With A Lemon before you make your next computer purchase.)

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”.

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.

So, I’m telling you now . . . no matter how tempted you are to have someone else make your computer buying decision, it is essential that you take a look at and test drive several computers before you make a purchase.

Here is a list of things that need to be considered:

• Where and how will it fit in your home? It is important that you measure the computer and the space where it will live. Consider how the computer will look in the space. Computers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Part of your choice is how it will look in your home.
• How well can you see the screen? Everyone’s eyes see things differently. A computer screen that is clear to me may be foggy to you. You need to compare different screens to be sure you are buying what is best for you.
• Does the keyboard size work with the size of your hands? Each keyboard has a different feel and can be a different size. Be sure to see how the keyboard feels and fits your hands.

I’ve designed a Test Drive Form (available in my book) that you should bring with you when visit the computer store. Have the salesperson fill one out for each of the computer’s that you’re seriously considering. Then go home and review the technical aspects with someone who understands that stuff. You can then review your notes to compare how it will fit in your home, how the screens look to you and how the keyboards feel.

Ah, how kind of you to say my book. Good answer, but not what I was looking for. The correct answer is…a kitchen timer. It is suggested by the National Institute of Health that you take at least one 15-minute break for every hour that you’re at the computer. My suggestion is that you set the kitchen timer for 45 minutes. When it rings get a cup of coffee, make a phone call or do an errand, anything that gets you up and out of your chair and allows your eyes to relax for at least 10 minutes.

You don’t need to turn off your computer during the break. However, depending on which Internet Service Provider (ISP) you use, you may get disconnected from the Internet. Simply sign back on when you return after your break.

Here are some guidelines to follow for your good health at the computer:

1. Your knees, hips and elbows should be at 90-degree angles.
2. There should be an unbroken line from your elbows to your fingertips – no bending at the wrists.
3. Your hand should be relaxed when using the keyboard and mouse – not claw-like.
4. Be very aware of your posture – it is easy to "sink into" the machine over time.
5. The monitor should be an arm’s length away. This may require a special prescription if you wear glasses.

For your computer’s health and well-being keep the computer away from:

1. Extreme heat or cold
2. Liquids of any kind
3. Dirt, dust and animal hair
4. Magnets
5. High-pile carpeting

It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re in front of a computer. Before you know it, you’ve been staring at the screen for two solid hours without ever moving your body from its slumped position. Take a break! And be sure to pass this information on to your kids and grandkids. The earlier they develop good computer habits the healthier they’ll be.

(For more detailed ergonomic information visit Chapter 5 in Is This Thing On?.)