Abby and Me » Blog

Where To Find Abby and “Is This Thing On?” in May…

Abby — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:01:37 +0000

If you know of anyone in Denver, Los Angeles, San Rafael, Sacramento, San Diego, New Jersey, and/or New York, I’ll be visiting there in May. Send them my way for some computer demystification!

Here’s my schedule:

May 26, 2012 – 5:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at the Singles Conference, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 4195 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA.

May 26, 2012 – 11:00am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at the Channel Islands PC User Groups, 1500 Temple Ave, Camarillo, CA.

May 24, 2012 – 6:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at the Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., CA.

May 22, 2012 – 6:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at the Sacramento Public Library, CA.

May 21, 2012 – 7:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing with the Golden Gate Computer Society, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Napa Rm, 1010 Northgate Dr, San Rafael CA.

May 9, 2012 – 10:30am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at Rochale Village Library, 169-09 137 Avenue, Jamaica, NY.

May 8, 2012 – 1:30PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at Sunnyside Queens Library, 43-06 Greenpoint Avenue, Long Island City, NY.

May 7, 2012 – 9-11:00am

The gap in perceptions, attitudes, and services between older adults and tech companies- A talk with the Age-Friendly Commission at the New York Academy of Medicine, NYC.

May 4, 2012 – 6:30PM

Social Networking- A talk and book signing at the Highlands Ranch Library, 9292 Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands, CO.

May 2, 2012 – 1:30PM

Understanding the Computer and Technology Gadgets- A talk and book signing at Queens Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Concourse Rm B & C, Jamaica, NY.

Come one, come all!

Where To Find Abby & “Is This Thing On?” In April…

Abby — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 06:37:12 +0000

If you know of anyone in Illinois, Iowa, Connecticut, New Jersey, and/or New York, I’ll be visiting there in April. Send them my way for some computer demystification!

Here’s my schedule:

April 30, 2012 – 10:30am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at the Flushing Public Library, 41-17 Main Street, Flushing, NY.

April 27, 2012 – 10:30am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at the Jackson Heights Public Library, 35-51 81 Street, Jackson Heights, NY.

April 25, 2012 – 7:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at the Pequannock Township Library, 477 Newark-Pompton Tpke., Pompton Plains, NJ.

April 21, 2012 – 1:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology for Job Seekers and Late Bloomers – A talk and book signing at the Wethersfield Library, 515 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT.

April 20, 2012 – 2:00PM

Social Networking – A talk and book signing at the Waterford Public Library, 49 Rope Ferry Road Waterford, CT.

April 18, 2012 – 1:00PM

Demystifying the Computer and How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology – A talk and book signing at the Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Avenue, Canton, CT.

April 13, 2012 – 9:00am

A TV interview with WTNH CT Style.

April 12, 2012 – 10:00am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the Lucy Robbins Welles Library, 95 Cedar Street, Newington, CT.

April 9, 2012 – 7:45PM (EST)

A webinar with Bristol Village Computer Group in Ohio.

April 7, 2012 – 1:00PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the SAUK Computer User Group at the Whiteside Countty Senior Center at 1207 West 9th Street, Sterling, IL.

April 5, 2012 – 8:00PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the West Suburban Chicago Computer Society at Naperville City Hall, 105 E Fourth Avenue, Naperville, IL.

April 4, 2012 – 6:00-7:30PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing at Geneseo Library, 805 N Chicago Street, Geneseo, IL.

April 4, 2012 – 10:00am

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing at the CASI Senior Center, 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA.

April 3, 2012 – 7:00PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the Quad Cities Computer Society at the Viking Club, 1450 41st Street, Moline, IL. There will be a social hour after the presentation.

April 3, 2012 – 1:00PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the Frances Banta Waggoner Community Library, 505 10th St., DeWitt, IA.

April 3, 2012 – 7:00PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the Quad Cities Computer Society at the Viking Club, 1450 41st Street, Moline, IL. There will be a social hour after the presentation.

April 2, 2012 – 7:00PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing at the CASI Senior Center, 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA.

April 2, 2012 – 2:00PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing at Central Village, 4747 N. Canfield Avenue, Norridge IL.

Come one, come all!

Where To Find Abby & “Is This Thing On?” In March…

Abby — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 02:36:22 +0000

If you know of anyone in New York, Virginia, DC, Maryland, Connecticut, and/or Arizona, I’ll be visiting there in March. Send them my way for some computer demystification!

Here’s my schedule:

March 25, 2012 – 9:00-10:15am
Speaker at 2012 Computer Technology Conference. How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology at Radisson Fort McDowell Resort, 10424 North Fort McDowell Road, Fort McDowell, AZ. http://www.comptechconf.com/default.htm

March 24, 2012 – 1:45-3:00PM
Speaker at 2012 Computer Technology Conference. Good Computer Habits – Ergonomics, Netiquette, and How to Make a Difference at Radisson Fort McDowell Resort, 10424 North Fort McDowell Road, Fort McDowell, AZ. http://www.comptechconf.com/default.htm.

March 19, 2012 – 9:00am
A TV interview with WTNH CT Style. (To air on March 20th.)

March 17, 2012 – 2:00PM
Social Networking - A talk and book signing with the Washington Computer Users Group George Mason University, 4210 Roberts Road, Fairfax, VA.

March 15, 2012 – 6:00PM
Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the Northwest One Public Library, 155 L St, NW, Washington, DC.

March 15, 2012 – 2:00PM
Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the Fredericksburg PC Users Group at England Run Branch Library, 806 Lyons Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA.

March 14, 2012 – 7:00PM
Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the Chesapeake PC Users Group at Severn River Middle School 241 Peninsula Farm Rd Ste 2, Arnold, MD.

March 10, 2012 – 2:00PM
Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the New Haven Free Public Library, 133 Elm Street, New Haven, CT.

March 9, 2012 – 2:00PM
How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology for Job Seekers at 96th Street Library, 96th Street at Park Avenue, NYC.

March 9, 2012 – 10:30am
How To Safely Surf The Internet And Find (Almost) Anything Online at Aguilar Library, 174 East 110th Street, NYC.

March 8, 2012 – 10:00am
Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, 733 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT.

March 6, 2012 – 9:20am
A TV interview with Fox 25 Morning News in Boston, MA.

March 5, 2012 – 6:00PM
Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston Street, Boston Room, Boston, MA.

Come one! Come all!

“Is This Thing On?” visits Arizona and California

Abby — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:53:35 +0000

If you know of anyone in the Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Diego area, I will be visiting there this month. Send them my way for some computer demystification!

Here’s my schedule:

February24, 2012 – 2:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the San Diego Public Library, Serra Mesa-Kearny Branch, 9005 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA.

February 22, 2012 – 1:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the Ocean Hills Computer Club, 4600 Leisure Village Drive, Oceanside, CA.

February 21, 2012 – 7:30PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the Claremont Senior Computer Club, 1700 Danbury Road, Claremont, CA.

February 21, 2012 – 1:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the Let’s Compute Club, Palm Springs, CA.

February 20, 2012 – 10:00am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the Mizell Senior Center, 400 South Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA.

February 17, 2012 – 9:00am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the El Mirage Computer Club, 305 South Val Vista Drive, Mesa, AZ.

February 16, 2012 – 2:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Happy Trails Computer Club, 17200 West Bell Road, Surprise, AZ.

February 16, 2012 – 9:30am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Sunflower Resort Computer Club, 16501 North El Mirage Blvd., Surprise, AZ.

February 15, 2012 – 6:30PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Phoenix PC User Group, University of Advancing Technology, 2625 W Baseline Rd., Tempe, AZ.

February 15, 2012 – 2:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Fountain of the Sun Computer Club, 8000 East Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ.

February 15, 2012 – 9:30am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the RockComp Computer Club, 600 South Idaho Road, Apache Junction, AZ.

February 14, 2012 – 7:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Hacienda de Valencia Computer Club, 201 South Greenfield Road, Mesa, AZ.

February 14, 2012 – 10:00am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Sun Village Computer Club, 14300 West Bell Road, Surprise, AZ.

February 13, 2012 – 6:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at Trilogy at Vistancia, 27980 N Trilogy Blvd #102, Peoria, AZ.

February 13, 2012 – 1:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Dreamland Computer Club, 320 N 55th Place, Room 9, Mesa, AZ.

February 13, 2012 – 9:00am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Silvercom Computer Club, 8265 East Southern Avenue, Mesa, AZ.

February 11, 2012 – 12:30PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Arizona Society for Computer Information, 3030 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ.

February 10, 2012 – 1:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Sunland Village Computer Club, 4329 East Capri Avenue, Mesa, AZ.

February 10, 2012 – 9:00am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Supercom Computer Club at the 702 South Meridian Road, Apache Junction, AZ.

February 9, 2012 -7:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at Pueblo El Mirage, Recreation Hall, 11201 North El Mirage, El Mirage, AZ.

I’m Talkin’ iPad!

Abby — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:46:21 +0000

Imagine, if you will, opening e-mail attachments, visiting the Internet, shopping online, digital photos, video calling, social networking, watching a movie or TV, playing games, listening to music, reading a book, and more…all rolled up in one appealing and extremely portable device that measures 9.5” by just under 7.5” and weighs less than a pound a half. It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s Apple’s iPad!

To be fair, there is an entire industry of tablets out there worthy of your attention. Blackberry has their Playbook tablet, the Kindle and Nook are evolving more into a tablet with each generation. Asus, Samsung, and Lenovo also offer tablets with very good reviews at competitive prices, but the iPad was the pioneer and remains the dominant player in the field. Not to mention, I own an iPad and am in love with it.

The iPad functions like a big iPhone . There are over 90,000 apps (applications or programs) specific to the iPad and several iPhone apps worked in a modified way on the iPad. You are sure to find a few dozen programs out of 90,000+ that will truly amaze and entertain you. Of course you can use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and even video Skype on the iPad. The screen size makes watching a movie or TV show or reading a book or magazine a pleasure. (All of which can be purchased from iTunes.) The glass screen makes any images come alive with clarity. Because I use my iPad for heavy duty e-mailing and writing I set it into an external keyboard rather than having to type on the touch screen. (My bad typing needs all the help it can get!) Just like some smartphones, the iPad can be held horizontally or vertically depending on the mood you’re in for viewing. You really have to see and touch it to believe all that it is capable of.

By the way, you have a choice when buying an iPad whether you want only the wifi feature or, for a monthly data usage fee, you can have 3G or 4G to stay connected to the Internet 24/7. Every weekend I train from New York City to Connecticut. There is no wifi on the train, so I opted to pay the small monthly fee to stay connected during my weekend commute.

I could just go on and on describing my enjoyment with the iPad, but rather than my talking about it and until you get one in your hands the best thing you could do is visit apple.com/ipad/guided-tours/ to see it all first-hand. Be sure to click Play All Guided Tours.

Good, now I can get back to playing with my favorite toy…you guessed it – my iPad.

NYU Journalism Student Writes About Me and the Digital Divide

Abby — Mon, 23 May 2011 14:01:40 +0000

An immense digital divide exists between those born into today’s technology generation and those who did not grow up using a computer, but Abby Stokes believes that anyone can learn to use a computer, no matter what age.

“I refer to anyone over the age of 40 as a digital immigrant and anyone under 40 a digital native,” says Abby Stokes, a professional actor, turned teacher, turned author. “Any immigrant, even if the food is good, is never home in a country that is not theirs.” This is one of the principle tenets Stokes uses to “demystify” computers, a process developed through the inspiration of her own mother and presented in her book Is This Thing On: A Handbook for Latebloomers, Technophobes, and the Kicking & Screaming. Her patient approach of teaching details has allowed her to help over 135,000 individuals, throughout seventeen years, most of them senior citizens, to make the move and become connected in this digital age.

The Pew Research Center’s “Generations 2010” report, by Kathryn Zickuhr, measures Internet use among six different groups and the impact on American life. Statistics show that 58 percent of the Silent Generation (ages 65-73) use the Internet and account for 5 percent of the total online population. 30 percent of individuals in the G.I. Generation (age 74+) use the Internet, which accounts for 3 percent of the total online population. While a lack of money and resources contribute to this dearth of seniors online, one fact remains certain—learning to operate some of today’s technology can be a source of great frustration, even for the most plugged-in people.

“It’s exasperating,” said Marion Matthews, a New Yorker who has tried many different approaches to learning e-mail and the Internet. “I’ve learned how to use a computer through different ways and people over time but e-mail is so difficult.”

It may be a failure of design or a fault in one’s own internal wiring, but those who have not grown up using computer technology simply have a difficulty understanding it. That is where Abby Stokes steps in.

“I think of a computer as a car,” says Stokes, in a presentation at the New York Public Library’s Senior Jamboree, held on May 5th at the 23rd Street Epiphany Library branch, “I can drive a car, but I don’t need to know how it works to operate it.”

A December 2009 Nielsen study reported that from 2004, the number of seniors using the Internet increased more than 55 percent, from 11.3 million users in November 2004 to 17.5 million in November 2009, and the numbers continue to grow. The New York Public Library has increased these statistics through programming.

“We have about 90 branches and we’ll send Abby to ten different ones to give her presentation, and they love it,” says Brigid Cahalan, a Librarian for the New York Public Library who schedules Abby at events in various NYPL locations around the city. “Abby makes them realize that they can do it.”

Programming at the New York Public Library has proven effective and inspirational to many who want to learn but can’t afford expensive or complicated methods.

“We’ve had people coming in all day since we started at 10:30, like ‘When is the computer presentation? When is she coming? I saw her at Kips Bay, I saw her at Morningside Heights,” says Epiphany Library head librarian Elissa Kling, who organized the Jamboree on May 5th.

Stokes also works with Older Adults Technology Services, OATS, a non-profit organization that sees technology as a way to improve the lives of older adults.

“It can be very difficult for an older person, who is supposed to be older and wiser, to cope with the feeling of not knowing how to use technology or to feel like they are being left out,” says Renee Coronado Martinez, Director of Digital Communities for OATS, who has worked closely with Stokes to teach computers to seniors in the New York area. “Technology is so youth focused, but the more older adults are online and involved in discussions, the more our society sees them, understands them and values them.”

The average computer-user does not realize that the smallest function, like using a mouse or typing on a keyboard, is difficult for a digital immigrant. Stokes understands this and explains every step, from turning on the computer, to ultimately learning how to visit her website. Shirley Farnsworth, at seventy-eight years old, has seen her computer skills evolve.

“I was given a computer by my kids, but I had no idea how it operated at all. The classes they give in the library are lousy. They assume you know something,” she says. “I didn’t know anything. I didn’t know when they said touch the mouse there’s the left side and the right side.”

For Farnsworth, like many seniors, learning to use a computer and the Internet opened the door to new opportunities. Born into a family of actors, and once a singer herself, Farnsworth found a way to satisfy her artistic desires through the computer after her singing voice was destroyed from a colon operation gone awry.

“I found a woman in a forum who produced free graphics. [The graphics] helped me create images and put them together to make cards, and I’m sort of noted for it,” she said. “It’s been a joyous thing, and becoming more disabled all the time it really helps me.”

Many seniors want to learn but just haven’t found the correct method to truly understand that they are in fact capable of learning to use a computer.

“I bought a couple of Windows 7 books for seniors but they really didn’t seem to help me very much so I didn’t seem to make much progress after my initial start.,” said Larry Ainslee, whose wife found Stokes’ book after a serious of discouraging attempts to learn to use a computer.

Abby Stokes, despite no formal training or instruction, made a business out of helping people realize that they can do what she does.

“I didn’t go to college, I didn’t take a class on computers,” she says, surprised at her own accomplishments, “If an offer comes your way, the answer should be yes. I can’t fly a plane but I could probably learn how to fly a plane.”

- Elan H. Bird

April Library Talks Bring May Flowers…

Abby — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:22:56 +0000

I’ll be visiting 10 New York Public Library sites in the month of April offering a reassuring, jargon-free, and totally straightforward nuts-and-bolts presentation that will introduce late bloomers, grandparents, technophobes, and the digitally challenged to all the wonders of using a computer. If you know of anyone who needs some computer demystification, send them my way.

April 20, 2011 – 2:00-4:00PM at Kip’s Bay Library, 446 Third Avenue, Manhattan, NY. 212-683-2520.

April 20, 2011 – 10:30am-12:30PM at Morningside Heights Library, 2900 Broadway, Manhattan, NY. 212-864-2530.

April 18, 2011 – 2:00-4:00PM at Webster Library, 1465 York Avenue, Manhattan, NY. 212-288-5049.

April 18, 2011 – 11:15am-1:15PM at 67th Street Library, 328 East 67th Street, Manhattan, NY. 212-734-1717.

April 15, 2011 – 1:00-3:00PM at Morris Park Library, 985 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY. 718-931-0636.

April 14, 2011 – 11:00am-1:00PM at Mosholu Library, 285 East 205th Street, Bronx, NY. 718-882-8239.

April 13, 2011 – 3:00-5:00PM at Great Kills Library, 56 Giffords Lane, Staten Island, NY. 718-984-6670.

April 13, 2011 – 11:00am-1:00PM at Tottenville Library, 7430 Amboy Road, Staten Island, NY. 718-984-0945.

April 11, 2011 – 2:00-4:00PM at Parkchester Library, 1985 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY. 718-829-7830.

April 11, 2011 – 10:30am-12:30PM at Throg’s Neck Library, 3025 Cross Bronx Expressway, Bronx, NY. 718-792-2612.

It would be lovely to see you there too. Happy Spring, everyone!

Special Series of Talks @ New York Public Library March 21st and 23rd

Abby — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 02:58:08 +0000

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.

Mac vs PC – How Do You Decide?

Abby — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:26:58 +0000

I’m regularly asked “Should I buy a Mac or a PC?” It’s a battle not unlike the Hatfields vs the McCoys. For those of you that don’t know the difference, a Mac/Apple (the name is interchangeable) is one manufacturer of both laptop and desktop computers. The inside (operating system or the brain) and the outside (hardware or what you touch) are both designed by Apple. A PC is every other manufacturer of the outside of a laptop or desktop computer (IBM, Sony, Dell, etc.) with the inside manufactured by Microsoft.

The answer to the question “Should I buy a Mac or a PC?” is a question: “Who will you call for help on Sunday afternoon when something goes wrong with your computer?” Your computer lifeline needs to understand the kind of computer that you have. So, if your computer lifeline is your neighbor, your daughter, or your friend next door purchase a PC or Mac according to what they use. You don’t need to buy the exact model they have, but you’ll want to buy a computer that they understand and can help you with.

Let’s call a spade a spade. I’ve been teaching computers for 17 years and I can say with complete confidence that NO COMPUTER is “user-friendly.” That is just damn good marketing. That doesn’t mean you can’t learn to use a computer, whether it is a PC or a Mac, but there’s very little about any computer that is intuitive or friendly. Once you understand some of the techniques necessary to operate it, the computer becomes more intuitive in the same way that driving a car becomes intuitive, but it isn’t any thanks to some of the design choices. Who was the genius that put the Caps Lock key so close to the Shift key? What is the logic of clicking Start to turn off the computer? I could go on… The upside is, like a car, the computer can bring you to wonderful places making it worth the effort to learn how to operate it. And, like a car, you don’t need to understand the nitty and gritty of how it works in order to work it.

It’s true that a Mac is less vulnerable to viruses. That is a definite plus. And it can be argued that the inside of a Mac may have been or still is better, lusher, or more advanced than a PC, but you and I won’t ever notice the difference. If you’re a graphic designer, a Mac is probably a better idea. For us, the average user, both a Mac and a PC will equally meet our needs with e-mail, word-processing, and the Internet. If you’re comfortable with whichever kind of computer you already have, there’s no reason to succumb to pressure because someone you know LOVES their Mac or PC. Will they be there to help you when with a computer question or problem?

If you decide to change from PC to Mac or vice versa, you can make the transition with same patience required with a new spouse. They’ll be good days and bad days and eventually you’ll hit a comfort level with all the changes. A different operating systems does require that you purchase all new software which can be pricey. Research the cost of whatever software you have on your existing computer before you make the change.

No matter the pressure or hard sell that comes your way, your computer choice is YOURS to make. Hold fast to what suits your needs, wallet, and comfort level. Tell them I said so!

For more on Mac vs PC visit Chapter 6 (p. 47) in “Is This Thing On?”

Geez G-mail

Abby — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:55:42 +0000

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!