 | Charlie Lessons from Experience |
| Charlie Lessons from Experience |
Today, we hear so much about computers. Few of us understand computers. Many of us with gray hair just give up saying "They are much too complicated for me to understand, and if I did, what use would one be to me?"
It's a funny thing, but seniors are now using computers more and more. I would say that this may have been caused by two things. First, computers have become user friendly, or in other words, easier to use. Second, they have found that computers let them do things they want to.
If you can type, computer use is much like using a typewriter, except you can do a lot more with less effort. If you do not type, you become a "hunt and pecker". This slows you down, but it's no big deal. Computers are easier to use than some VCRs.
Today I would say that among the seniors, e-mail is the most popular use of a computer. E-mail lets you easily and rapidly communicate with other computer users such as your friends and family. All of this without postage or long distance phone charges.
Word processing is the computer term that applies to writing. It works just like a typewriter, but much easier. Some of the advantages are tbe built-in spell checker, thesaurus, and easy editing; and you do not have to retype everything when you make a change. Your computer keeps a copy on file, and you do not have to shuffle any papers.
So you don't see so well and wonder how you can see to use a computer? First, you can get large print key labels. They are easy to apply, and with my 20/400 vision, I have no problem. You can also buy' a large print keyboard. The next important thing is the monitor or screen. Do not connect your computer to a TV monitor. It lacks the quality for clear reading.
You do not want to do the cheap on your monitor. They come in different sizes, and the larger the better. Each monitor shows the same things. Therefore, the larger the monitor is, the larger and and easier the material is to read. I would say that 15" would be the smallest monitor you should consider. I use a 17" monitor and will upgrade to a larger size when my vision becomes poorer. With my 17" monitor, I can read 18 point font, but I cannot read it when printed, because it is too small. Each monitor can be adjusted for resolution. Here, the smaller numbers mean larger images on the screen. You may need help in changing the resolution.
Most word processing programs make it easy to change the size of the font or type. Select a size that is easy for you to read. Before you print your letter you can reduce the font to a normal size. 10 and 20 point font is most commonly used, but I give consideration to others who may not have 20/20 vision. I print in 14 or 16 point font. When I write a complaint about something I cannot read, I use an extra large font to make the point that I have a hard time reading.
The print size is one factor in legibility. Another important factor is the style of the font. Your computer comes with many different font styles. Take time to test the differnt ones to see what you like best. Generally, the bolder the font, the easier to read. It is easy to make any font bolder.
Text is not the only thing displayed on the monitor. There are symbols (icons) and menus. You may need help to change their sizes for easier reading.
After you have done all of the above, but still have a problem reading things, there is one more tool. Some computers come with a program that will enlarge everything to different degrees. With other computers, you will need to buy an additional program. These enlarged images are not without a price. First, you have to be careful that you do not blow it up so much that it becomes fuzzy. Like any other magnifier, the enlarged area is only a small part of the total. Sometimes, it is like looking at an elephant through a pin hole and trying to tell what part you are looking at. With practice, these problems can be more or less overcome.
You will have to sit close to the monitor to see. I have found that the center of the monitor should be at eye level. You do not see as well when you have to look up or down. You may need somebody to build a support for the monitor. I do not recommend any computer that has the keyboard and monitor as one unit.
As you become more skillful with your computer, you may want to explore other applications. One is a spreadsheet. It is designed to let you record things like you would on a ledger sheet. You can do all kinds of arithmetic and calculations. This is very handy to keep records of your investments. Another program Iets you write checks and keep track of your balances.
There are several old sayings that I will close with. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And the turtle only gets ahead when it sticks its neck out. You, too, can use a computer.
